
"Since 1971, Amtrak has run a costly monopoly with Soviet style operations," said Rep. John Mica, renewing his privatization push. (Photo: latteda)
To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.
"Since 1971, Amtrak has run a costly monopoly with Soviet style operations," said Rep. John Mica, renewing his privatization push. (Photo: latteda)
Rep. John Mica is renewing his push to privatize Amtrak, saying he is readying legislation to end its "costly monopoly" and "Soviet-style mentality."
Speaking on Tuesday to the National High Speed Rail Association, the former chairman of the House Transportation Committee said, "Since 1971, Amtrak has run a costly monopoly with Soviet style operations," and added that his legislation would "be a centerpiece to open a whole new era of competition."
Mica remains a member of the committee, now chaired by Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.).
The Hill reports that
The legislation mirrors a 2011 House Republican effort to privatize Amtrak service in the Northeast that was unsuccessful when moderate suburban Republicans joined Democrats on the transportation panel in opposition to eliminating the rail company's federal funding.
This is not the first time Mica has used "Soviet-style" to refer to Amtrak, and during his time as chair of the committee he "repeatedly held hearings about Amtrak's financial operations."
On Tuesday Mica also slammed President Obama's plans for high-speed rail, saying, "The administration has wasted $10 billion on high speed rail over the past four years, missing opportunities to dramatically leverage those funds with private sector participation."
But the plans were defended by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who said they required time, investment and vision. "The last group of transportation officials left us an interstate system. What we will leave to the next generation is high-speed rail," said LaHood.
On high-speed rail, LaHood noted, "The people are so far ahead of most politicians."
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
Rep. John Mica is renewing his push to privatize Amtrak, saying he is readying legislation to end its "costly monopoly" and "Soviet-style mentality."
Speaking on Tuesday to the National High Speed Rail Association, the former chairman of the House Transportation Committee said, "Since 1971, Amtrak has run a costly monopoly with Soviet style operations," and added that his legislation would "be a centerpiece to open a whole new era of competition."
Mica remains a member of the committee, now chaired by Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.).
The Hill reports that
The legislation mirrors a 2011 House Republican effort to privatize Amtrak service in the Northeast that was unsuccessful when moderate suburban Republicans joined Democrats on the transportation panel in opposition to eliminating the rail company's federal funding.
This is not the first time Mica has used "Soviet-style" to refer to Amtrak, and during his time as chair of the committee he "repeatedly held hearings about Amtrak's financial operations."
On Tuesday Mica also slammed President Obama's plans for high-speed rail, saying, "The administration has wasted $10 billion on high speed rail over the past four years, missing opportunities to dramatically leverage those funds with private sector participation."
But the plans were defended by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who said they required time, investment and vision. "The last group of transportation officials left us an interstate system. What we will leave to the next generation is high-speed rail," said LaHood.
On high-speed rail, LaHood noted, "The people are so far ahead of most politicians."
Rep. John Mica is renewing his push to privatize Amtrak, saying he is readying legislation to end its "costly monopoly" and "Soviet-style mentality."
Speaking on Tuesday to the National High Speed Rail Association, the former chairman of the House Transportation Committee said, "Since 1971, Amtrak has run a costly monopoly with Soviet style operations," and added that his legislation would "be a centerpiece to open a whole new era of competition."
Mica remains a member of the committee, now chaired by Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.).
The Hill reports that
The legislation mirrors a 2011 House Republican effort to privatize Amtrak service in the Northeast that was unsuccessful when moderate suburban Republicans joined Democrats on the transportation panel in opposition to eliminating the rail company's federal funding.
This is not the first time Mica has used "Soviet-style" to refer to Amtrak, and during his time as chair of the committee he "repeatedly held hearings about Amtrak's financial operations."
On Tuesday Mica also slammed President Obama's plans for high-speed rail, saying, "The administration has wasted $10 billion on high speed rail over the past four years, missing opportunities to dramatically leverage those funds with private sector participation."
But the plans were defended by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who said they required time, investment and vision. "The last group of transportation officials left us an interstate system. What we will leave to the next generation is high-speed rail," said LaHood.
On high-speed rail, LaHood noted, "The people are so far ahead of most politicians."