[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 66 (Friday, May 1, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S5027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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  SENATE RESOLUTION 125--IN SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL TRAIN 
                            DAY, MAY 9, 2009

  Mr. LAUTENBERG (for himself, Mr. Rockefeller, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. 
Thune, Mr. Dorgan, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Warner, Mr. Kerry, 
Mr. Durbin, Mr. Specter, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Bayh, Mr. Udall, of New 
Mexico; Mr. Brown, Mr. Carper, and Mr. Lieberman) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation:

                              S. Res. 125

       Whereas, in May 1869 the ``golden spike'' was driven into 
     the final tie at Promontory Summit, Utah to join the Central 
     Pacific and the Union Pacific Railroads, ceremonially 
     completing the first transcontinental railroad and therefore 
     connecting both coasts of the United States;
       Whereas, Amtrak trains and infrastructure carry commuters 
     to and from work in congested metropolitan areas providing a 
     reliable rail option and reducing congestion on roads and in 
     the skies;
       Whereas, for many rural Americans, Amtrak represents the 
     only major intercity transportation link to the rest of the 
     country;
       Whereas, passenger trains provide a more fuel-efficient 
     transportation system thereby providing cleaner 
     transportation alternatives and energy security;
       Whereas, intercity passenger rail was 18 percent more 
     energy efficient than airplanes and 25 percent more energy 
     efficient than automobiles on a per-passenger-mile basis in 
     2006;
       Whereas, Amtrak annually provides intercity passenger rail 
     travel to over 28 million Americans residing in 46 states;
       Whereas, an increasing number of people are using trains 
     for travel purposes beyond commuting to and from work; and
       Whereas, community railroad stations are a source of civic 
     pride, a gateway to over 500 of our nation's communities, and 
     a tool for economic growth: Now, therefore, be it-
       Resolved, That the Senate supports the goals and ideals of 
     National Train Day, as designated by Amtrak.

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