WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), the top Democrat on the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, & Security, issued the following statement regarding last night’s Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia:
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the individuals who were killed or injured in last night’s train derailment, and with all those who were affected. I am so thankful for the hundreds of first responders who quickly, courageously, and professionally did their jobs and who no doubt saved lives.
“Like countless New Jerseyans, I travel along the Northeast Corridor frequently and this incident hits particularly close to home. My staff and I have been in contact with Amtrak, the NTSB, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the Department of Transportation about this incident, and we will be closely monitoring the progress of the NTSB investigation. If there is an action that needs to be taken to improve safety in the wake of this tragedy as we’re finalizing a passenger rail reauthorization bill, we will take it.”