regional rail reorganization act cases argued october decided december blanchette et trustees property penn central transportation connecticut general insurance et al smith trustee property new york new hartford railroad et al railway assn connecticut general insurance et al et al connecticut general insurance et appeal district eastern district pennsylvania comprehensive solution national rail crisis precipitated entry reorganization proceedings bankruptcy act eight major railroads northeast midwest region country congress supplemented regional rail reorganization act rail act railroad reorganization must proceed rail act unless reorganization within specified times finds railroad reorganizable income basis within reasonable time public interest better served rather rail act reorganization rail act provide process fair equitable estate railroad reorganization hereafter railroad rail act appeals orders provided special whose decision final rail act establishes government corporation railway association usra directed formulate final system plan plan july restructuring railroads financially rail service system plan must provide transfer designated railroad properties consolidated rail conrail private corporation return conrail securities plus million federally guaranteed usra obligations benefits accruing railroad transfer plan becomes effective neither house congress disapproves within days must transmitted special exclusive jurisdiction proceedings concerning plan within days deposit conrail securities usra obligations special must order railroad trustee convey forthwith conrail railroad properties designated plan special determines appeal extending whether conveyance fair equitable railroad estate standards whether transfer fair equitable constitutional minimum requires case necessary adjustments must made special finds conveyance fair equitable must reallocate order issuance additional conrail securities usra obligations enter judgment conrail combine remedies railroads may discontinue service abandon properties designated transfer plan plan becomes effective may discontinue service abandon line usra consent absent reasonable state opposition parties interest penn central transportation penn central brought suits attacking constitutionality rail act contending act violates fifth amendment taking penn central property without compensation grounds conrail securities usra obligations benefits constitutionally required equivalent rail properties whose transfer compelled conveyance taking issue compels continuation rail operations pending plan implementation even erosion beyond constitutional limits penn central estate occurs interim period erosion taking issue rejecting conveyance taking issue premature view number decisional steps required final conveyance district held erosion taking issue premature rejected contention usra penn central trustees constitutional limit permissible uncompensated erosion passed plaintiffs adequate remedy law tucker act gives claims jurisdiction render judgment upon claim founded either upon constitution act congress district finding rail act precluded tucker act remedy therefore declared invalid violating fifth amendment extent require continued operation rail services loss violation constitutional rights owners creditors railroad declared invalid extent failed compensate interim erosion pending final implementation plan addition injunctive relief district enjoined usra certifying plan special determined provision requiring dismissal certain reorganization proceedings constitutionally invalid geographically nonuniform law subject bankruptcies held issue availability tucker act remedy rail act effects erosion taking ripe adjudication view distinct possibility compelled continued rail operations penn central past several years sustained great losses reorganizable income basis within reasonable time injure plaintiffs without assurance plan implemented compensated pp tucker act remedy barred rail act available provide compensation erosion taking effected rail act pp correct issue whether congress intended prevent recourse tucker act district held whether rail act affirmatively manifests congressional intent permit recourse pp rail act provisions relied evincing congressional determination federal funds beyond expressly committed act paid rail properties equally support inference congress felt rail act provided least minimum compensation gave consideration withdrawal tucker act remedy pp section rail act specifically deals statutes inconsistent rail act mention tucker act legislative history supporting argument rail act construed withdraw tucker act remedy pp applicable canons construction fortify conclusion rail act withdraw tucker act remedy pp certain basic conveyance taking issues ripe adjudication pp since district opinion special reversed penn central reorganization determination rail act provide process fair equitable estate conveyance taking issues must decided pp implementation rail act lead inexorably final conveyance though exact date determined special must order conveyance rail properties included plan since conveyance inevitable relevant issue delay transfer occurs pp several factors militate deferring resolution constitutional issues time closer occurrence disputed event better position later determine validity basic issues however resolution issues involving valuation postponed pp reasons obtained respect erosion taking issue suit claims available tucker act cash award cover shortfall consideration railroads receive rail properties finally conveyed rail act constitutional minimum tucker act guarantees adequate remedy law taking might occur result provisions rail act pp plaintiffs argument tucker act remedy inadequate conveyance taking exercise eminent domain power requires full cash payment rail properties without merit rail act coupled tucker act valid reorganization statute constitute eminent domain statute virtue provisions federal representation conrail board directors constitute conrail federal instrumentality provisions conveyance continuation services pending plan formulation defects act provisions judicial review pp though rail act differs reorganization statutes mandating conveyance without prior judicial finding adequate resources reorganized company compensate debtor estates eventually creditors recourse tucker act suit shortfall provides adequate assurance taking compensated pp tucker act also assures railroad estates creditors eventually made whole assets conveyed thus rail act deprive plaintiffs procedural due process rail act contravene uniformity requirement bankruptcy clause pp holding tucker act remedy available uncompensated taking rail act obviates possibility penn central reorganization ever confront provision dismissal proceeding rail act district held violative bankruptcy uniformity requirement pp plaintiffs argument constitutional bankruptcy uniformity violated rail act restricted single statutorily defined region lacks merit since uniformity requirement preclude congress fashioning legislation resolve geographically isolated problems congress acted consistently requirement dealt national rail crisis centering problems rail carriers region defined rail act applied rail act every railroad reorganization throughout pp brennan delivered opinion burger white marshall blackmun powell rehnquist joined douglas filed dissenting opinion post stewart filed dissenting statement post solicitor general bork argued cause et al briefs assistant attorney general hills keith jones jerome sharfman lloyd cutler argued cause railway assn briefs william perlik william lake jordan jay hillman charles horsky argued cause blanchette et trustees property penn central transportation briefs brice clagett paul duke louis craco argued cause connecticut general insurance et al briefs frederic ballard walter brown thomas bryan david berger argued cause filed briefs penn central joseph auerbach argued cause smith trustee property new york new hartford railroad briefs james wm moore morris raker charles morse brockman adams argued cause filed brief certain representatives amici curiae urging fn briefs amici curiae filed israel packel attorney general gordon macdougall special assistant attorney general commonwealth pennsylvania david maxwell trustees reading john donelan national industrial traffic league justice brennan delivered opinion direct appeals judgment district eastern district pennsylvania declared regional rail reorganization act rail act stat et seq supp iii unconstitutional part enjoined enforcement supp noted probable jurisdiction post reverse introduction reorganization railroad reorganization must proceed pursuant rail act unless district jurisdiction reorganization finds within days january railroad reorganizable income basis within reasonable time section public interest better served reorganization reorganization chapter within days january finds chapter provide process fair equitable estate railroad reorganization supp iii appeals orders may taken within days entry special constituted supp iii must decided special within days appeal taken section expressly provides shall review decision special appellant railway association usra established new government corporation supp iii usra must prepare final system plan restructuring railroads reorganization financially rail service system supp iii see supp iii final system plan must provide transfer designated rail properties railroads reorganization private corporation consolidated rail corporation conrail supp iii return securities conrail plus million usra obligations guaranteed benefits accruing railroad reason transfer supp iii see also supp iii usra must submit proposed final system plan congress within days january supp iii july plan becomes effective neither house congress disapproves within continuous session days submission supp iii usra required transmit plan within days effective date special given exclusive jurisdiction proceedings respect final system plan supp iii special within days deposit conrail securities usra obligations shall order trustee trustees railroad reorganization convey forthwith conrail right title interest rail properties railroad reorganization designated final system plan supp iii special next determines whether conveyances rail properties conrail public interest fair equitable estate railroad reorganization accordance standard fairness equity applicable approval plan reorganization section whether transfers conveyances fair equitable required constitutional minimum supp iii special finds transfer fair equitable special must reallocate order issuance additional conrail securities usra obligations subject overall million limitation usra obligations purpose enter judgment conrail decree combination remedies special authorized enter judgment section provides also special decides consideration exchanged rail properties fair equitable required constitutional minimum shall make necessary adjustments constitutional minimum exceeded appeal determinations although railroads reorganization subject act free abandon service dispose wish rail properties designated transfer final system plan supp iii plan becomes effective none may discontinue service abandon line railroad unless