19486 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 14 September 17, 2008 motion offered by the gentlewoman days within which to revise and extend Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of from California (Ms. RICHARDSON) that their remarks and include additional my time. the House suspend the rules and pass materials on House Concurrent Resolu- Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield the Senate bill, S. 996. tion 408. myself such time as I may consume. The question was taken; and (two- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Mr. Speaker, I support this resolu- thirds being in the affirmative) the objection to the request of the gentle- tion recognizing North Platte, Ne- rules were suspended and the Senate woman from Florida? braska, as ‘‘Rail Town USA.’’ bill was passed. There was no objection. North Platte is home to Bailey Yard, A motion to reconsider was laid on Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. recognized by the Guinness Book of the table. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much World Records as the world’s largest f time as I may consume. railroad classification yard. Mr. Speaker, we are seeing a rebirth At Bailey Yard, as was pointed out RECOGNIZING NORTH PLATTE, of the passenger and freight rail indus- by the gentlelady, an astounding 10,000 NEBRASKA, AS ‘‘RAIL TOWN USA’’ try in this country, and it couldn’t rail cars a day are sorted and put to- Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. come soon enough. This week, Congress gether in trains that move freight all Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the is working on legislation that will help across this country. These trains are rules and agree to the concurrent reso- provide solutions to the energy crisis loaded with commodities that keep our lution (H. Con. Res. 408) recognizing this Nation is facing. One sure way to economy going, ranging everywhere North Platte, Nebraska, as ‘‘Rail Town do this is to increase the use of pas- from groceries to building supplies, USA’’. senger and freight rail. from coal to new automobiles. The The Clerk read the title of the con- The only current mode of transpor- yard is home to over 2,600 hardworking current resolution. tation that is greener than rail is your railroad employees. And Bailey Yard The text of the concurrent resolution sneakers. Freight rail has made major covers 2,850,000 acres containing 315 is as follows: gains in fuel efficiency through train- miles of track. H. CON. RES. 408 ing and improved locomotive tech- The Union Pacific Railroad, Madam Whereas the community of North Platte, nology. A single intermodal train can Speaker, has invested heavily in Bailey Nebraska, in western Nebraska is located at take up to 280 trucks off of the high- Yard, over $100 million in the modern the convergence of the North and South ways. Today, one gallon of diesel fuel area. This kind of investment in rail Platte Rivers and possesses a rich and vi- can move a ton of freight an average of infrastructure is exactly what this brant history; 414 miles, a 76 percent improvement country needs to keep our economy Whereas the railroad has played a signifi- since 1980. cant role in the history of the community; strong. Whereas, on January 2, 1867, main line op- Passenger rail ability to reduce con- Railroads are a very important com- erations officially commenced in North gestion is well known, with ridership ponent of our Nation’s transportation Platte, Nebraska; numbers increasing steadily each year. infrastructure and we should continue Whereas trains were vital during our coun- One full passenger train can take up to to support the rail industry. try’s war efforts, transporting troops, equip- 250–350 cars off of the road. In that spirit, I urge passage of H. ment, and supplies across the country; Passenger rail also consumes less en- Con. Res. 408, honoring North Platte’s Whereas during World War II hundreds of ergy than both automobiles and com- contribution to our country’s economic citizens from North Platte, Nebraska, assem- mercial airlines. Every industrialized bled at the local depot to greet troops pass- vitality. ing through town by train and provide sol- country in the world is already using Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- diers with food, coffee, and gifts; high-speed rail to effectively move citi- ance of my time. zens in an environmentally friendly Whereas for 54 months between 1941 and b 1600 1946, millions of troops found a small bit of way. Sadly, the United States used to comfort when their trains stopped in North be the leader in rail; now we’re the ca- Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Platte, Nebraska; boose, and they don’t even use cabooses Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance Whereas at the war’s peak 3,000 to 5,000 anymore. Fortunately, we will be of my time. personnel were greeted daily, with North changing that with the upcoming pas- Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I Platte, Nebraska, sometimes hosting up to 20 would like to recognize Mr. ADRIAN trains a day; sage of the Amtrak Reauthorization Whereas Bailey Yard in North Platte, Ne- bill. SMITH who is the original cosponsor, braska, is the largest railroad classification Today, we celebrate the contribu- the primary sponsor of this legislation. yard in the world; tions of our Nation’s rail once again by I yield him as much time as he may Whereas Bailey Yard covers 2,850 acres, recognizing North Platte, Nebraska, as consume. reaching a total length of 8 miles, and con- ‘‘Rail Town, USA.’’ Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Thank you, tains 315 miles of track; North Platte has a long and storied I appreciate that. Whereas every 24 hours, Bailey Yard han- history as a railroad town. During First I would like to thank Chairman dles 10,000 railroad cars; and World War II, North Platte hosted up OBERSTAR, Chairwoman BROWN, Rank- Whereas Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte, Nebraska, offers railroad-spe- to 20 trains full of soldiers each day, ing Member MICA and Ranking Member cific courses in order to enhance student and today is home to the Bailey Yard, SHUSTER for their support of this reso- preparation for possible employment in the which is considered the largest rail lution. As you’ve heard, this resolution railroad discipline: Now, therefore, be it classification yard in the world, han- would recognize North Platte, Ne- Resolved by the House of Representatives (the dling 10,000 railroad cars each day. braska, as Rail Town USA. North Senate concurring), That Congress recognizes From 1941–1946, more than six million Platte is a thriving community of over North Platte, Nebraska, as ‘‘Rail Town service men and women were greeted 25,000 people possessing a rich history USA’’. by North Platte volunteers who pro- dating back to before it was organized The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- vided food, needed supplies and hospi- as a city in 1874. ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from tality to the World War II veterans and Today North Platte is home to Bai- Florida (Ms. CORRINE BROWN) and the provided care baskets to wounded sol- ley Yard, owned and operated by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. GRAVES) diers returning home. Union Pacific Railroad. Bailey Yard is each will control 20 minutes. I want to commend Congressman the largest rail classification yard in The Chair recognizes the gentle- SMITH for this legislation and thank the world. Every 24 hours, Bailey Yard woman from Florida. the town of North Platte, Nebraska, for handles 10,000 railroad cars and an av- GENERAL LEAVE the contributions to our brave soldiers erage of 135 trains bound for cities as Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. during World War II. distant as the east, west, and gulf Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent I urge Members to support this reso- coasts of America, as well as the Cana- that all Members have 5 legislative lution. dian and Mexican borders.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 08:08 Mar 22, 2011 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17SE8.002 H17SE8 WReier-Aviles on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 14 19487 In addition to the current impor- other places, but this rail yard specifi- America’s energy crisis. This is as un- tance of the railroad to North Platte, cally, and there are thousands of work- fortunate as it is injurious. America the community and railroad also share ers, specifically many workers associ- has an energy crisis. It also has rep- a storied past of goodwill during World ated with the United Transportation resentative institutions who seek to War II. For 54 months between 1941 and Union, who are employed with good deal with this problem, so the proc- 1946, millions of troops found a small jobs contributing to the energy supply esses put forward, so that the voices of bit of comfort when their trains of our Nation. our constituents could be heard, so stopped in North Platte. One December I only hope that we can come up with that true compromise could be found. day, word spread that Company D of a policy that is more friendly to clean And yet in Rail Town Washington, Nebraska’s National Guard was going coal. And this can help all of us. This what have we seen as a result? A sham to travel through North Platte later provides jobs for those in middle Amer- energy bill sent to a Democratic Sen- that morning. As it does in close-knit ica. But more than that, it provides a ate by a Democratic House, and a pro- communities, word traveled rapidly. stimulus package, if you will, that is nunciation from a Democratic Senator Though the train was scheduled to ar- through more affordable energy. herself was that the bill was dead on rive mid-morning, no train had arrived Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. arrival. What we do today is important by 4:30 p.m. Shortly thereafter, the Once again I want to add that for bet- to recognize Rail Town USA. But as nearly 500 people who had gathered to ter than 4 years, day in and day out, the gentlelady pointed out, what Amer- show support for their fellow