The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.Confirmation Hearing for Sarah E. Feinberg, Federal Railroad Administrator
Record date · January 1, 2016
Track this bill to get notified when it advances a stage. One tap to stop, anytime.
What This Bill Does
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing to consider the nomination of Sarah E. Feinberg as the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The hearing focused on her professional background, her experience as , and her ability to oversee national rail safety and infrastructure.
The Federal Railroad Administration Administrator oversees national rail safety regulations and the implementation of , a critical safety technology required for the nation's rail network.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Railroad Industry
The industry is subject to safety regulations and technology implementation mandates overseen by the FRA Administrator.
General Public
The public relies on the safety and efficiency of the national rail network for passenger travel and the transport of goods.
Key Facts
- Sarah E. Feinberg served as the acting FRA Administrator starting in January 2015.
- The FRA is responsible for the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the U.S. rail network.
- Sarah E. Feinberg previously served as Chief of Staff to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx (2013-2014).
- Sarah E. Feinberg worked as Policy and Crisis Communications Director at Facebook (2011-2013).
Show all 8 facts
- Sarah E. Feinberg served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to Rahm Emanuel (2009-2010).
- Committee members raised questions regarding the nominee's lack of direct railroad industry experience.
- The committee discussed the implementation deadline for Positive Train Control (PTC) technology.
- The hearing took place on September 17, 2015, in the Russell Senate Office Building.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the Federal Railroad Administration?
What concerns were raised about Sarah E. Feinberg's nomination?
What is Positive Train Control (PTC)?
What else do you want to know?
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.
Focus on Tech Implementation
The hearing highlights the transition of the FRA's focus toward the mandatory implementation of complex communications-based safety systems like PTC.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment15Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz10Current news / social attention level
Publisher tools