FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2025
Contact:
Mike Friedberg
202-469-5131
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Coalition for the Northeast Corridor (CNEC) commends Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and nine other members of the U.S. House of Representatives for their recent letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, advocating for continued federal investments in the Northeast Corridor (NEC) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and FY 2026 appropriations.
Dated February 7, 2025, the letter underscores the critical need for robust funding for the Amtrak National Network, Amtrak Northeast Corridor, and the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (Fed-State) accounts. The representatives argue that proposals to reduce or eliminate annual funding for these programs are shortsighted and would have detrimental effects on the region and the nation's infrastructure, economy, and workforce.
Crucially, the letter highlights that while the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) addresses some major capital projects, annual appropriations are still essential for the NEC’s day-to-day operations. It warns that offsetting annual appropriations funding for the NEC with advanced appropriations in the IIJA would result in job losses and hinder the completion of hundreds of ongoing projects, ultimately wasting billions in taxpayer dollars.
Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations are still being negotiated, and Congress’ current Continuing Resolution (CR) will fund the government through March 14, 2025. While funding for passenger rail programs continues to be unduly scrutinized in the appropriations process by certain members of Congress, CNEC is encouraged by the efforts of Congress’ NEC champions fighting for funding that will keep our communities connected and thriving. As we look ahead to Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations, it is vital that stakeholders and communities along the Corridor continue to engage with Congress to maintain this momentum.
The letter was signed by the following members of Congress:
Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01)
Representative Don Bacon (NE-02)
Representative Christopher H. Smith (NJ-04)
Representative Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02)
Representative Michael V. Lawler (NY-17)
Representative Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)
Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01)
Representative Thomas H. Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)
Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08)
Representative Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02)
CNEC remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the essential funding needed to sustain and enhance the crucial rail services that link our communities and drive economic growth.
About the Coalition for the Northeast Corridor (CNEC): CNEC is the business community’s voice for strengthening rail infrastructure to reduce congestion, create jobs, and grow the economy. We represent diverse stakeholders who rely on the Northeast Corridor, the nation’s busiest passenger rail corridor, to conduct commerce, access customers, and transport employees.
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