Washington — 

U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) this week participated in a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, “The State of Transportation and Critical Infrastructure: Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic.” In the hearing, Thune questioned a panel of experts on the challenges transportation workers are facing during this global health crisis in an effort to better protect the transportation workforce.

Thune’s remarks (as prepared for delivery):

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this important hearing today. The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated how critical transportation is to the nation’s economy, and the important role that millions of transportation workers across the country continue to play in delivering supplies where they are needed most. 

“These men and women have put themselves at risk of exposure to the virus to provide front line health care workers with PPE and keep store shelves stocked. They deserve the nation’s sincere thanks, and I know members of this committee are interested to hear today what Congress can do to better protect the transportation workforce as we embark on a path toward reopening and economic recovery.”