Bill Text: IL HR0605 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Recognizes Tom Carper for his remarkable contributions to the City of Macomb, the State of Illinois, and the nation's rail infrastructure and extends our heartfelt gratitude for his years of service and dedication.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2024-04-17 - Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Dan Swanson [HR0605 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-HR0605-Introduced.html

---

HR0605 LRB103 39355 MST 69518 r
HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives wish to recognize Tom Carper for his
remarkable contributions to the City of Macomb, the State of
Illinois, and the nation's rail infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, Tom Carper, a former Mayor of Macomb and a
recently retired member of the Amtrak Board of Directors, has
exhibited an unwavering commitment to public service and
transportation excellence; and
WHEREAS, Tom Carper is the longest-tenured board member in
the history of Amtrak, a testament to his dedication and
leadership; and
WHEREAS, Tom Carper's tenure on the Amtrak Board of
Directors began in 2008 following his nomination by President
Bush and continued through subsequent reappointments,
including one by President Obama; he has served with
distinction under four different presidents, showcasing his
bipartisan and dedicated approach to governance; and
WHEREAS, Tom Carper, in his role as chairman of the board
from 2009 until the expiration of his term in 2013 and beyond
through his reappointment, championed critical issues, such as

HR0605 - 2 - LRB103 39355 MST 69518 r
ensuring service to underserved communities, bolstering local
economies, and enhancing safety and cybersecurity measures,
thereby embodying the spirit of public service; and
WHEREAS, Tom Carper has consistently been a champion of
the Illinois passenger rail network, helping deliver historic
capital investments from the American Rescue and Recovery Act
and serving as a leader of the successful coalition that
pushed for increased passenger rail service throughout the
State of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Tom Carper's leadership extended beyond his
national service to include significant local contributions as
the mayor of Macomb for over a decade and as a director of a
regional economic development plan, positions through which he
gained invaluable insights into economic development and
community service in the Midwest; and
WHEREAS, Tom Carper's military service in the U.S. Army in
Thailand and Vietnam and his leadership in both local and
national capacities reflect his profound commitment to his
country and community; and
WHEREAS, Tom Carper's deep understanding of the importance
of passenger rail service and his efforts to modernize
America's transportation infrastructure have left an indelible

HR0605 - 3 - LRB103 39355 MST 69518 r
mark on the nation and particularly on the State of Illinois;
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we recognize Tom Carper for his remarkable contributions to
the City of Macomb, the State of Illinois, and the nation's
rail infrastructure and extend our heartfelt gratitude for his
years of service and dedication; and be it further