First time Senate confirmed a majority of Amtrak Board Members since 2015

 

Tonight, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed David Capozzi, Elaine Clegg, Ronald Batory and Lanhee Chen to serve on the Amtrak Board of Directors. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement applauding the confirmations:

“I applaud today’s confirmations of David Capozzi, Elaine Clegg, Ronald Batory and Lanhee Chen and look forward to working with them to ensure Amtrak wisely uses the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s investments to improve the passenger experience by purchasing new railcars, improving accessibility and upgrading stations and tracks,” said Sen. Cantwell. “As the first board member from the Pacific Northwest in over three decades, Ms. Clegg knows the importance of the Cascades, Empire Builder and Coast Starlight services. She will be a valuable advocate on the Board for improving and expanding service in the region.”

Before this year, the Senate had not confirmed an Amtrak nominee since 2015, until Sen. Cantwell led the confirmations for Christopher Koos, Anthony Coscia and Joel Szabat in January. Now, with this month’s confirmations, this marks the first time the Senate has confirmed a majority of the Amtrak Board Members in almost a decade. Amtrak is governed by a ten-member Board of Directors, including the Secretary of Transportation, the President of Amtrak and eight individuals appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Amtrak's Board of Directors sets policy and oversees the management and strategic direction of the company. The Commerce Committee recently approved Capozzi, Clegg, Batory and Chen’s nominations on December 12.