(Source: House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee press release, August 3, 2022)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market Act, introduced earlier today by Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-NJ), Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture David Scott (D-GA), and Chair of the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Jim Costa (D-CA), has gained support from captured freight rail customers who stand to benefit from provisions that would create a more fair and competitive marketplace.
The full bill text, section-by-section, and fact sheet can be found at the link below.
Statements in support of the Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market Act:
American Chemistry Council (ACC):
“This important legislation contains many thoughtful solutions that complement the much-needed reforms being considered by the STB,” Chris Jahn, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Chemistry Council said. “We urge Congress and the STB to work together on meaningful reforms that will incentivize the railroads to provide reliable and competitive service and hold them accountable when they fail to deliver.”
National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA):
“NGFA members appreciate Chairman DeFazio and Chairman Payne for their leadership in responding to severe rail service issues that have caused supply chain disruptions, endangered the delivery of feed to livestock, led to grain processing facilities slowing and shutting down, and negatively impacted U.S. grain exports. The Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market Act includes sensible and necessary policy measures to improve rail service and level the playing field for agricultural shippers, including incentives for railroads to perform and the establishment of minimum rail service standards. We urge the prompt approval of this bill to help address unreliable freight rail service for the U.S. agricultural value chain and deter future service failures,” Mike Seyfert, President and CEO of NGFA said.
National Industrial Transportation League (NITL):
“The National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) is pleased to support the Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market Act. This bill is consistent with NITL’s longstanding policy goals and objectives by providing the Surface Transportation Board (STB) with enhanced tools to better hold the railroads accountable in providing reasonable service at reasonable rates. Due to supply chain challenges complicated by railroad operation decisions, this bill also addresses the continued debilitating service problems being experienced by NITL members who move billions of dollars’ worth of freight on our nation’s rails,” Nancy O’Liddy, Executive Director of NITL stated.
Full story: www.house.gov