ASLRRA: Cummings understood rail industry's importance

Transportation industry and government leaders were among those offering statements and condolences on the passing of U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), who died early yesterday due to complications of longstanding health challenges. He was 68.

Cummings chaired the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. He also was a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I), where he served on the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials, as well as the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my longtime friend and colleague," said House T&I Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) in a press release. "His strength and grace in leadership during challenging and difficult times will be greatly missed. He was a tireless advocate for his constituents and a champion of democracy and justice for the American people. Congress, and our country, are better because of him.”

Chuck Baker, president of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), said Cummings' career was characterized by doing the right thing.

"He was relentless in his support of Baltimore and for civil rights across the nation," Baker said. "For short lines and the ASLRRA, we were blessed to have him in our corner — he understood the importance of infrastructure investment and rail service to companies in Baltimore, and the importance of the jobs railroads support."

U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.), who chairs the railroads subcommittee, said of Cummings: "He was a thoughtful and committed representative for his district and strong voice in Congress whom many looked up to. We have lost a great American leader."