Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I rise to state my strong support for this important legislation.

In particular, I am pleased that the legislation corrects an arbitrary requirement by the Federal Railroad Administration regarding rolling stock for high-speed rail. As a strong supporter of American manufacturing and high speed and intercity passenger rail service, I have closely followed the grant awards that FRA has and continues to make in this regard.

Seven months ago, the FRA awarded nearly $730 million to six States to acquire new passenger diesel locomotives and bilevel passenger cars. The new rolling stock will be used on State-supported regional corridors that Amtrak operates in the Midwest, California, and Pacific Northwest.

Under FRA's instructions, the States were to consider locomotives with 125 mph capability--even though none of the States have the infrastructure now or in the near term to operate service on these corridors at speed beyond 110 mph.

While a 15-mph difference in train speeds may not seem like much, the cost difference between 125 mph and 110 mph could be very significant. First, new advanced 110 mph locomotives will burn less fuel and have lower operating expenses. Second, Federal safety standards would require substantially more funding for States to upgrade the infrastructure needed to accommodate 125 mph trains.

With my amendment to S. 1813, States will now be able to fully and fairly evaluate capital and operating costs of different U.S. manufactured locomotives that are capable of meeting the statutory definition of high-speed rail, e.g., operating at 110 mph. A full and open process that fairly considers all locomotives that can operate at 110 mph will increase competition and ensure we maximize value for taxpayers.

Mr. President, we need to bring successful high-speed rail service to America soon, with trains built with American technology by American workers. I want to thank the leadership of the Commerce Committee, particularly Chairman Rockefeller for his support in working with me and with my staff on this important issue.

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