Hoyer Speaks on Metro Tragedy on House Floor
Washington, DC -Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) spoke on the House Floor this morning on the tragic accident that occurred Monday when two trains collided outside of the Fort Totten station in Northeast Washington, DC. In his remarks, Rep. Hoyer indicated that he would be working with the Washington area congressional delegation to soon introduce the final measure required in authorizing $3 billion in dedicated federal and local funding for Metro over ten years. The measure will ratify amendments to the interstate WMATA compact recently approved by Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
"On Monday evening, as millions of Americans were making their daily commute home, tragedy struck in our Nation's Capital. The collision outside of the Fort Totten station in Northeast Washington - the worst in the 33-year history of Washington's Metro system - claimed the lives of nine people and left 80 more injured.
"Among those lost were Ana Fernandez of Hyattsville and Cameron Williams of Takoma Park from my State of Maryland. My heart and thoughts are with their loved ones, as well as all those suffering the sudden loss caused by this tragedy.
"Those include the family and friends of the train operator Jeanice McMillan and passengers Lavonda King, Mary Doolittle, Veronica DuBose, Dennis Hawkins, and Ann Wherley and her husband Major General David F. Wherley Jr.
"Let me also extend my gratitude to the first responders and medical professionals whose work at the scene was so critical in preventing further tragedies.
"While the cause of this accident is unknown at this time, we do know this: the safety of our citizens is our highest priority, and we must take every precaution to make sure this loss of life does not occur again.
"In the very near future, I will be joining with my colleagues from the region in introducing the final measure required to authorize $3 billion in dedicated federal and local funding for Metro.
"We received formal notice from the governors of Maryland and Virginia and the mayor of the District of Columbia that the jurisdictions had amended the WMATA compact to enable such funding just last week, and I hope we can move quickly to pass this legislation critical to meeting Metro's capital and maintenance needs.
"Hundreds of thousands of people rely on the Washington Metro system every day - from the federal employees who keep our government running to the visitors from every corner of the country who come to our Nation's Capital.
"Let it be our tribute to those we mourn to ensure America's Subway is safe for all who use it."
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