Similar legislation has passed the Senate. However, the White House has threatened a veto, saying the bill doesn't hold Amtrak accountable for its spending.
The Bush administration has long contended that Amtrak should become self-sufficient, but Amtrak supporters say passenger railroads around the globe require government subsidies.
Amtrak's previous authorization expired in 2002. Amtrak says that having a new authorization in place will make it easier for the company to make long-term plans.
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The bill is H.R. 6003.
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On the Net:
Congress: http://thomas.loc.gov/
Amtrak: http://www.amtrak.com
