[Senate Hearing 116-640]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



                                                        S. Hrg. 116-640

                             NOMINATIONS TO
                   THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,
                     SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD,
                   AND THE AMTRAK BOARD OF DIRECTORS

=======================================================================

                                HEARING

                               before the

                         COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,
                      SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
                          UNITED STATES SENATE

                     ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

                             SECOND SESSION

                               __________


                             AUGUST 6, 2020

                               __________

    Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                             Transportation






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                Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov

                               ______
                                 

                 U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

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       SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION

                     ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

                             SECOND SESSION

                  ROGER WICKER, Mississippi, Chairman

JOHN THUNE, South Dakota             MARIA CANTWELL, Washington, 
ROY BLUNT, Missouri                      Ranking
TED CRUZ, Texas                      AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota
DEB FISCHER, Nebraska                RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut
JERRY MORAN, Kansas                  BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii
DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska                 EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts
CORY GARDNER, Colorado               TOM UDALL, New Mexico
MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee          GARY PETERS, Michigan
SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia  TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin
MIKE LEE, Utah                       TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois
RON JOHNSON, Wisconsin               JON TESTER, Montana
TODD YOUNG, Indiana                  KYRSTEN SINEMA, Arizona
RICK SCOTT, Florida                  JACKY ROSEN, Nevada

                       John Keast, Staff Director
                  Crystal Tully, Deputy Staff Director
                      Steven Wall, General Counsel
                 Kim Lipsky, Democratic Staff Director
              Chris Day, Democratic Deputy Staff Director
                      Renae Black, Senior Counsel








                            C O N T E N T S

                              ----------                              
                                                                   Page
Hearing held on August 6, 2020...................................     1
Statement of Senator Wicker......................................     1
Statement of Senator Cantwell....................................     3
Statement of Senator Young.......................................     4
Statement of Senator Moran.......................................    48
Statement of Senator Blumenthal..................................    50
Statement of Senator Baldwin.....................................    53
Statement of Senator Tester......................................    54
Statement of Senator Rosen.......................................    56

                               Witnesses

Hon. Richard Durbin, U.S. Senator from Illinois..................     5
Eric Soskin, Nominee to be Inspector General, Department of 
  Transportation.................................................     6
    Prepared statement...........................................     7
    Biographical information.....................................     9
Robert E. Primus, Nominee to be a Member, Surface Transportation 
  Board..........................................................    19
    Prepared statement...........................................    20
    Biographical information.....................................    21
Sarah E. Feinberg, Nominee to be a Director, Amtrak Board of 
  Directors......................................................    28
    Prepared statement...........................................    30
    Biographical information.....................................    30
Chris Koos, Nominee to be a Director, Amtrak Board of Directors..    36
    Prepared statement...........................................    38
    Biographical information.....................................    40

                                Appendix

Response to written question submitted to Eric Soskin by:
    Hon. Marsha Blackburn........................................    59
Response to written questions submitted to Robert E. Primus by:
    Hon. Roger Wicker............................................    59
    Hon. Marsha Blackburn........................................    59
Response to written questions submitted by Hon. Roger Wicker to:
    Sarah Feinberg...............................................    60
    Chris Koos...................................................    60







 
                             NOMINATIONS TO
                   THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,
                     SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD,
                   AND THE AMTRAK BOARD OF DIRECTORS

                              ----------                              


                        THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020

                                       U.S. Senate,
        Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
                                                    Washington, DC.
    The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10 a.m. in room 
SR-253, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. Roger Wicker, 
Chairman of the Committee, presiding.
    Present: Senators Wicker [presiding], Cantwell, Young, 
Durbin, Moran, Blumenthal, Baldwin, Tester, and Rosen.

            OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. ROGER WICKER, 
                 U.S. SENATOR FROM MISSISSIPPI

    Senator Wicker. This Full Committee Nomination hearing will 
come to order.
    This morning, the Committee will consider four nominations 
to key transportation positions within our jurisdiction. The 
nominees before us today are Eric Soskin, the nominee to be 
Inspector General for the Department of Transportation; Robert 
Primus, who's been nominated to be a Member of the Surface 
Transportation Board; Sarah Feinberg, nominated to be a 
Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors; and Chris Koos, 
who's been nominated to be a Director on the Amtrak Board of 
Directors.
    The Inspector General for the Department of Transportation 
oversees critical audits and investigations of DOT's programs 
with the end goal of ensuring that our national transportation 
system is safe, efficient, and effective for the American 
people.
    Eric Soskin has been nominated for this important role. Mr. 
Soskin is a Senior Trial Counsel in the Federal Programs Branch 
at the U.S. Department of Justice where he has served since 
2006.
    During his tenure at the Justice Department, he has managed 
complex litigation and he was chosen for a detail assignment as 
policy counsel in the Office of the Assistant Attorney General, 
Civil Division.
    Earlier in his career, Mr. Soskin served as clerk for a 
Federal District Court judge.
    He is a graduate of Williams College and earned his law 
degree from Harvard Law School.
    As the independent Federal agency which handles the 
economic regulation of various modes of surface transportation, 
the work of the Surface Transportation Board is vital.
    Robert Primus has been nominated to serve as a Member of 
the Surface Transportation Board. He has a distinguished record 
as a long-time staff member to multiple members of the U.S. 
House of Representatives. He has served in senior roles in the 
House, including Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor.
    While working with former Congressman Michael Capuano 
during the time he was Ranking Member of the House 
Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittees on Railroads, 
Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, Mr. Primus gained valuable 
expertise on matters involving rail policy.
    His legislative experience includes work on the Surface 
Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2015.
    After graduating from Hampton University, Mr. Primus began 
his career on the Hill with the late Senator Frank Lautenberg, 
a distinguished member of this committee.
    The Amtrak Board of Directors provides guidance and 
direction to National Railroad Passenger Corporation or Amtrak.
    Sarah Feinberg is one of the two nominees before the 
Committee today to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of 
Directors and she joins us by video link.
    Ms. Feinberg has notable experience in passenger rail 
matters. She is currently the Interim President of New York 
City Transit, the largest transit system in North America.
    From 2015 to 2017, she served as the Acting Administrator 
and Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration and 
while serving in this role, she was Transportation Secretary 
Anthony Fox's designee to the Amtrak Board.
    Ms. Feinberg formerly served as Chief of Staff at the U.S. 
Department of Transportation, in private sector roles and as a 
Special Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to the 
Chief of Staff under President Obama.
    Mayor Chris Koos has also been nominated to serve on the 
Amtrak Board of Directors and he, too, joins us today by video.
    Mayor Koos has served as the Mayor of Normal, Illinois, 
since 2003 and a principal achievement for his municipality 
during this time was the development and construction of a 
multimodal station servicing Amtrak ridership in downstate 
Illinois on Lincoln Service Texas Eagle Trains.
    Previously, he served as council member for the Town of 
Normal and he is a small business owner. He served our country 
as an Infantry Platoon Leader with the Army's 101st Airborne 
Air Mobile Division in Vietnam.
    I want to thank all the nominees for testifying today and 
for your willingness to serve in these important and 
instrumental transportation sector roles.
    And I also want to thank Senator Cantwell for her 
cooperation in our preparation for this hearing and recognize 
her now for any opening remarks.

               STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL, 
                  U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON

    Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Today, we have nominees for three agencies with extremely 
important transportation missions. The first is the Amtrak 
Board of Directors.
    Amtrak faces a series of critical challenges in the near 
future as we deal with the severe decline in travel as a result 
of the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to address these 
challenges, Amtrak's management has proposed severe cuts in 
service, including reducing long-distance trains to 3 days a 
week and deep staffing reductions.
    I'm very concerned that these cuts may significantly harm 
communities served by Amtrak and threaten the long-term 
viability of our national rail network.
    I hope that my colleagues will step up in this next COVID 
package and make sure that there is support for Amtrak, the 
communities, and the work force.
    Amtrak also needs leadership and I'm pleased that we have 
two excellent nominees for the Amtrak Board of Directors here.
    Sarah Feinberg served as the Administrator of the Federal 
Railroad Administration, as the Chair mentioned, from 2015 to 
2017, and in her current role as President of New York City 
Transit.
    So during her time at FRA, she also sat on the Amtrak Board 
and is well aware of the challenges facing Amtrak and the 
importance of rail service to communities across the Nation.
    We're also joined by Chris Koos, Mayor of Normal, Illinois. 
Mr. Koos' city is served by two Amtrak routes, including one 
long-distance line, the Texas Eagle. So he's very familiar with 
Amtrak's operations and keenly aware of the value it provides 
to small-and mid-sized communities.
    We are joined by Robert Primus, who was nominated to serve 
as a Member of the Surface Transportation Board. The STB plays 
a very important role in resolving railroad rate and service 
disputes as well as reviewing railroad mergers and 
restructuring activities.
    So Mr. Primus has had a long career as a congressional 
staffer, including working on these activities in the House 
Transportation Infrastructure, and so I look forward to hearing 
his views on these very important issues.
    And, finally, we have the nomination of Eric Soskin to be 
the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
    The Inspector General of DOT plays a key role in not only 
preventing waste, fraud, and abuse, but also ensuring that the 
agency carries out its core safety mission for our Nation's 
transportation network.
    One area the IG is currently investigating is the Federal 
Aviation Administration's certification of the 737 Max and the 
FAA's subsequent response to two crashes involved in the 
aircraft.
    I would mention, Mr. Chairman, I saw yesterday a fine by 
the FAA on South Carolina for intimidation of employees who 
were part of the FAA certification process, the very issue that 
we tried to fix in our legislation that we've worked on 
together, and the very legislation that, when the Administrator 
was before the Committee, basically told us he didn't agree 
that there were any problems and yet now we see them issuing 
fines.
    So clearly there is a problem and clearly there is 
intimidation and we want an independent workforce who is going 
to basically let the engineers be engineers, let them do the 
work and not have fear of intimidation or reparation.
    So, anyway, I look at an interesting development yesterday, 
Mr. Chairman, and looking forward to getting back to those 
issues.
    So the Inspector General Act of 1978 specifically states 
the IG should be appointed without regard to political 
affiliation and solely based on integrity and demonstrated 
ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, 
management analysis, and public 0 administration or 
Investigation.
    So, Mr. Soskin, I will be asking you questions because I am 
concerned that I want to know that you have the experience that 
lines up with this important position that oversees so many 
infrastructure jobs in the United States and definitely plan to 
ask you a question.
    The White House expressed its intent to nominate Mr. Soskin 
on May 15. This is the same day that the former Acting 
Inspector General Mitch Behm, a long-time employee of the DOT 
Inspector's Office, was removed by the President. So I'm 
concerned about the timing of these things. So I hope we can 
spend some time addressing those concerns today.
    So thank you, Mr. Chairman, for this hearing and look 
forward to hearing from the nominees.
    Senator Wicker. Thank you very much, Senator Cantwell.
    Two of our members would like to say words of introduction 
and I'd now turn to Senator Young.

