Issue Position: Transportation - High Speed Passenger Rail

Issue Position

I believe that passenger rail service is one of the most vital components of a multi-faceted transportation system. Efficient, high-speed, inexpensive, interstate passenger rail travel will positively benefit our society, our environment, and our economy.

The benefits of high speed rail to our region are significant. Construction of a modern, efficient transportation system will bring much needed jobs to the Midwest, which has been devastated by the loss of manufacturing jobs in recent years. Further, it will enhance transportation options for citizens, reduce travel times, lessen highway congestion, and increase mobility. It also will provide significant economic development opportunities for communities. By promoting our regional and national economic development goals, high speed rail will allow us to link large and small metropolitan areas, airports, bus stations and highways. Moreover, high speed rail brings enormous environmental benefits, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lessening the nation's dependence on foreign oil.

President Obama recently signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) into law. This measure takes our first steps toward transforming our transportation infrastructure by dedicating $8 billion to the high speed rail initiative. Further, in July 2009, the Governors from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin, along with the Mayor of the City of Chicago, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding for the purpose of ensuring cooperation in the pursuit of funding for the Midwest high speed rail corridor.

As a member of the Congressional Rail Caucus and the Midwest High Speed Rail Caucus, I am committed to advocating for policies that will ensure the sustainability of the nation's rail system and I will continue working with federal, state and local officials to bring high speed passenger rail investment to our region.

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