Nebras- over 50,000 people contributed food, icans can do and the challenges they kans were instead surprised to find the money and efforts to one of the proud- can transcend acting together is what train loaded with troops from Kansas. est moments in our history during truly makes North Platte, Nebraska, Though not their expected native sons World War II. Day in and day out, from Rail Town USA, because it shows what, and daughters, the Nebraskans gath- early in the morning until the last in a time of crisis, people coming to- ered would not let these brave young train would leave at night, between gether for the common good, sincerely men travel on without knowing they 2,000 and 5,000 soldiers and sailors and earnestly, putting forth the effort were supported and honored. They were would be fed nearly 200 loaves of bread, can accomplish. We could well learn offered food, coffee and gifts, just as if 100 pounds of meat, 50 pounds of coffee and emulate their efforts. And yet we they were Nebraska’s own. and over 100 quarts of milk. More than do not. Rae Wilson, in fact, a sister to one of 300 organizations made sandwiches, In this time where Americans are the troops from Nebraska, took it upon boiled eggs, fried chicken and baked suffering, they should expect no less herself to write a letter to the local cakes and pies. The war wounded were from their servants in Congress than to paper suggesting that citizens gather provided with razors, canes, tooth- do this. Because to do anything else is for all trains of troops passing through brushes and care baskets to make their to diminish not only ourselves as your North Platte. On December 22, 1941, a return home a welcome one. One of the servants, if that were possible in this canteen committee was organized, and most famous residents of North Platte Democratic Congress, but it diminishes Rae was chosen as chairwoman. Just 3 was Colonel William F. Cody, best the institution itself as a beacon of days later, the canteen officially known as Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill representative democracy for all the opened its doors from 5 a.m. to mid- made North Platte his home for more world. night, all volunteers. During its busiest than 30 years. Critically, I think we can change period, the canteen would be open 24 Today North Platte is the home of this. I think there is still time that we hours a day, again, all volunteers hon- Bailey Yard and operated by Union Pa- could learn from the people of North oring the troops. cific Railroad. It is considered the larg- Platte, Nebraska, and their worthy his- Before Union Pacific switched to die- est rail classification yard in the tory, that we still have time to come sel-electric power, North Platte was a world. Every 24 hours, Bailey Yard han- together. And if we do not come to- designated servicing point. While the dles over 10,000 railroad cars. Bailey gether before this Congress adjourns, a trains were being serviced, soldiers vis- Yard handles daily an average of 135 relatively short period of time, I sug- ited the canteen. At the war’s peak, trains bound for cities as far distant as gest we make a commitment to each 3,000 to 5,000 personnel were greeted the east, west and gulf coasts of Amer- other, like the people of North Platte, daily with North Platte sometimes ica, as well as the Canadian and Mexi- Nebraska. Let us tell the American hosting up to 20 trains a day. In fact, can borders. people that until this energy crisis of these volunteers from 125 communities I really want to be one of the ones to our time is solved, until their servants in and around the State contributed offer congratulations and our thanks in the United States Congress come to- with donations of time, money, sup- as a grateful people to North Platte. gether on a truly bipartisan bill that plies, food and smiles. More than 6 mil- I reserve the balance of my time. can be signed into law and relieve your lion service men and women who trav- Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I pain at the pump and guarantee Amer- eled through Nebraska during World would yield such time as he may con- ican energy and security, we will stay War II were greeted by the North sume to the gentleman from Michigan here. We will serve the full time that Platte Canteen. A total of $137,000, and (Mr. MCCOTTER). you elected us to work in this Chamber more than that in cash, was contrib- Mr. MCCOTTER. The joys of a segue. on your behalf. Because to leave here uted to the canteen over its operation. It’s right in this time to concede that and go play politics while the Amer- Today the effort of the North Platte despite Republicans over the course of ican people suffer is not worthy of this Canteen during World War II is still a August talking about the Democratic institution, and it is certainly not wor- source of pride within the community majority taking a 5-week paid vaca- thy of the example set forward by the and throughout Nebraska. And the tion, that we do recognize when this in- people of North Platte, Nebraska, Rail town’s relationship with the railroad stitution has acted with due alacrity. Town