                 STATEMENT OF HON. TODD YOUNG, 
                   U.S. SENATOR FROM INDIANA

    Senator Young. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    I am delighted today to introduce to the Committee and to 
the Senate the nominee for Inspector General for the Department 
of Transportation Eric Soskin.
    Eric is a fellow Hoosier. We had an opportunity to speak on 
the phone yesterday and Eric spent his formative years in the 
Indianapolis area, as I did. By and large, Eric's experience as 
a career civil servant and his valuable expertise in the law 
will bring confidence to the important position that he aspires 
to hold at DOT.
    Following his early years in Indiana, Eric went on to study 
mathematics and political economy at Williams College and 
graduated with high honors from Harvard Law School.
    Today, Eric serves as a Senior Trial Counsel for the 
Department of Justice where he has successfully spearheaded 
major litigation about the Constitution, administrative law, 
and national security for numerous agencies across the U.S. 
Government over the last 14 years. So he has extensive 
experience.
    Prior to joining the DOJ, Eric clerked for Judge Paul S. 
Diamond in the U.S. District Court for Eastern Pennsylvania. 
Thus far, Eric has built a reputation as an exemplary civil 
servant and a tremendous legal advocate, and I'm delighted that 
he's taking on the challenge of Inspector General at the 
Department of Transportation.
    He has great potential to bring objectivity, 
accountability, and integrity to DOT, which is precisely what 
we want from this position. Eric, thank you. Thank you for 
someone with your incredible credentials, someone of your 
caliber and clearly your heart for service, for your desire to 
serve in this capacity.
    Mr. Chairman, I thank you for the opportunity to introduce 
this great Hoosier to this committee.
    Senator Wicker. Thank you very, very much, Senator Young.
    I'm told that Senator Durbin is ready to join us via video 
link. Are you there, Richard?

                STATEMENT OF HON. DICK DURBIN, 
                   U.S. SENATOR FROM ILLINOIS

    Senator Durbin. I'm here. Can you hear me?
    Senator Wicker. Yes.
    Senator Durbin. Good. Senator Wicker and Senator Cantwell, 
thank you for giving me a few moments to introduce Chris Koos, 
the Mayor of Normal, Illinois.
    Chris has been a dear friend of mine for years. Those of us 
who are fortunate enough to represent small town America, Rural 
America know that there's an ongoing battle to save downtown, 
virtually every one of those communities.
    The Town of Normal, Illinois, has done that under the 
leadership of its Mayor Chris Koos who's been in that position 
for 17 years. The most important element in saving Downtown 
Normal for this hearing is the fact that he centered it on the 
Amtrak service in Downtown Normal.
    You see, Normal turns out to be the Number 2 station in the 
state of Illinois for Amtrak passengers, over 240,000 a year. 
It's the home of Illinois State University and Illinois 
Wesleyan University. There are lots of students moving back and 
forth, as you can imagine.
    Chris decided to build an intermodal facility in Downtown 
Normal as kind of the anchor for the redevelopment of downtown. 
I helped him to secure a $22 million TIGER grant and we moved 
forward with a beautiful facility. He capitalized on that and 
turned it into a $173 million more of investment in downtown. 
You have to see it to believe it. It really does make you feel 
good that Amtrak is at the heart of this effort.
    Chris is an Amtrak passenger. As you mentioned, Senator 
Wicker, at the outset, he is also a small business man in the 
Normal community. He always wants to keep people moving. His 
business sells running shoes and bicycles. So, in addition to 
his love for Amtrak, he certainly has a passion for people on 
the move.
    I'm glad to be giving a few words of support for Chris 
today. He's a dear friend of mine. He's tackled challenges and 
has a vision which I think Amtrak will benefit from.
    It was Chris Koos who decided that his Town of Normal would 
electrify all of the vehicles the town used and for that, he 
received national recognition. He's just a step ahead time and 
time again.
    I'm honored to call him a friend and I think he'll be a 
great asset when it comes to the future of Amtrak.
    Senator Wicker. Well, thank you very, very much, Senator 
Durbin, and also Senator Young. We appreciate you spending time 
with us today and vouching for these nominees. So thank you so 
much.
    At this point, I want to recognize the witnesses for 
opening statements. As is the custom, your full statements will 
be placed in the record at this point and we ask that you 
summarize your testimony in 5 minutes or under.
    So, Mr. Soskin, you are recognized for your statement. 
Welcome.

