"To say that we shouldn't be subsidizing commuter rail or we shouldn't be subsidizing Amtrak is just saying you don't want to run trains, because everywhere else in the world they are subsidized."
"This is obviously a challenging time for Amtrak. Intercity and commuter rail has been decimated by the pandemic."
"I am not just a big supporter of passenger rail. I am a frequent passenger on both Metra commuter rail at home and on Amtrak."
"Passenger rail is an important piece of the climate change puzzle."
"I am very proud of the work that this subcommittee has done, along with Chairman DeFazio."
"I am a strong proponent of passenger rail."
"I am pleased that the STB has applied this analysis to find that it has jurisdiction over projects such as a Los Angeles-to-Las Vegas rail connection."
"I want to thank the members and staff of the Surface Transportation Board who are with us today, for the Board's approval of Texas Central's petition."
"The Texas Central High-Speed Rail project will connect Dallas and Houston--two of the top five largest metropolitan regions in the nation."
"I also want to thank Chairman DeFazio and Chairman Lipinski for working with Congressman Allred, Congresswoman Fletcher and myself."
"I believe we will pay a political price if the trust fund runs out in October of 2020."