2015: Schweikert Voted Against Requiring The GAO To Conduct A Study Of Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) Brake Systems As Part Of A Five Year Surface Transportation Reauthorization. In December 2015, Schweikert voted against studying ECP brake systems as part of a five year surface transportation reauthorization. According to Congressional Quarterly, the conference report would have "require[d] GAO to conduct an independent evaluation of electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake systems, including the safety benefits relative to conventional brakes and to other braking technologies or systems. The Transportation Department must have the National Academy of Sciences test the emergency braking capability of ECP brake systems and the department would use the testing results to determine whether to retain or repeal the ECP brake requirements contained in the PHMSA's May 2015 tank car rule." The vote was on the conference report. The House approved the legislation by a vote of 359 to 65. The Senate later passed the legislation and the president later signed the legislation. [House Vote 673, 12/3/15; Congressional Quarterly, 12/3/15; Congressional Quarterly, 12/3/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 22]
2015: Schweikert Voted Against Reauthorizing The National Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) Through FY 2020 As Part Of A Five Year Surface Transportation Reauthorization. In December 2015, Schweikert voted against reauthorizing Amtrak as part of a five year surface transportation reauthorization. According to Congressional Quarterly, the conference report would have "reauthorize[d] the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) for five years, through FY 2020, and it restructures funding according to Amtrak's major lines of business (e.g., Northeast Corridor) in order to provide greater transparency and accountability regarding the costs and revenues of its different business lines." The underlying legislation would have "reauthorize[d] federal-aid highway and transit programs for five years, through fiscal 2020, at increased levels." The vote was on the conference report. The House approved the legislation by a vote of 359 to 65. The Senate later passed the legislation and the president later signed the legislation. [House Vote 673, 12/3/15; Congressional Quarterly, 12/3/15; Congressional Quarterly, 12/3/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 22]