  STATEMENT OF ERIC SOSKIN, NOMINEE TO BE INSPECTOR GENERAL, 
                  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

    Mr. Soskin. Senator Wicker, Ranking Member Cantwell, and 
distinguished members of this Committee, thank you for the 
opportunity to appear before you today. I appreciate your 
consent for placing my full statement in the record which I 
will summarize here.
    Thank you all for arranging this hearing consistent with 
public health guidance.
    Thank you also to the President for nominating me to serve 
as the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation. 
It is a profound honor.
    I'd also like to thank Senator Young of my home state of 
Indiana for his words of introduction. Our great Hoosier state 
always remains the place I long to see and be.
    I'm likewise grateful for the support of my family, 
friends, and colleagues, especially my wife, Miran, a 
naturalized U.S. citizen who came fearlessly to this country as 
an adult to study accounting and to realize her dreams. She 
inspires me every day and has made me the luckiest person I 
know.
    I would also like to thank our two children, Aaron and Lev, 
who bring so much curiosity and joy to my life. I am so proud 
to be the father of each of you.
    At an early age, I learned that public service is a high 
calling and have aspired to heed that call. My father, a 
lawyer, was a leader in fighting to protect the civil rights of 
institutionalized persons. My mother began her career as a 
librarian before becoming an expert on emerging technologies, 
education, and training.
    My career in public service has also been inspired by many 
mentors along the way. I wish I had the time to recognize them 
all today for the roles they have played.
    Since entering Harvard Law School in 2002, I have been 
committed to public service, joining the Department of Justice 
as a career civil servant and representing the United States 
with independence and integrity for nearly 14 years.
    As a litigator with the Federal Programs Branch, I provide 
leadership in a vast array of matters, representing agencies 
from across the entire Executive Branch in legally difficult, 
high stakes, and politically sensitive lawsuits that affect the 
lives of millions of Americans or involve hundreds of millions 
of dollars of taxpayer funds.
    Managing many of these cases at one time as a generalist, 
one of my core skills is digging deeply into the complex 
details of new statutes, programs, and factual situations to 
quickly understand the issues and objectively assess the 
challenges they entail.
    Law enforcement agencies are among my most important 
clients and my practice involves leading cross-functional 
teams, directing factual investigations, and communicating 
orally and in writing with many types of stakeholders.
    Throughout my career with the Department of Justice across 
three Administrations, I have upheld the highest standards of 
professionalism of the department.
    These are all skills that will lend themselves directly to 
my successful tenure as Inspector General of the Department of 
Transportation. My experience working across government 
agencies has led me to recognize the critical role of the 
Inspector General in each agency in combating waste, fraud, and 
abuse, and advancing efficiency and effectiveness in the 
delivery of government programs.
    An IG should be, like me, a leader passionate about 
upholding public confidence in our Federal institutions and 
sustaining our democracy by ensuring accountability and thereby 
delivering the results the public is entitled to expect from 
their government.
    As IG, I will provide oversight to the department and 
ensure that core DOT values are upheld, including safety for 
the traveling public and efficiency in the department's 
programs to sustain and improve the arteries of public 
prosperity.
    Beyond my experience and dedication to public service, I 
bring to the job of Inspector General a trained, fresh eye, 
accustomed to looking at complex situations and establishing 
priorities. This is a vital skill in an office that routinely 
initiates new audits and investigations to safeguard taxpayer 
funds and to ensure that the department adheres to the letter 
of the law and the established will of Congress.
    I would be honored to lead the Office of Inspector General 
and staff of talented career civil servants in accordance with 
Congress's commands of independence and objectivity.
    If confirmed, I will act with integrity and be honest and 
impartial in continuing the office's work. My team and I will 
use the tools established by Congress in the IG Act to provide 
accountability, promote transportation safety, and enhance 
public confidence while maintaining the office's high standards 
of clear, timely, and transparent communications with you, the 
rest of the Congress, and the public.
    Thank you again for this opportunity to be considered by 
the Senate and to appear before you. I sincerely appreciate 
your time and look forward to answering your questions.
    [The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr. 
Soskin follow:]

