The most popular programs for the Railroads Tag http://www.c-spanvideo.org/browse?topic=244 en-US Copyright 2013, National Cable Satellite Corporation info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mon, 20 May 2013 14:05:11 GMT Witnesses testified on the Obama administration's high-speed rail program. California Representatives Janice Hahn (D) and Kevin McCarthy (R) testified before the committee about California's high speed rail program, on which they disagreed. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood also focused on California as he testified about the management of the administration's program, the status of rail projects, and ways the program can be improved. Other officials, including from other states, also testified. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/309819-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/309819-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT President Obama and Vice President Obama spoke at a town hall meeting at the University of Tampa Bob Martinez Sports Center. In his remarks he vowed to rebuild an economy in which "businesses are hiring again." He also talked about his $8 billion proposal for high-speed rail grants. Following his remarks he responded to audience members' questions. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/291702-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/291702-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Bain discussed his book [Empire Express: Building the First Transcontinental Railroad], published by Viking Press. The book describes the political maneuverings as well as the entrepreneurial spirit that created the transcontinental railroad that opened the West to mass settlement by joining two rail lines near Salt Lake City, Utah in 1869. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/155004-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/155004-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Richard White presented a history of the operation of the transcontinental railroads. In his book the author recounts the social and economic impact the transcontinental railroads had on the way Americans lived as they opened the country to westward expansion and the sizable impact the railroads had on the economic and political landscape of the Gilded Age. Professor White was interviewed by Professor Kennedy and also responded to questions submitted by members of the audience. "Myths about the Transcontinental Railroad and the Building of the American West" was a June 8, 2011, program at the Commonwealth Club of California, in association with the California Historical Society. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/300423-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/300423-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Architectural historian Barry Lewis talked about the history of Pennsylvania Station, from its development in the early 1900s, through its demolition and remodeling of its remaining below-ground sections in the 1960s. The New York Historical Society hosted this talk. New York City's Pennsylvania Station opened in 1910 and was the first all-electric, long-distance train station in America. The noted architecture firm of McKim, Mead and White designed the building, which was widely considered a Beaux Arts masterpiece. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/309730-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/309730-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT President Obama, Vice President Biden, and Transportation Secretary LaHood spoke to reporters and answered questions about efforts to build a national high-speed rail system. The administration's plan included $13 billion in federal money for a "down payment" on creating speedier passenger train service between major hubs across the country. They also emphasized the plan's potential benefits to employment and the environment. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/285318-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/285318-2 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Ambrose talked about his book, [Nothing Like It in the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad, 1863-1869], published by Simon and Schuster. The book chronicles the story of the planning and effort that went into connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts by rail. After his prepared remarks, he answered questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/159024-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/159024-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Walter Borneman talked about his book [Rival Rails: The Race to Build America's Greatest Transcontinental Railroad]. Before the Civil War the most logical route for the planned transcontinental railroad was across the southern plains and the Southwest. For reasons more political than economic, the more northerly route was selected, and the two strands were joined at Promontory Point, Utah, in 1868. Then the competition began for the rights to build a web of lines across the southern, less snowy, route and a shorter link between the growing cities of Los Angeles and Chicago. He showed slides during his presentation, and afterward responded to questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/299159-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/299159-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Edward Renehan, Jr., talked about his biography [Commodore: The Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt], published by Basic Books. In his book he recounts the life of Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877), who built his fortune on the development of transportation systems and became synomous with American business. His wealth was historic as upon his death his fortune in today's dollars would have surpassed that of Bill Gates. Mr. Vanderbilt's many business interests included the creation of the first largescale integrated rail system. He was also a principal in the historic Supreme Court case [Gibbons v. Ogden] which established the supremacy of the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Consitution. Edward Renehan presented his book in the Carriage House of the Lyndhurst estate, a National Trust for Historic Preservation site in Tarrytown, New York, which was the home of Vanderbilt's competitor, railroad magnate Jay Gould. Mr. Rehehan answered questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/202322-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/202322-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT A hearing was held on the report of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission which was created by Congress in 2005 to examine the condition and future needs of the nation's surface transportation system and to review the use of the fuel tax as the principal revenue source to support the Highway Trust Fund. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/203684-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/203684-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Representatives from Amtrak and the United Transportation Union testified on the status of a structural reorganization plan for the passenger rail service. Ted Alves reported that Amtrak had or was in the process of implementing several of changes, such as human capital management and food and beverage programs. He said that the company was focused on operating more like a profit-making business, and that Amtrak had improved its invoice review process and recovered over $20 million in overpayments in 2012. Republican committee members spoke of Amtrak's heavy dependence on government subsidies and stressed the need for efficiency. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/309653-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/309653-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Joseph Boardman talked about Amtrak, its future, funding, ridership, and potential for growth. He also responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/300087-6 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/300087-6 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Casey Dinges explained the American Society of Civil Engineers' 2013 report card on the state of U.S. infrastructure. The group gave the country a "D+," up from a "D" in their previous report. The report covered 16 infrastructure categories, including roads, bridges, drinking water systems, ports, mass transit, and the electric grid. Mr. Dinges also responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. Bobbi Jackson read news headlines from C-SPAN Radio at the end of the program. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/311868-4 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/311868-4 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Witnesses testified about proposed fiscal 2011 appropriations for rail transportation programs and activities. They focused on the Obama administration's budget request for the Federal Rail Administration (FRA) safety program, the status of the new high-speed rail program, Amtrak's funding needs, and FRA's mandate that freight railroads use positive train control to improve safety. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/293244-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/293244-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Sarah Gordon was interviewed about her book, [Passage to Union: How the Railroads Transformed American Life, 1829-1929], published by Ivan R. Dee. The book chronicles the history of the first 100 years of the American railroad system. Ms. Gordon detailed the effect train travel had on the rural economy and the lives of ordinary citizens. Ms. Gordon, a high school history teacher, discussed her lifelong love of railroads, which led to the writing of the book. She said that the burgeoning of the railroads, especially passenger travel, was symbolic of the change to a mass American culture from a more individualistic one. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/78480-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/78480-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee held hearing on proposed fiscal 2012 appropriations for departments, programs and agencies under its jurisdiction. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/299561-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/299561-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Witnesses spoke about proposals to create infrastructure banks. The banks would invest in large infrastructure projects with significant national or regional economic benefits, such as roads, airports, levees, and drinking water systems. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/293490-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/293490-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Witnesses testified about proposals to establish high-speed rail lines. Among the issues they addressed were the high cost estimates associated with the proposals, environmental and economic benefits of high-speed rail lines, and improvements needed to coordinate federal and state efforts to create high-speed rail corridors. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287221-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287221-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Witnesses testified about threats to rail security focusing on recent threats from al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. John Pistole also talked about actions TSA took in response to the Osama bin Laden operation which uncovered a potential plot to derail American trains. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/300028-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/300028-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Transit officials testified about budget concerns and funding needs of transit agencies to ensure their systems remain safe, efficient and modern. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/288218-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/288218-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Dirk Wales talked about his book [The Further Adventures of a Lucky Dog: Owney, U.S. Rail Mail Mascot] (Great Plains Press; September 15, 2009). Owney was a stray dog who became an unofficial mascot of the Railway Mail Service and the Railway Post Office in the 1890s. Owney traveled on train trips across the U.S. and around the world. Mr. Wales talked about efforts to have a stamp made in Owney's honor. He explained how after writing his first book about Owney he learned even more about his adventures. The illustrations from his book were projected as he told the story. He also responded to questions. Mr. Wales spoke to children about Owney and his adventures on the annual "Owney Day" at the U.S. Postal Museum in Washington, D.C. Writer and film director Dirk Wales is the author of [A Lucky Dog: Owney, U.S. Rail Mail Mascot] and [Jack London's Dog]. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/288650-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/288650-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Transportation and train expert Fred Friedman talked about the history and significance of trains in New Mexico. There were at least 16 railroad properties in New Mexico in the 1880s. He talked about the people integral to the expansion, the Santa Fe Trail, as well as trains today and plans for future expansions. He also looked at maps housed at the Fray Angelico Chavez History Library that show the railroad lines that ran through New Mexico and how they changed the state. C-SPAN's Local Content Vehicles (LCVs) made a stop in their "2013 LCV Cities Tour" in Santa Fe, New Mexico to feature the history and literary life of the community.