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Hearing to Focus on Deregulation of the U.S. Rail Industry

Washington, DC, May 8, 2015 | Justin Harclerode (202) 225-9446
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The Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, chaired by U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA), will hold a hearing next week on the state of rail transportation and the U.S. freight rail industry 35 years after deregulation under the Staggers Rail Act.

The Staggers Act, signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1980, replaced the outdated railroad regulatory structure in place since 1887, and is widely credited with saving the freight rail industry in the face of bankruptcy.  Next week’s hearing will focus on the past, present, and future of deregulation.

Next week’s hearing, entitled “The 35th Anniversary of the Staggers Rail Act: Railroad Deregulation Past, Present, and Future,” is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, in 2167 Rayburn House Office Building.

Witness List:

  • The Honorable Debra Miller, Acting Chairman, Surface Transportation Board
  • The Honorable Calvin Dooley, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Chemistry Council
  • Mr. Edward R. Hamberger, President and Chief Executive Officer, Association of American Railroads
  • Ms. Linda Darr, President, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association
  • Professor John W. Mayo, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University

    • More information about the hearing, including testimony, additional background information, and live webcast, will be posted here as it becomes available. 

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