NARP Thanks Senate Commerce Committee Leaders for Including Rail Reform in Transportation Bill

For Immediate Release (#15-15)

Contact: Benét J. Wilson

202-408-8362, ext. 3203

Washington, D.C.—The National Association of Railroad Passengers issued a letter today to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation commending Chairman John Thune and Ranking Member Ben Nelson for their decision to include the Railroad Reform, Enhancement, and Efficiency Act (S.1626) as part of the Commerce Committee’s portion of the surface transportation bill, the Comprehensive Transportation and Consumer Protection Act of 2015 (S.1732).

“The move to include passenger rail authorizing language in a broader highway and transit bill is an important step in recognizing the critical role intercity trains play in a national transportation system,” wrote NARP President & CEO Jim Mathews. “By passing a truly comprehensive transportation bill, Congress will be taking a step towards creating a connected America. Furthermore, the passage of Railroad Reform, Enhancement, and Efficiency Act (R2E2) will be a positive step in providing the predictable, sufficient levels of investment that the states and Amtrak need to build the modern rail system American workers and businesses will need to compete in a 21st century global economy.”

Read the full letter here.

About the National Association of Railroad Passengers

NARP is the only national organization speaking for the users of passenger trains and rail transit. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by more than 28,000 individual members nationwide.

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