Freight Railroads Back Surface Transportation Investment Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 11, 2021 – Association of American Railroads (AAR) President and CEO Ian Jefferies released the following statement regarding the introduction of the Surface Transportation Investment Act. The bipartisan legislation introduced by Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS) will be considered by the full committee next week.

“Railroads commend Senators Cantwell and Wicker for their collaborative approach on the Surface Transportation Investment Act, which builds upon the momentum in the United States Senate for thoughtful, bipartisan legislation to strengthen our nation’s infrastructure. The proposal focuses on smart investments to enhance economic competitiveness and improve safety across all modes, including the establishment of a robust new grade crossing elimination grant program. We strongly encourage the committee to continue on this constructive path as the bill moves forward to ensure this legislation remains a consensus product and clean of divisive measures in markup.”

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For more information contact: AAR Media Relations at media@aar.org or 202-639-2345.

About AAR: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) is the world’s leading railroad policy, research and technology organization focusing on the safety and productivity of rail carriers. AAR members include the major freight railroads of the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak. Learn more at www.aar.org.