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Read. Follow. Verify.Review of the 35th Anniversary of the Staggers Rail Act
Record date · January 1, 2015
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What This Bill Does
This document is a transcript of a 2015 Congressional hearing held by the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. The hearing reviewed the impact of the 1980 , which deregulated the U.S. railroad industry, and discussed its ongoing effects on freight rates, infrastructure investment, and industry competition.
The hearing provides a historical and economic assessment of federal railroad deregulation, which dictates how freight rail companies operate, set rates, and invest in infrastructure across the United States.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Freight Railroad Companies
These companies operate under the regulatory framework established by the Staggers Rail Act.
Rail Shippers
These entities pay for rail freight services and are affected by the rates and service levels resulting from industry deregulation.
Key Facts
- The hearing was held on May 13, 2015, to mark the 35th anniversary of the Staggers Rail Act of 1980.
- The Staggers Rail Act significantly reduced federal economic regulation of the U.S. freight railroad industry.
- The hearing included testimony from the Surface Transportation Board, industry trade associations, and academic experts.
- The record includes data on average U.S. freight rail rates for commodities and chemicals.
Show all 6 facts
- The record includes documentation of freight railroad spending on infrastructure and equipment from 1980 to 2015.
- The subcommittee reviewed the balance between railroad industry profitability and the needs of rail shippers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Staggers Rail Act?
Why did Congress hold this hearing?
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News Coverage
Follow the record
Votes, people, money & the original sourceFull breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Long-term Deregulation Review
The hearing demonstrates a formal legislative effort to assess the multi-decade impact of a major deregulation policy.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance60How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz10Current news / social attention level
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