The Senate today voted 93-6 in favor of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act. Originally S. 1516, the passenger rail bill today was "Lott Amendment SA 2360" to S. 1932, the Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2005.
The passenger rail bill was developed jointly by Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS), who chairs the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), a subcommittee member and the leading Democrat on passenger rail issues. The bill passed the full committee July 28 with the strong support of both Chairman Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Ranking Member Daniel Inouye (D-HI).
"This vote sends a strong message that the time for study on passenger rail is past; the time to legislate is now," said Ross B. Capon, Executive Director of the National Association of Railroad Passengers. We look for similar action in the House, and for a more supportive Bush Administration position.
Capon continued, "Today's Senate vote is consistent with strong ridership growth on Amtrak and mass transit, coupled with concerns about gasoline price and availability. The traveling public understands the connection between the need for a strong rail passenger network and the world energy situation."
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