I learned from Congressman Bruce Braley’s office that the House approved the 2008 Amtrak Reauthorization Bill on Wednesday. The bill includes funds proposed by Braley that will promote passenger rail links like the ones that may connect Chicago with Dubuque and the Quad Cities.

I appreciate Braley’s efforts to invest more in alternative transportation. Many Iowans will one day benefit from his work on the House Transportation Committee.

Now if Congressman Leonard Boswell would pick up the ball, maybe my family will be able to take a train from Des Moines to Chicago five or six years from now.

By the way, John McCain has long opposed Amtrak and would like to shut it down if elected president.

The full text of the press release from Braley’s office is after the jump.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 11, 2008

Contact: Jeff Giertz, Communications Director

jeff.giertz@mail.house.gov

(202) 226-4026 (office)

(202) 297-6745  (cell)

Braley Supported Amtrak Bill Passes House, Boosts Chances for Dubuque , Quad-Cities and  Chicago Routes

Braley Language on Biolubricants also included in House-passed bill

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) announced that the House passed the 2008 Amtrak Reauthorization Bill.  Congressman Braley is an original co-sponsor of the Amtrak bill.

The 2008 Amtrak Reauthorization Bill (H.R. 6003) includes language to create a new, $500 million per year “State Capital Grant Program,” which would award federal grants to states for the construction of new passenger rail service between US cities.  Proposed passenger rail service between Chicago and the  Quad Cities and Chicago and  Dubuque would be eligible to apply for funding under this program.

The bill also includes Braley’s provision mandating a Federal Railroad Administration study into the viability of the widespread use of biolubricants in freight and passenger rail as an alternative to petroleum-based lubricants.   The University of Northern Iowa ‘s National Ag-Based Lubricant Center (NABL), the country’s leading biolubricant research center, is located in Iowa ‘s First District.

“I’m pleased that the Amtrak bill passed the House today,” Braley said.  “With gas prices now over four dollars per gallon, it’s time to invest in alternative forms of transportation.  The Amtrak bill will help make passenger rail service between Dubuque and the Quad Cities to  Chicago a reality.  This bill takes the first step to make cheap, efficient passenger rail service available for more Iowans.”  

The Amtrak Reauthorization Bill passed the House on a vote of 311-104.  Congressman Braley supports the bill, but did not cast a vote on the measure as he remains in Iowa to assist with flood recovery.