House T&I Committee: Federal government must not get in the way of safe, effective transportation

The Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee heard testimony April 7 from a wide array of transportation stakeholders regarding their priorities for streamlining and improving programs, and reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, for consideration in a reauthorization of surface transportation programs. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is preparing to draft major transportation and jobs legislation that will include policy reforms to improve rail and hazmat transportation in the United States. "These titles will focus on improving the efficiency of programs, and ensuring that the federal government does not get in the way of safe, effective transportation and flow of commerce in the United States," said U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA), chairman of the Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee. Chairman Shuster's Statement from Today's Hearing: "The Transportation Committee is working on the reauthorization of a transportation bill - it is important to note that this will be a "Transportation" bill, not just a "highway" bill. I am proud that under Chairman Mica's leadership the Committee is looking to address a wide variety of transportation needs. "In our subcommittee, Chairman Mica has asked me to focus on putting together a strong rail title to the transportation bill, and we are also considering important issues regarding the transportation of hazardous materials. "Chairman Mica and members of the Committee have traveled across the country to hold listening sessions in an effort to get as much input as possible on the transportation bill where we plan to do more with less. "The Subcommittee will receive testimony from rail stakeholders regarding legislative priorities for changes or reforms, particularly in the areas of intercity passenger rail, high speed rail, rail safety and rail financing. "Additionally, the Subcommittee will hear from hazardous materials stakeholders regarding legislative priorities for reauthorization of the hazardous materials transportation safety programs at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. "These titles will focus on improving the efficiency of programs, and ensuring that the federal government does not get in the way of safe, effective transportation and commerce in the United States."