The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Senate section on pages S7544 on June 12, 2007.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS
The following petitions and memorials were laid before the Senate and were referred or ordered to lie on the table as indicated:
POM-114. A resolution adopted by the House of Representatives of the State of Michigan urging Congress to provide resources to address the colony collapse disorder affecting honeybees; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
House Resolution No. 76
Whereas, Michigan and the nation's agricultural industry rely on honeybees to pollinate plants and enable the production of our nation's fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. Honeybees pollinate at least 90 commercial crops and account for 80 percent of the nation's pollination services, providing $5 billion to $10 billion of direct benefits to United States agriculture; and
Whereas, honeybees in Michigan and 25 other states have succumbed to a mysterious ailment referred to as Colony Collapse Disorder, where honeybees abandon their hives. In affected states, beekeepers lost up to 50 percent of their colonies last winter, threatening Michigan's $383 million fruit industry and billions of dollars of agricultural production nationwide; and
Whereas, immediate research is needed to determine the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder and assistance to Support our nation's 135,000 beekeepers and the agriculture industry from this potentially crippling threat: now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to provide resources to address the Colony Collapse Disorder affecting honeybees; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation,
Adopted by the House of Representatives, May 22, 2007.
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POM-115. A resolution adopted by the House of Representatives of the State of Michigan expressing opposition to Norfolk Southern Corporation's proposed sale of its rail line between Lansing and Jackson; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
House Resolution No. 96
Whereas, The Norfolk Southern Corporation is considering the sale of several Michigan lines, including the line that runs between Lansing and Jackson. Traffic on Michigan's rail lines has increased over the past two years. Expanding both freight and passenger rail service is being promoted as a solution to rising oil prices, pollution, and increased highway congestion. The sale or closure of rail lines could be counterproductive to efforts to improve Michigan's economy; and
Whereas, The Norfolk Southern lines are vital links between Michigan cities and between Michigan and neighboring states. Expanding rail capacity on the Lansing/Jackson line is essential to the future development of this area. New industry, including production plants for coal energy, biodiesel, and ethanol fuel, is proposed for Michigan and the railroad will play an integral role in moving products and supplies. Continued operation of this line by Norfolk Southern is essential to expansion of new industry in Michigan; and
Whereas, Norfolk Southern is a Class One railroad operator, earning revenue in excess of $250 million annually. As a Class One operator, Norfolk Southern has the capacity to maintain and promote the use of these lines. The proposed sale of the Lansing to Jackson line will almost certainly place the line under the management of a Class Three operator, a rail company earning revenue of $20 million or less annually. A Class Three operator may be far less likely to have the means to maintain the line, thus increasing the chance of accidents. Class Three operators also rely on federal grants for line and equipment maintenance--grants that are not always guaranteed; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we express opposition to Norfolk Southern's proposed sale of its rail line between Lansing and Jackson; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate; the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives; members of the Michigan congressional delegation; the United States Department of Transportation, Surface Transportation Board; the Norfolk Southern Corporation; AMTRAK; and the Michigan Department of Transportation.
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