Amtrak Improvement Act

Summary

Amtrak Improvement Act - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to authorize appropriations for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation for fiscal year 1979. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with the Corporation, to develop a preliminary recommendation for a route system for the Corporation which will provide an optional intercity railroad passenger system based on current and future market and population requirements. Specifies considerations which the Secretary is to consider in formulating such recommendations and specifies provisions to be included in such report. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to conduct public hearings on the Secretary's recommendations and to submit its findings to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to thoroughly consider such material in developing a final recommended route system for the Corporation. Directs the Secretary to submit final recommendations for such basic route system to both Houses of Congress and specified congressional committees. Stipulates that such final recommendations shall be deemed approved only by the adoption by both Houses of a resolution approving such recommendations. Directs the Corporation after such approval to complete the implementation of the basic route system as soon as possible. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to establish maximum travel times between points in the Northeast Corridor. Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to develop economical and reliable rolling stock and related equipment designed to be compatible with the track, and operating and marketing characteristics of the Northeast Corridor. Amends the Animal Welfare Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to exempt from the requirements of such Act, the transportation of cats and dogs in passenger rail service if the transportation substantially complies with such Act and will result in an increase in reliable and humane transport service for such animals. Directs the Postal Service to utilize the services of the Corporation in the surface transportation of mail so long as it would not result in a deterioration of mail services or increase in cost to the Federal Government. Authorizes the Corporation, notwithstanding the pendency of the route reexamination pursuant to this Act, to contract with a railroad filing a notice of discontinuance to continue such train operations. Stipulates that the Corporation shall not be subject to any State or local law with respect to the construction, maintenance, or repair of structures carrying public roads. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission in determining the compensation to be paid by the Corporation to other railroads or public transportation agencies for track or facility usage to limit such compensation to the avoidable costs of permitting the Corporation to use the railroad's or agency's tracks or facilities.

This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.

Timeline

1. 13 March 1978

   Introduced

   Referred to House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 13 March 1978

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 13 March 1978

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   Source: IntroReferral

4. 15 May 1978

   Reported

   Reported to House from the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce with amendment, H. Rept. 95-1182.

   Source: Committee

5. 15 May 1978

   Reported

   Reported to House from the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce with amendment, H. Rept. 95-1182.

   Source: Committee

6. 21 June 1978

   Floor

   Measure called up by special rule in House.

   Source: Floor

7. 23 June 1978

   Floor

   Measure considered in House.

   Source: Floor

8. 23 June 1978

   Vote

   Measure passed House, amended, roll call #491 (204-89).

   Source: Floor

9. 23 June 1978

   Vote

   Passed/agreed to in House: Measure passed House, amended, roll call #491 (204-89).

   Source: Floor

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

No version snapshots stored. Document URLs remain at the source.

Documents

2 official files

• Passed House amended

  summary · EN · 23 June 1978

  Open at official source

• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 13 March 1978

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Rep. Staggers, Harley O. [D-WV-2] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Moss, John E. [D-CA-3] · D · Cosponsor
• Rep. Dingell, John D. [D-MI-16] · D · Cosponsor
• Rep. Rogers, Paul G. [D-FL-11] · D · Cosponsor
• Rep. Rooney, Fred B. [D-PA-15] · D · Cosponsor
• Rep. Murphy, John M. [D-NY-17] · D · Cosponsor
• Rep. Carney, Charles J. [D-OH-19] · D · Cosponsor
• Rep. Metcalfe, Ralph H. [D-IL-1] · D · Cosponsor
• · hsif00 · Standing

Related records

• related to → A resolution providing for the consideration of the bill H.R. 11493 to amend the Rail Passenger Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for an additional fiscal year, to provide for public consideration and implementation of a rail passenger service study, and for other purposes.
• related to ← Amtrak Improvement Act of 1978