Schumer urges funding for train-safety measures

NEW YORK — A U.S. House committee announced Friday it would hold a hearing on the deadly Amtrak crash while U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer launched another push to get Congress to pay for train-safety technology and infrastructure improvements in the wake of the derailment.

U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said in a statement that it was critical to understand all the circumstances of the crash that killed 8 and injured hundreds earlier this week.

“It’s also important for Congress to assess and understand the related safety and infrastructure policies currently in place in order to determine what next steps may be necessary,” he said.

Meanwhile, Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., lambasted congressional colleagues and federal rail officials for delaying installation of an advanced electronic system for keeping trains from speeding.

Crash will disrupt Amtrak service until Monday

PHILADELPHIA — Amtrak is working to restore Northeast Corridor rail service between New York City and Philadelphia. But service is expected to remain to be suspended through Monday.

Service was suspended after a train derailed in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, killing eight passengers and injuring more than 200.

– From news service reports

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