[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 171 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

112th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 171

     Recognizing and supporting National Train Day on May 7, 2011.


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                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              May 5, 2011

   Mr. Lautenberg (for himself, Mr. Rockefeller, Mrs. Hutchison, Ms. 
    Mikulski, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Carper, Mr. 
  Sanders, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Coons, and Mr. Merkley) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, 
                      Science, and Transportation

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
     Recognizing and supporting National Train Day on May 7, 2011.

Whereas Amtrak was founded on May 1, 1971, bringing together the passenger train 
        operations of 20 separate rail companies;
Whereas Amtrak is celebrating its 40th anniversary of providing passenger rail 
        service to the country;
Whereas Amtrak introduced high-speed Acela Express service, the fastest train in 
        North America, to the Northeast Corridor in 2000;
Whereas Amtrak ridership increased in each of the 17 months between November 
        2009 and March 2011;
Whereas in 2011, Amtrak will send an ``exhibit train'' to travel the country 
        with educational exhibits and historical styling to showcase the 
        railroad's history to the public;
Whereas Amtrak trains and infrastructure carry commuters to and from work in 
        congested metropolitan areas, providing a reliable rail option and 
        reducing congestion on roads and in the skies;
Whereas for many rural Americans, Amtrak represents the only major intercity 
        transportation link to the rest of the country;
Whereas passenger trains provide a more fuel-efficient transportation system, 
        cleaner transportation alternatives, and energy security;
Whereas on a per-passenger-mile basis, intercity passenger rail was 25 percent 
        more energy efficient than airplanes and 30 percent more energy 
        efficient than automobiles in 2008;
Whereas Amtrak provided intercity passenger rail travel to 28,700,000 Americans 
        in 46 States during fiscal year 2010; and
Whereas community railroad stations are a source of civic pride, a gateway to 
        over 500 of our Nation's communities, and a tool for economic growth: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate supports the goals and ideals of National 
Train Day, as designated by Amtrak.
                                 <all>