Based on the success of these moves, Senator Hutchison has pressed for daily Texas Eagle service. Senator Hutchison was a key architect of the landmark Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997 that provided Amtrak more flexibility in its operations. Her legislation also called for Amtrak to become operationally self-sufficient by 2003. Today's announcement is a major step toward that goal. Amtrak also revealed its plan to reroute the Sunset Limited line to begin service in Abilene, Big Spring, Eastland, Odessa and Pecos.
Plans call for eventual service between Houston and Fort Worth.
Senator Hutchison is chairman of the Commerce Committee's Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee. In this capacity, the Senator played a key role in saving the Texas Eagle from a planned cancellation. Working with Amtrak, Texas mayors of affected communities and the state legislature, Senator Hutchison ensured the rail line acquired the necessary local support needed for continued service in Texas. Since then, Amtrak has increased its ridership and boosted its quality of service.