[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL DEFENSE RAIL ACT

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                           HON. JULIA CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the 
important issue of passenger rail in America, and the future of Amtrak.
  The passenger rail system suffers from gross neglect of our 
investment.
  We have actively engaged in financing, developing, and preserving the 
infrastructure of all other modes of transportation. Whether bailing 
out the airline industry, federally funding and fixing the interstate 
highway system, or subsidizing airport construction.
  It is imperative that we build a world class passenger railroad 
system in the United States. We cannot wait for highways and airports 
to become so overwhelmed that they can no longer operate, and we cannot 
continue to hold the millions of Americans who rely on rail service in 
limbo while we refuse to provide Amtrak with adequate funding.
  This is why yesterday I introduced H.R. 5216, the National Defense 
Rail Act, which will mirror legislation introduced by Senator Ernest 
Hollings.
  This legislation provides a blueprint for the future of passenger 
rail in the United States. The bill will help develop high-speed rail 
corridors, long distance routes, short distance routes, security and 
life-safety needs, and will provide Amtrak with the tools and funding 
it needs to operate efficiently.
  Mr. Speaker, we consider subsidies to airlines and roads be 
worthwhile investments in our economy and our quality of life. We must 
make the same investment to create a world-class passenger rail system 
in order to see the same kinds of benefits.
  I urge my colleagues to join me by cosponsoring this bill, and show 
your support for a strong national passenger rail system.

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