[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 50 (Tuesday, May 2, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMTRAK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 2006

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Amtrak on its 35th 
Anniversary. Yesterday, Amtrak celebrated 35 years of committed service 
to America by providing reliable and safe transportation.
  Rail service has integrated small communities with large cities 
across the country providing opportunity for economic expansion, 
increased mobility, and environmentally sound transit. With the 
creation of Amtrak in 1971, our country has benefited from organized, 
reliable and safe service to individuals commuting to and from work and 
individuals using rail service for extended travel. With the rising 
cost of airline flights, exceptionally high gas prices and bus stations 
being closed across the country, individuals are relying more and more 
on rail service.
  In New Jersey, employers rely on an integrated rail operation to 
enable many of their employees to get to and from work. As a regular 
Amtrak rider, I appreciate the professionalism and service that 
customers enjoy every day. The continued operation of Amtrak is an 
essential component of easing traffic congestion, reducing wear and 
tear on roads, protecting our environment and preserving open space in 
New Jersey and across the country.
  Amtrak needs the support of Congress. Funding cuts for Amtrak would 
have crippling effects on transit in New Jersey and many other states 
along the Northeast Corridor. In 2005, ridership reached a record level 
of more than 25 million riders, a 29 percent increase since 1996. We 
must meet the needs of millions of Amtrak riders through continued 
funding for this essential American service. We must help Amtrak 
maintain key infrastructure on the 650 route miles that Amtrak owns 
(out of 22,000 miles on which Amtrak operates), repair or replace old 
equipment, and encourage local and state investment.
  I have always been a strong advocate for increased Amtrak funding and 
greater federal support for passenger rail service in New Jersey and 
throughout the country. I am a cosponsor of the Amtrak Reauthorization 
Act, which would authorize funding through Fiscal Year 2008 for Amtrak 
operations and capital investment. We must show our commitment to 
Amtrak by reauthorizing funding instead of fighting every year to keep 
funding at a steady level.
  Again, I congratulate Amtrak for its 35 years of service to our 
nation. Rail service is a fundamental component of our nation's 
continually growing transportation system, and Amtrak has demonstrated 
the capacity of integrated rail service to expand economic opportunity, 
commuter options, and make vital contributions to the fabric of our 
communities.

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