I think that the captive shippers have paid a very high price, with the lack of competition on those lines.

Rail transportation reduces the number of trucks on our highways, lowering highway maintenance costs; uses less fuel; and emits fewer greenhouse gases.

I am going to urge that the FRA look at that again, because products and routes are going to change over a 7-year period.

I also support a healthy freight rail industry.

I am also a strong supporter of a better balance at the STB between the needs of the freight railroads and their customers.

I am a strong supporter of having high-speed rail in Texas.

I am a strong supporter of a national network for intercity passenger rail service, and believe high-speed rail service can be competitive with highway and air travel along densely populated corridors.

I think it's the most important issue that is unresolved that I have seen in this arena since I came to the Senate.

I thank the Chair. (The remarks of Mrs. Hutchison pertaining to the introduction of S. 3768 are located in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')

Mr. President, I rise to talk about a bill I introduced today with Senator Cornyn as a cosponsor. It is S. 3768. When Congress passed and the President signed the education jobs fund bill in August, every State in America had the same…

Madam President, I join my colleagues in paying tribute to our colleague Robert Byrd of West Virginia. He served his beautiful mountain State for a record-setting 57 years in Congress, including 51 years in this Chamber. He cast more…