[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 58 (Thursday, March 30, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1084-S1085]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO SCOTT LEONARD

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the long career 
of Scott Leonard, of Milwaukee, as he retires from Amtrak after 19 
years of dedicated service. Born in Milwaukee on April 2, 1961, he 
graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1984. His first job was 
with the blood services division of the American Red Cross, first in 
Wisconsin, then in Washington, DC.

[[Page S1085]]

  Scott always loved trains, especially passenger trains. As a child, 
he would ride some of the storied trains that travelled through the 
Badger State. His interest and passion for the railroad led him to a 
position with the National Association of Railroad Passengers--NARP--an 
advocacy group supporting the growth of rail passenger services in the 
United States. There, he worked with the membership of the association 
to advance ideas to Amtrak for improved service and to communicate back 
to NARP what they could do to support Amtrak. Scott was an ever-present 
figure on Capitol Hill providing information and support to the Members 
and their staffs as they worked on the important rail bills of the late 
1980s and 90s.
  In 2004, Scott joined Amtrak's government affairs office and was 
responsible for handling congressional correspondence, managing special 
projects, and assisting with VIP travel. He is well regarded for his 
thorough and prompt replies to queries and ability to provide personal 
and professional service to inquiries or complaints. Members of 
Congress, foreign dignitaries and other important passengers came to 
know Scott on a first-name basis as he met or escorted them to the 
station or their train. Leaving the office and headed to the station, 
suit and tie, clipboard in hand, his friends in government affairs 
would say: ``Somebody is about to get the Scott Leonard Treatment.'' 
For many, he was Amtrak, a recognized face in the crowd, a measure of 
consistency in a harried world.
  Scott also holds the unique distinction of travelling every mile of 
Amtrak's 21,400-route system, one of only two people known to have that 
achievement. As in every large endeavor such as this, one needs a 
playbook or guide so others may follow on a clear and consistent path 
of requirements. In a system as large as Amtrak's, there are many 
anomalies. Scott organized the ``playbook'' right to down the last 
switch, siding, and alternative route options. There are others chasing 
this goal, and maybe someday there will be created the ``Leonard 
Prize'' for those who do indeed cover that last mile. In addition to 
his knowledge of Amtrak's system, he can recite the beginning and end 
of the U.S. highway system and possesses excellent mapmaking skills and 
a deep knowledge of American geography.
  Some might say that Scott was lucky to get a job that allowed him to 
pursue his passions and interest. However, the truth is that Amtrak was 
lucky to have Scott. He lives the values of the company every day, and 
he is a beloved colleague to those around him. His former boss in 
government affairs once said that ``if there were ever a human cloning 
opportunity, Scott would be No. 1 on the list.''
  Soon, Scott will retire from service at Amtrak and return to 
Wisconsin with his husband, Kevin. They will settle in a historic 
property in Racine, not far from the Hiawatha line where friends and 
family alike can keep an ear out for the whistles and sounds of trains 
racing by.
  Scott, thank you for your dedication and long service to Amtrak--
America's Railroad. May you and Kevin have a long, happy, and healthy 
retirement.

                          ____________________