authorized usra unless affected state local regional transportation authority reasonably opposes action ii proceedings district persuaded significant possibility exists point erosion either may soon reached said contention plaintiffs interim unconstitutional taking continued loss operations ripe adjudication persuaded legislative history supports conclusion congress intended financial obligations limited express terms act article section clause constitution provides money shall drawn treasury except consequence appropriation made law section rail act section entitled authorization appropriations place express ceiling expenditures section describes maximum obligational authority usra authorization appropriation limited amounts necessary discharge obligations arising section emphasis supplied judicial review delineated specificity sections mention claims null void violative fifth amendment constitution extent require continued operation rail services loss violation constitutional rights owners creditors railroad taking action enforce provisions section respect abandonment cessation reduction service may hereafter determined competent jurisdiction necessary preservation rights guaranteed constitution null void contravening fifth amendment insofar fails provide compensation interim erosion pending final implementation final system plan rail act also challenged district uniform within requirement art cl constitution provides congress shall power enact uniform laws subject bankruptcies throughout district dismissed contention without merit except one provision section provides reorganization determines proceedings act provide fair equitable process reorganization debtor debtor shall reorganized pursuant act reorganization shall dismiss reorganization proceeding district declared part null void violative article section clause enjoined parties enforcing taking action implement much section purports require dismissal pending proceedings reorganization section bankruptcy act iii issues decision special speaking judge friendly comprehensively canvassed issues thorough opinion concluded rail act bar necessary resort tucker act remedy remedy adequate independent examination issues brings us conclusion substantially reasons stated judge friendly parts vii special opinion supp also disputed district ruling uniformity rail act bankruptcy clause hold currently operable portions act uniform iv alleged erosion taking difficulties unforeseen unanticipated fact delay final implementation final system plan example congress theory successively disapprove several proposed final system plans thus whatever probabilities parties absolute assurance plan fact implemented within reasonable time reason determined taking property interim erosion although extremely unlikely remains theoretical possibility rail act accordingly believe injunction preventing usra denying applications discontinuance service section circumstances might appropriate unless contend remedy otherwise uncompensated taking available tucker act therefore persuaded must reach decide tucker act question presented appeals omitted availability tucker act remedy erosion taking claims shall jurisdiction render judgment upon claim founded either upon constitution act congress regulation executive department upon express implied contract liquidated unliquidated damages cases sounding tort district made wrong inquiry question whether rail act expresses affirmative showing congressional intent permit recourse tucker act remedy rather whether congress rail act withdrawn tucker act grant jurisdiction claims hear suit involving rail act founded upon constitution agree special true issue whether sufficient proof congress intended prevent recourse rail act admittedly silent point issue becomes whether scheme rail act supplemented legislative history sufficiently evidences congressional intention withdraw remedy otherwise exist turn inquiry whether rail act withdrew tucker act remedy otherwise exist argument read rests provisions rail act said plainly evince congress determination federal funds beyond expressly committed act paid rail properties first provision referred provides impaneling special consolidation judicial proceedings respect final system plan argument attaches significance omission authority special enter judgment reliance also placed two act funding provisions section captioned maximum obligational authority provides aggregate amount usra obligations may outstanding one time shall exceed aggregate amount issued conrail shall exceed ny modification limitations shall made joint resolution adopted congress section explicitly appropriates secretary transportation pay expenses preparing reports exercising functions performed chapter appropriates interstate commerce commission use carrying functions appropriates usra purposes carrying administrative expenses provisions least equally support inference congress convinced huge sums provided surely equal exceed required constitutional minimum never focused upon possible need suit claims may well case evident statement house report timely implementation final system plan obstructed controversy payment properties committee opinion provisions title rail act especially provision deficiency judgment payment obligations usra adequate guarantee creditors bankrupt railroad receive may constitutionally claim view extraordinary protections litigation permitted delay final system plan finally manner congress supp iii expressly addressed rail act relationship laws plainly implies congress gave thought consideration withdrawal tucker act remedy section provides antitrust laws inapplicable respect action taken formulate implement final system plan provides provisions interstate commerce act bankruptcy act inapplicable transactions chapter extent necessary formulate implement final system plan whenever provision act inconsistent chapter provides provisions section title national environmental policy act shall apply respect action taken authority chapter effective date final system plan yet despite clear evidence congress aware necessity deal expressly inconsistent laws congress nowhere addresses tucker act question argued uncertainty scheme text rail act cleared legislative history house senate discloses congress meant rail act withdraw jurisdiction claims tucker act contrary read legislative history disclosing repeatedly emphasized belief rail act provisions compensation rail properties assured payment constitutional minimum plainly import view taxpayers unduly burdened sums provided see cong rec remarks metcalfe remarks conte also senator hartke explanation conference report senate included statement nothing continuing mandate rail service distinct possibility view prior action congress number people make claim government sustained claims think argument support reading rail act withdraw tucker act remedy aided colloquy house side house managers bill cong rec colloquy even concern withdrawal claims jurisdiction concerns deficiency judgment conrail powers special finally reliance put upon referred subsequent legislative history form statements congressmen oversight hearings house subcommittee transportation aeronautics june amicus brief filed behalf congressmen remarks legislators however explicit serve change legislative intent congress expressed act passage see mine workers america statements represent personal views legislators since statements made passage act national woodwork manufacturers assn nlrb moreover oral argument representative adams spokesman congressional group expressly conceded circumstances might arise tucker act remedy available question anticipate situation tucker act available adams oh yes let say example problem party comes says held us beyond constitutional limit erosion point opinion went long unreasonable specific individual case point question tucker act think available situation adams course repeal tucker act emphasis supplied one canon construction repeals implication disfavored see mercantile national bank langdeau borden amell rather since tucker act rail act capable duty courts absent clearly expressed congressional intention contrary regard effective morton mancari moreover rail act later two statutes agree special new statute read wholly even partially amending prior one unless exists positive repugnancy provisions new old reconciled principle rests sound foundation presumably congress given serious thought earlier statute broadly based jurisdiction claims holding result earlier consideration repealed qualified reasonable insist legislature using language showing made considered determination end lynch fully supports conclusion lynch presented situation requiring determine whether statute effected unconstitutional taking also construed withdraw cause action created earlier statute economy act stat provided laws granting pertaining yearly renewable term insurance hereby repealed district courts affirmed courts appeals fifth circuit seventh circuit wilner dismissed basis provision suits beneficiaries yearly renewable term policies brought war risk insurance act stat expressly authorizing suits district courts respecting disagreement claim contract insurance beneficiaries claim actionable disagreement within meaning government violated terms policies failing pay premiums insureds became totally permanently disabled refused payment benefits insureds died unanimously reversed dismissals section economy act held effect unconstitutional taking vested property rights beneficiaries created insurance contracts question became whether repealed remedy suit district provided insurance act held speaking justice brandeis read depriving beneficiaries remedy absence clear indication congress remedy taken away said fifth suggestion although repealing laws granting pertaining yearly renewable term insurance congress intended take away contractual right also intended take away remedy since power take away remedy statute given effect extent even void insofar purported take away contractual right suggestion war settled rules construction true statute bad part necessarily void entirety provision within legislative power may allowed stand separable bad provision however unobjectionable stand unless appears standing alone provision given legal effect legislature intended unobjectionable provision stand case provisions held bad fall dorchy kansas essentials absent separate provision dealing remedy appear congress wished deny remedy repeal contractual right held void fifth amendment accordingly hold tucker act remedy barred rail act available provide compensation erosion taking effected rail act alleged conveyance taking briefly challenges provisions assert rail act basically eminent domain statute compensation cash largely stock unproved entity necessarily work unconstitutional taking variant argument even reorganization statute rail act unconstitutional unless tucker act remedy held assure payment amount market value stocks securities awarded special less value rail properties conveyed new trustee goes argues even reorganization statute rail act violates substantive due process failing assure fair equitable equivalent rail properties valued highest best use new trustee also contends conveyance provisions constitute