*Working with the Comcast Cable local affiliate, they visited literary and historic sites where local historians, authors, and civic leaders were interviewed.*The history segments air on American History TV (AHTV) on C-SPAN3 and the literary events/non-fiction author segments air on BookTV on C-SPAN2. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/310648-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/310648-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Daniel Toomey toured the the historic roundhouse building of the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. The museum was marking the 150th anniversary of the Civil War with the ongoing exhibit "The War Came by Train." http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/312190-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/312190-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Witnesses testified on the future of high-speed rail in the transportation infrastructure of the Northeastern United States, which includes Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/309930-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/309930-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Transportation officials testified on national rail infrastructure and the needs of public and private users of the system. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/295485-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/295485-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Witnesses from FedEx, Norfolk Southern, the South Carolina Ports Authority, Werner Enterprises, and the AFL-CIOtestified on the future of freight transportation. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/312350-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/312350-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT American History TV visited the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad Museum to look at examples of historic railroad equipment, including stagecoaches and wagons used on the National Road, and the first diesel locomotive. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/312377-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/312377-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Art Guzzetti talked about the announcement from President Obama to invest $8 billion in high speed rail across the country. He talked about how the rail would be built and where. He also responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. Current political cartoons were shown at the end of the program. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/291790-4 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/291790-4 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Following introductory remarks by Secretary Ray LaHood and other officials, participants spoke about railroad manufacturing, the use of high-speed rail, and the potential impact of improved rail systems on the economy. Following panel presentations, panelists answered questions from the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290446-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290446-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Joseph Boardman talked about high-speed rails, congressional funding for Amtrak, and revenue the company generates from its passenger trains. Federal transportation leaders announced last week that the government is seeking contractors to build a $30-40 billion high-speed rail between Washington and New York. The line would be the first of a series of nationwide high-speed rail lines that the government is considering funding. Other rail lines would run the length of California and Florida and spread throughout the Midwest. Mr. Boardman responded to telephone calls and electronic mail. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/283027-4 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/283027-4 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Audio is unclear at certain points throughout this event. Mr. Tye talked about his book [Rising from the Rails: Pullman Porters and the Making of the Black Middle Class], published by Henry Holt and Company. He discussed the lives of the African-Americans who worked for the Pullman Company, which provided luxury sleeping cars for railroads. The book draws on in-depth interviews and oral histories from the surviving railroad workers and their families. Mr. Tye highlighted what he thinks are important legacies left by these Pullman porters. He explained that they formed the first black trade union, assisted in the civil rights movement, and paved the way for next generation of African Americans to be more successful. Mr. Tye also mentioned the struggles black porters went through. Two former Pullman employees share their own experiences. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/183046-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/183046-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Various officials talked about the tunnel under the English Channel, the "Chunnel," which will directly connect London to Paris and Brussels by rail. The trains will not only carry passengers, but also ferry automobiles and trucks under the channel. They also talked about all the development and maintenance problems of such a system. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61514-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61514-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Subcommittee on Railroads held a hearing on governance issues at Amtrak following the dismissal of former President and CEO David Gunn the previous week. Among the issues addressed were the scope of authority and current operations of Amtrak's Board of Directors, Mr. Gunn's performance to date, attempts to fully privatize operations of the company, and potential motivations for Mr. Gunn's firing. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/189931-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/189931-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Joseph Boardman talked about the financial condition of Amtrak, including the legislative status of federal appropriation funding, use and implementation of light-rail and other modernization capacities, and security.He responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290081-5 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290081-5 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Rush Loving talked about his book [The Men Who Loved Trains: The Story of Men Who Battled Greed to Save an Ailing Industry], published by Indiana University Press. He described boardroom battles and takeover wars in the U.S. railroad industry in the 20th century. He examined the competition and economic collapse of the railway industry and argued that managers sought to enhance their own personal wealth at the expense of their own corporations. He responded to questions from members of the audience. A nine-minute video was shown of Mr. Loving conducting a tour of the B&O Railroad Museum. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194611-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194611-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT In the first panel, witnesses testified about the problem of accidents at railroad grade crossings and discussed solutions. Pictures were shown of an Illinois accident in which a truck attempted to cross a railroad grade and was struck by a train. Ms. Molitoris talked about the plan that the administration had implemented to prevent railroad crossing accidents. In the second panel, witnesses talked about causes of railroad crossing accidents and discussed solutions. Ms. Hall talked about driver impatience and driver inattention which are the most serious problems with trying to education the public about railroad grade crossings. She discussed "Operation Lifesaver" which is an organization dedicated to educating the public about railroad crossing safety. Mr. Parker discussed the need for a standardized driving test that teaches people about railroad crossing dangers. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/122048-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/122048-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT A hearing was held on the proposed fiscal year 2009 budget for the Department of Transportation. Topics included aviation system modernization, the general infrastructure for bridges, roads and Amtrak, and provisions of the recently signed energy bill which included changes in fuel economy standards. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/204220-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/204220-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT After being introduced by several senators, Dr. Griffin answered questions about his qualifications to be the administrator of NASA. The nominee currently is head of the space department at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory. He said he was a wholehearted supporter of President Bush's exploration vision to return humans to the moon in the next 10 to 15 years and ultimately launch manned flights to Mars and beyond. The committee members listed tasks for the next NASA administrator including saving the Hubble telescope and speeding the delivery of a new manned space vehicle. A vote was scheduled for later in the day and approval was expected, with members saying it was urgent to get Mr. Griffin on the job before the planned launching next month of the first space shuttle mission since the Columbia broke up over Texas in February, 2003. The committee also heard testimony from Mr. Boardman, nominee for administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration; Nancy Nord, nominee for commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission; and William W. Cobey, Jr., nominee for member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/186260-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/186260-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission announced the release of its report, [Transportation for Tomorrow], a plan for modernizing the nation's highways, freight and passenger rail, transit, and trucking systems. The report included a study of the crumbling infrastructure and considered the future of the fuel tax, congestion, and freight. The commission recommended changes to policies, programs and funding mechanisms. After their presentations the commissioners answered reporters' questions. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/203627-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/203627-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Representative John Mica talked about the House debate on a $14.4 billion Amtrak reauthorization bill this week and responded to telephone calls and electronic mail. The House Rules Committee Monday met to formulate a rule on the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (HR 6003), a bill that will reauthorize Amtrak for the first time in 11 years. It includes a requirement for the Department of Transportation to take proposals from the private sector to finance, construct and operate high-speed rail for two-hour service between Washington and New York City. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/205560-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/205560-2 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT This program has complete audio. Due to technical difficulties there is no video for this program. Mr. Gunn talked about Amtrak operations and funding. The House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee was holding a hearing concerning federal funds for Amtrak. The Bush Administration had proposed stopping funding for Amtrak, while Amtrak itself had proposed a funding formula that called on Congress to pay off its $3.5 billion debt, among other things. He also responded to viewer comments and questions. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/186467-5 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/186467-5 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Witnesses testify about proposed appropriations for the Federal Railroad Administration National Railroad Passenger Corporation and Amtrak. Topics included the need for mass transportation, highway and air travel congestion, technological advances, rail safety, cost-saving proposals, public subsidies, maintenance, the separation of rail operations and infrastructure, and increasing the number of Amtrak riders. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/197377-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/197377-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT The subcommittee heard testimony from northeastern governors, CSX officials and others concerning the equal division of Conrail between CSX and Norfolk Southern. Witnesses testified about the impact of the buy out, both on Conrail employees and freight prices. Senator Warner testified in support of the merger. In January, Conrail shareholders rejected the CSX buy out plan forcing this alternative proposal to a joint buy out with Norfolk Southern. