The May 11 hearing, “Getting Back on Track: Exploring Rail Supply Chain Resilience and Challenges,” was led by Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Tex.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

For House Rail Subcommittee, an Earful on Supply Chain Improvements

The rail industry’s role in overcoming supply chain challenges was the theme of a May 11 hearing of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. It was part of what the T&I Committee called its continued “focus on ongoing supply chain challenges throughout the transportation sector, with the goal of identifying potential legislative solutions.” Among the five witnesses was American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) President Chuck Baker, who urged Congress members “to wield their pen with precision.”

TTD to STB: ‘Expand Reporting Requirements to Address Self-Inflicted Service Cuts’

The 37-union-affiliate Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) on July 1 sent a letter to the Surface Transportation Board in response to the agency’s “information collection request” regarding Class I railroad reporting requirements. The letter, signed by TTD President Greg Regan, asks the STB to further increase the already stepped-up reporting requirements to include additional employment data.

Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department (TTD), AFL-CIO

TTD to Lawmakers: Boost STB Enforcement Authority on Common-Carrier Obligations

Transportation Trades Department (TTD), AFL-CIO President Greg Regan is urging a bipartisan group of lawmakers to support legislation reauthorizing the Surface Transportation Board (STB). His agenda: to clarify the railroads’ common carrier obligation and to provide “more effective mechanisms” for the STB to enforce it. Railway Age Capitol Hill Contributing Editor Frank N. Wilner weighs in.

FRA Issues Final Rule on Fatigue Risk Management (UPDATED)

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on June 13 published in the Federal Register a final rule on “Fatigue Risk Management Programs for Certain Passenger and Freight Railroads.” The Commuter Rail Coalition (CRC) and Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) respond.

BNSF Modifying ‘Hi-Viz’ Attendance Policy (UPDATED)

Since implementing its “Hi-Viz” attendance policy on Feb. 1, BNSF has been monitoring progress and making adjustments, some of which will take effect June 1, according to the Class I railroad. Unions so far are unimpressed.

AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka Dead at 72

Richard L. Trumka, 12-year leader of the 12.5-million-member AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations), died Aug. 5. He was 72.

TTD celebrates Amtrak-Alstom announcement

Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), issued this statement following the announcement in Wilmington, Del., by Vice President Joe Biden on Alstom’s winning bid in Amtrak’s high speed train purchase: