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The National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) recently announced it will honor Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) and Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nevada) with the George Falcon Golden Spike Award. Named after the late George Falcon, an early NARP member, the award recognizes individuals for their support of a fully developed train network and leadership in promoting rail development.

Mica has made it "a personal mission to see that the United States has world-class high-speed trains," according to the association. The Republican leader of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee also played a key role in the October 2008 enactment of the rail safety bill, which included Amtrak reauthorization. Mica also strongly supports development of the Central Florida Commuter Rail project.

Reid also played a key role in the Amtrak authorization bill. In addition, his work was "critical to inclusion of a strong passenger-train component in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009," NARP said. Reid also is being honored for his longstanding support for Amtrak, and the development and expansion of U.S. intercity passenger-rail service.