WASHINGTON, DC – On Monday, legislation introduced by Representative David Rouzer (R-NC-07), H.R. 192, the Amtrak Executive Bonus Disclosure Act passed the House of Representatives. H.R. 192 would require public disclosure of taxpayer-funded bonuses given to its top executives. The bill would also include the criteria and metrics Amtrak uses to determine their bonuses.
“Amtrak was created over fifty years ago and since then has never once made a profit,” said Congressman Rouzer. Despite significant financial losses, reliance on government support, and ongoing performance issues, Amtrak continues to reward their executives with millions in bonus incentives. My legislation is the first step toward increasing accountability and ensuring taxpayers know how their dollars are being spent.”
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, or Amtrak, was created as a for-profit entity in 1971 to provide a network of passenger rail service without putting the entire responsibility of its operation on existing freight railroads. Since then, the corporation has failed to make a profit. According to most recent data, in 2023, Amtrak lost $1.7 billion, while receiving $11 billion in taxpayer subsidies. The same year, Amtrak paid out more than $5 million in incentive bonuses to its executives.
The bill passed on a unanimous vote.
About da*n time!! WHY are Execs at Amtrak getting a bonus at all, when Amtrak has NEVER made a profit… as a “for-profit entity”?!!
More $ going to the top .01%