[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 60 (Thursday, May 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NATIONAL TRAIN DAY RESOLUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 2011

  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation 
supporting the goals and ideals of National Train Day. National Train 
Day is on May 7th and celebrates the long history and critical 
importance of rail in the United States.
  In May 1869 the ``golden spike'' was driven into the final tie at 
Promontory Summit, Utah, ceremonially completing the first 
transcontinental railroad and therefore connecting both coasts of the 
United States. Suddenly, the country was united in a way it never had 
been and the sound of a train whistle was the soundtrack of happy 
reunions and tearful farewells. It heralded the arrival of mail, 
supplies and change. The train station became a focal point of every 
community, from New York City's Pennsylvania Station to the tiny 
stations that dotted rural America.
  Today, passenger and freight service are increasing dramatically, 
making this a perfect time to celebrate the strength of the railroad 
industry and passenger rail service in the United States. For many 
rural Americans, Amtrak represents the only major intercity 
transportation link to the rest of the country.
  Indeed, Amtrak ridership and revenue have never been stronger. During 
2010 Amtrak welcomed aboard more than 28.7 million passengers, the 
largest annual total in Amtrak's history. An average of more than 
78,000 passengers rides more than 300 Amtrak trains per day.
  We are experiencing a renaissance in passenger rail in this country, 
and if we want to keep up with our international competitors, we need 
to make a significant investment in passenger and high-speed rail. I've 
advocated for and support a dedicated source of funding for rail and 
would encourage the committee to include a minimum of $50 billion 
dollars for high-speed and intercity passenger rail over the life of 
the bill. Compared to the funding levels in the overall bill and the 
money being spent in other countries on rail, $50 billion is a drop in 
the bucket.
  Although we have some very small thinking Governors, support for 
high-speed rail is still high. The FRA received more than 90 
applications from 24 states, the District of Columbia, and Amtrak for 
the $2.4 billion that Florida just gave up. The requests total nearly 
$10 billion dollars.
  Finally, I want to thank the hard working men and women who work at 
Amtrak and make it possible for millions of Americans to get to work, 
travel for business, and visit friends and relatives.

                          ____________________