Blumenthal Statement on Nomination of Ron Batory to Lead Federal Railroad Administration
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement regarding the nomination of Ron Batory to lead the Federal Railroad Administration.
“If confirmed, Ron Batory will be tasked with bringing our country’s aging rail network into the 21st century—an immense responsibility with tremendous opportunity to support job growth and economic development in Connecticut and nationwide. When he comes before the Commerce Committee, I will seek firm, specific commitments from him with regards to rail safety and reliability, including assurances that he will ensure on-time nationwide installation of life-saving Positive Train Control technology. The deadline for implementation of PTC is now just a year and a half away and the need for leadership at FRA could not be more urgent. Batory must also explicitly disavow the harmful and impractical FRA proposal to plow new train tracks through historic towns like Old Lyme and parts of Fairfield County and Southwestern Connecticut. Those deeply problematic portions of the FRA’s NEC FUTURE plan must be scrapped while maintaining the FRA’s reasonable and responsible commitment to enhancing service throughout the Metro-North system and along the Hartford-Springfield line. I look forward to continued close collaboration with the FRA on efforts to enhance rail service and safety in Connecticut and nationwide.”