USA. continues to be recognized as an impor- Today we have before us the oppor- Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. tant part of North Platte’s history. tunity to name North Platte, Ne- Madam Speaker, how much time re- I would like to elaborate, Madam braska, Rail Town USA. We could not mains on both sides, please? Speaker, that today, as we look at the have done so at a better time, because The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. canteen issues and the railroad in gen- jumping into the competition for the BALDWIN). The gentlewoman from Flor- eral, we know that North Platte, the coveted title of Rail Town USA is ida controls 15 remaining minutes, and railroad and the Bailey Yard contrib- Washington, D.C. the gentleman from Missouri controls uted significantly to our energy sup- This week we have seen a bill drafted 101⁄2 remaining minutes. ply, with coal trains coming through in the dead of night, sent to this floor Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. from the coal fields of Wyoming. They and rubber-stamped by the Democratic Madam Speaker, I don’t want the peo- come through Nebraska and many majority and proclaimed to solve ple at home to get confused. Today we

VerDate Mar 15 2010 08:08 Mar 22, 2011 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17SE8.002 H17SE8 WReier-Aviles on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 19488 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 14 September 17, 2008 are honoring the people of North Platte. North Platte is one big rail fa- This weekend, North Platte is celebrating its Platte, USA, for their major contribu- cility, a big rail facility out in Ne- railroading heritage at Rail Fest, where tion as far as rail is concerned. But I braska. Obviously ADRIAN is doing a attendees will get the chance to see historic think that there is no stronger bill fantastic job for his area. I want to rail cars and locomotives, tour Bailey Yard, more that we can do in this Congress thank the gentlelady. She has a lot of learn about each job in the rail yard through than to pass the Amtrak bill. I want to heart, and she is one of my favorite actual hands-on training, learn about railroad be clear. I mention that Congress is people in Congress. safety, and learn more about the history of working on legislation that would pro- I yield back the balance of my time. railroading in North Platte. vide solutions to the energy crisis. And b 1615 Madam Speaker, I congratulate North Platte the solution, in my opinion, is not just for their successes and urge my colleagues to Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. In drilling. That is one of the comprehen- closing, once again let’s thank the peo- join me in agreeing to H. Con. Res. 480, rec- sive proposals. ple of North Platte for what they have ognizing North Platte, Nebraska, as ‘‘Rail But the major solution to our prob- done during World War II. Also, as we Town USA’’. lem in this country as far as energy is Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. move forward in discussing energy, we concerned is not just to provide drill- Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- need comprehensive energy. One thing ing off the Florida coast. It is also to ance of my time. that was missing was coal. We have The SPEAKER pro tempore. The provide rail service. We, in this coun- enough coal in this country for 600 question is on the motion offered by try, as I say over and over and over years. I know that burning coal some- the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. again, are the caboose. The caboose. times pollutes the air, but any country CORRINE BROWN) that the House sus- And we don’t use cabooses in trains that can go to the moon, we can come pend the rules and agree to the concur- anymore. I went from downtown Paris up with a way to burn coal and not be rent resolution, H. Con. Res. 408. to downtown Brussels, over 200 miles, 1 dependent. hour and 15 minutes, downtown Bar- So we need a comprehensive ap- The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the celona to downtown Madrid, 300 miles, proach to energy. The answer is not 1 opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in 2 ⁄2 hours. That is the future of our just drilling. We need comprehensive in the affirmative, the ayes have it. country. We have to move people, approaches to dealing with our moving Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I ob- goods and services, if we are going to people, goods and services so we can be ject to the vote on the ground that a be competitive with the rest of the competitive with our competition. quorum is not present and make the world. Our competition is moving. We Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, I rise in point of order that a quorum is not need to move America and to under- support of H. Con. Res. 408, recognizing present. stand the solution to the problem is North Platte, Nebraska, as ‘‘Rail Town USA.’’ not by drilling and drilling alone. North Platte has a rich tradition of rail- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- I reserve the