Gleason nominated for Amtrak board, needs Senate approval

Robert Gleason Jr. has been nominated by President Donald Trump for a seat on the Amtrak board of directors. His appointment requires approval from the U.S. Senate. Gleason is a former Pennsylvania GOP chairman and an Air Force veteran. If confirmed, Gleason will help shape policies for Amtrak, which operates over 300 daily trains across the U.S. and parts of Canada. He supports expanding passenger rail service in western Pennsylvania, including a new train route between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Funding for the new route includes $143.6 million from the Federal Railroad Administration, approved during Joe Biden's presidency. Trump's administration is currently reviewing this funding, but Gleason expressed confidence that the project will proceed.