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On Wednesday, a key House of Representatives panel endorsed a plan to provide Amtrak $2 billion a year for the next three years, a framework for developing high-speed rail lines and additional labor protections. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee votes sets the stage for consideration by the full House, expected in July. But on the horizon always lurks the specter of privatization, with proponents President Bush and like-minded Republicans readying their proposals for the larger debate down the line. For now, Amtrak supportersamong them the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, representing thousands of the passenger systems workersremain optimistic. "Today marks a giant step forward for passenger rail in America and for our nations economy," said TTD President Sonny Hall. For more information from the TTD on the legislation, click here.