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SRES 557 IS

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Train Day.

May 8, 2008

Mr. LAUTENBERG (for himself, Mrs. HUTCHISON, Mr. BAUCUS, Mr. BIDEN, Mr. CARPER, Mrs. CLINTON, Mr. DORGAN, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. KERRY, Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. DOMENICI, Ms. SNOWE, Mr. CRAPO, Mr. COCHRAN, Mr. SPECTER, Mr. LIEBERMAN, MR. BAYH, and Mr. BROWN) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Train Day.

Whereas, on May 10, 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, in highly populated regions, Amtrak trains and infrastructure carry commuters to and from work in congested metropolitan areas providing a reliable rail option, 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 rail provides a more energy-efficient form of transportation compared to autos or air travel;

Whereas passenger railroads emit only 0.2 percent of the travel industry's total greenhouse gases;

Whereas Amtrak annually provides intercity passenger rail travel to over 25,000,000 Americans residing in 46 States;

Whereas an increasing number of people are using trains for travel purposes beyond commuting to and from work;

Whereas our railroad stations are a source of civic pride, a gateway to our communities, and a tool for economic growth; and

Whereas Amtrak has designated May 10, 2008, as National Train Day to celebrate the way trains connect people and places: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate supports the goals and ideals of National Train Day, as designated by Amtrak.