H.R.6003: To reauthorize Amtrak, and for other purposes.

Latest Update: Friday, January, 16th 2009

To reauthorize Amtrak, and for other purposes. 6/11/2008--Passed House amended. (There are 2 other summaries) Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 - Title I: Authorizations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for: (1) Amtrak capital and operating grants, including capital grants to states, to the Amtrak Office of the Inspector General, and for accessibility improvements and barrier removal for individuals with disabilities; (2) Amtrak repayment of long-term debt and capital leases; and (3) the rail cooperative research program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for grants to Amtrak and states participating in the Next Generation Corridor Train Equipment Pool Committee. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to withhold up to one-half of 1% of certain funds for the costs of project management oversight of capital projects carried out by Amtrak.(Sec. 102) Authorizes appropriations for costs [...]

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06/12/2008 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 779.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1077 On agreeing to the Oberstar amendment (A001) Agreed to by voice vote.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1080 Amendment (A004) offered by Mr. Sessions. (consideration: CR H5255-5257, H5260-5261; text: CR H5255) Amendment sought to prohibit funds from being used for the long distance Amtrak route with the highest cost per seat/mile according to Amtrak's March 2008 monthly performance report unless the Secretary has transmitted a waiver for this route or a portion of it because the Secretary considers it critical to homeland security.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1078 Amendment (A002) offered by Mr. Davis, Tom. (consideration: CR H5249-5254, H5261-5263; text: CR H5249-5250, H5261-5262) An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 110-703 to authorize the Transportation Secretary to make grants to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to finance in part the capital and preventive maintenance projects included in the Capital Improvement Program approved by the Board of Directors of the Transit Authority; and prohibit funds to the Transit Authority unless the Authority ensures its rail customers have access to any services provided by any licensed wireless provider that notifies the Authority of its intent to offer services to the public.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1081 Amendment (A005) offered by Mrs. McCarthy (NY). (consideration: CR H5257-5258; text: CR H5257) Amendment to add to the passenger rail system comparison study a request to study train horn technology, with an emphasis on reducing train horn noise and its effect on local communities.

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06/12/2008 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 779.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1077 On agreeing to the Oberstar amendment (A001) Agreed to by voice vote.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1080 Amendment (A004) offered by Mr. Sessions. (consideration: CR H5255-5257, H5260-5261; text: CR H5255) Amendment sought to prohibit funds from being used for the long distance Amtrak route with the highest cost per seat/mile according to Amtrak's March 2008 monthly performance report unless the Secretary has transmitted a waiver for this route or a portion of it because the Secretary considers it critical to homeland security.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1078 Amendment (A002) offered by Mr. Davis, Tom. (consideration: CR H5249-5254, H5261-5263; text: CR H5249-5250, H5261-5262) An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 110-703 to authorize the Transportation Secretary to make grants to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to finance in part the capital and preventive maintenance projects included in the Capital Improvement Program approved by the Board of Directors of the Transit Authority; and prohibit funds to the Transit Authority unless the Authority ensures its rail customers have access to any services provided by any licensed wireless provider that notifies the Authority of its intent to offer services to the public.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1081 Amendment (A005) offered by Mrs. McCarthy (NY). (consideration: CR H5257-5258; text: CR H5257) Amendment to add to the passenger rail system comparison study a request to study train horn technology, with an emphasis on reducing train horn noise and its effect on local communities.
06/11/2008 - DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1253, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Tom Davis (VA) amendment.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1082 Amendment (A006) offered by Mr. Murphy (CT). (consideration: CR H5258-5259; text: CR H5258) Amendment to express support for commuter rail service between New Haven, CT, and Springfield, MA and would encourage Amtrak to cooperate with state Departments of Transportation to expand commuter rail service on that line. The amendment provides that Amtrak shall report to Congress and the Transportation Departments of Connecticut and Massachusetts on the total cost of uncompleted infrastructure maintenance on the rail line between New Haven and Springfield.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1078 On agreeing to the Davis, Tom amendment (A002) Agreed to by voice vote.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1083 Amendment (A007) offered by Mr. Murphy, Patrick. (consideration: CR H5259-5260; text: CR H5259) Amendment to require Amtrak, within one year of enactment, to report to Congress on the results of an evaluation of passenger rail between Cornwells Heights, PA, and New York City, NY, and between Princeton Junction, NJ, and New York City, NY, to determine whether to expand passenger rail service by increasing the frequency of stops or reducing commuter ticket prices for this route.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1079 Amendment (A003) offered by Mr. Smith (WA). An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 110-703 to require Amtrak to engage in good faith discussions, with commuter rail entities and public transportation authorities operating on the same trackage owned by a rail carrier as Amtrak, with respect to routing and timing of trains to efficiently move a maximal number of commuters, intercity, and passenger rail passengers, particularly during peak times of commuter usage. The amendment would also require such discussion with respect to the expansion and enhancement of commuter rail and regional rail public transportation service.
