The House is poised to slash $100 million from Amtrak’s funding today

[KamaAina]

Talk about your lousy optics!

http://www.vox.com/2015/5/13/8597849/amtrak-crash-funding-cuts

It turns out that the fatal crash of an Amtrak train from Washington, DC, to New York City came just the night before the carrier faced huge cuts to its funding.

From Politico's Kathryn A. Wolfe:
An Amtrak train from Washington, D.C., to New York City derailed Tuesday night in Philadelphia, killing at least six people and injuring dozens — on the eve of a House markup of a bill that would slash the passenger rail service's budget.

Politico reports that the version of the bill that's already been approved by an appropriations subcommittee would slash Amtrak funding by almost $100 million, and that — even before the derailment — Democrats were expected to try to minimize the cuts.

The death toll rose to six this morning, and the National Transportation Safety Board continued its investigation of the crash site. It goes without saying that, as Wolfe put it, "the debate at Wednesday's markup is sure to take on more urgency in light of the crash."

[okaawhatever]

1. What unfortunate timing. They shouldn't cut Amtrack unless they cut funds to airlines. nt