taking threatened interim erosion require operations railroad continue albeit different form even liquidation value highest best use greater value railroad going concern finally new trustee creditor parties contend conveyance provisions deny procedural due process mandate final conveyance meaningful determination fairness provision made creditor stockholder consideration voting upon final system plan parties urge conveyance taking issues ripe adjudication however issues ripeness involve least part existence live case controversy rely upon concessions parties must determine whether issues ripe decision case controversy sense extent questions ripeness involve exercise judicial restraint unnecessary decision constitutional issues must determine whether exercise restraint bound wishes parties district holding prematurity influenced statutory scheme requires several decisional steps final conveyance possibility reorganization might determine rail act process fair equitable railroad estate congress might disapprove final system plan special order final conveyance pursuant led district conclude question whether provisions constitutional speculative warrant anticipatory judicial determinations eccles peoples bank subsequent district opinion penn central reorganization determined rail act provide process fair equitable estate penn central trans supp ed appeal special determination reversed although special rendered judgment pending decision case see supra agree parties change circumstance substantially altered posture case regards maturity issues whatever may case time district decision little doubt reasons detailed conveyance taking issues must decided time since ripeness peculiarly question timing situation rather situation time district decision must govern first implementation rail act lead inexorably final conveyance although exact date conveyance presently determined true congress reject first plan presented usra rail act prescribing precision timing presentation plan mandate presentation successive plans particular time rail act however contemplate usra continue present plans one becomes effective thus must assume compliance rail act mandatory terms respect final system plan time certified special second special mandated order conveyance rail properties included final system plan granted discretion order transfer mandatory language necessarily deny equity flexibility hecht bowles central scheme rail act defers decision controversies terms transfer rail properties transfer occurred hereinafter special opinion suggests mandatory order convey probably prevent special refusing order conveyance indirectly direct injunction convinced appellees constitutional rights certain violated marbury madison cranch possibility may later decline enforce rail act written unconstitutionality constitute contingency pretermitting earlier consideration constitutionality act cf albertson sacb appears conveyance penn central rail properties conrail prevented debtor creditors stockholder exact terms conveyance remain decided order special directing conveyance virtually certainty rail act empowers including prevent thus occurrence conveyance allegedly violative fifth amendment rights way hypothetical speculative inevitability operation statute certain individuals patent irrelevant existence justiciable controversy time delay disputed provisions come effect pennsylvania west virginia pierce society sisters carter carter coal one await consummation threatened injury obtain preventive relief injury certainly impending enough pennsylvania west virginia supra true situations even though allegedly injurious event certain occur may delay resolution constitutional questions time closer actual occurrence disputed event better factual record might available cf public affairs press rickover several factors militate however course case first decisions made short future may affected whether conveyance taking issues decided constitutionality final conveyance may interwoven validity abandonment provisions see supra penn central trustees may delay expending funds maintenance interval final conveyance constitutional doubts linger ultimate reorganization rail act see reply brief penn central trustees second act carefully structured method planning implementing reorganization scheme necessitates present denial railroads reorganization options otherwise available example new trustee filed district motion dismiss proceeding set equity receivership liquidate penn central assets long reorganization rail act remains possible equity receivership available third particularly significant structure act better time decide constitutionality act mandatory conveyance scheme minimize prevent irreparable injury precise contours final system plan known shortly certification special plan finally developed courts settled facts concerning rail properties conveyed valuation properties value conrail stock securities transferred penn central estate final system plan effective rail act prohibits initial judicial review terms except special review occur conveyance parties agree conveyance complexity long time lapse probable valuation review completed practical effect irreversible made thus better position later confront validity provisions rather delay decision create serious risk consideration validity provisions may either hasty afford protection rights late prevent conveyance assure compensation rail act found unconstitutional hold therefore basic conveyance taking issues ripe adjudication mean however need decide contentions pressed upon us even provisions comprehensive legislative enactment ripe adjudication portions enactment immediately involved thereby thrown open judicial determination constitutionality communist party sacb example controversy proper valuation theory applied rail properties stock conrail provided compensation depends upon contingencies argue forcefully postponement resolution parties stipulated impossible ascertain final system plan effective rail properties transferred conrail value valuation theory value consideration exchanged rail properties app thus determined impact particular theory valuation may applied either side equation know interests various parties lie methods valuation result higher compensation estate lower cost conrail rulings questions plainly rulings upon hypothetical situations may may arise longshoremen union boyd moreover valuation issues peculiarly require much developed record prepared without evidence actual figures supporting various valuation theories able discern legal issues deciding effect decision adversaries useful purpose achieved deciding public service wycoff clearly record issues yet provide confining circumstances particular situations communist party sacb supra best inform constitutional adjudication finally ample opportunity later litigate valuation controversies factual record matured rail act terms vests special initial responsibility valuation determinations subject review circumstance surely await special determinations public service wycoff supra attempt decisions valuation questions special determinations necessarily forced speculative interpretation statute clear subject valuation entrusted construction given us benefit views cf public service wycoff supra great atlantic pacific tea grosjean sum conveyance taking issues hold ripe adjudication questions availability tucker act remedy consideration exchanged upon final conveyance rail properties less constitutional minimum whether stocks however valued part consideration rail properties whether procedural due process denied statutory process conveyance hold decision questions concerning method valuation applied either rail properties consideration therefore premature availability tucker act remedy conveyance taking adequacy tucker act remedy conveyance taking primarily contended tucker act remedy inadequate conveyance taking exercise eminent domain power therefore requires full cash payment rail properties since reasons supporting availability tucker act remedy assume basic compensation scheme act valid result payment less constitutional minimum might indeed inconsistent rail act suppose tucker act suit lie entire value cash rail properties argument fails however two reasons first extremely questionable whether even rail act face acquisition private property public use entire value property acquired paid cash important believe nothing act fundamentally odds expressed purpose congress supplement reorganization laws see tucker act rail act valid reorganization statute decision holds compensation money inadequate form compensation eminent domain statutes statements found opinions compensation must full perfect equivalent property taken monongahela navigation must reimburse full perfect equivalent money property taken miller must full monetary equivalent property taken reynolds see also almota farmers elevator warehouse yet none cases compensation form cash issue clear implication decisions consideration cash example special benefits property owner remaining properties may counted determination compensation bauman ross see nichols eminent domain et seq rev ed need however determine whether compensation form securities constitutional rail act merely eminent domain statute arguments favor construction merit first contended despite express provision conrail shall agency instrumentality federal government supp iii federal participation federally appointed members board directors constitutes conrail federal instrumentality premise contention proceeds conveyance exercise eminent domain conrail federal instrumentality reason federal representation board directors representation provided protect important interest assuring payment obligations guaranteed full voting control conrail shift shareholders federal obligations fall conrail indebtedness responsibilities federal directors different directors operate conrail profit benefit shareholders thus conrail basically private governmental enterprise second contended rail act provisions compelled conveyance continuation rail services pending formulation final system plan constitute act condemnation statute see significance features act either congress enacting provisions clearly intended legislate pursuant bankruptcy power rail act like bankruptcy act rail act supplements merely advances another step direction liberalizing law subject bankruptcies continental illinois nat bank trust chicago though gone beyond limit congressional power ibid teaching rfc denver sustained provision authorizing reorganization confirm plan despite rejection creditors said think provisions confirmation courts creditors objection within bankruptcy powers congress powers adequate eliminate claims administrative valuations judicial review adequate require creditors acquiesce fair adjustment claims long creditor gets value lien share free assets similarly rail act special duty provide railroad estates fair equitable equivalent conrail securities rail properties conveyed finally argued defects rail act provisions judicial review identify act exercise eminent domain power argument frivolous although time yet arrived mandatory transfer conrail reorganization courts full opportunity assess fairness rail act scheme rail estates special