[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      AMTRAK'S THIRTIETH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB CLEMENT

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 2, 2001

  Mr. CLEMENT. Mr. Speaker, Congress created Amtrak thirty years ago 
because we realized that along with cars and planes, passenger rail was 
a vital part of America's transportation future. Today, as we celebrate 
Amtrak's 30th birthday, the need for passenger rail is greater than 
ever. All across this great land, travelers are growing sick and tired 
of spending so many hours stuck in traffic, or hanging around airport 
terminals. They want an alternative.
  In my home state of Tennessee, there is strong support for passenger 
rail service. And in my role as Ranking Member of the Railroads 
Subcommittee, I am working to restore Amtrak service to Tennessee, 
because passenger rail service will continue to grow in popularity and 
importance.
  Fortunately, there is an alternative to congestion on our highways 
and in our airways. It's called High-Speed Passenger Rail, and it's a 
way of traveling that's pleasant and easy, and allows travelers to make 
the most of their valuable time.
  So far, high-speed rail exists only in the Northeast. But Amtrak's 
vision is to build a national passenger railroad system consisting of 
many regional high-speed corridors linked by long-distance service.
  That's why I strongly support the High Speed Rail Investment Act of 
2001. It will provide Amtrak with what our highways and airports 
already have: A source of long-term capital with which to build the 
high-speed rail corridors of the future.
  With high-speed rail, we can unclog America's transportation 
arteries, give travelers the choices they deserve, and fix our broken 
transportation system. Passage of the High Speed Rail Act of 2001 isn't 
just in Amtrak's interest; it's in America's interest.
  So as we congratulate Amtrak on thirty years of service to America, 
let us resolve to pass the High Speed Rail Investment Act of 2001--and 
finally get America moving again!

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