balance of my time. roading. The Union Pacific Railroad flrst en- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, be- tered North Platte on December 3, 1866, as Chair’s prior announcement, further fore I close, I want to thank the railroads were building into the West and just proceedings on this motion will be gentlelady from Florida for pointing one month later, on January 2, 1867, main postponed. out that passing Amtrak or Amtrak line operations began through the city of North The point of no quorum is considered rail service is very important. It is ex- Platte. withdrawn. tremely important to be able to move During World War II, the city was best f people around in a much more efficient known for the North Platte Canteen, which JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER way. And I might remind the served as a major rest point for soldiers head- REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2008 gentlelady that Amtrak depends on one ing across the country by rail to fight in the Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of thing, and that is diesel fuel. And you war. The people of North Platte famously Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to sus- can’t have diesel fuel if you don’t have brought food, water, and other necessities to pend the rules and concur in the Sen- drilling. As long as we are dependent more than 6 million members of the armed ate amendment to the bill (H.R. 3986) on nations such as Saudi Arabia and forces passing through the city. such as Venezuela, we’re going to be Today, North Platte is served only by freight to amend the John F. Kennedy Center continually at their mercy when it trains, but it is home to one of the most impor- Act to authorize appropriations for the comes to getting those resources. But tant rail yards in the world. The Bailey Yard, John F. Kennedy Center for the Per- we have to have drilling to have diesel named after former Union Pacific President Ed forming Arts, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. fuels to have trains on the track. It is Bailey, is now recognized by the Guinness The text of the Senate amendment is all interconnected, and it’s all very im- Book of Records as the world’s largest classi- as follows: portant. fication yard. It sits on 2,850 acres of land in The gentlelady is exactly right. Rail North Platte, is 8 miles long, and is home to Senate amendment: service in this country can do a whole Strike out all after the enacting clause and 315 miles of track. insert: lot toward taking vehicles off the road. Bailey Yard prepares approximately 135 And bringing our rail service back in SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. trains, or 10,000 individual rail cars, each day, This Act may be cited as the ‘‘John F. Ken- this country I think is a very worthy shipping home products, food, coal, lumber, nedy Center Reauthorization Act of 2008’’. goal for the United States. Moving as and many other necessary goods destined for SEC. 2. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT. much goods and people by rail, I think, every corner of the country. Section 2(a)(2)(J)(ii) of the John F. Kennedy just makes it more efficient. North Platte’s contribution to the rail industry Center Act (20 U.S.C. 76h(a)(2)(J)(ii)) is amend- I mentioned before that every single increased in the 1990s when Bailey Yard ed by striking ‘‘Public Works and Transpor- thing in this country moves. It’s either added east- and west-bound locomotive fuel- tation’’ and inserting ‘‘Transportation and In- by train or by plane or by ship or by ing and servicing centers that now handle frastructure’’. barge or by pipeline or by truck or by more than 8,500 locomotives per month. SEC. 3. PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM. car. But every single thing in this Railroads are often considered a barometer The John F. Kennedy Center Act is amended country moves. And every person in of the American economy. When trains are by inserting after section 6 (20 U.S.C. 76l) the this country moves. And when we get moving—America is moving. To watch cars following: more efficient and put them on a train, pass through Bailey Yard is to see America ‘‘SEC. 7. PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM. we need diesel fuel. And the only way moving forward, and the people of North ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Board may study, we are going to get diesel fuel is to Platte are at the center of Bailey Yard’s suc- plan, design, engineer, and construct a photo- voltaic system for the main roof of the John F. have more oil production in the United cess: more than 2,600 residents of North Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. States and be able to refine it. Platte work at Bailey Yard, which makes up ‘‘(b) REPORT.—Not later than 60 days before I appreciate what the gentlelady has more than 10 percent of North Platte’s popu- beginning construction of the photovoltaic sys- done today, particularly with North lation of 23,878. tem pursuant to subsection (a), the Board shall

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