[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 50 (Friday, March 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E225-E226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING JOLENE MOLITORIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 17, 2023

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, today, I am honoring and celebrating Jolene 
Molitoris for all her years of dedicated service to improving rail 
service and safety in Ohio, and across our country, and around the 
globe. It is important for me to honor Jolene, who I have known for 
well over 30 years, dating back to her days with the Ohio Rail 
Transportation Authority.
  As a city planner, I know the importance of transportation and 
mobility for my constituents

[[Page E226]]

and all Ohioans. The importance of passenger rail and freight rail 
cannot be overstated, and I was always happy to work with Jolene on 
projects that helped Toledo and all of northern Ohio. We bonded over 
our passion for our shared Polish-American heritage, our commitment to 
working families, and our deep desire to get projects accomplished that 
made a difference in the lives of Ohioans.
  One fond memory of Jolene comes to mind, in particular. It was cold 
and we were working to renovate Toledo's Amtrak station, and to do so 
required we had to take down a mammoth old dairy building. It was huge. 
So I called Jolene and I asked her if she'd ever taken down a building? 
And of course, her answer was no.
  Well, Jolene came to Toledo, rolled up her sleeves, and helped to 
demolish that building with a giant crane and wrecking ball so we could 
get the job done. It was an unforgettable experience and something I 
remember, to this day. If you want someone in your corner to help roll 
up their sleeves and get the job done, Jolene Molitoris is the woman to 
call.
  Jolene also went on to shatter many glass ceilings over her storied 
career. In 1993, President Clinton nominated her to serve as Federal 
Railroad Administrator, and she became the first woman ever to head 
that agency. Jolene went on to become the longest serving FRA 
Administrator in our Nation's history. In 1995, Jolene was recognized 
by WTS as Woman of the Year, one of many honors and awards bestowed 
upon her. In 2009, Governor Ted Strickland appointed her as the first 
woman to lead the Ohio Department of Transportation, and she went on to 
chair the Ohio Rail Development Commission.
  While rail in Ohio is top of mind for so many in our region and 
across the nation, after derailments in recent months, it is important 
to know that there are great minds like Jolene that have long been 
committed to improving rail safety for America's communities. I want to 
congratulate Jolene on this special recognition, and I'm honored to be 
able to share my memories with Jolene during this International Women's 
History Month of our time working together to move America forward.
  Warmest congratulations to Jolene. Job well done.

                          ____________________