II 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 171 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

That the Senate supports the goals and ideals of National Train Day, as designated by Amtrak.