WASHINGTON -- Amtrak got some good news by way of the Democratic
Party's platform.
Not to be outdone by the Republican platform, which supports
investment in the rail line, the Democrats' platform cites Amtrak
as part of an overall effort to steer the country toward
energy-efficient modes of transportation.
"We support new grants to Amtrak and the states for improving
and expanding passenger rail routes and corridors," the platform
states.
Later, the platform contends that: "We should invest in roads;
bridges; light rail systems; cleaner buses; the aviation system;
our national passenger railroad, Amtrak, and high-speed trains --
freeing [Americans] from traffic, smog-choked cites and being held
hostage to foreign oil."
The Democrats also "support the building of high-speed rail
systems in major transportation corridors across the nation."
"High-speed rail reduces highway and airport congestion,
improves air quality, stimulates the economy and broadens the scope
of personal choice for traveling between our communities."
The Democrats have, through the president's budget
recommendations and legislation, often supported investment in
Amtrak. However, Amtrak was not specifically mentioned in the past
three Democratic Party platforms.
The Republicans in the past have offered only limited support
for a national rail system.
However, this year they endorsed Amtrak and a national
high-speed passenger railroad "as an instrument of economic
development and enhanced mobility."