  Prepared Statement of Eric Soskin, Nominee to be Inspector General, 
                      Department of Transportation
    Senator Wicker, Ranking Member Cantwell, and distinguished Members 
of this Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you 
today. Thank you all for arranging this hearing consistent with public 
health guidance. Thank you also to the President for nominating me to 
serve as the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation. It 
is a profound honor. I'd also like to thank Senator Young of my home 
state of Indiana for his words of introduction. Our great Hoosier State 
always remains the place I long to see and be.
    I am likewise grateful for the support of my family, friends, and 
colleagues, especially my wife, Miran, a naturalized U.S. citizen who 
came fearlessly to this country as an adult to study accounting and 
realize her dreams. She inspires me every day and has made me the 
luckiest person I know. I would also like to thank our two children, 
Aaron and Lev, who bring so much curiosity and joy to my life. I am so 
proud to be the father of each of you.
    At an early age, I learned that public service is a high calling 
and have aspired to heed that call. My father, a lawyer, was a leader 
in fighting to protect the civil rights of institutionalized persons. 
His father was an accountant known for his generous assistance to the 
underserved in the community. My mother began her career as a librarian 
before becoming an expert on emerging technologies, education, and 
training. And her father, who we called ``Zeyde,'' landed on the 
beaches of Normandy and fought his way into the heart of Germany with 
the Allied advance. My step-parents, Steve Haskin and Katherine Soskin, 
have likewise been important influences for many decades.
    My career in public service has also been inspired by mentors along 
the way. I wish I had the time to recognize them all today for the 
roles they have played. Judge Paul Diamond, who served as an Assistant 
District Attorney and counsel to Senator Arlen Specter prior to his 
judicial service, instilled in me the values of a public servant. Peter 
Wells, a cornerstone of the Williams College faculty, taught me that a 
good leader actively seeks ideas for improvement from every source 
imaginable. And Jane Keller, my childhood chaperone, taught me life 
lessons about graceful living and overcoming hardship, and inspired my 
appreciation for the inherent value of all people and their creation in 
God's image. I also remember with gratitude the influence of the many 
terrific educators at Park Tudor School in Indianapolis, at Little 
Flower Montessori (now called Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes) in 
Mishawaka, at Williams College, and at Harvard Law School, and would 
like to thank them collectively here.
    Since entering Harvard Law School in 2002, I have been committed to 
public service, joining the Department of Justice as a career civil 
servant and representing the United States with independence and 
integrity for nearly fourteen years. Every day when I enter my office, 
I see there a book by Elliott Richardson, who served as Attorney 
General, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Commerce, and Secretary of 
Health, Education, and Welfare. In his book, I have highlighted his 
words reminding me that ``there is no greater reward than the 
satisfaction of applying professional knowledge to the benefit of your 
fellow citizens.'' This daily inspiration renews my appreciation for 
the great honor and privilege that I have in serving the people of the 
United States. This is what brought me to the Department of Justice and 
it is why my path has brought me to this hearing today, at which I 
aspire to continue to serve the people by providing oversight of the 
Department of Transportation with independence and without fear or 
favor.
    As a litigator with the Federal Programs Branch of the Civil 
Division, I provide leadership in a vast array of matters, representing 
agencies from across the entire Executive Branch in legally difficult, 
high-stakes, and politically-sensitive lawsuits that affect the lives 
of millions of Americans or involve hundreds of millions of dollars of 
taxpayer funds. Managing many of these cases at one time as a 
generalist, one of my core skills is digging deeply into the complex 
details of new statutes, programs, and factual situations to quickly 
understand the issues and to objectively assess the challenges they 
entail. Law enforcement agencies are among my most important clients, 
and my practice involves leading cross-functional teams, directing 
factual investigations, and communicating orally and in writing with 
many types of stakeholders. Throughout my career across three 
administrations, I have upheld the highest standards of professionalism 
of the Department of Justice.
    These are all skills that will lend themselves directly to my 
successful tenure as Inspector General of the Department of 
Transportation. My experience working across government agencies has 
led me to recognize the critical role of the Inspector General in each 
agency in combating waste, fraud, and abuse and advancing efficiency 
and effectiveness in the delivery of government programs. An IG should 
be, like me, a leader passionate about upholding public confidence in 
our Federal institutions and sustaining our democracy by ensuring 
accountability and thereby delivering the results the public expects 
from their government. As IG, I will provide oversight to the 
Department and ensure that core DOT values are upheld, including safety 
for the traveling public and efficiency in the Department's programs to 
sustain and improve the arteries of public prosperity.
    Beyond my experience and dedication to public service, I bring to 
the job of Inspector General a trained, fresh eye accustomed to looking 
at complex situations and establishing priorities, a vital skill in an 
office that routinely initiates new audits and investigations to 
safeguard taxpayer funds and to ensure that the Department adheres to 
the letter of the law and the established will of Congress. I would be 
honored to lead the Office of Inspector General and its staff of 
talented, career civil servants in accordance with Congress's commands 
of independence and objectivity. If confirmed, I will act with 
integrity and be honest and impartial in continuing the office's work. 
My team and I will use the tools established by Congress in the IG Act 
to provide accountability, promote transportation safety, and enhance 
public confidence while maintaining the Office's high standards of 
clear, timely, and transparent communications with you, the rest of the 
Congress, and the public.
    Thank you again for this opportunity to be considered by the Senate 
and to appear before you. I sincerely appreciate your time and I look 
forward to answering your questions.
                                 ______
                                 
