Press Releases

On the Right Track: Modernizing America’s Rail Network

June 10, 2025

Surface Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Young Announces Hearing for June 18th

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety, will convene a subcommittee hearing titled “On the Right Track: Modernizing America’s Rail” on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. EST. This hearing will examine the state of the U.S. freight and passenger rail network, with an emphasis on enhancing safety, improving efficiency, fostering innovation, and ensuring the long-term viability of the nation’s rail infrastructure to move American energy, goods, and people. The hearing will explore avenues for meaningful regulatory and policy reforms in the context of the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization.

Upon announcing this hearing, Sen. Young said:

“Freight and passenger railroads are about more than just transportation. This industry supports thousands of good-paying jobs, which strengthens Indiana’s role as the ‘Crossroads of America’ and better connects our communities to markets across the country. To stay competitive in the 21st century economy, we must allow for innovation, streamline costly regulations, and ensure rural America isn’t left behind. This hearing is a chance to focus on practical solutions that create a reliable and safe American rail network, enabling the efficient movement of people and goods.”

Sen. Cruz said:

“Railroads are essential to moving goods across this country, especially the agricultural and energy products we rely on daily. There is also increasing interest in developing intercity passenger rail. We have a lot to look forward to with innovative companies like Brightline expanding the options available for passenger rail, and exciting technological advances in the freight rail industry. Whether it’s transporting people or goods, railroads must keep innovating to provide safer, more efficient service.”

Witnesses:

  • Mr. Ian Jefferies, President and Chief Executive Officer, Association of American Railroads
  • Mr. Peter Gilbertson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Anacostia Rail Holdings Company; on behalf of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association
  • Mr. Husein Cumber, Chief Strategy Officer, Florida East Coast Industries

An additional witness may be announced at a later date.

Details:

WHAT: Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety hearing titled “On the Right Track: Modernizing America’s Rail Network”

DATE: Wednesday, June 18, 2025

TIME: 10:00 a.m. EST

LOCATION: Committee Hearing Room, Russell 253

LIVESTREAM: The hearing will stream live on the Committee web site.

MEDIA INFO: Reporters wanting to attend the committee please contact your respective media gallery to RSVP.

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