There has never been a better time to expand our investment in Amtrak and the Nation's passenger railways. The number of Americans relying on Amtrak has continued to grow for 3 years in a row. And through sound financial management, Amtrak continues its movement toward viability.
Therefore, this year I am asking Congress to increase Amtrak funding by more than $400 million, or more than 70 percent, in order to make investments to expand Amtrak routes and provide even more efficient service, laying the foundation for high-speed rail. With this major funding increase this year, we can help ensure a thriving passenger rail system for many years to come.
NOTE: A portion of the President's statement was also made available on the White House Press Office Actuality Line.
William J. Clinton, Statement on Funding for Amtrak Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/226978