06/11/2008 - DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1253, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Smith (WA) amendment.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1079 On agreeing to the Smith (WA) amendment (A003) Agreed to by voice vote.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1080 Amendment (A004) offered by Mr. Sessions. An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 110-703 to prohibit funds from being used for the long distance Amtrak route with the highest cost per seat/mile according to Amtrak's March 2008 monthly performance report unless the Secretary has transmitted a waiver for this route or a portion of it because the Secretary considers it critical to homeland security.
06/11/2008 - DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1253, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sessions amendment.
06/11/2008 - POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Sessions amendment the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Sessions demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1081 Amendment (A005) offered by Mrs. McCarthy (NY). An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 110-703 to add to the passenger rail system comparison study a request to study train horn technology, with an emphasis on reducing train horn noise and its effect on local communities.
06/11/2008 - DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1253, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McCarthy (NY) amendment.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1081 On agreeing to the McCarthy (NY) amendment (A005) Agreed to by voice vote.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1082 Amendment (A006) offered by Mr. Murphy (CT). An amendment numbered 7 printed in House Report 110-703 to express support for commuter rail service between New Haven, CT, and Springfield, MA and would encourage Amtrak to cooperate with state Departments of Transportation to expand commuter rail service on that line. The amendment provides that Amtrak shall report to Congress and the Transportation Departments of Connecticut and Massachusetts on the total cost of uncompleted infrastructure maintenance on the rail line between New Haven and Springfield.
06/11/2008 - DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1253, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Murphy (CT) amendment.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1082 On agreeing to the Murphy (CT) amendment (A006) Agreed to by voice vote.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1083 Amendment (A007) offered by Mr. Murphy, Patrick. An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 110-703 to require Amtrak, within one year of enactment, to report to Congress on the results of an evaluation of passenger rail between Cornwells Heights, PA, and New York City, NY, and between Princeton Junction, NJ, and New York City, NY, to determine whether to expand passenger rail service by increasing the frequency of stops or reducing commuter ticket prices for this route.
06/11/2008 - DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1253, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Patrick Murphy (PA) amendment.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1083 On agreeing to the Murphy, Patrick amendment (A007) Agreed to by voice vote.
06/11/2008 - UNFINISHED BUSINESS - The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of the Sessions amendment which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1080 On agreeing to the Sessions amendment (A004) Failed by recorded vote: 150 - 275 (Roll no. 397).
06/11/2008 - The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 6003.
06/11/2008 - The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H5261)
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1078 Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a separate vote on the Davis, Tom amendment (A002).
06/11/2008 - The House adopted the remaining amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1078 On agreeing to the Davis, Tom amendment (A002) Agreed to by recorded vote: 295 - 127 (Roll no. 398).
06/11/2008 - The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
06/11/2008 - Mr. Davis (KY) moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation. (consideration: CR H5263-5265; text: CR H5263)
06/11/2008 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Davis (KY) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment adding a new section providing for a locomotive alternative fuel study.
06/11/2008 - The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection. (consideration: CR H5264)
06/11/2008 - On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 194 - 230 (Roll no. 399).
06/11/2008 - On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 311 - 104 (Roll no. 400).
06/11/2008 - Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
06/11/2008 - The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 6003.
