[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 68 (Friday, May 7, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           NATIONAL TRAIN DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. PHIL HARE

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 2010

  Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join with the Chairwoman of 
the Railroad, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, 
Representative Corrine Brown, in supporting H. Res. 1301, a resolution 
supporting and recognizing National Train Day.
  The story of trains in our country is one that mirrors the remarkable 
story of our nation. Over 150 years ago, the first trains started to 
move people and goods across the nation. Trains helped lay the 
groundwork for the industrial revolution and helped spur westward 
expansion.
  Today, trains continue to play an important role in American life. In 
my district, freight is safely moved by train throughout Galesburg, 
Decatur, and many other areas. Passenger rail plays a tremendous role 
in modern America. In places like Quincy, Illinois, Amtrak has helped 
connect smaller communities with larger ones and the resources they 
have to offer. In the near future, high-speed rail will cross my 
district in two separate areas helping bridge urban and rural America 
and making each accessible in a more environmentally friendly way,
  I am proud to say that the future of trains in America is bright. I 
join Chairwoman Brown in aggressively pursuing a network of high-speed 
rail corridors that will make the viability of passenger trains more 
attractive while continuing our work to ensure that the nation's 
freight rail network remains secure, active, and vibrant.
  National Train Day calls attention to the many positive contributions 
rail makes to our national economy. Rail makes for a safe, clean, 
effective transport of goods and services. Trains have been, are, and 
will continue to be a critical part of our nation's great story.
  Madam Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to pass H. Res. 1301, a 
bipartisan resolution which recognizes and supports National Train Day. 
I thank Representative Brown for authoring this bill and look forward 
to continue working with her.

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