reviewed determinations opportunity review terms transfer although conveyance addition neither rail act procedures thereunder finally determine interests respective creditors decided reorganization courts distribute creditors consideration received rail properties therefore ample adequate afeguards protect rights secured creditors extent value property wright union central life ins cf north american sec understood intimate rail act proceeding result compensable taking hold since rail act face exceed broad scope congressional power bankruptcy clause cf continental illinois nat bank trust chicago supra congress formulated unconstitutional reorganization plan compelling reorganization wherein compensation appellees consists conrail usra securities benefits long creditor gets value lien share free assets rfc denver supra act differ reorganization statutes however requires conveyance possible ascertain whether last condition met thus conveyance mandated without prior judicial finding adequate resources reorganized company whatever kind compensate debtor estates eventually creditors congressional insistence upon accomplishing transfer whatever ultimate equity compensation provisions deficiency constitutional magnitude value limited compensation provided act indeed taking private property public use cf north american sec supra since already determined however recourse tucker act suit claims cash award cover constitutional shortfall rail act provide adequate assurance taking compensated remaining contentions regarding validity provisions require little discussion view availability tucker act suit first contention even considered reorganization statute rail act fails assure creditors receive full value liens stock securities however already held possibility rail act work taking must assurance consideration equal constitutional shortfall tucker act remedy available provide assurance thus value stocks securities provided act backed essentially guarantee cash payment lack fairness equity constitutional dimensions tucker act remedy fulfills perfectly function underwriting provision approved new inclusion cases similarly availability tucker act cures might otherwise troublesome problem procedural due process tucker act assures railroad estates creditors eventually made whole assets conveyed complainants evidence interest retaining property longer rail act requires indeed position really want free dispose sooner thus interest asserted retaining properties interest making sure creditors receive fair compensation properties hand procedural sequence vital accomplishing goals act judicial review terms transfer required conveyance occur conveyance might well come late resolve rail transportation crisis long creditors assured fair value interest properties constitution requires nothing vi validity rail act uniformity requirement bankruptcy clause consider finally contention rail act provisions apply railroads reorganization region statute lacks uniformity required art cl constitution giving congress power establish uniform laws subject bankruptcies throughout district held recourse bankruptcy clause justify congressional action necessary action impairs obligation contracts fullam concurring respect found rail act adds virtually nothing powers already granted reorganization courts uniform admittedly valid provisions bankruptcy act authority order conveyances free clear liens cram plan reorganization already exists newly created added rail act ibid determined however one provision rail act newly created added rail act section requires reorganization dismiss proceeding finds railroad reorganizable income basis within reasonable time rail act provide process fair equitable estate railroad reorganization district noted new inclusion cases supra held inasmuch plan disposed new assets penn central continued operations used reorganize enterprise investment holding company least plan contemplates bulk rail properties continue operated railroad someone district held rail act precludes like reorganization requiring dismissal proceedings extent violates uniformity clause since dismissal relates debtors within region covered rail act need decide whether district correct respect following decision district penn central reorganization issued order finding although penn central reorganizable income basis rail act provide process fair equitable debtor estate supp rather dismiss proceeding required however stayed order pending appeal special special found processes prescribed rail act fair equitable remedy exists tucker act reversed rail act expressly provides holding nonreviewable although need address today issue whether judgment special subject review hold tucker act remedy available uncompensated taking occurring rail act holding obviates possibility penn central reorganization ever confront provisions dismissal proceeding rail act remains however another aspect uniformity issue decision appellees urge entire rail act violates uniformity clause argument uniformity required constitution geographic hanover national bank moyses since rail act operates single statutorily defined region act geographically nonuniform argument certain surface appeal without merit overlooks flexibility inherent constitutional provision section upheld like challenge ground capacity bankruptcy clause meet new conditions disclosed result tremendous growth business development human activities present day continental illinois nat bank trust chicago therefore held though distinctive statute treating railroad bankruptcies distinctive special problem beyond limit congressional power uniformity provision deny congress power take account differences exist different parts country fashion legislation resolve geographically isolated problems problem dealt bankruptcy clause may present significant variations different parts country wright vinton branch therefore agree special uniformity clause intended hobble congress forcing nationwide enactments deal conditions calling remedy certain regions national rail transportation crisis produced rail act centered problems rail carriers operating region defined act problems congress addressed railroad reorganization proceeding within meaning rail act pending outside defined region effective date act period following statute effective date thus rail act fact operates uniformly upon bankrupt railroads operating uniformly respect creditors railroads uniformity clause requires rail act apply equally creditors debtors plainly act fulfills requirements vanston bondholders protective committee green frankfurter concurring provision act restricts right creditor wheresoever located obtain relief regionalism construction bankruptcy clause uniformity provision comports construction uniform provisions constitution head money cases involved levy ships agents owners tax passenger citizen entered american port foreign port steam sail vessel individuals engaged transporting passengers holland challenged levy contrary art cl congress empowered lay collect duties imposts excises shall uniform throughout argument head tax violated uniformity clause also levied noncitizen passengers entering country rail inland mode conveyance upheld tax stating tax uniform operates force effect every place subject found tax case uniform operates precisely alike every port passengers landed reversed footnotes rail act defines region maine new hampshire vermont massachusetts connecticut rhode island new york new jersey pennsylvania delaware maryland virginia west virginia ohio indiana michigan illinois district columbia portions contiguous located rail properties owned operated railroads business primarily aforementioned jurisdictions determined interstate commerce commission order supp iii icc order ex parte approved january delineated areas near louisville louis mo kewaunee manitowoc included region fed reg addition penn central railroads reading reading bky ed erie lackawanna erie lackawanna nd ohio central new jersey central new jersey lehigh valley lehigh valley bky ed boston maine boston maine bky mass ann arbor ann arbor bky ed lehigh hudson river lehigh hudson river sdny following lessors leased lines penn central also filed petitions district eastern district pennsylvania bky new jersey railroad canal beech creek railroad cleveland cincinnati chicago louis railway cleveland pittsburgh railroad connecting railway delaware railroad erie pittsburgh railroad michigan central railroad northern central railway penndel philadelphia baltimore washington railroad philadelphia trenton railroad pittsburgh youngstown ashtabula railway pittsburgh fort wayne chicago railway union railroad baltimore included emergency rail services act stat et authorized secretary transportation guarantee million certificates issued trustees railroads reorganization found inter alia threat imminent cessation essential rail services practicable means meeting expenses necessary continue services issuance guaranteed certificates erie lackawanna boston maine reorganization courts determined railroad recognizable income basis within reasonable time reorganization railroads proceed rail act erie lackawanna supp nd ohio boston maine supp mass three reorganization courts found rail act provide process fair equitable estates railroads jurisdiction penn central trans supp ed lehigh valley supp ed penn central trans secondary debtors supp ed central new jersey supp nj lehigh hudson river supp sdny special established see infra september reversed orders cases directed reorganization rail act supp two reorganization courts held rail act provide fair equitable process ordered reorganization proceed rail act reading supp ed ann arbor supp ed section provides pertinent part within days january usra shall make application judicial panel litigation authorized section title consolidation single district judicial proceedings respect final system plan proceedings shall conducted special shall composed three federal judges shall selected panel special authorized exercise powers district judge judicial district respect proceedings powers shall include reorganization special shall power order conveyance rail properties railroads leased operated controlled railroad reorganization region judicial panel multidistrict litigation selected circuit judge henry friendly circuit judge carl mcgowan district judge roszel thomsen compose special section provides follows designation rail properties final system plan designations final system plan shall designate rail properties railroads reorganization region railroads leased operated controlled railroad reorganization region shall transferred conrail shall offered sale profitable railroad operating region offer accepted operated railroad plan shall designate additions shall made designation subparagraph paragraph event profitable railroad fails accept offer shall purchased leased otherwise acquired conrail national railroad passenger corporation may purchased leased conrail state local regional transportation authority meet needs commuter intercity rail passenger service otherwise required operated conrail government entity responsible person suitable use public purposes including highways forms transportation conservation energy transmission education health care facilities