Congressman Carson Offers Amendment to Protect Amtrak Funding from Trump Cuts

WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Congressman André Carson (IN-07) offered an amendment to protect Amtrak funding during today’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee reconciliation bill markup.

The Carson amendment would have protected funding for the Amtrak National Network by prohibiting the Secretary of Transportation from rescinding its grant funding or from adding any new terms or conditions beyond what Congress has already directed. The amendment did not pass.

“The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is known for bipartisan collaboration – but their reconciliation markup today takes us backwards, taking back already-appropriated funding and undoing Democrats’ progress in aviation, clean energy, and efforts to improve walkability, safety, and affordable transportation,” said Congressman Carson. “I voted NO on final passage for this bill because it allows the Trump administration to take away funding from our communities to give it to their billionaire friends.

"My amendment would have put the brakes on any short-sighted attempt to derail Amtrak’s National Network. Democrats have made monumental investments in our nation’s infrastructure, including Amtrak. It facilitates economic development, connects our communities, and provides jobs. I’m proud to represent the workers at Amtrak’s largest passenger rail maintenance facility in the country in Beech Grove, Indiana. Plus, the Indianapolis Distribution Center is Amtrak’s largest material and supply facility.

“Congress already appropriated Amtrak funding – it is the executive branch’s duty to carry out our instructions. But the Trump administration has made it clear that they are not following the regular rules, so I’ll continue fighting to ensure extra protections to preserve jobs and the vital investments Democrats made.

“My amendment would have ensured that laws passed by Congress are followed, and the funding we approved for Amtrak isn’t stripped away by DOGE, the Transportation Secretary, or anyone else.”

Amtrak employs over 22,600 people, including 850 Indiana residents, and supports over 80,000 jobs in local economies by providing transport. Indiana serves over 84,000 riders each year. Learn more about Amtrak’s Indiana impact here.