Senate Confirmation of USTB Nominees Critical to Advancing Freight Rail Reform

Underscoring the need for long-overdue freight rail reform, American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Washington, D.C., USA, President and CEO Donna Harman this week urged the U.S. Senate to quickly confirm the nominations of Patrick Fuchs and Michelle Schultz to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved the nominations on Wednesday, April 25.

"As one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation, the paper and wood products industry relies on the nation’s rails to move millions of tons of materials to production mills and final markets. Revoking the outdated commodity exemption policy and addressing harmful service failures and higher pricing will help ensure the accessibility of effective, streamlined, and competitive rail service to our companies--all rail customers. We thank the committee for its approval and urge the Senate to quickly confirm Mr. Fuchs and Ms. Schultz," Harman said.