May 8 = National Train Day

Press Release

House Approves National Train Day Resolution

Partisan vote by House Republicans failed to defeat resolution

May 5, 2010

 

By Contact Mary Kerr (202)225-6260

WASHINGTON – House Democrats overcame Republican opposition to pass a resolution commemorating the 141st anniversary of the first transcontinental railroad's inception and supporting the goals and ideals of National Train Day. H. Res. 1301, which recognizes the important contributions that trains make to the national transportation system, was approved by a vote of 296 to 119.

Amtrak has designated May 8 as National Train Day and will hold family-friendly celebrations in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

"'The Party of No' tried -- but failed -- to defeat this non-controversial resolution, which honors the vital role that trains play in the nation's transportation system," said Rep. James L. Oberstar (Minn.), Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. "This resolution is neither Democratic nor Republican – it is an American resolution. I am pleased that House Republican leaders' attempt to abuse the legislative process for partisan purposes did not succeed today."

It appears Republicans opposed H. Res. 1301 because the preamble mentions the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The preamble cites facts regarding high-speed rail and Amtrak investments in the Recovery Act, such as the funding levels that were appropriated.

"Rail in America is experiencing a renaissance we haven't seen in 50 years. All forms of passenger rail, including Amtrak are seeing increased ridership numbers. In fact, in 2009 Amtrak welcomed aboard over 27.1 million passengers, the second largest annual total in Amtrak history. An average of more than 74,000 passengers rides on more than 300 Amtrak trains per day," said Rep. Corrine Brown (Fla.), Chairwoman of the Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee and original sponsor of H.Res. 1301. "For me, as the Chair of the Rail subcommittee, the eventual goal is to have high-speed, intercity passenger, and commuter rail lines connecting nationwide to serve as an enhancement to our current systems of transportation. Moreover, if a nationwide high-speed and intercity passenger rail system is realized, it will not only serve as a tremendous benefit to our nation's transportation needs, but will also be a superb asset towards getting people back to work by creating quality jobs in our economy's manufacturing sector."

"The Bush administration twice submitted bankruptcy budgets for Amtrak, but today we are shaping a new future for Amtrak. President Obama made a commitment by investing $8 billion in passenger rail, and that is just a down payment. We have seen improvements to rail infrastructure with funding allocated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and the T&I Committee will continue to hold oversight hearings to ensure that those stimulus dollars are invested wisely," said Oberstar. "National Train Day recognizes 141 years of passenger rail service in the United States and commemorates the day that the first transcontinental railroad was created. We have seen a revival of interest in the United States in intercity passenger rail across the land, and through much-needed investment, new high-speed rail corridors will become a reality. The European Union has shown a visionary commitment to passenger rail, and so must we."

Floor Statement of Chairman James L. Oberstar

Floor Statement of Corrine Brown, Subcommittee Chair, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials

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