recreation rail properties profitable railroads operating region may offered sale conrail profitable railroads operating region subject paragraphs subsection section section provides follows respecting transfers conrail transfers transfers conveyances pursuant final system plan shall made accordance subject following principles rail properties transferred conrail profitable railroad trustees railroad reorganization railroad leased operated controlled railroad reorganization region shall transferred exchange stock securities conrail including obligations usra benefits accruing railroad reason transfer sections provide respects federal funds follows maximum obligational authority except otherwise provided last sentence subsection aggregate amount obligations usra issued section may outstanding one time shall exceed aggregate amount issued conrail shall exceed aggregate amount obligations issued conrail usra less shall available solely rehabilitation modernization rail properties acquired conrail chapter disposed conrail pursuant section title modification limitations set forth subsection shall made joint resolution adopted congress supp iii emergency assistance secretary authorized pending implementation final system plan pay trustees railroads reorganization sums necessary continued provision essential transportation services railroads payments shall made secretary upon reasonable terms conditions secretary establishes except recipients must agree maintain provide service level less effect january authorization appropriations authorized appropriated secretary carrying section sums necessary exceed remain available expended supp iii secretary transportation authorized appropriated secretary purposes preparing reports exercising functions performed chapter sums necessary exceed remain available expended office authorized appropriated interstate commerce commission use office carrying functions chapter sums necessary exceed remain available expended association authorized appropriated usra purposes carrying administrative expenses chapter sums necessary exceed remain available expended supp iii prior date upon rail properties conveyed conrail chapter secretary approval usra authorized enter agreements railroads reorganization region railroads leased operated controlled railroads reorganization acquisition maintenance improvement railroad facilities equipment necessary improve property final system plan agreements entered pursuant section shall specifically identify type quality improvements made pursuant agreements notwithstanding section title usra shall issue obligations section title amount sufficient finance agreements shall require conrail assume obligations however usra may issue obligations section aggregate amount excess supp iii period days provided extended days pub stat effective concerning congressional review final system plan provides general board directors usra shall deliver final system plan adopted usra houses congress committee interstate foreign commerce house representatives committee commerce senate final system plan shall deemed approved end first period calendar days continuous session congress date transmittal unless either house representatives senate passes resolution period stating favor final system plan revised plan either house senate passes resolution disapproval subsection section usra cooperation assistance secretary office shall prepare determine adopt revised final system plan revised plan shall submitted congress review pursuant subsection section computation purposes section continuity session congress broken adjournment sine die days either house session adjournment days day certain excluded computation period supp iii section provides appeal finding determination entered pursuant subsection section may appealed directly manner injunction order may appealed section title provided appeal exclusive shall filed days finding determination entered special shall dismiss appeal within days entry appeal determines appeal interest expeditious conclusion proceedings shall grant highest priority determination appeals determines dismiss required consider case validity attempted congressional regulation disposition appeal judgment entered special pursuant subsection suits brought major creditors sole shareholder penn central penn central product merger pennsylvania railroad new york central railroad merger cases condition merger penn central promise take new york new hartford railroad operating entity promise fulfilled new inclusion cases penn central operation dominates region serves nation manufacturing plants employing country industrial employees freight cars loaded pass penn central miles track penn central traffic involves railroads rail service midwest northeast region fed reg hereinafter since penn central including leased lines accounted operating mileage operating revenues six bankrupt railroads involved rail act merger failed realize anticipated savings penn central entered reorganization proceedings two years merger approved huge operating losses made reorganization inevitable continued financial collapse penn central company sec staff report penn central trustees report february concerning premises reorganization joint documentary submission concluded overriding problem penn central found obligation perform public service company certain areas certain conditions simply lend profitable operations matter operator efficient possible remedy public authority lend hand speedy elimination conditions produce losses respond adequate compensation insists upon continuance conditions reasons stated part vi opinion infra occasion pass upon correctness conclusion part special opinion considers arguments investors several smaller lines investors parties cases us part special opinion discusses question whether claims free deny existence tucker act remedy existence challenged claims fact district concluded contrary special tucker act remedy available viewed making question puzzlement consequence special stayed order remanding penn central four cases entry orders reorganization courts affirming orders directing reading ann arbor reorganizations proceed rail act final determination instant appeals severely limited funds available pursuant emergency assistance plant maintenance pending implementation final system plan assure adequate compensation available erosion taking section provides million emergency grants continued essential transportation services provides million usra obligations maintenance improvement plant adequate assurance provided possibility conrail securities benefits provided unconstitutional erosion special determines proper consideration rail properties conveyed conrail special found government parties contend compensate unconstitutional erosion final system plan either fixing valuation date prior date conveyance specific award deficiency judgment conrail earlier valuation date method hardly satisfactory even permissible since cure erosion respect rail properties conveyed permissible final system plan provide us direct compensation erosion made case railroad whose properties conveyed however opponents urge consideration authorized inadequate compensation properties enlarging amount claims may made avail house version act explained report accompanying provided value consideration must equal fair equitable value rail properties date conveyance house report however act contains limitation conference report sess makes mention deletion passage yearsley indicates government action must authorized taking private property officer public use without authorized expressly necessary implication act congress act government hence recovery available claims hooe see also youngstown sheet tube sawyer cases inapposite since government actions issue authorized rail act hartke providing creditors corporation required take common stock new operation words exchanging present security interest rail properties common stock new corporation railroad properties become properties new corporation free clear liens encumbrances words assets transferred rights changed nonrailroad property remain bankruptcy dealt one talk available railroad liquidated put wringer even chances creditors getting money sic relatively slim country afford cessation rail service railroads put wringer effect called cram theory forces accept kind settlement judges ruled fair nothing continuing mandate rail service distinct possibility view prior action congress number people make claim government sustained claims kuykendall speaker like ask gentleman washington clarify one point matter deficiency judgment lot colloquy original debate expressed fears federal key treasury gentleman give us interpretation guarantees keep happening proceedings adams speaker definite limitation total amount authorized bill amounts go beyond shifting way spent approved act congress signed president defined joint resolution bill statement managers clear intent managers amount common stock lowest possible limit meet constitutional guarantees kuykendall speaker true ask gentleman washington adams creditors course given protection board directors control government officials owner entire block stock million shares whatever adams gentleman correct controlled long secretary determines amount obligation funds might way ever anything period time controlled board directors consists government officials kuykendall way federal may assess taxpayers congress judgments creditors correct adams gentleman correct kuykendall way assess congress money adams gentleman correct tr oral arg three times oral argument representative adams implied tucker act available takings resulting rail act see justice white asking question right sue failure maybe hold party long far causby case concerned hurley kincaid tucker act cases try repeal fifth amendment certainly repeal tucker act jurisdictional statements decide however may place along line lawful process mistake reach say tucker act case decided party decide created case merits conveyance provisions heart rail act thus clear unconstitutional strong argument might made inseverable remainder act act whole void new trustee reply brief seems concede valuation market value conrail stock may sufficient suggests however might impossible legal practical reasons offer conrail stock publicly many years thus claims way ascertain market value implies market value effectively zero aetna life ins haworth maryland casualty pacific coal oil joint refugee committee mcgrath frankfurter concurring ashwander tva brandeis concurring poe ullman judge fullam disagreed majority ripeness issues among things observed validity provisions inextricably interwoven issues concerning interim erosion address suggested supra constitutionality requiring deficit railroad operations railroad reorganization may depend part upon likelihood successful reorganization provisions final conveyance facially unconstitutional little likelihood reorganization might necessary permit immediate abandonment reason alone believe unlike judge fullam tucker act available compensate unconstitutional taking might arise interim erosion see supra however observation interrelationship erosion taking conveyance taking issues still pertinent entirely clear reorganization