Bipartisan effort by Sens. John D. Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) will soon yield a proposed bill to improve rail shipping issues for businesses in the country.
The goal of the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2014 bill is to improve the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to make it more efficient and accessible.
“It is far past time that America had a competitive and efficient rail transportation network,” Rockefeller said. “Industries, businesses, consumers and rail passengers around the country rely on our freight rail system, and when the system or its economic regulatory framework breaks down, so does our economy. It is essential that we act to meet the growing transportation needs of our country.”
The senators will host a hearing on freight rail service in the Commerce Committee at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.
“While the Surface Transportation Board has made good-faith efforts to address concerns of freight shippers and railroads, the current inefficiencies in the STB’s operations are symptomatic of the need for common-sense reform,” Thune said. “With additional reforms, the STB can better assist shippers and railroads alike, helping to ensure rail service problems are addressed in a balanced and timely manner.”