Is Amtrak A Federal Responsibility?

Most recently, Gunn visited Great Falls, Montana, where he vowed not to cut long-distance routes as a money-saving measure. “Gunn is on a 12-day, coast-to-coast train trip,” trying to convince local residents that the federal government – not individual states – is responsible for keeping the nationwide passenger rail system operational. “‘There are people here who pay taxes and their needs are just as important as people riding limos on public streets in New York,’ Gunn said. ‘The federal government provides 80 percent of the funding for the subway in New York. Well, you don't have a subway, but you have this rail service and it's a pretty good service.’”