TCU National President Bob Scardelletti and National President-elect Artie Maratea issued the following statement on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s INVEST in America Act:
“After decades of calling for massive investments in our country’s infrastructure, the INVEST in America Act finally delivers. This is the kind of bold, transformative legislation that will lead rail transportation into the 21st century.
“TCU members are strong supporters of this legislation as not only does it invest in our industries, but it ensures that good, family-wage jobs will be a key part of building and delivering modern transportation services for years to come.
“The TRAIN Act (Division D) section correctly refocuses Amtrak towards a better future – one with reformed leadership, improved services, better on-time performance, and a mission to deliver quality passenger services while retaining and creating good jobs. It also significantly increases and dedicates funding for our nation’s commuter railroads – something long overdue.
“The TRAIN Act section also takes significant steps towards holding freight railroads accountable by mandating a first-of-its-kind study into the service and safety issues surrounding the Precision Scheduled Railroading operating model, cracking down on exporting safety tests to Mexico, includes a commonsense two-person crew mandate, and more.
“This Congress, TCU, the IAM District 19, and other rail labor leaders testified on issues affecting our Amtrak and freight members – and it’s clear from this legislation that Congress heard us loud and clear.
“On behalf of our members, we thank the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and specifically Chairman DeFazio, Chairman Lipinski and Chairwoman Holmes Norton, for their incredible leadership on this legislation. We urge Congress to swiftly pass this legislation so that Americans can get to work building America’s future.”