[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 33 (Tuesday, March 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     AMTRAK INVESTMENT ACT OF 1994

                                 ______


                             HON. AL SWIFT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 22, 1994

  Mr. SWIFT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce at the request of 
the administration through the Department of Transportation, 
legislation to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1995 and 1996 
for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation [AMTRAK]. The 
legislation reflects the commitment of this administration to intercity 
passenger rail service, and recognizes the need for capital investment 
if AMTRAK is to improve upon the services that it supplies to the 
traveling public.
  As Secretary Pena states in his letter of transmittal, ``passengers 
have a right to expect and receive superior service in exchange for 
their transportation dollar, and the expectations are all the more 
important because the Federal Government supports AMTRAK financially.''
  This legislation authorizes necessary capital funding to allow AMTRAK 
to acquire new and modern equipment in order to upgrade service, and as 
well, to modernize its maintenance facilities to ensure that current 
equipment will be maintained efficiently and will perform effectively.
  I believe this legislative proposal to modernize and improve our 
national rail passenger system is both cost-effective and a necessary 
investment in our national transportation infrastructure. I look 
forward to working with Secretary Pena and other Members of Congress in 
furthering these goals.

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