06/11/2008 - UNFINISHED BUSINESS - The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the the motion to refer H. Res. 1258, and the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1235, which had been considered earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
06/11/2008 - Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1253. (consideration: CR H5222-5265)
06/11/2008 - The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. (text: CR H5233-5246)
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1077 Amendment (A001) offered by Mr. Oberstar. (consideration: CR H5245-5249; text: CR H5245-5246) Amendment provides that none of the funds may be used to employ workers in violation of section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act; requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on ways to streamline compliance with National Historic Preservation Act requirements for federally funded railroad infrastructure projects; inserts provisions regarding the Northeast Corridor; requires studies regarding the expansion of the South Central High-Speed Rail Corridor to Memphis and to far south Texas; requires proposals for building station stops for the proposed high-speed rail system in the Northeast Corridor; authorizes intercity passenger rail grants to be used for bicycle access into rolling stock and would provide bicycle racks in trains and makes technical corrections to the bill.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1078 Amendment (A002) offered by Mr. Davis, Tom. (consideration: CR H5249-5254, H5261-5263; text: CR H5249-5250, H5261-5262) Amendment authorizes the Transportation Secretary to make grants to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to finance in part the capital and preventive maintenance projects included in the Capital Improvement Program approved by the Board of Directors of the Transit Authority and prohibits funds to the Transit Authority unless the Authority ensures its rail customers have access to any services provided by any licensed wireless provider that notifies the Authority of its intent to offer services to the public.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1079 Amendment (A003) offered by Mr. Smith (WA). (consideration: CR H5254-5255; text: CR H5254-5255) Amendment requires Amtrak to engage in good faith discussions, with commuter rail entities and public transportation authorities operating on the same trackage owned by a rail carrier as Amtrak, with respect to routing and timing of trains to efficiently move a maximal number of commuters, intercity, and passenger rail passengers, particularly during peak times of commuter usage. The amendment also requires such discussion with respect to the expansion and enhancement of commuter rail and regional rail public transportation service.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1081 Amendment (A005) offered by Mrs. McCarthy (NY). (consideration: CR H5257-5258; text: CR H5257) Amendment adds to the passenger rail system comparison study a request to study train horn technology, with an emphasis on reducing train horn noise and its effect on local communities.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1082 Amendment (A006) offered by Mr. Murphy (CT). (consideration: CR H5258-5259; text: CR H5258) Amendment expresses support for commuter rail service between New Haven, CT, and Springfield, MA and encourages Amtrak to cooperate with state Departments of Transportation to expand commuter rail service on that line. The amendment provides that Amtrak shall report to Congress and the Transportation Departments of Connecticut and Massachusetts on the total cost of uncompleted infrastructure maintenance on the rail line between New Haven and Springfield.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1083 Amendment (A007) offered by Mr. Murphy, Patrick. (consideration: CR H5259-5260; text: CR H5259) Amendment requires Amtrak, within one year of enactment, to report to Congress on the results of an evaluation of passenger rail between Cornwells Heights, PA, and New York City, NY, and between Princeton Junction, NJ, and New York City, NY, to determine whether to expand passenger rail service by increasing the frequency of stops or reducing commuter ticket prices for this route.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1079 Amendment (A003) offered by Mr. Smith (WA). (consideration: CR H5254-5255; text: CR H5254-5255) An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 110-703 to require Amtrak to engage in good faith discussions, with commuter rail entities and public transportation authorities operating on the same trackage owned by a rail carrier as Amtrak, with respect to routing and timing of trains to efficiently move a maximal number of commuters, intercity, and passenger rail passengers, particularly during peak times of commuter usage. The amendment would also require such discussion with respect to the expansion and enhancement of commuter rail and regional rail public transportation service.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1080 Amendment (A004) offered by Mr. Sessions. (consideration: CR H5255-5257, H5260-5261; text: CR H5255) An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 110-703 to prohibit funds from being used for the long distance Amtrak route with the highest cost per seat/mile according to Amtrak's March 2008 monthly performance report unless the Secretary has transmitted a waiver for this route or a portion of it because the Secretary considers it critical to homeland security.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1081 Amendment (A005) offered by Mrs. McCarthy (NY). (consideration: CR H5257-5258; text: CR H5257) An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 110-703 to add to the passenger rail system comparison study a request to study train horn technology, with an emphasis on reducing train horn noise and its effect on local communities.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1082 Amendment (A006) offered by Mr. Murphy (CT). (consideration: CR H5258-5259; text: CR H5258) An amendment numbered 7 printed in House Report 110-703 to express support for commuter rail service between New Haven, CT, and Springfield, MA and would encourage Amtrak to cooperate with state Departments of Transportation to expand commuter rail service on that line. The amendment provides that Amtrak shall report to Congress and the Transportation Departments of Connecticut and Massachusetts on the total cost of uncompleted infrastructure maintenance on the rail line between New Haven and Springfield.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1083 Amendment (A007) offered by Mr. Murphy, Patrick. (consideration: CR H5259-5260; text: CR H5259) An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 110-703 to require Amtrak, within one year of enactment, to report to Congress on the results of an evaluation of passenger rail between Cornwells Heights, PA, and New York City, NY, and between Princeton Junction, NJ, and New York City, NY, to determine whether to expand passenger rail service by increasing the frequency of stops or reducing commuter ticket prices for this route.
