Old train cars may be nostalgic but for Amtrak they are a burden that impacts reliability and the bottom line. Only 80% of their cars are in service and on some routes more seats could be filled if they only existed. Their 60 Auto Train cars are also aging, dating from the early 1960s. Track improvements and security concerns are another large expense. But Amtrak is dependent on government funding to carry out its improvement plans and a House of Representatives panel recently proposed cutting funding to the railroad, following the recommendation of the President. The Senate has not made its proposal on funding yet. Critics point out that cuts in funding to VIA Rail Canada resulted in more cost-effective operations. Amtrak continues to lose money despite government help and there appears to be no end in sight.