[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 29, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S4904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONFIRMATION OF JOSEPH SZABO

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate Mr. Joseph 
Szabo on his confirmation as the next Administrator of the Federal 
Railroad Administration.
  Joe Szabo has made a significant contribution to my State of 
Illinois, and I believe he is going to bring great success to the 
Department of Transportation. Joe Szabo understands better than most 
the long days, unpredictable schedules, and sometimes hazardous working 
conditions that come with employment in the railroad industry.
  He has worked for the railroad--both the Illinois Central and Metra--
since he was 18 years old, including stints as yard switchman, road 
trainman, and commuter passenger conductor.
  Five generations of his family worked on the railroad. Joe learned 
firsthand about the railroads from his father, a 40-year switchman for 
the Illinois Central Railroad. His father instilled in him a passion 
for rail work that has helped Joe become a trusted and respected voice 
in rail labor and in the industry.
  Joe has a distinguished record of public service and many 
accomplishments to show for his work in Illinois. As elected mayor of 
Riverdale, IL, and State legislative director for the United 
Transportation Union, UTU, Joe has developed a reputation as a 
passionate and effective advocate for freight and passenger rail and 
its workers.
  During his tenure as UTU State director, Joe's work was integral to 
the State of Illinois doubling its investment in passenger rail. This 
additional State investment Joe worked so hard to achieve allowed 
Illinois to double the frequency of Amtrak trains leaving Chicago for 
Quincy, Carbondale, and St. Louis, and to lay the groundwork for 
expanding service to Rockford and the Quad Cities--our next 
achievements, I hope soon.
  Joe's advocacy helped Illinois passenger rail achieve the fastest 
growth in ridership and revenue in the entire national Amtrak system.
  Joe will now bring his passion for the railroad industry and his 
experience with rail labor to Washington. As all of us know, President 
Obama, Vice President Biden, and this Congress have made the single 
largest investment in passenger rail in America's history.
  The $8 billion we included in the stimulus for high-speed passenger 
rail represents a commitment to taking the next step in intercity 
passenger rail for the 21st century.
  Implementing this vision will be monumental. It will take a good-
faith working relationship between Congress, the White House, the 
industry, and State and local governments.
  Thankfully, Joe Szabo has earned the confidence and full support of 
President Obama. Joe and the President worked closely together when 
then-State Senator Obama served in Springfield in the Illinois General 
Assembly.
  Mr. President, I am here today to tell you what President Obama and I 
already know: When it comes to making high-speed rail a reality in the 
U.S. and ensuring that millions of Americans have access to safe, 
reliable passenger and freight rail, there is no one better for this 
job than Joe Szabo.
  Mr. President, in the months and years ahead, I can assure you this 
country will find Joe Szabo understands the critical role our national 
rail system plays to the health of our economy, our environment, and 
our future.
  I am proud to have added my voice to the chorus of so many who asked 
the administration to nominate Joe and give him this chance to serve 
our Nation. I know he is going to do an exceptional job.

                          ____________________