                      a. biographical information
    1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Eric Joseph 
Soskin.
    2. Position to which nominated: Inspector General, Department of 
Transportation.
    3. Date of Nomination: June 22, 2020.
    4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):

        Residence: Information not released to the public.
        Office: 1100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.

    5. Date and Place of Birth: September 26, 1977; South Bend, 
Indiana.
    6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your 
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including 
stepchildren and chil-dren by a previous marriage).

        Spouse: Miran Soskin, self-employed as a Realtor, in the 
        brokerage Barcroft Realty Group LLC, 8315 Lee Highway, Suite 
        300, Fairfax, VA 22031.

    7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school 
attended.

        B.A., Williams College, 1999 (attended 1995-1999)
        J.D., Harvard Law School, 2005 (attended 2002-2005)

    8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all 
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to 
the position for which you are nominated.

        Analyst, Mercer Management Consulting, Lexington, MA (1999-
        2001)

        Rowing Coach, West Springfield High School Crew, Springfield, 
        VA (2001-2002)

        Consultant, GivingWorks, Inc., Washington, DC (2002)

        Consultant, AvalonBay/Reznick, Fedder, & Silverman, Alexandria, 
        VA (2002)

        Law Clerk, Department of Justice, Civil Division, Aviation, 
        Space, & Admiralty Branch, Washington, DC (2003)

        Summer Associate, DLA Piper Rudnick, Washington, DC (2004)

        Summer Associate, Procter & Gamble Co. Legal Division, 
        Cincinnati, OH (2004)

        Law Clerk, U.S. Attorney's Office, Criminal Division, Boston, 
        MA (2004-05)

        Summer Law Intern, Department of Justice, Civil Division, 
        Federal Programs Branch, Washington, DC (2005)

        Judicial Clerkship, The Hon. Paul S. Diamond, United States 
        District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 
        Philadelphia, PA (2005-06)

        Senior Trial Counsel/Senior Counsel/Trial Attorney, Department 
        of Justice, Civil Division, Federal Programs Branch, 
        Washington, DC (2006 to present)

        Policy Counsel, Department of Justice, Civil Division (detail 
        2017-2018) Nominations Counsel, Department of Justice, Office 
        of Legal Policy (detail 2018)

    9. Attach a copy of your resume. (Attached).
    10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time 
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other 
than those listed above, within the last ten years. None.
    11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee, 
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any 
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise, 
educational, or other institution within the last ten years.

