We need a robust, federally-led passenger rail program because, by their nature, states are ill-suited to working in unison on regional or national issues. Their power ends at their borders, and each has its own priorities which may not mesh with multistate goals.

Had Congress not created the interstate highway program and committed the funding to build it, we would have a piecemeal and incomplete system. We do have a piecemeal and incomplete passenger rail system, because the necessary federal commitment has, so far, not been forthcoming.