Breakfast links: What feds are up to

Amtrak privatization plan stirs debate

House Republicans unveiled their plan to privatize Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. Either the rails would stay publicly owned but an independent operator would run trains, or a private operator would build and maintain a higher-speed system. Advocates and Ray LaHood have “serious concerns.” (Streetsblog)

House keeps riders, doesn’t add more

The House’s spending bill keeps the riders prohibiting funding for abortion, needle exchange and medical marijuana, but doesn’t (yet) add any more about same-sex marriage or gun control. (Post)

Park Police make things up

Park Police are giving inconsistent instructions to pedicab drivers about where to be on the Mall. ABC7 records on officer on camera fabricating a non-existent rule that journalists need permits to shoot video. (TheWashCycle)

FBI tried hard to bribe Graham

The money Ted Loza tried to give Jim Graham was from the FBI, one of several attempts by them to bribe the councilmember. Why did they try so hard? And why didn’t Graham ever report it to authorities? (Loose Lips)

Metro getting safer

Metro officials said they’ve been making a lot of progress to improve safety, but that could backslide if Congress cuts their capital funding. (Post) … Barbara Mikulski is encouraged by their progress. (Examiner)

Henderson: Still effective, more friendly

Kaya Henderson has kept Michelle Rhee’s evaluation systems to remove bad teachers and has continued pushing to improve schools, but also gets along better with everyone. (Post)

On the sidewalk

Construction has closed both sidewalks on one block of New York Avenue, leaving pedestrians no safe option. (Life in MVS) … Please let women in heels walk between grates. (Penn Quarter Living)

Bus lanes go far, almost

Los Angeles will create a 7.7-mile dedicated bus lane on Wilshire Blvd, saving 11 minutes in travel time, but removed one final mile because of neighborhood opposition. (LA Times, Streetsblog, David B.) … New York will create a rush hour bus lane on 181st Street in the Bronx, but held back from more ambitious changes because of opposition from the local state assemblyman. (Streetsblog)  (Tip: David B.)