Barbara Boxer: “I say to my friend and my colleagues who may be listening, during wartime I remember a bumper sticker that said…”

“I say to my friend and my colleagues who may be listening, during wartime I remember a bumper sticker that said ``Imagine Peace.'' It was a pretty simple thing, but you really have to think what something could be. We could really imagine this country connected by a rail system that serves all our people. What an improvement in the quality of life; what an improvement in the economy; what an improvement in air quality; what a better way for us to go when we are competing for economic dollars. This is an efficiency plan. So whether it is the economy or national security, we do need some bold leadership. I am glad my friend raised this issue. We certainly have it from my friend from Delaware. I am glad he is on the floor tonight. I am going to do everything I can. Our State of California puts a lot of money into our rail system. We step to the plate and match these dollars. We don't want to see Amtrak go away. It would be a disaster for many areas of my great State. I thank my friend for yielding.”