Holt: Bush Budget Would Be Disastrous For New Jersey
February 7, 2005
Vows to Fight De-Funding of AMTRAK
(West Windsor , NJ). - Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) today issued the following statement in response to the release of the Bush Administration's 2006 budget:
"The President proposes cutting all federal operating support AMTRAK. This is a terrible, misguided idea. Eliminating federal support for AMTRAK would destroy a central thread in the fabric of New Jersey 's economy and transportation system. His plan is a prescription for chaos for people who rely on AMTRAK for commuting and business. And its impact extends far beyond New Jersey . The toll this budget would take on the nation's economy is significant. I will fight to prevent it, and I expect that our side will have bipartisan support from New Jersey and other states.
"Unfortunately, the Bush budget also shortchanges our schools, forces veterans to pay more for health care, and jeopardizes medical research programs vital to all Americans. He proposes to cut environmental protection and job training. Perhaps worst of all, it does not address the ongoing costs of the war on terror, nor provide a viable plan for strengthening and preserving Social Security. I can only conclude that the President is using the insidious formula of reducing taxes for the wealthiest Americans, running up huge deficits, then cutting initiatives that benefit middle class families.
"There is a better way. Congress can and should chart a fiscally responsible path that is worthy of the trust of the American people, the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, and the aspirations of our children."
http://www.holt.house.gov/issues2.cfm?id=10047