As the 2020 election draws closer, campaigns strive to get final messages out to voters. In the case of the campaign of incumbent President Donald Trump, their message seems to be to try to create a scandal associated with Democratic candidate Joe Biden.
On Wednesday, four House Republicans sent a letter of concern to Amtrak—the federally subsidized railroad—questioning former Vice President Joe Biden's use of the railway during his campaign. GOP Representatives Eric A. "Rick" Crawford of Arkansas, Bob Gibbs of Ohio and Scott Perry and Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania claimed Biden received "special treatment."
The four Republican lawmakers wrote:
"We are concerned that the apparent use of a struggling, resource-deprived, publicly-run service for political gain does not serve the best interests of Amtrak or the American taxpayers at this time."
As with many of the Republicans' other attempts to associate a scandal with Biden, the effort blew back onto the GOP's own candidate.
In response to the letter from the four GOP Representatives, Biden spokesman Matt Hill said:
"[A]nyone can charter a train with Amtrak."
"Last time we checked, no one can charter the White House South Lawn for a political convention."
"Instead of wasting time on political stunts, congressional Republicans should stop ignoring Donald Trump's blatant abuses of taxpayer money and government resources to enrich himself and his businesses."
Biden campaign response to Pa Congressmen calling for investigation into Biden's use of Amtrak for campaign. (Biden paid for the charter) "Anyone can charter a train with Amtrak. Last time we checked, no one can charter the White House South Lawn for a political convention" (1/2)
— Julia Terruso (@JuliaTerruso) October 21, 2020
(2/2) "Instead of wasting time on political stunts, congressional Republicans should stop ignoring Donald Trump's blatant abuses of taxpayer money and government resources." - @thematthill
Letter GOP leaders sent to Amtrak: https://t.co/JfG9kXjuDv
— Julia Terruso (@JuliaTerruso) October 21, 2020
Biden also issued a statement on Twitter.
The former VP explained why using Amtrak—as opposed to flying around the country like his opponent does on Air Force One—was so important to him.
The Build Back Better Express Tour was about more than my love for trains — it was about meeting folks along the way and discussing how we can make their lives better.
They are the backbone of America — and I'll fight for them every day in the White House. pic.twitter.com/HhJHo35DvD
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 21, 2020
The Republican Congressmen's concerns were quickly shot down by Amtrak in a statement which said:
"[N]o discounts or scheduling preference [was given to Biden].
"[T]he railroad industry has a long history of operating special trains for public officials on both sides of the aisle and Amtrak has been part of that."
W. chartered an Amtrak to campaign along the SoCal coast in 2000. I was there interviewing him on the caboose as we rode through Santa Barbara. pic.twitter.com/6JjgBqYB0e
— TJ Sullivan (@TJSullivanLA) October 21, 2020
Wait till they find out Reagen used trains extensively in his 1980 campaign pic.twitter.com/1KQkvvEKE2
— Dustin Ginsberg (@DustinGinsberg) October 21, 2020
In their filing with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the Biden campaign recorded $265,000 for the train charter. According to Amtrak's schedule of fees, the starting rate for a charter is just $30,000.
Amtrak's statement said:
"We can't provide the cost, but can share that we did make money, as we aim to do for any charter."
"Operation of charter trains is an important revenue source for Amtrak and one that supports other parts of our business. Customers range from sports teams to businesses, historical groups and even individuals whose private railcars are coupled to our trains."
"In this instance, the rate aligns with our standard practice and market rates that anyone seeking this service would be charged. There were no discounts or scheduling preferences."
The four Republican Congressmen—all up for reelection in 2020—found few people agreeing with their concerns.
The shamelessness of the GOP is breath-taking! How pathetic to raise this issue given the extent to which Trump uses taxpayer-funded resources to fuel his election campaign:
1) the convention event at the White House (illegal)
2) using Air Force One like a personal taxi
— MURRAY🧢🇺🇸 (@murray_nyc) October 21, 2020
PS: Chartered = Biden PAID to use the Amtrak train.
A massive bill should be sent to the Trump Campaign for its use of the White House grounds for Trump's reelection events & for his excessive use of Air Force One to fly from one coronavirus rally to the next.
— MURRAY🧢🇺🇸 (@murray_nyc) October 21, 2020
He wouldn't pay a bill . In addition to the biggest liar he is also the worlds biggest deadbeat.
— David J. Carbone. (@DavidJCarbone1) October 21, 2020
I want to know who is reimbursing the American taxpayer for Trump flying all over their country on their dime to campaign.
— SpeakOut (@SpeakOu12168225) October 21, 2020
The travel is just part of a larger fleecing of America. All the vacation travels of Ivanka & Trump Jr masqueraded as official travel, the costs & overcharges by his Adm by being told to stay at Trump's properties, etc. etc. etc.
— Luisito - “The Devil's Advocate"🌈🇵🇷🇺🇸 (@DevilLuisito) October 21, 2020
Good for him. Republicans and the press should stop ignoring Trumps abuses. I know it's exhausting and there's so much to cover but it really isn't normal and usually isn't legal
— CountryOverConman (@TrumpNewsPolls) October 21, 2020
Joe 'charters' a train, while DJT uses Air Force 1 on the 'peoples dime' to do his campaigning. So, who's the criminal here? Come on Moscow Mitch, explain it to us all.
— James Williams (@yanmiacat) October 21, 2020
With the northeast corridor largely staying home, just who is this huge demand riding Amtrak these Republicans are referring???
— Seeking Justice (@Girtherism239) October 21, 2020
Joe's supporting our only major train service in a time of low demand. The fact that this is all they have shows they're done. Truly embarrassing.
— Carol Baum (@folanbaum) October 21, 2020
The Republican National Convention was one giant Hatch Act violation.
The audacity here.
— Kushibo MPH, Parody Alternate Universe™ docent (@kushibo) October 21, 2020
In regards to the latest GOP accusation against Biden, former federal government ethics and oversight official and deputy director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Donald K. Sherman, said:
"[The GOP Representatives concerns are] somewhat laughable in the face of blatant abuse by the Trump administration of the enormous resources at its disposal."
"It's hard to compare them, in part because Joe Biden doesn't work for the government. It's like apples and bicycles."
Sherman added:
"This administration has bent and broken the rules limiting the administration's use of official government resources and authority for campaigning on a near-daily basis leading up to the election."
