Donald Payne Jr.

This is a crucial hearing because many of my constituents and all New Jerseyans understand that Amtrak service is critical to our economy and to our livelihood.

I introduced the One-Seat-Ride Act, to direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of a one-seat-ride trip versus a transfer trip option during peak hours on New Jersey Transit's Raritan Valley Line.

Last month, we heard from the very profitable freight railroads and from their customers about their ongoing supply chain challenges.

The few times that I don't use Amtrak to come to work, I drive down, and I have to leave between midnight and 4 o'clock in the morning in order to bypass all that traffic between New Jersey and Washington, DC.

What percentage of stations across the Amtrak network are currently ADA compliant?

It took 17 years to get agreement there to restart service after Hurricane Katrina.

I celebrate the return of this service--and note that it took three years to restore.

For the first time, this mode of transportation has guaranteed funding for multiple years.

What are partner agencies on the commission doing to facilitate greater use of the corridor's electrification?

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law further invests $36 billion in the Federal State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program.

The Northeast Corridor is unique as it is one of the few electrified rail corridors in the country.

Can I, again, have your commitment in public that that space is reserved for that flyover to hit at pace so we can ensure that the one-seat-ride is successful on the Raritan Valley Line?

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the Surface Transportation Board's (STB or Board) efforts over the past year.

I support the important work that must be done to repair and support supply chains, but this work cannot come at the expense of health and safety of rail workers and vulnerable communities across the country.

What is it about this workforce that they shouldn't be allowed to benefit what most Americans in the workforce do?

Congress should strengthen and better define the existing federal common carrier obligation the railroads have to serve their customers.

Ninety-seven Members of the House, including Chairman Nehls, Ranking Member Payne, and Ranking Member Larsen, actually have already signed a letter requesting fiscal year 2024 appropriations funding for CRISI at the fully authorized level.

Sick leave is a right.

It is past time for some accountability.

We need to improve rail safety and rail service.

Freight rail workers deserve paid sick leave as well.

Thanks in large part to this Committee's past efforts, Congress passed the STB Reauthorization Act of 2015.

NACD appreciates this subcommittee's leadership regarding the issue of rail supply chain issues.

Do you think that 7 days of paid sick leave for rail workers is a good industry standard?

We must correct this injustice. Rail workers doing essential work to keep our economy running should not be forced to choose between their health and a paycheck.