Each of the nominees before us are slated to fill important posts critical to the future of America’s transportation system.  From ensuring the safety of the country’s pipelines to overseeing the management of the nation’s passenger railroad, the work you will perform at each of your respective agencies, should you be confirmed, will help ensure that America’s transportation system remains a global leader which supports our vibrant economy and great tradition of efficient travel and mobility.

 

The positions each of you have been appointed to come with unique challenges:

The Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration must continue to chart a course for the Department of Transportation’s newest safety agency that will improve the safety and security of our pipeline and hazardous materials transportation systems. 

 

Several recent pipeline accidents have highlighted the importance of this task, and we are looking for strong leadership at this agency, as well as a commitment to implement fully the important safety provisions enacted into law by this Committee in the Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act of 2006.

 

Amtrak Board members must continue the progress made over the last several years towards an efficient and effective national passenger railroad, while working with the Congress to reauthorize Amtrak, gain stable and adequate funding, and promote new investments that can unlock the promise of rail service in new corridors.   

 

Members of the Surface Transportation Board must balance the growing need for new and expanded capital investment in the freight rail industry against the equally legitimate goal of ensuring reasonable and fair prices and services for railroad customers.     

 

Add to each of these individual challenges the government-wide budget restraints brought on by historic deficits and the continual demands to improve safety and mobility, and your work is truly cut out for you.