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Hearing

Where’s My Stuff? Examining the Economic, Environmental, and Societal Impacts of Freight Transportation

2167 Rayburn House Office Building

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0 Thursday, December 05, 2019 @ 10:00 | Contact: Justin Harclerode 202-225-9446

This is a joint hearing of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, and the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

Official Transcript

Witness List:

Ms. Erin Aleman, Executive Director, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning; on behalf of the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors | Written Testimony
Mr. Chuck Baker, President, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association | Written Testimony
Ms. Anne Goodchild, Ph.D., Founding Director, Supply Chain Transportation and Logistics Center, University of Washington | Written Testimony
Mr. Ian Jefferies, President & CEO, Association of American Railroads | Written Testimony
Mr. Jason Mathers, Director, Vehicles & Freight Strategy, Environmental Defense Fund | Written Testimony
Mr. Jim Tymon, Executive Director, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials | Written Testimony

Opening remarks, as prepared, of Subcommittee on Highways and Transit Ranking Member Rodney Davis (R-IL) and Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Ranking Member Rick Crawford (R-AR):

Subcommittee on Highways and Transit Ranking Member Rodney Davis (R-IL):
One of the key factors to America’s economic competitiveness is the ability to efficiently transport goods and products from where they are made, harvested, or processed to where they are ultimately sold and consumed.

The strength of our freight system, and Illinois’ position as the Nation’s premier freight hub, relies on a dependable system of highways, roads, and bridges.  This is important because nearly every load of freight will be transported on a truck at some point in its journey.

Over the coming decades, demand for freight moved by truck is expected to increase significantly.

Coupled with the dynamic nature of supply chains and changing consumer demands, we must focus not only on improving existing infrastructure, but also planning for the system of the future.

I look forward to hearing from our witnesses about how Congress can improve freight programs and increase the efficiency and productivity our freight transportation system.

Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Ranking Member Rick Crawford (R-AR):
A modern freight network means a strong, secure America.

Farmers and businesses across my state depend on our Nation’s freight railroads to safely transport their goods throughout the country and the world.

Important to Arkansas are our short line railroads, who most often provide first and last mile service for farmers, manufacturers, and other industries.  I am proud to support H.R. 510, the BRACE Act, which would permanently extend the tax credit for short line railroad track maintenance, thereby increasing private investment in important rail transportation infrastructure.

As total freight demand grows, the critical investments made by the railroads – in both their people and in their infrastructure – help ensure a safe and efficient transport system for our goods.  This investment helps spur economic activity, drive innovation, and make operations safer and more efficient.  In turn, the rail network can handle increased freight demand and help relieve congestion on our roads.

I look forward to hearing about freight programs in the FAST Act and how Congress can improve the efficient flow of goods. 
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