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ALBANY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko today released the following statement marking five years since the devastating Schoharie limousine crash that took the lives of 20 people, many of whom resided in Tonko’s hometown of Amsterdam:

“Today marks five years since we lost 20 souls, beloved by their families, friends and community, in the crash of a limousine that should never have been on the road. Five years and the inconceivable pain of such a loss continues to be felt. Yet with that pain we also carry with us the memory of these cherished individuals, and of the immeasurable strength of their loved ones who, rather than be overcome with the weight of such anguish, found an implacable resolve.

“It is thanks to the tireless efforts of these families that we also mark nearly 2 years since the enactment of nationwide limousine safety standards that get unsafe limos off the road and help make certain that no other family ever has to endure the pain they have suffered.

“I remain, as ever, inspired by these families' resilience and love. Their resolve has always been, and will continue to be, at the forefront of my efforts to make certain nothing like this tragedy ever happens again.”