The House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will hold a hearing on November 18 entitled, “Examining the Surface Transportation Board’s Role in Ensuring a Robust Passenger Rail System.”

Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore. – chair of the T&I committee – and Rep. Daniel Lipinski, D-Ill, who chairs the T&I subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, held a hearing in March that examined ways to increase federal investment in the nation’s railroad networks for both freight and passenger transport needs.

Rep. DeFazio noted in his comments at that March hearing that while demand for commuter and intercity passenger rail has increased substantially in recent years, Federal investment has lagged in support.

“In order to meet future demands, reduce congestion, and meet a state of good repair, now is the time to invest,” he explained at the time.