[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 60 (Thursday, May 5, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2746-S2747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 171--RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING NATIONAL TRAIN DAY ON 
                              MAY 7, 2011

  Mr. LAUTENBERG (for himself, Mr. Rockefeller, Mrs. Hutchison, Ms. 
Mikulski, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Carper, Mr. 
Sanders, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Coons, and Mr. Merkley) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation:

                              S. Res. 171

       Whereas Amtrak was founded on May 1, 1971, bringing 
     together the passenger train operations of 20 separate rail 
     companies;
       Whereas Amtrak is celebrating its 40th anniversary of 
     providing passenger rail service to the country;
       Whereas Amtrak introduced high-speed Acela Express service, 
     the fastest train in North America, to the Northeast Corridor 
     in 2000;
       Whereas Amtrak ridership increased in each of the 17 months 
     between November 2009 and March 2011;
       Whereas in 2011, Amtrak will send an ``exhibit train'' to 
     travel the country with educational exhibits and historical 
     styling to showcase the railroad's history to the public;
       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, cleaner transportation alternatives, 
     and energy security;
       Whereas on a per-passenger-mile basis, intercity passenger 
     rail was 25 percent more energy efficient than airplanes and 
     30 percent more energy efficient than automobiles in 2008;

[[Page S2747]]

       Whereas Amtrak provided intercity passenger rail travel to 
     28,700,000 Americans in 46 States during fiscal year 2010;
       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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