Lautenberg blasts Bush on Amtrak

WASHINGTON - The New Jersey Democrat is a lead sponsor of the legislation and is seeking re-election. Lautenberg says Bush should end his hostility toward energy-efficient rail service in light of rising gas and airline ticket prices.

The White House said House members did not include language in the bill making the railroad more accountable for its decisions.

House legislation would authorize more than $14 billion and set up a program of federal matching grants that states could use to set up or expand rail service.

The Senate passed the bill in October. The proposal is expected to come before the full House soon.