For Immediate Release

The Amtrak Reform Council (the Council), an independent oversight commission established by Congress, is pleased to announce that its Chairman, Gilbert E. Carmichael will testify before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation at its oversight hearing on Amtrak. The hearing will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2000, and will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Senate Commerce Committee holds its hearings in room 253 Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.

The Council will also be having a public business meeting on September 7th at the Channel Inn, 650 Water Street, SW, Washington, D.C. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. and should adjourn by 5:45 p.m. On the Council's agenda is a presentation from H. Brent Coles, President of U.S. Conference of Mayors and Mayor of Boise, Idaho, on the importance of rail in U.S. cities; a presentation(s) from Rail Labor Organizations who represent Amtrak employees followed by a discussion with the Council members; and a presentation from Florida DOT and Amtrak on plans for improved for rail service in Florida.

"I would like to thank the Committee and its Chair, Senator John McCain (R-AZ), for giving the Council this opportunity to discuss the various issues facing Amtrak, including the pending legislation to grant Amtrak bonding authority for high-speed rail infrastructure," said Gil Carmichael, Chairman of the Council. "I am also pleased to have this opportunity to meet and discuss issues of importance with the Railway Labor Organizations at the Council's business meeting in the afternoon; this will be an important step in assuring effective communication between rail labor organizations and the Council."

For an agenda of the September 7th ARC Business Meeting, or a schedule of upcoming events, please contact the ARC office at (202) 366-0591 or visit our website at www.amtrakreformcouncil.gov

The Amtrak Reform Council is an independent Federal oversight commission established under the provisions of the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997 (P. L. 105-134) to recommend improvements in Amtrak's operations and to monitor its financial performance.