take place act conveyance provisions unconstitutional might pointless permit continuing erosion estate inevitable buildup huge tucker act claim thus decide whether portions act severely limiting abandonments severable conveyance provisions find issues require resolution juncture independent reasons need determine whether confront anyway order completely determine validity abandonment provisions might appropriate different circumstances decide issues ripe remand district determination merits however remand undesirable unnecessary rail act provides strict timetable implementation delay occasioned remanding district seriously impede timetable frustrate accomplishment rail act objectives issues fully ventilated parties special proceeded decide parties stipulated likely rail properties penn central designated transfer sale conveyance final system plan executed rail act app since penn central system holds overwhelming percentage trackage see supra reorganized act inconceivable penn central rail properties eliminated final system plan without destroying possibility achieving goals act see supp iii act contemplate final system plan rail properties may designated transfer existing profitable railroads supp iii transfer occur unless purchaser railroad agrees purchase substantial portion penn central rail properties attractive investment existing railroad reorganization penn central presumably accomplished without recourse novel plan envisioned act thus properly assume penn central properties transferred conrail section provides notwithstanding provision law final system plan subject review except accordance section final system plan becomes effective section title may reviewed respect matters concerning value rail properties conveyed plan value consideration received properties section commands within days compensation provided final system plan deposited special pursuant special shall order conveyance section provides conveyance shall restrained enjoined finally provides rail properties conveyed special shall decide whether transfers conveyances public interest fair equitable emphasis added thus statutory command final system plan presented congress disapproved special review ordered conveyance senate bill contained provision might read authorizing special refuse order conveyance found fair equitable see however provision deleted seems fundamentally odds senate bill intent expressed senate committee report cited text infer therefore provision eliminated conference precisely make clear order conveyance mandatory litigation concerning valuation occur transfer see conf pp except certain provisions pertinent final bill follows senate version implementation scheme subject technical clarifying changes emphasis added reason decisions concerning justiciability cases apprehended criminal prosecution pertinent decision instigate criminal prosecution usually discretionary prosecuting authorities even person settled intention disobey law never sure sanctions law invoked whether injury occur extent within control complaining party since decide abandon intention disobey law reasons maturity disputes resolution prosecution begins decided basis considering likelihood complainant disobey law certainty disobedience take particular form present injury occasioned threat prosecution likelihood prosecution actually ensue compare golden zwickler albertson sacb steffel thompson final system plan become effective disapproved either house congress within calendar days continuous session time transmitted congress may still changed usra unable execute agreements profitable railroads purchases reorganized railroads within days effective date sales conrail profitable railroads within days effective date thus possible final system plan certified special known days effective date plan plan must certified within days effective date however certified earlier special may jurisdiction derived constitution refuse convey terms transfer clearly unconstitutional see supra special noted review hasty made without adequate information thus review stage theoretical possibility afford better opportunity present one informed decision light facts see also infra house bill attempted define valuation theory applied rail properties conveyed see however definition fair equitable value rail act adopted new trustee contention conveyance provisions constitute taking mandate continuation rail services indefinitely similarly premature premised upon hypothetical relationship railroad liquidation value highest best use value going concern values stipulation unknown proper method valuing railroad properties justifiable also contended tucker act inadequate since congress may appropriate money awarded claims justice harlan wrote seems sound reason claims may rely good faith glidden zdanok see also albert hanson lumber clark reject well suggestion tucker act remedy comes late see hurley kincaid interest award runs date taking see point hotel finally contrary suggestion plaintiffs see reason tucker act remedy inadequate valuations involved may complex cf phillips commissioner arguments concerning inadequacy tucker act remedy pressed regard alleged erosion taking alleged conveyance taking availability tucker act remedy see supra distinction arguments resolutions two contexts delay claims adjudication respect form consideration provided act exceedingly irresponsible fact congress contemplate taking pretermit tucker act remedy suggest congress might wish consider whether abandon whole act turned entire value rail properties must paid cash least two complaining parties agree extent compensation rail estates paid obligations usra backed federal guarantees securities figured face value perfect equivalent money reply brief new trustee brief appellee penn central see rule compensation may later direct relevance penn central reorganization act provides determination fairness equity terms transfer take account securities benefits emphasis added provided railroad estate see also parties disagree benefits may act extent may counted constitutional consideration particular dispute whether sums benefits paid conrail reimbursement certain labor expenses benefits counted evaluating exchange see supp iii reasons given supra respect valuation problems issue presently premature claim also made whatever form compensation proper fifth amendment legislature specify form compensation must leave decision judiciary argument based upon erroneous reading monongahela navigation monongahela held legislature setting either fixed amount paid property condemned principle arriving amount settle constitutional right compensation thus monongahela restate general principle courts legislature ultimately entrusted assuring compliance constitutional commands said nothing whether congress dictate mode compensation rather amount section provides board directors board directors conrail shall consist individuals selected accordance articles bylaws conrail provided long per centum determined secretary treasury outstanding indebtedness conrail consists obligations usra debts owing guaranteed three members board shall secretary transportation chairman president usra five members board shall individuals appointed president advice consent senate attempt made distinguish provisions provides vote classes creditors reorganization determined plan fair equitable permitted reorganization finds objection class creditors reasonably justified creditors right object plan approved severely limited scope plan gives fair equitable treatment dissenters elements make plan fair equitable basis reasonably justified rejection rfc denver reasonable objection must based upon facts arising original approval plan ibid omission rail act limited right objection constitute act eminent domain statute continental bank expressly notes represent limits bankruptcy power none parties question taking effected rail act public use cf berman parker observed unusual railroads receive disparate treatment bankruptcy laws railway corporations definitely excluded operation law stat probably corporations liquidated ordinary way distribution assets railway unit divided disposed piecemeal like stock goods must sold sold unit going concern activities halted continuous uninterrupted operation necessary public interest preservation interest well protection various private interests involved reorganization evidently regarded feasible solution whenever corporation become insolvent unable meet debts mature justice douglas dissenting cases created merger cases hydraulic pressure justice holmes said makes previously clear seem doubtful even well settled principles law bend rule law moral order measure responsibility always assumed hold rail act january stat et seq supp iii undertakes sanction fraudulent conveyance words used bankruptcy act reluctant conclude implicating legislative branch lawless maneuver gigantic proportions baldly put present law tour de force end article constitution bars passing law impairing obligation contracts though federal government enjoined restrained fifth amendment provides person deprived property without due process law assume conceded congress apart bankruptcy power art may impair obligation contracts without violating due process clause bankruptcy power like great substantive powers congress subject fifth amendment justice brandeis writing louisville bank radford held mean far rail carriers concerned creditors exact pound flesh dismembering liquidating debtor public interest may subverted manner said continental illinois nat bank trust chicago case involving rail reorganization bankruptcy act railway unit divided disposed piecemeal like stock goods must sold sold unit going concern activities halted continuous uninterrupted operation necessary public interest property taken public use within meaning fifth amendment first mandate congress rail act provides obligatory transfer assets companies conrail creditors trustees stockholders reorganization judge option record makes abundantly clear parties concede conrail though dubbed corporation act supp iii shows prospect enterprise operating profitable basis penn central losses june december million reorganization whose judgment reviewing found reorganization income basis possible values ride today decisions therefore based prospect future profitable operations consideration framework act provides compensation taking form securities conrail supp iii securities common stock value insofar conrail viable entity generates income excess costs fixed charges trustees bankruptcy act make ends meet reason expect conrail conrail sure made eligible receive obligations railway association usra incorporated nonprofit association created act issue obligations exceeding guaranteed secretary treasury supp iii one billion half one billion issued conrail one billion less shall available solely rehabilitation modernization rail properties hence million might apportioned plan creditors special determines supp iii value securities given creditors exchange property pledged prior law payment claims less fair value properties conveyed special three things reallocate securities issued require conrail issue additional securities enter deficiency judgment conrail common stock conrail plainly token payment