Washington, D.C.

Congressman: Hispanics get little care from GOP

Hispanics deserve a good education and business opportunities — both of which will only benefit the U.S. economy in the long run, Rep. Bob Menendez, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said Saturday.

Menendez, in the Democrats’ weekly radio address, said his party’s agenda for Hispanic families far exceeded all the “lip service” the Republicans were giving them.

He criticized Bush administration initiatives, contending they didn’t adequately fund Hispanic education programs, failed to help older Latinos struggling with the costs of prescription drugs and did not adequately help programs assist Hispanic entrepreneurs.

Washington, D.C.

Amtrak says proposed budget would be fatal

Amtrak officials see financial disaster ahead if Congress accepts a House panel’s decision to sharply cut the national passenger railroad’s request for federal subsidies.

“As a practical matter, this is a shutdown scenario,” Amtrak spokesman Cliff Black said of funding accepted Friday by the Appropriations subcommittee.

The panel allotted Amtrak $580 million, far below the $1.8 billion Amtrak said it needed.