New Jersey Republicans try to kill Amtrak

by: Hopeful

Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 09:15:00 PM EDT

"It is no exaggeration to say that rail service is the lifeline from which New Jersey's state economy draws nourishment.  Our region's employers - small, medium, and large - depend upon an integrated rail operation to enable many of their employees to get to and from work," Holt said. "The continued operation of Amtrak is an essential component of easing traffic congestion, reducing wear and tear on roads, protecting our environment and preserving open space in New Jersey and across the country."

That's why all thirteen New Jersey Congressmen voted for the "Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act" -- though unfortunately it faces a Bush veto.  Still, as far as New Jersey is concerned, it's a lovely story of bipartisanship -- we may even read about it in the papers tomorrow.

But it's a happy story only if you just look at House Vote 400.  Moments before, in House Vote 399, all six New Jersey Republicans tried to kill the bill by voting to "recommit with instructions."  

Their names are Mike Ferguson, Rodney Frelinghuysen, Scott Garrett, Frank LoBiondo, Jim Saxton, and Christopher Smith, and when you're not paying attention, they do what Bush says.