(Source: Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) press release, June 15, 2011.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today declared his strong opposition to the Competition for Intercity Passenger Rail in America Act, legislation proposed by Republicans on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to abolish Amtrak and privatize rail service in the Northeast.
Costello is a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
“At a time when we should be focusing on investing in our nation’s infrastructure, creating jobs now and in the future, this proposal threatens to dismantle reliable passenger rail service in this country,” said Costello. “Our region – particularly Southern Illinois University Carbondale – depends upon Amtrak and this service would be in jeopardy if the Northeast Corridor is privatized. I remain committed to working together in a bipartisan fashion to support Amtrak, continue to increase ridership and further develop high-speed rail as we move forward with a surface transportation reauthorization bill in Congress. This bill will not accomplish these goals.”
Full story: Office of Congressman Jerry Costello