Happening Now
Hotline #696-A
November 25, 1985
During a conference meeting last night, the language in the Senate surface transportation bill that included intercity passenger rail as an eligible program in the flexible account of the Highway Trust Fund was eliminated. Reportedly, Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D.-N.J.) made a brave defense of intercity passenger rail, but could not convince the Chairman of the House Public Works Committee, Robert Roe (D.-N.J.). Normally, intercity passenger rail -- which is Amtrak -- falls under House Energy and Commerce. But Roe, like many on the House Public Works Committee, is jealous of the programs he controls and is afraid of mingling programs with Energy and Commerce. This was not a problem in the Senate, but in the House this turf battle is being won by Public Works, and the losers are supporters of balanced transportation.
All NARP members should call their House delegation immediately and protest this move by Chairman Roe. Call whether your Representative is a conferee or not. Tell them you are very upset that House Public Works will not include Amtrak in the surface transportation bill, as the Senate had tried to do, and that the Amtrak language should be restored immediately.
"When [NARP] comes to Washington, you help embolden us in our efforts to continue the progress for passenger rail. And not just on the Northeast Corridor. All over America! High-speed rail, passenger rail is coming to America, thanks to a lot of your efforts! We’re partners in this. ... You are the ones that are going to make this happen. Do not be dissuaded by the naysayers. There are thousands of people all over America who are for passenger rail and you represent the best of what America is about!"
Secretary Ray LaHood, U.S. Department of Transportation
2012 NARP Spring Council Meeting
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