WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) questioned nominees for the Amtrak Board of Directors about Vermont’s rail travel and safety priorities, including Amtrak’s response to extreme weather events and climate change, the pre-clearance process for cross-border train service, and reliable and accessible accommodations for families traveling by train.  

Sen. Welch asked nominees about Amtrak’s progress on a report with recommendations to improve cross-border train service, including the creation of a preclearance facility that will expedite travel between Vermont and Canada. In response to Sen. Welch’s question, the nominee, Mr. Batory, committed to working with him and the rest of the Vermont Congressional Delegation to establish a preclearance facility to streamline passenger travel between Vermont and Canada. 

Senator Welch also urged improvements to Amtrak in the wake of climate-driven extreme weather events, including devastating flooding in Vermont. Vermont’s catastrophic floods in July 2023 closed 409 miles of rail across the state.  

“We’ve had a lot of flooding in Vermont in the last couple of years, and it’s done a lot of damage to our tracks. There’s been a number of delays in getting them repaired. It obviously has a huge impact on commerce and on travel. And it raises the question that’s being asked around the country about these weather events that are more frequent and more extreme,” said Senator Welch. 

Additionally, he questioned nominees about the practical implementation of his bipartisan Baby Changing on Board Act, which would require each Amtrak train to be outfitted with baby changing stations in all accessible restrooms and to post adequate signage indicating their availability. 

“Senator Blackburn and I have introduced the Baby Changing on Board Act, a bipartisan bill that would require all trains owned and operated by Amtrak to have a baby changing station in every accessible restroom, marked with clear signage. I’ll just ask each of you: would you each be doing all that you can to having that opportunity—a baby changing station, for folks that are on these long rides?” Senator Welch asked. 

David Capozzi, nominee to be a Director on the Amtrak Board of Directors said: “So, I’m familiar with the legislation, and understand the need for it, as being a father of triplets…Absolutely.” 

Watch the Senator’s full remarks below: 

Learn more about the Baby Changing on Board Act. 

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