issuance new different securities conrail interest dividend rights marketable bring back play forces plague present trustees securities issued conrail must minimize actual potential debt burden conrail supp iii moreover rail act provides long half debt conrail guaranteed government majority directors designated outside secretary transportation chairman president usra five others named president consent senate one read rail act believe congress thought federal money going conrail made subordinate debt created conrail contrary assumption make purpose quite superfluous yet unless conrail new debt serviced marketed even add element value compensation received creditors railroads reorganization plan upshot compensation properties acquired conrail mostly paid conrail stock sprinkling bonds association issued conrail assuming expended operations conrail time started operation date final plan reorganization value properties transferred yet determined held new inclusion cases new road shut assets sold compensation measured highest best value assets sold case value liquidation value light findings reorganization courts present cases say million federally guaranteed bonds comes anywhere near reasonably assured value value substantial amount attributed common stock conrail problems existing roads inherited conrail prospects generating income excess costs fixed charges nil remote irony call entry deficiency judgment conrail adequate make deficiency judgment eat away value common stock conrail vicious character legislative decisions emphasized provision rail act proceedings provision prevent one class holdup fair equitable plan section however allows first finds plan fair equitable security holders hearing rail act assets first transferred conrail even special made fair equitable finding moreover security holders never vote plan congress lowered procedural barriers foisted rail carriers conveyance assets done private parties control bankrupt estate fraudulent conveyance achieved congress purporting act public interest taking public purpose fifth amendment standards taking property without assurance compensation ii relies parties seek sustain statute assumed availability suit claims tucker act recover shortfall fair liquidation value compensation bankrupt roads receive rail act solicitor general initially arguing judgment reversed without reaching tucker act question pitches argument support statute chiefly upon availability tucker act suit tucker act confers jurisdiction claims render judgment upon claim founded either upon constitution act congress regulation executive department upon express implied contract liquidated unliquidated damages cases sounding tort act provides strict timetable bringing conrail operation usra expected present final system plan congress within days enactment rail act plan deemed approved unless congress specifically disapproves within specified period plan approved usra must certify special within days within days certification conrail must deposit stock securities special must direct conveyance properties conrail pursuant plan within days thereafter congress plainly sought expedition process creating conrail apparently reason deferring transfer properties question valuation distribution stock contributing railroads policy expedition carries provisions judicial participation process appeals decisions reorganization district courts concerning inclusion debtor roads provisions rail act lie exclusively special decision appeals must made within days supp iii final system plan approved congress act supp iii provides consolidation special judicial proceedings respect final system plan decision special regarding distribution conrail stock securities pursuant appealable directly directed give appeal highest priority even dismiss within seven days conclude pendency interest expeditious conclusion proceedings suit claims quite odd appendage streamlined judicial procedures described language vesting special judicial proceedings respect final system plan immediately raises doubt tucker act remedy compatible act doubt amplified one looks entire scheme judicial participation think congress setting special consolidating proceedings limiting appeals demanding expeditious decisions intended time permit yet another round litigation compensation question begin claims procedures mandated rail act exhausted despite obvious frustration policy expedition inference tucker act remedy available might still justified special features compensation arrangement limit infusion federal funds seen features important congress circumvented suit claims allowed special directed transfer conrail right title interest properties contributing roads designated final system plan must determine whether transfers property bankrupt roads fair equitable estate special limited tools rectifying unfairness inequity finds limitations powers quite clearly indicate congressional intent limit commitment federal funds preferred form compensation debtor roads stock conrail stock insufficient special may next order distribution obligations conrail limited face value million absent authorization joint resolution congress exceed limitation shortfall remains distribution stock obligations special directed enter deficiency judgment conrail judgment corporation apparent purpose protecting treasury liability unanticipated magnitude representative adams one principal architects rail act house explained specific assurances federal exposure sought early debate bill adams specific limitation final bill says million later raised million government loan guarantees used acquisition event years come higher value judgment new corporation new case placed kind position loads new corporation debt structure requiring issue additional bonds lowers value common stock paid terms assets ruppe deliver stock seems reading language cause corporation securities issued payment properties value fair equitable value determined adams correct corporation taxpayers money cong rec hold tucker act remedy available first leave compensation security holders wholly speculative chances congress might grant second deprive congress opportunity choose since bankrupt estates permitted obtain deficiency judgment proceedings rail act exhausted assurances eventuality given following colloquy two managers house debate conference report kuykendall speaker like ask gentleman washington clarify one point matter deficiency judgment lot colloquy original debate expressed fears federal key treasury gentleman give us interpretation guarantees keep happening proceedings adams speaker definite limitation total amount authorized bill amounts go beyond shifting way spent approved act congress signed president defined joint resolution bill statement managers clear intent managers amount common stock lowest possible limit meet constitutional guarantees kuykendall speaker true ask gentleman washington adams creditors course given protection board directors control government officials owner entire block stock million shares whatever adams gentleman correct controlled long secretary determines amount obligation funds might way ever anything period time controlled board directors consists government officials kuykendall way federal may assess taxpayers congress judgments creditors correct adams gentleman correct kuykendall way assess congress money adams gentleman correct cong rec asked infer tucker act remedy applying canon favors interpretations statutes avoid substantial constitutional questions see ex rel attorney general delaware hudson jin fuey moy richmond screw anchor crowell benson screws originally stated proposition statute reasonably susceptible two interpretations courts choose one steers clear collision constitutional limitations ex rel attorney general delaware hudson supra texas eastern texas principle applied preserve substantially legislative purpose even statute must tailored avoid question constitutional infirmity see screws supra crowell benson supra ftc american tobacco recent applications however occasion abandoned fidelity congressional intent order avoid constitutional question see rumely cio rutledge concurring cases believe engaged judicial rewriting relevant congressional acts concurred result reaching constitutional questions avoided today decision however goes well beyond done rumely cio cases applied canon construction narrowed congressional regulatory scheme order avoid confronting possibility overreaching see ex rel attorney general delaware hudson supra jin fuey moy supra texas eastern texas supra ftc american tobacco supra blodgett holden holmes concurring missouri pacific boone today however expands opportunities correcting unfairness congressional program foisting upon congress device never chose indeed thought rejected today holding thus represents sheer tour de force cf seeger douglas concurring judicial legislation transgresses bounds responsibility avoid unnecessary constitutional questions justice cardozo said moore ice cream rose bears repeating statute must construed fairly possible avoid conclusion unconstitutional also grave doubts upon score citation omitted avoidance difficulty pressed point disingenuous evasion intention congress revealed distinctly permit us ignore problem must faced answered drafters rail act wrote background reorganization law tucker act never regarded device escaping constitutional questions challenges bankruptcy legislation permitting unconstitutional deprivations property occurred cases today faced challenges without adverting tucker act remedy see continental illinois nat bank trust chicago louisville joint stock land bank radford wright vinton branch ecker western pacific construing rail act embrace tucker act remedy disregards tradition case opens possibility congress sought diligently avoid imposition large financial burden upon treasury conrail acquisition claims without power enforce judgments amounting less paid general appropriation payment judgments exceeding sum require special action congress ordinarily course congress pays judgments matter routine see glidden zdanok exceptional case involving possibility judgments billions dollars construction gives rail act today amaze legislators drafted voted statute believe congress enacted law told end might dig taxpayers pockets one billion appropriated unknown billions perhaps billion compensation property authorized taken iii article cl constitution empowers congress establish uniform laws subject bankruptcies throughout held many years back requirement required geographical uniformity main purpose treat claimants debtors one area another stated justice frankfurter concurring vanston bondholders protective committee green constitutional requirement uniformity requirement geographic uniformity wholly satisfied existing obligations debtor treated alike bankruptcy administration throughout country regardless state bankruptcy sits see hanover national bank moyses establish uniform laws bankruptcy mean wiping differences among laws governing commercial transactions constitution intend transactions different legal consequences took place different shall come result passed bankruptcy absence bankruptcy differences familiar results federal system diverse codes local law differences