This week, I led 18 of my Republican colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in sending a letter to Amtrak President and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Gardner, requesting that Amtrak address our concerns that its taxpayer-funded services will be used to alleviate a surge in border crossings expected by the proposed end to Title 42. As the Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Ranking Member, I want to know whether Amtrak plans to use its resources to transport illegal migrants at the expense of American taxpayers and freight railroads delivering goods.

We are concerned about the impact that a border surge could have on Amtrak’s services and the potential use of Amtrak in the Administration’s response to its self-inflicted border crisis. The Biden border crisis deeply alarms Americans, including leaders from both parties, as weapons and record amounts of drugs are smuggled daily into American communities. Despite these concerns, the Administration has continued to erode border protections, such as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), and seeks to go even farther by pressing ahead with efforts to end Title 42.

We pointed out the significant losses experienced on Amtrak’s Sunset Limited route along the United States’ southwest border, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We noted the importance of Amtrak using its taxpayer-provided funding, including funds provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to focus on maintaining and rebuilding its existing network and ridership, including the Sunset Limited line, and strive towards profitability. 

We asked for information about any discussions or planning about the potential use of Amtrak’s trains, infrastructure, and resources to transport migrants crossing from the Southern Border, including any discussions or plans with other government agencies or non-governmental organizations. 

I am committed to holding companies accountable for their use of taxpayer money, especially during this Administration’s recession.

Click here to read the full letter.