[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 14 (Thursday, January 25, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S256-S257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                 Amtrak

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, there are a few things that are more 
important to a nation's economy than its infrastructure. Most Americans 
rely on public transport to get from point A to point B. Passenger rail 
plays an important role in that responsibility. That is why am pleased 
that Illinoisans have had a voice in one of the largest rail networks 
in the country, Amtrak.
  Something many people don't realize is that despite being a for-
profit company, Amtrak is a government entity. Because of this, with 
the advice and consent of the Senate, the President has the power to 
appoint members to Amtrak's board. Just this week, we took action in 
the Senate.
  On Tuesday, the Senate voted to confirm the mayor of Normal, IL, 
Chris Koos, to serve on the Amtrak board of directors, one of only 
eight individuals appointed by the President at any one time to serve 
in such a role.
  Chris will take the post when the former Macomb, IL, mayor, Tom 
Carper, departs. When Chris takes the baton from Tom, he will be taking 
it from a giant in the history of Amtrak.
  Tom Carper--same name as our colleague from Delaware--is the longest 
serving board member in Amtrak history. That is an amazing 
accomplishment and shows great personal sacrifice on his part to be 
part of this public responsibility.
  First nominated to the board of directors in 2007 under President 
Bush, Tom Carper joined the board in 2008 and was elected as board 
chairman from 2009 until his term officially expired in 2013. Tom was 
then reappointed in 2013 under President Obama, and he served under 
four different Presidents on the board of directors of Amtrak.
  During his tenure on the board, Tom championed issues important to 
Amtrak passengers across the Nation. He prioritized ensuring service to 
underserved communities, benefiting local

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economies, and improving safety and cyber security. While serving as 
chairman, Tom Carper took on the critical responsibility of 
coordinating the board and the CEO, making sure that Amtrak was 
responsive to the needs of its customers: the American public.
  Throughout his life, Tom took on many positions that show the kind of 
leader he really is. He was a small business owner from Macomb, IL, 
serving as the town's mayor for over 10 years and then as director of a 
regional economic development plan. From these positions, Tom gleaned 
firsthand knowledge about economic development in the Midwest--
knowledge he brought with him to Amtrak. Prior to that, Tom served our 
Nation in the U.S. Army in both Thailand and Vietnam.
  Tom had an acute understanding of how passenger rail service could 
improve lives. He used that knowledge to modernize our transportation 
system.
  Tom is a great leader and an even better person. In his role, he 
faithfully honored his Central Illinois roots and showed what 
midwestern work ethic really looks like.
  I want to thank Tom Carper for his years of dedicated service to 
America's rail infrastructure. Every American who uses Amtrak owes Tom 
Carper a debt of gratitude. I wish Tom the best of luck in the next 
well-earned chapter of his life.
  Luckily for Illinois and our Nation, our representation on Amtrak's 
board will continue with the mayor of Normal, IL, Chris Koos. A 
committed leader, Chris has the longest running term of any mayor in 
his city's history. It is only right that he will be replacing Tom's 
recordbreaking tenure on the Amtrak board.
  Chris's confirmation has been long awaited. He was first nominated in 
2020. Two years later, at my recommendation, President Biden 
renominated Chris to the Amtrak board of directors. After more than 
3\1/2\ years, finally--finally--he was confirmed. Through no fault of 
his own, he was caught up in some--how should I say?--strategic 
planning in the future of the Amtrak board, but he finally got the job.
  The Midwest will be well represented with Chris Koos on the Amtrak 
board. He has been a powerful voice in the Illinois transportation 
sector for years, and he has an intimate understanding of the 
importance of passenger rail to communities in Illinois, the Midwest, 
and across the country.
  Similar to Tom, Chris is a small business man from a midsized 
community. He owns a business where he sells running shoes and 
bicycles. From movement on foot and bike to movement by rail, I think 
it is safe to say Chris has a passion for supporting people on the go. 
That passion will allow him to tackle the challenge of serving on 
Amtrak's board with grace, creativity, and intelligence. Chris will be 
a great asset when it comes to the future of Amtrak. I am honored to 
call him a friend, and I congratulate him on this exciting new journey 
ahead.
  Leaders like Tom Carper and Chris Koos make me feel honored to 
represent the great State of Illinois.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.