[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 121 (Tuesday, September 11, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING AMTRAK AND ITS IMPORTANT ROLE ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

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                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2012

  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on this day of remembrance of the 
tragic events of September 11, 2001, I would like to take this 
opportunity to thank Amtrak and its employees for its efforts in the 
minutes, days and weeks following the attacks.
  On this very day 11 years ago, Amtrak and its employees worked around 
the clock to provide one of the only travel options in many parts of 
this country. Within minutes of the incident, Amtrak jumped into 
action. It mobilized and established a command center; evacuated a 
number of stations for inspections of trains and infrastructure; and 
dispatched police officers and staff throughout Amtrak facilities to 
patrol and conduct ongoing inspections.
  On the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak added about 30 percent more seating 
capacity to fill the travel gap. Over 1,600 daily seats were added to 
long-distance trains and another 300 seats to West Coast trains.
  Amtrak also provided transportation to New York City for families and 
friends of victims, firefighters, police, medical teams, military and 
other public officials, and even airline crew members. In partnership 
with the American Red Cross, Amtrak transported thousands of emergency 
relief kits to New York City. In fact, with the airlines grounded, the 
U.S. Postal Service turned to Amtrak to carry mail.
  Mr. Speaker, on the anniversary of September 11, it is important we 
reflect on the important role of Amtrak and its employees and it is 
essential that we maintain our vigilance of the security of all modes 
of transportation.

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