06/11/2008 - Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1253. (consideration: CR H5222-5265; text of measure as reported in House: CR H5233-5245)
06/11/2008 - Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6003 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure now printed in the bill.
06/11/2008 - House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 1253 and Rule XVIII.
06/11/2008 - The Speaker designated the Honorable James P. Moran to act as Chairman of the Committee.
06/11/2008 - GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 6003.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1077 Amendment (A001) offered by Mr. Oberstar. (consideration: CR H5245-5249; text: CR H5245-5246) Amendment to provide that none of the funds may be used to employ workers in violation of section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act; require the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on ways to streamline compliance with National Historic Preservation Act requirements for federally funded railroad infrastructure projects; insert provisions regarding the Northeast Corridor; require studies regarding the expansion of the South Central High-Speed Rail Corridor to Memphis and to far south Texas; require proposals for building station stops for the proposed high-speed rail system in the Northeast Corridor; authorize intercity passenger rail grants to be used for bicycle access into rolling stock and would provide bicycle racks in trains and make technical corrections to the bill.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1077 Amendment (A001) offered by Mr. Oberstar. (consideration: CR H5245-5249; text: CR H5245-5246) An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 110-703 to provide that none of the funds may be used to employ workers in violation of section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act; require the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on ways to streamline compliance with National Historic Preservation Act requirements for federally funded railroad infrastructure projects; insert provisions regarding the Northeast Corridor; require studies regarding the expansion of the South Central High-Speed Rail Corridor to Memphis and to far south Texas; require proposals for building station stops for the proposed high-speed rail system in the Northeast Corridor; authorize intercity passenger rail grants to be used for bicycle access into rolling stock and would provide bicycle racks in trains and make technical corrections to the bill.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1078 Amendment (A002) offered by Mr. Davis, Tom. (consideration: CR H5249-5254, H5261-5263; text: CR H5249-5250, H5261-5262) Amendment to authorize the Transportation Secretary to make grants to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to finance in part the capital and preventive maintenance projects included in the Capital Improvement Program approved by the Board of Directors of the Transit Authority; and prohibit funds to the Transit Authority unless the Authority ensures its rail customers have access to any services provided by any licensed wireless provider that notifies the Authority of its intent to offer services to the public.
06/11/2008 - DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1253, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on the Oberstar amendment.
06/11/2008 - H.AMDT.1079 Amendment (A003) offered by Mr. Smith (WA). (consideration: CR H5254-5255; text: CR H5254-5255) Amendment to require Amtrak to engage in good faith discussions, with commuter rail entities and public transportation authorities operating on the same trackage owned by a rail carrier as Amtrak, with respect to routing and timing of trains to efficiently move a maximal number of commuters, intercity, and passenger rail passengers, particularly during peak times of commuter usage. The amendment would also require such discussion with respect to the expansion and enhancement of commuter rail and regional rail public transportation service.
06/10/2008 - Rule H. Res. 1253 passed House.
06/09/2008 - Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1253 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6003 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure now printed in the bill.
06/05/2008 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation. H. Rept. 110-690.
06/05/2008 - Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 434.
05/22/2008 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
05/22/2008 - Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
05/20/2008 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
05/20/2008 - Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .
05/09/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
05/08/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
05/08/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E875-876)