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Congress is considering a major piece of legislation (H.R. 2847) that will include additional one-time investments aimed at creating more jobs. The House Democratic leadership’s measure, dubbed “Jobs for Main Street,” contains $48 billion for transportation, including $8.4 billion for transit and $800 million for Amtrak (partially earmarked for the purchase of more fuel-efficient locomotives). It also makes passenger and freight rail eligible for $27.5 billion in “Highway Infrastructure Investment” funds. The House passed the measure on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009; the Senate is likely to vote on in the week of February 8.

These transportation investment levels are similar to the amounts provided earlier this year in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Another measure that that cleared both chambers extends current authorized funding levels for the core federal highway and transit programs for another 60 days.

TAKE ACTION!  Make your voice heard in Washington!

Tell both your Senators to support the robust funding for rail transportation contained in H.R. 2847. 

You can access your Members’ webpages by going to the Senate website and choosing your state from the drop-down menu.  The House website asks for your zip code to be taken to your Representative’s page.

You can also call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for any Member of Congress’s office.

Dear Senator _________:

As your constituent, I want to make sure that the next major economic recovery legislation not only creates jobs, but at the same time makes prudent investments in a better transportation system. Specifically, I urge you to support swift Senate passage of the additional funds for safe, efficient passenger trains and rail transit contained in the measure the House passed on December 16th (H.R. 2847). Not only does this bill provide an additional infusion of badly-needed capital for Amtrak ($800 million) and transit systems across the country ($8.4 billion), it also (like the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) gives state transportation departments the option of spending part of $27.5 billion in “highway” funds on rail infrastructure.

A stimulus that leaves our country with the same broken system of congested, unsafe highways and crowded airports will only lead to increased costs, in terms of both time and money as gasoline prices and air fares rise, not to mention the lives claimed by a growing number of auto accidents. Americans deserve a real choice in how to get around: the choice of fast, frequent, comfortable, reliable and affordable passenger trains. Please continue the push to give passenger rail systems the resources they need to expand and improve their services, which will both create jobs and reduce oil consumption.

Thank you for your attention. Please let me know how you intend to act on this matter.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Your Address

Several NARP members have asked why we do not offer the “free email and fax service” that some other non-profit groups provide.  Please read this article from the Washington Post that discusses these services’ ineffectiveness.  Although it takes a bit more effort, making phone calls and going through Members’ websites (links we provide above) will ensure that your message is heard and documented.

A couple of pointers to maximize the effectiveness of your message:

• When writing elected officials, keep your message brief (one page or 4-5 E-mail paragraphs) and to the point (talk about only one issue at a time).
• While E-mail is convenient, many offices are overwhelmed with E-mail correspondence; especially spam.  For optimum effectiveness, fax is the best way to communicate with your legislators.  Don’t discount E-mail, but don’t be surprised if you do not receive a response.  Send all U.S. Mail to district offices, not Washington, D.C.  Anthrax/poison screening is still in effect.
• Refrain from insults!  Anger accomplishes nothing
• If you choose to call, you will likely speak with the elected official’s legislative aide for transportation
• Offer to follow up a phone call with a fax or E-mail with more details
• Let the NARP office know if you receive a response with incorrect information and the NARP staff will contact them!

Informational Resources

NARP Pushes The Facts.  Home of our “Amtrak Fact Check” and other resources you can use to get the truth out about Amtrak.  Includes the 2006 Fact Check and a list of key Congressional offices.

Passenger Rail Funding & Statistics and other Advocacy Tools...data about specific services, ridership, and other benefits of rail travel.

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