07/27/10

The House of Representatives today passed Congressman Phil Hare’s (D-IL) resolution recognizing the numerous contributions and accomplishments of the freight rail industry and its employees. Click here
to watch Hare’s remarks on the House floor.

“From Galesburg to Quincy, the Quad Cities to Carlinville and everywhere in between, freight rail has had a tremendously positive impact on West Central Illinois since its inception,” Hare said. “This resolution recognizes all the freight rail industry and its tremendous workforce has done to strengthen our economy and improve our infrastructure.”

Shipping goods by rail has been shown to be among the most efficient ways of transporting freight. American innovation and billions of dollars of investments throughout the rail industry has led to a decrease in fuel consumption, a reduction in harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and has reaffirmed an industry-wide commitment to environmentally responsible operating practices.

As our economy recovers, there will be greater demand to move goods again, much of which will be done by freight rail. Additionally, freight railroads generate nearly $265 billion in annual economic activity and support over 1.2 million jobs throughout the U.S.

“I believe that Congress is long overdue in formally recognizing the freight rail industry and the vital role it continues to play in our country’s growth, job creation, and economic recovery,” Hare concluded.

http://hare.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=6&parentid=5&sectiontree=5,6&itemid=1653