Current governance issues at Amtrak : hearing before the Subcommittee on Railroads of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives, One Hundred Ninth Congress, first session, November 15, 2005.

The United States Government Printing Office (GPO) was created in June 1860, and is an agency of the U.S. federal government based in Washington D.C. The office prints documents produced by and for the federal government, including Congress, the Supreme Court, the Executive Office of the President and other executive departments, and independent agencies. A hearing is a meeting of the Senate, House, joint or certain Government committee that is open to the public so that they can listen in on the opinions of the legislation. Hearings can also be held to explore certain topics or a current issue. It typically takes between two months up to two years to be published. This is one of those hearings.

Amtrak has struggled since its inception to earn sufficient revenues & operate efficiently. In June 2002, Amtrak's new pres. began major efforts to improve efficiency. However, the financial condition of the company remains precarious, requiring a fed. subsidy of more than $1 billion annually. Capital backlogs are now about $6 billion, with over 60% being attributable to its mainstay Northeast Corridor service. This report reviewed Amtrak's: (1) strategic planning, (2) financial reporting & financial management practices, (3) cost containment strategies, (4) acquisition management, & (5) accountability & oversight. Includes recommendations. Charts & tables.