inherent federal scheme day bankruptcy wiped transmuted day act applies across nation midwest northeast region section supp iii indeed defines region region usra confined supp iii performance various duties reporting features act reach railroads region supp iii secretary transportation likewise confined supp iii new office rail services planning office interstate commerce commission supp iii final system plan covers rail service region supp iii short act amended make procedure applicable rail carriers midwest northeast region solicitor general therefore quite wrong says rail act applies force effect wherever railroad reorganizations found special bankruptcy congress given powers reorganization supp iii railroad reorganization defined includes bankruptcy act means railroad proceedings located midwest northeast region benign treatment six rail carriers us cases importance difference felt among ranks security holders security holders rail carriers future reorganization south west receive considerate treatment plaintiffs cases differences minor exceedingly substantial held new inclusion cases supra plan approved whereby rail assets disposed view reorganizing remaining enterprise investment company rail act mandates dismissal chapter provide process fair equitable estate railroad supp iii reorganization held plan approved new inclusion cases permissible rail act rail act nowhere envisages bifurcated reorganization one nonrail assets another rail assets choice overall reorganization one hand dismissal whereupon diversities old equity receivership explored thus security holders companies reorganized act deprived advantages security holders rail carriers proceedings enjoy sale conveyance assets pursuant plan lien assets transferred proceeds reason rail act transfer free clear liens encumbrances plan consummated judge well interstate commerce commission must find fair equitable rail act finding made ex post facto thus pressures consummate plan alternatives open special except dismissal choice new inclusion cases illustrate barred security holders lack benefit expertise interstate commerce commission courts give great deference see ecker western pacific ex post facto finding fair equitable prerequisite plan robs security holders protective measures security holders enjoy reorganizations rail carriers geographical areas rail services planning office directed hold public hearings preliminary system plan usra prepares final system plan submits congress submission congress however perfunctory sense plan clears hurdle unless congress disapproves security holders parties interest right heard approves plan rail act like hearing granted denial right heard may times amount denial due process intimate opinion whether right constitutionally eliminated rail reorganizations security holders rail carriers given right claimants plaintiffs denied provision rail act obviously lacks uniformity constitution mandates heretofore recognized local variations reason state law governing rights creditors debtors may honored bankruptcy without violating uniformity clause never sanctioned harsher bankruptcy procedure class debtors one region applied class different region bankruptcy may course empowered make orders turn availability credit may existent one area another day never dreamed allowing debtors class creditors treated leniently one region another conclusion rail act uniformity required art cl constitution mean unconstitutional entirety mean however four ways uniformity lacking must remedied present group security holders made suffer act provisions including absence meaningful right security holders heard fairness law urged bow pressure events expedite public interest reorganization six rail carriers emergency often gives congress occasion act know emergency permits disregard compensation clause fifth amendment uniformity requirement bankruptcy clause constitution fear hydraulic pressure generated case serious impact historic area law jealously protected centuries courts equity interests justice see baltimore merger cases new inclusion cases baltimore supra summarize dissent financial chicanery behind creation new frankensteins deal northern securities dissenting opinion glenn fraudulent conveyances preferences rev ed gold clause cases different footing chief justice hughes wrote norman baltimore power congress regulate currency establish monetary system involved penn central transportation subsidiaries lehigh valley railroad central railroad new jersey lehigh hudson river railway reading ann arbor railway consolidated rail created act supp iii reorganization found debtor reorganizable income basis within reasonable time ruling appealed trans supp ed section supp iii designates special three federal judges inter alia pass question whether plan fair equitable supp iii preliminary decision special certain important aspects conflicts reorganization rendered september penn central trans supp study commissioned penn central trustees file icc estimates penn central assets december continued railroad use value liquidation uses pctc physical asset valuation study apr revised may icc fin docket joint documentary submission see supra case penn central alone reorganization said every reason suppose included properties worth considerably million supp ed fullam judge fullam concurring opinion district noted matter simple maximization values going concern value usual sense justification continuing reorganization proceeding unless either following conditions established reasonable prospect streamlining consolidations changes circumstances earning power profitability restored reasonable prospect public need preserving debtor railroad appropriated public use values inherent assemblage operating railroad recognized paid cf port authority trans hudson hudson rapid tubes cert denied supp ed omitted section supp iii required executive committee usra present final system plan usra board directors approval within days enactment act later extended days pub within days presentation executive committee board shall approve final system plan meets requirements section prescribing contents plan general goals plan submitted congress supp iii see pp hereinafter cited language originated senate bill house bill provided consolidation special proceedings kind arise may arise concerning final system plan implementation thereof house report explains title guarantees creditors day preserves constitutional right judicial determination compensation property senate language incorporated final bill apparently significance attached disparity two versions see conf pp supp iii usra authorized issue obligations exceeding billion billion however may issued conrail amount million must made available solely rehabilitation modernization properties acquired contributing roads leaves million obligations available special distribution estates congress choose creditors bankrupt roads armed large deficiency judgment might cause levy made upon conrail assets since value conrail stock held presumably reflect value assets levy give estates additional value merely change form liquidation terminate erosion asset value due continued unprofitable operations amicus brief submitted representative adams representatives suggests liquidation allow creditors get back relinquished involuntarily conrail special noted position ignores probable erosion asset value pendency valuation proceedings possibility new senior debt difficulty unscrambling assets penn central trans appearing amicus curiae oral argument representative adams made statements majority reads indicating conclusion tucker act suit available remedy uncompensated erosion taking ante yet position contrary taken brief adams submitted urges us decide case without reaching tucker act question specifically cites colloquy printed infra properly notes expressions treated caution warning applies much relatively spontaneous responses counsel equally spontaneous questioning moose lodge irvis considered statements appear written submissions viewed entirety expressions ambiguous add little statute legislative history moreover adams remarks bear interpretation fully consistent nonavailability tucker act see infra house report cost estimate specifically notes cost elements ceiling fixed authorization federal contribution operating subsidies paid local rail service authorization originally contained house bill appears rail act supp iii subject annual limitation million significantly mention possible claims judgment uncertain potentially astronomical proportions see senate report similar section entitled minimizing taxpayer expense explains although amounts money required implement rationalization restructuring bankrupt railroads northeast authorized legislation may seem substantial uninitiated every effort made design bill minimizes direct cost taxpayer indeed process bill create new healthy railroad bankrupt ones arose strong desire limit use federal money bill thus written permit transfer required rail properties bankrupt estates exchange securities new corporation via reorganization plan umbrella section proceeding bankruptcy act addition bill calls use federal loan guarantees rather direct grants wherever possible procedure allows necessary funds come private sector exchange loans repaid new corporation recipients use loan guarantees instance felt particularly appropriate since support new railroad excellent earnings prospects section cost estimates noted obligational authority association limited finance secretary agreements railroads reorganization acquisition maintenance improvement rail facilities prior completion final system plan bill additional obligation authority necessary implementation final system plan must designated final system plan affirmatively approved joint resolution congress congress intended allow tucker act remedy addition created rail act foregoing assurances worthless louisville joint stock land bank radford held first act provided special relief farm mortgagors bankruptcy unconstitutional taking mortgagee security theory offered government applied avoided issue inferring tucker act remedy possibility course escaped attention hurley kincaid decided three years earlier justice brandeis author radford opinion written lynch previous term requirement uniformity preclude local variations make rights creditors debtors depend peculiarities state law relating dower exemptions validity mortgages right enforce bankruptcy state remedies fraudulent conveyances stellwagen clum wright vinton branch vote class security holders affected plan normally required bankruptcy however may nevertheless approve plan even though vote lacking finds plan fair equitable rejection class security holders reasonably justified light respective rights interests rejecting relevant facts instance sustained bankruptcy approving plan class security holders rejected see rfc denver supra wright vinton branch continental illinois nat bank trust chicago cited majority ante involved question geographical nonuniformity upheld case adopted special procedures railroad bankruptcies similarly inapposite head money cases involved uniformity requirement art cl although head tax classified persons citizenship mode entry applied alike every port passengers landed