Rep. Donigan offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 440.
A resolution to memorialize Congress to enact the Train CARS Act to promote the replacement and rehabilitation of Amtrak equipment.
Whereas, Rising oil prices, pollution, and increased highway congestion have people looking for more efficient and reliable means of transportation. Increased costs to fly, even short distances, and high gasoline prices have led to an increase in the number of people traveling by train. In Michigan, ridership has risen by 31 percent on the Blue Water passenger Train and 20 percent on the Wolverine passenger train in the past two years; and
Whereas, Expanded passenger rail service is being promoted as an ideal alternative to other means of travel. However, the current condition of Amtrak's passenger cars and an insufficient number of cars is making expansion difficult. Passenger rail equipment is no longer manufactured in the United States. Without additional cars and equipment, Amtrak will not be able to keep up with the increased demand from riders; and
Whereas, The Train CARS Act, currently pending in Congress would encourage manufacturers that currently produce passenger cars overseas to bring their expertise to the U.S. The bill also provides incentives for domestic companies that have stopped manufacturing passenger rail equipment in this country, to rebuild their facilities here. The Train CARS Act not only will provide the needed passenger rail equipment necessary to support the increased ridership on Amtrak, but will also create new jobs as it revives the domestic train car industry; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize Congress to enact the Train CARS Act to promote the replacement and rehabilitation of Amtrak equipment; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.