Policy

The Honorable Patty Murray Chairman Senate Appropriations Transportation-HUD Subcommittee 448 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Susan Collins Ranking Member Senate Appropriations Transportation-HUD Subcommittee 413 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Chairman Murray and Ranking Member Collins: Last week, the House Appropriations Transportation-HUD Subcommittee marked up a bill that would […]

Dear Representative:  On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am writing to urge your support for the Surface and Air Transportation Program Extension Act of 2011 (H.R. 2887) when it is considered in the House of Representatives.  This legislation will extend surface transportation programs through March 31, 2012 and aviation programs until […]

Chairman Mica, Ranking Member Rahall and members of the Committee, I am pleased to present the views of transportation labor on the topic of today’s hearing – competition for intercity passenger rail in America. This year alone I have appeared twice before this Committee to express our opposition to the privatization and break-up of Amtrak and appreciate the opportunity today to explain why we are strongly opposed to the legislation proposed by Chairman Mica and Subcommittee Chairman Shuster.

Everybody agrees that America desperately needs new investment in its transportation system and infrastructure. In 2009, a report from the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission concluded that our country must invest $172 billion each year simply to maintain its existing transportation infrastructure. The costs to invest in new transport systems like modern transit and high-speed rail will require a major boost in investment.

The Honorable Joseph C. Szabo Administrator Federal Railroad Administration (Attention: Docket Operations, M-30) U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Rm W-12-140 West Building Ground Floor Washington, DC  20590-0001 Re: Docket No. FRA-2009-0043, Notice No. 1: Hours of Service of Railroad Employees; Substantive Regulations for Train Employees Providing Commuter and Intercity Rail Passenger Transportation; […]

One of the most important enhancements to rail safety is the timely implementation of Congressionally mandated positive train control (PTC) systems that will prevent collisions and save lives.  Despite the numerous documented benefits of this technology, our nation’s rail companies continue to resist timely implementation of this life saving technology.  Although the current language in […]

Dear Representative: Later today, the House of Representatives will consider a resolution proposed by Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan establishing the budget for FY2012 (H. Con. Res. 34, the “Ryan Resolution”).  On behalf of the 32 member unions of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I urge you to oppose this resolution as it would […]

Support the LaTourette-Costello Amendment to Preserve Fair Union Election Rules Dear Representative: When the House considers FAA Reauthorization (H.R. 658) later this week, Reps. Steve LaTourette (R-OH) and Jerry Costello (D-IL) will offer an amendment that will preserve union election rules for aviation and rail workers that allow a majority of those voting to decide […]

Transportation Security Officers are on the front lines of ensuring a safe and secure aviation system in America.  They are the eyes and ears of our airport security system and they deserve a strong union voice on the job insisting on proper staffing, comprehensive training and adequate resources necessary to perform these vitally important jobs.  […]

Amtrak and its employees have a positive story to tell – a story that cannot be ignored as this Committee considers various proposals to advance passenger rail, including measures designed to boost private sector participation. Amtrak ridership is on the rise with growth reported in each of the last 16 months. Annual ridership records were set in seven of the last eight fiscal years. On the Northeast Corridor (NEC), Amtrak is operationally in the black as NEC performance metrics continue to improve. And now that the company has stable senior management with a long-term vision and a Board committed to Amtrak’s growth and expansion, the future of the company is promising – that is, if Congress gives Amtrak and its workforce the chance to succeed.