On the recordMay 20, 2015
I thank the gentlewoman from Florida and the gentlewoman from New Jersey for affording me this opportunity to discuss a tragedy, as the gentlewoman from New Jersey stated, that has hit very close to home. And the reason I say that is, as stated by the gentlewoman from New Jersey, the Northeast corridor is the way we are able to travel back and forth from our home to Washington, D.C., to do the people's business. And so it is not uncommon that I could have been on train 188. I have taken it on numerous occasions. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrific Amtrak train derailment and their families at this difficult time. I am grateful for the first responders who put themselves in harm's way to rescue passengers, and I wish all those injured a full and speedy recovery. This tragedy, as we stated, has hit so close to home. Sometimes weekly, I travel, as do many of my constituents and colleagues, on this rail line. I have taken Amtrak's 188 and had my wife and children on that specific train leaving here going back home. As a Member of Congress, we have a responsibility to ensure and enhance the public safety. The derailment of Amtrak train 188 serves as an important reminder that if we are to meet this responsibility, we need to invest in our infrastructure. There is no doubt that our Nation's infrastructure is crumbling. The American Society of Civil Engineers has rated it as a D-plus Now, Mr. Speaker, I know all of us find education important.…
