[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     THE SWIFT RAIL INVESTMENT ACT

  Mr. EXON. Mr. President, I am pleased to support H.R. 4867. This 
legislation represents a careful compromise of several rail safety and 
investment issues which my colleagues and I have introduced.
  This landmark legislation combines compromise versions of two 
historic Senate rail bills, the high speed rail bill known as S. 839 in 
the Senate and the Rail Safety Act known as S. 2132 in the Senate.
  The high speed rail keeps the vision of fast, safe, efficient trains 
moving people and goods across the landscape of America. Just as 
billows of steam and ribbons of steel defined the railroad's glorious 
past, sleek, fast energy efficient trains will define railroad's bright 
future.
  I was pleased to offer the Senate version of this bill. It represents 
a realistic and fiscally prudent path to high speed rail development.
  Mr. President, I am especially proud that this legislation includes 
the rail safety bill I introduced on behalf of the administration, the 
lion's share of railroad crossing initiatives Senator Danforth and I 
incorporated into the Senate rail safety bill and several very 
important safety initiatives including a requirement that the 
Department of Transportation develop safety standards for rail 
passenger cars.
  These provisions make the Swift Rail Act and its Senate-passed 
companion, S. 2132, one of the most important pieces of safety 
legislation in the rail sector and the first comprehensive effort to 
reduce the number of deaths, accidents and injuries at grade crossings 
and the prevention of trespass and vandalism on railroad property.
  Finally, I am most happy to enthusiastically endorse the name of this 
legislation. It is a tribute to my good friend and colleague, 
Congressman Al Swift. Chairman Swift has been a great partner on all 
matters affecting railroads. His retirement from Congress will be felt 
by all Americans. Al Swift has been a strong advocate for rail safety, 
AMTRAK, and local rail freight assistance. This small tribute will 
remind us all of what a great job he has done in during congressional 
tenure. I wish my friend well.
  I urge my colleagues to pass this important piece of rail investment 
and rail safety legislation.

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