WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The proposed restructuring plan to improve Amtrak’s rail service will be the focus of a Congressional oversight hearing Thursday afternoon, according to a news release on the House Transportation Committee's website.

The hearing by the U.S. House Subcommittee on Railroads, chaired by U.S. Rep. Jack Quinn (R-NY), is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 14th, in 2167 Rayburn House Office Building. A live audio and video broadcast of the hearing will be available at the Committee’s website: www.house.gov/transportation

Gilbert E. Carmichael, the Chairman of the Amtrak Reform Council (ARC) that authored the Amtrak restructuring plan, is scheduled to testify on behalf of the Council. After Mr. Carmichael provides oral testimony to the Subcommittee, the staff of the ARC will summarize the restructuring plan.

All 11 of the ARC members have been invited to submit written statements on the proposal and participate in the question portion of the hearing.

The ARC members are: Gilbert E. Carmichael, Chairman; Paul M. Weyrich, Vice Chairman; Bruce Chapman; Nancy Rutledge Connery; James E. Coston; Wendell Cox; Christopher K. Gleason; S. Lee King; Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta; Charles Moneypenny; and the Honorable John O. Norquist.