Booker Statement on the Derailment of Amtrak Train 501

Washington, DC – U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), the top Democrat on the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, which oversees passenger rail in the United States, issued the following statement:

“My heart is with the families and loved ones of those killed or injured in this terrible disaster, and my gratitude goes to the first responders who so quickly and professionally responded to help people and save lives.

“Something clearly went terribly wrong here, and we need to get to the bottom of why. I will be closely monitoring the progress of the NTSB investigation and will continue to strongly advocate for improvements to our nation’s rail safety programs and infrastructure. Millions of Americans rely on passenger rail to get from place to place, and ensuring their safety is of paramount importance.”