U.S. House of Representatives honors freight rail industry’s contributions
Written by jrood
The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously voted July 27, 2010, in support of a resolution honoring America's freight railroad industry and its employees.
"Freight rail has played a
critical role in the economic development of the United States and has helped
to build cities and strengthen infrastructure throughout this great Nation,"
states the resolution. "Freight rail continues to play a vital role in the
United States’ growth, job creation, and economic recovery."
The resolution recognizing
and honoring the freight railroad industry and its employees, H. Res. 1366, was
sponsored by Congressman Phil Hare (D-Ill.) and supported by 28 bipartisan
cosponsors. H. Res. 1366 passed the House by a vote of 411-0.
"We are honored the House
has recognized the essential role the railroad industry has played in our
nation’s past and will continue to play in its future," said AAR President and
CEO Edward R. Hamberger. "Whether it’s by supporting millions of American
jobs, keeping the things we buy and use more affordable, or easing traffic
congestion and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, freight rail provides
tremendous benefits to America."
Freight railroads generate
nearly $265 billion in total annual economic activity, and directly or
indirectly support more than 1.2 million U.S. jobs. Since 1980, railroad
productivity has increased 144 percent, rail rates are down 49 percent, rail
accident rates are down 75 percent, railroad fuel efficiency is up 104 percent
and railroads have reinvested some $460 billion back into their systems.
