 Amtrak was forced to borrow to meet short-term operating needs, and by 1995 Amtrak was on the brink of a cash crisis and was unable to continue to service its debts.In response, in 1997 Congress authorized $5.2 billion for Amtrak over the next five years – largely to complete the "Acela" capital project – on the condition that Amtrak submit to the ultimatum of self-sufficiency by 2003 or liquidation.While Amtrak made financial improvements during this period, it did not achieve self-sufficiency.