WASHINGTON — Amtrak, the Association of American Railroads, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, and American Public Transportation Association issued statements Tuesday congratulating former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg on his confirmation Tuesday as U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn said the passenger railroad “applauds” Buttigieg’s confirmation, adding, As a mayor and public servant, Secretary Buttigieg understands the challenges facing American cities and the role passenger rail plays in connecting people and economies. His commitment to invest in infrastructure and climate initiatives will create jobs, help the nation recover from the pandemic, and provide for a more sustainable transportation system in America. Amtrak is excited to work with the Biden Administration, Congress and our state partners to launch a new era of passenger rail that will create dedicated and predictable funding, connect underserved communities and stimulate economic recovery.”
The statement from AAR CEO Ian Jefferies says Buttigieg’s support for the national rail network “is welcome by AAR and its members. Together, we can make meaningful progress on building back our economy, driving down emissions and maintaining the nation’s global competitiveness. The AAR and its members congratulate Secretary Buttigieg on his confirmation and stand ready to partner with him on sensible, sustainable infrastructure policies to keep our country moving forward.”
In his statement congratulating Buttigieg, ASLRRA President Chuck Baker said, “Through his public service in Indiana, his military background, and his Presidential campaign, Secretary Buttigieg has demonstrated his understanding of the importance of efficient logistics networks to a strong and growing American economy that works for everyone. Short lines look forward to working with him on regulatory and legislative actions that support growth and productivity in freight rail transportation alongside safety improvements and environmental sustainability.”
APTA’s statement says, in part, “Secretary Buttigieg brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the U.S. Department of Transportation and will be a strong leader for the Department. … We look forward to working closely with Secretary Buttigieg as Congress advances President Biden’s American Rescue Plan to address the ongoing impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. In particular, we urge Congress and the Administration to provide $39.3 billion of COVID-19 emergency funding to help public transit agencies continue to provide a critical lifeline to essential workers and help our communities begin to rebuild our economy.
“We also know that rebuilding America’s infrastructure will be a major priority of President Biden’s administration and that Secretary Buttigieg is a stellar selection to lead DOT at this moment in history.”
Buttigieg, at 39 the youngest member of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet, was confirmed by a 86-13 vote. NPR reports he is the first openly gay man to receive Senate confirmation to run a Cabinet department, and will take over a massive agency with 55,000 employees. In his confirmation hearing, Buttigieg called himself the administration’s second-biggest passenger rail enthusiast after Biden [see “Buttigieg, transportation secretary nominee …,” Trains News Wire, Jan. 21, 2021].
— Updated at 6:30 p.m. CST with AAR statement.
