[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 20 (Tuesday, January 30, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF THE CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE AD HOC AMTRAK PLATFORM 
                           COMMITTEE MEMBERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANN M. KUSTER

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 30, 2018

  Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
members of the Claremont, New Hampshire, Ad Hoc Amtrak Platform 
Committee. The people of the Upper Valley owe a tremendous debt to the 
public servants and civic-minded citizens who took up the important 
work of this committee. Those individuals are: Jeffrey Albright, State 
Representative Raymond Gagnon, Mayor Charlene Lovett, Scott Magnuson, 
former City Councilor James Reed, Walter Stapleton, and former City 
Councilor Carolyn Towle. Since its formation in 2014, the committee has 
worked extensively to promote and improve rail transportation and 
access in the region. Through new signage around Claremont and 
effective digital marketing, the committee did an outstanding job of 
raising awareness of the value and opportunity the Amtrak Vermonter 
line had for the Claremont community, and vice versa. They spearheaded 
a campaign to construct a passenger shelter at the Claremont station 
with all-volunteer funding and labor. As a direct result of their 
efforts, ridership numbers have notably increased each of the last 
three years, and the New England Intercity Rail Initiative has decided 
that Claremont should remain included in future high speed rail 
service.
  It is also important to recognize the national and international 
impact of the committee. Its members worked closely with my office to 
provide input and help advance the Promoting Travel, Commerce, and 
National Security Act, which I introduced in 2016. This legislation 
paved the way for a bilateral border security agreement that allows the 
United States and Canada to expand preclearance customs facilities, 
including rail facilities for the first time. It improves travel and 
trade opportunities for our northern border communities while also 
strengthening our national security. The bill was signed into law by 
President Barack Obama, and in 2017 the agreement was approved by the 
Canadian House of Commons. I commend the committee members for all they 
have done to help bring this meaningful policy to fruition.
  On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's Second Congressional 
District, I thank Jeffrey, Richard, Charlene, Scott, James, Walter, and 
Carolyn for their dedicated service and advocacy. Their achievements 
will continue to benefit Granite State transportation, tourism, and 
economic development for years to come. I am honored to recognize and 
congratulate them.

                          ____________________