Earl Blumenauer: “We do not have a current revenue stream that is adequate for rail modernization. Simple. We had some additional money…”

“We do not have a current revenue stream that is adequate for rail modernization. Simple. We had some additional money, again, in the Recovery Act. Although modest by international standards, it was a significant shot in the arm; but as you pointed out, that is running out. What is interesting is that I had an opportunity, a few years ago on a trip to China, to ride their high-speed trains. In 2009, there were no high-speed trains in China. Next year, they will carry more passenger traffic than the entire American aviation system.”