Tuesday, March 16, 1999 (Washington, DC) I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of all on-board Amtrak’s City of New Orleans—especially to those people who lost loved ones—in the terrible catastrophe last night outside of Chicago. Many individuals have been personally and deeply hurt by the events of last night. Federal Railroad Administration investigators are working tirelessly with those from the National Transportation Safety Board and other national, state and local agencies to determine the cause of this incident. My heart goes out to all those involved in the disaster.