Senator Baldwin Questions STB Integrity Amidst Potential Rail Merger Influence

Concerns Over Surface Transportation Board Independence

• 📌 Senator Baldwin expressed deep concern regarding the independence and integrity of the Surface Transportation Board (STB), particularly concerning an upcoming significant decision on a merger.
• ⚠️ The potential merger involves Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, a decision that could increase costs, reduce service reliability, and decrease competition.

Political Influence and Merger Decisions

• 🏛️ Baldwin questioned whether the STB nominees would act independently of political influence, citing a meeting between Union Pacific's CEO and the President, and a campaign contribution made to President Trump.
• 🤝 Nominees Cluster and Schultz committed to acting with independence and impartiality, basing decisions solely on the merits and following the law.

Post-2015 Merger Evaluation Standards

• ⚖️ Senator Baldwin inquired about the commitment to follow the STB's post-2015 rail consolidation procedures, which emphasize enhancing competition rather than just preserving it.
• ✅ Both nominees affirmed their commitment to adhering to these comprehensive evaluation requirements.

Partisan Email and Agency Conduct

• 📧 Baldwin raised concerns about a partisan email sent by Chairman Fuks blaming Democrats for a government shutdown, questioning its appropriateness for an independent agency.
• 🚫 Nominee Cluster acknowledged receiving the email and, while not aware of it at the time of their meeting, stated that if confirmed, they would review cases with impartiality, absent politics.

Board Member Removal and Presidential Agenda

• 👤 The discussion touched upon the potential removal of board members if they do not support the president's agenda, with the nominee acknowledging that they serve at the pleasure of the president.
• ⚖️ Regarding the firing of Robert Primus, the nominee declined to comment due to pending litigation.