[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 65 (Wednesday, May 20, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S5244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       AMTRAK BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise as a strong supporter of 
Amtrak, recognizing the tremendous potential that advanced rail-
passenger technology can play in developing our nation's 21st Century 
economy.
  Amtrak has a distinct and important relationship with the state of 
Illinois. Chicago is the headquarters of one of Amtrak's three 
Strategic Business Units and the Intercity Business Unit, which manages 
all passenger trains in America with the exception of the Northeast 
Corridor and West Coast services. Downtown Chicago is also home to one 
of the three nationwide Reservation Call Centers. Amtrak also operates 
over forty trains per day in Illinois, with a total ridership in excess 
of 2.5 million passengers. Illinois has first-hand experience with 
Amtrak's current services and recognizes its future potential.
  The Congress has also understood Amtrak's potential. In last year's 
Taxpayer Relief Act, the Senate and House provided $2.3 billion in 
Amtrak capital investment to make our federally owned rail passenger 
carrier a strong contributor to our nation's mobility. Congress also 
worked diligently to enact the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 
1997. With the authority conferred on it by this legislation, Amtrak 
now has the ability to undertake the organizational restructuring and 
operational fine-tuning necessary to realize the full benefits promised 
by the $2.3 billion in capital funding.
  An integral component of the reform envisioned by this legislation 
was the timely selection and seating of an ``Amtrak Reform Board'' 
comprised of directors with fresh ideas and experience in dealing with 
the business world. We must ensure that the Administration moves 
swiftly enough to avoid the consequences of failing to appoint a new 
Amtrak Reform Board by the statutory deadline, July 1, 1998. Quick 
action on this matter will allow Amtrak to maintain the authorization 
mandated in the law signed last December.
  I am hopeful that the President will move quickly to appoint the 
seven directors required under the new law. These appointments should 
include professionals experienced in the leasing and financing of 
hundreds of millions of dollars worth of equipment and people familiar 
with debt rescheduling and refinancing, which are among tasks tailored 
to Amtrak's business needs.
  I would also encourage the Administration to make certain that these 
appointments fairly represent the various regions of the country, and 
Illinois is certainly deserving of such representation. Amtrak provides 
service to over thirty cities in Illinois. In addition, Amtrak employs 
some 2,200 Illinois residents, with earnings totaling over $50 million 
per year. Regional representation will also ensure that the diverse 
interests of our regional economies can be brought to the table for 
equitable decision making in the Amtrak Boardroom.
  Mr. President, I hope my colleagues who support Amtrak will join me 
in encouraging the Administration to submit qualified candidates, women 
and men with the knowledge and experience required to strengthen our 
national system of passenger transportation, to the Senate as soon as 
possible.

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