Amtrak's decision to discontinue the ex-NP trains caused consternation in Montana. Mike Mansfield (D-Montana), then Senate Majority Leader, pointed out that the Empire Builder bypassed Montana's major population centers, and had no difficulty in making his displeasure felt. He demanded that Amtrak find a way to serve Montana's larger cities. The new company reacted to the pressure and announced a resumption of service over the ex-Northern Pacific line, to begin on June 14. This service took the form of an unnamed section of the Empire Builder which split in Minneapolis en route to Spokane, Washington. Mansfield's intervention earned the train the nickname Mike Mansfield Limited. The Northern Pacific route, which included the Yellowstone River, Homestake Pass and Bitterroot Mountains, was praised for its scenery. Amtrak considered the route one of the company's six most beautiful. The train also provided a convenient connection to Yellowstone National Park at Livingston, Montana.