[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 176 (Thursday, October 23, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7728-S7729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      TRIBUTE TO STACEY MORTENSEN

 Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 
distinguished career of Stacey Mortensen, a dedicated leader who has 
helped transform public transportation in California's Central Valley 
and strengthened rail systems all across our State.
  For more than three decades, Stacey has championed transportation and 
rail infrastructure in California. As a native of the region, she knows 
firsthand how important these investments are for families and 
businesses in our communities.
  Thanks to Stacey's work, thousands of Californians have enjoyed 
better transportation options. Among these is the Altamont Corridor 
Express, which launched in 1988 with just two weekday roundtrips. 
Thanks in no small part to her vision and determination, ACE now serves 
10 stations and nearly 3,000 riders every day.
  In the mid-2000s, Stacey spearheaded a Memorandum of Understanding 
among 20 different agencies in Merced, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and 
Sacramento Counties to coordinate and streamline planning for service 
expansions between Merced and Sacramento. These collaborative efforts 
laid the foundation for what is now known as the Valley Rail Program. 
She also played a pivotal role in the creation of the San Joaquin Joint 
Powers Authority, establishing a regional governance model for service 
in the San Joaquin Valley.
  Throughout her more than 30 years of service in Stockton, Stacey has 
held an unwavering belief in the extraordinary potential of the Central 
Valley and its people.
  Stacey's work has led to one of the largest rail infrastructure 
improvements in the Nation--exceeding $500 million--and helped secure 
nearly $2 billion in funding for the Valley Rail Program, which will 
ultimately connect with California's high-speed rail network in Merced.
  Her leadership advanced key agreements with Valley Link and the 
California High-Speed Rail Authority, formally designating the rail 
commission and the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority as prospective 
operators for future rail services.

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  And in 2024, Stacey supported the creation of the Rail Academy of 
Central California, a vital workforce development initiative designed 
to train the next generation of rail professionals.
  Throughout her career, Stacey has demonstrated a unique ability to 
unite people around a shared vision and inspire others to deliver 
meaningful, sustained progress and change.
  As Stacey retires from her role as executive director of the San 
Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, on behalf of all Californians, I 
thank her for her outstanding commitment to public service. I also 
thank her spouse Leah for supporting Stacey over all these years.
  As she transitions to the next chapter of her life, I thank my 
colleagues for joining me in recognizing Stacey and applauding her 
outstanding contributions and her exemplary service.

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