Durbin Congratulates Normal, Illinois, Mayor Chris Koos on Confirmation to Amtrak Board of Directors
In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin also commended former Macomb, Illinois, Mayor Tom Carper for his tenure on the Amtrak Board of Directors
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor congratulating Mayor Chris Koos of Normal, Illinois, forhis confirmation to the Amtrak Board of Directors. Mayor Koos, whose nomination was recommended by Durbin, was confirmed in the Senate on Tuesday with bipartisan support. Durbin also spoke to former Macomb, Illinois, Mayor Tom Carper’s tenure on the Amtrak Board.
“On Tuesday, the Senate voted to confirm Normal, Illinois, Mayor Chris Koos to serve on the Amtrak Board of Directors – one of the only eight individuals appointed by the President at any one time to serve in such a role. Chris will take the post when former Macomb, Illinois, Mayor Tom Carper departs,” Durbin began.
First nominated to the Amtrak Board of Directors in 2007 under President Bush, Carper is the longest-serving board member in Amtrak history. He first joined the Board in 2008 and was elected Board Chairman in 2009 until his term expired in 2013. Carper was reappointed in 2013 under President Obama, totaling four different administrations under which he has served. Carper championed issues important to Amtrak passengers across the nation, including providing service to underserved communities, benefitting local economies, and improving safety and cybersecurity.
“He was a small business owner from Macomb, Illinois, serving as the town’s mayor for over ten years, and then as director of the regional economic development plan,” Durbin said. “Tom had an acute understanding of how passenger rail could improve lives, and he used his knowledge to modernize our transportation system. Tom is a great leader and an even better person. In his role, he faithfully honored his Central Illinois roots and showed what Midwestern work ethic really looks like.”
“I want to thank Tom Carper for his years of dedicated service to America’s rail infrastructure. Every American who uses Amtrak owes Tom Carper a debt of gratitude,” Durbin said.
Durbin continued on, speaking to Mayor Koos’ qualifications to serve on the Amtrak Board. Durbin highlighted Mayor Koos’ background as a small business owner and his deep understanding of the importance of fortifying transit infrastructure.
“Lucky for Illinois and our nation, our representation on Amtrak’s Board will continue with the Mayor of Normal, Illinois, Chris Koos… Chris’ confirmation has been long-awaited. He was first nominated in 2020. Two years later, at my recommendation, President Biden re-nominated Chris to the Amtrak Board of Directors. After more than three-and-a-half years, finally, he was confirmed… The Midwest will be well-represented with Chris Koos on the Amtrak Board,” Durbin said.
“He’s has been a powerful voice in Illinois’ transportation sector for years, and he has an intimate understanding of the importance of passenger rail to communities in Illinois, the Midwest, and across the country,” Durbin continued. “Similar to Tom, Chris is a small businessman from a mid-sized community. He owns a business selling running shoes and bicycles. From movement on foot and bike to movement by rail, I think it is safe to say that Chris has a passion forsupporting people on the go.”
Durbin concluded his remarks by commending Mayor Koos on his confirmation.
“Chris will be a great asset when it comes to the future of Amtrak. I am honored to call him a friend, and I congratulate him on this exciting new journey ahead,” Durbin said.
Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
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