Executive Summary: U.S. House Subcommittee Hears Testimony onAmtrak

Mark Schweiker, President & CEO of the Chamber, recently testified on the “Benefits of Intercity Passenger Rail” before the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

Speaking on behalf of the Greater Philadelphia business community, Mr. Schweiker stressed the importance of dedicated, stable federal funding for long-term improvements and proper maintenance of the Northeast Corridor rail line.

“For the Northeast region to continue to grow and thrive, we need a real commitment to the future of the Corridor and a state-federal partnership to secure the funds necessary to continue to develop the premier rail corridor in North America,” said Mr. Schweiker at the hearing.

Greater Philadelphia has three significant Amtrak stations in Philadelphia, Wilmington and Trenton. When it comes to attracting new businesses and a highly skilled workforce, our region’s easy access by train to the nation’s financial capital in New York and its political capital in Washington is one of our primary competitive advantages.

This hearing will help determine the direction and content of legislation drafted by the Subcommittee to reauthorize Amtrak and will serve as companion legislation to the Lautenberg-Lott measure recently passed by the Senate Commerce committee.

Read more about Mr. Schweiker’s testimony here.