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/79830-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/79830-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Hankey discussed how the railroad influenced American society and some of the individuals who helped create it. He responded to audience telephone calls, faxes and electronic mail. Mr. Hager served as a guest host. This was the last week in a series on transportation. Last week Washington Journal focused on Henry Ford and cars, and the week before the guest talked about the Wright Brothers and flight. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/172091-4 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/172091-4 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Graham Claytor, president of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation and head of Amtrak, spoke to a National Press Club luncheon on the twentieth anniversary of Amtrak, the national passenger rail system. When Amtrak began, it inherited a number of crumbling, financially strapped railroad companies which were operating with huge deficits. Today, Amtrak boasts a record number of annual passenger miles, operates at only 23 percent of the annual loss of 1970, and aims to break even by the year 2000. Mr. Claytor discussed the beginnings and traced the history of Amtrak from 1970 until today. He said the most important initiative concerning Amtrak's beginnings was the provision that Amtrak was to become a for-profit private corporation, not a subsidiary of the Federal government. He also discussed the improved technology over the last twenty years, and predicted Amtrak's business would continue to improve as passengers turn away from air and automobile travel. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/17782-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/17782-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT HR 4250: A bill to authorize appropriations for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. HR 5482: A bill to revise and extend the programs of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. S 3174: A bill to make technical corrections to the International Banking Act of 1978. S 3175: A bill to improve the administrative provisions and make technical corrections in the National and Community Service Act of 1990. HR 2130: A bill to authorize appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for fiscal year 1992. HR 5623: A bill to waive the period of congressional review for certain District of Columbia Acts. HJR 492: A resolution to desginate the "Childhhood Cancer Month." S 3118: A bill to increase employment and business opportunities for Indians. S 2266: A bill to provide for the recovery of costs of supervision and regulation of investment advisers and their activities. HR 5688: A bill to amend title twenty-eight, United States Code, to authorize the appointment of additional bankruptcy judges. HCR 355: A resolution concerning Israel's recent elections and the visit by Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin to the United States. SR 335: A resolution to authorize documentary production in United States of America versus Caspar W. Weinberger. HR 5739: A bill to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States. S 2964: A bill to grant the consent of the Congress to a supplemental compact or agreement between between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey concerning the Delaware River Port Authority. SR 331: A bill to commemorate Hungarian National Holiday. HR 5481: A bill to amend the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 relating to administrative assessment of civil penalties. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/30980-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/30980-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee held a hearing on reauthorizing Amtrak funding of $2 billion over the next three years. Among the topics witnessed addressed were federal funding for passenger rail infrastructure, the state of industry deregulation, transportation security, and regulatory issues. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/186407-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/186407-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Goode spoke about the Obama administration's proposal for a national network of high-speed passenger rail lines as a means of reducing traffic congestion, cuting dependence on foreign oil, and improving the environment. The plan would be partially funded through the recently passed $787 billion stimulus plan, which included a total of $8 billion for improvements in rail service. He responded to telephone calls and electronic mail. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/285359-5 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/285359-5 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Witnesses testified regarding rail security for passengers and freight. It was generally agreed that, although providing complete protection for the rail system would be impossible, reasonable steps could and should be taken to increase security and protect certain high-traffic and high-profile potential targets. Among the specific concerns discussed were the vulnerability of tunnels and trains transporting hazardous materials. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/181080-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/181080-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT The subcommittee heard testimony from Secretary of Transportation Samuel Skinner on the government's negotiations with labor unions of railroad workers. Eleven railway workers' unions went on strike earlier in the day, preventing the transportation of many industrial and agricultural goods. The unions and management, in conflict over work contracts for over three years, have been unable to come to satisfactory terms on several issues, including work rules, health benefits, and wages. Secretary Skinner stressed the urgency of creating legislation to end the rail strike, citing its negative effect on American industry and the economy. The House Energy and Commerce committee later in the day approved a tentative compromise bill produced by its transportation subcommittee that involved a 65 day "cooling off" period, thus ending the strike, during which time a separate board would determine a settlement to end the strike. The bill that ended the strike and created a three member board to settle the labor dispute after 65 days was signed by President Bush in the early morning hours of April 18. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/17576-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/17576-1 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT