‘Kill Amtrak’ Bill Tests Rail Support for Northeast Republicans

A bill that would slash funding for Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor by 92% has become a key vote for Republicans with rail lines running through and near their districts, who have joined Democrats in scrutinizing the cuts.

The Transportation-HUD spending measure (H.R. 4820) would reduce funding to Amtrak overall by 64% from current levels, threatening to reduce service across the country and pressuring some Republicans in districts that President Joe Biden won in 2020. The House began to consider the legislation on Monday after an initial debate was postponed last week.

Now, Republican leaders are trying to blunt opposition ...