        Class of 1999 Treasurer, Williams College Society of Alumni 
        (2009-2019)

    12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten 
years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, 
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or 
religiously affiliated organization, private club, or other membership 
organization. (For this question, you do not have to list your 
religious affiliation or membership in a religious house of worship or 
institution.). Include dates of membership and any positions you have 
held with any organization. Please note whether any such club or 
organization restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color, 
religion, national origin, age, or disability.

        Member, United States Naval Institute (1997 to present)

        Life Member, National Rifle Association (2009 to present)

        Member, Federalist Society (2002 to present, with some possible 
        lapses)

        Member, Alexander Hamilton Society (2011-2015)

        Member, Indiana Society of Washington, DC (2011-2012, 2016-
        2018)

        Williams College Society of Alumni, Class of 1999 Treasurer 
        (2009-2019)

        Member, Purple Bull Roklub, 2001 to present

    13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office 
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any 
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are 
personally liable for that debt. No.
    14. List all memberships and offices held with and services 
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or 
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid 
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether 
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years, 
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year 
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities. N/A.
    15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign 
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar 
entity of $500 or more for the past ten years.
    Contributor, Mitt Romney for President, 2012 ($1000)
    16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary 
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition 
for outstanding service or achievements.

        Elizur Smith Prize for Public Speaking, Williams College (1999)

        Arthur Graves Prize in Political Economy, Williams College 
        (1999)

        Attorney General Distinguished Service Award (2019)

    17. Please list each book, article, column, Internet blog posting, 
or other publication you have authored, individually or with others. 
Include a link to each publication when possible. Also list any 
speeches that you have given on topics relevant to the position for 
which you have been nominated. Do not attach copies of these 
publications unless otherwise instructed.
Books, Articles, and Columns
        Comment and Discussion, Proceedings of the U.S. Naval 
        Institute, October, 2010: https://www.usni.org/magazines/
        proceedings/2010/october/comment-discussion

        Comment and Discussion, Proceedings of the U.S. Naval 
        Institute, September, 2009: https://www.usni.org/magazines/
        proceedings/2009/september/comment-and-discussion

        Comment and Discussion, Proceedings of the U.S. Naval 
        Institute, January, 2008: https://www.usni.org/magazines/
        proceedings/2008/january/comment-discussion
Articles, Williams Free Press
        2-3 articles about campus activities written in the fall of 
        1995. Not available online.
Possible articles, Williams Record
        1-2 articles describing performance of Williams Men's Crew 
        during previous weekend.
Speeches
        EPHx1999: Federal government service: trends and experience 
        (part of roundtable discussion). Audience: Williams College/
        Class of 1999 reunion attendees. Date: June 8, 2019.
Blog Postings
    I blogged as part of a group blog of Williams College alumni and 
others in the Williams community, EphBlog, from 2010-2011, and again 
from 2015-2016.
    Links to posts from 2010 to 2011 are here:

        http://ephblog.com/2011/04/11/no-longer-sledding-uphill/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/04/06/satullo-75-on-the-city-of-
        brotherly-love/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/01/the-adjustment-bureau-opens-
        friday-nationwide/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/03/more-social-network/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/03/new-musical-from-finn-74/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/06/pasachoff-on-planetary-transits/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/08/antone-johnson-93-on-legal-
        economics/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/10/paarlberg-02-emulates-andrew-
        zimmern/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/12/lipp-60-endows-senior-curator-at-
        the-clark/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/15/keep-friends-fresher-than-
        facebook-with-chang-99-the-fridge/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/17/future-albany-da-kindlon-98/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/18/peyser-76-public-privatize-
        amtrak/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/21/a-piece-of-weston-history/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/22/scenes-from-a-travesty/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/23/life-with-the-falks/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/24/45527/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/26/williamstown-restaurant-news/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/27/dont-overthink-it-but-dont-
        underthink-it/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/31/eph-bookshelf-mr-and-mrs-prince-
        and-williams-college/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/03/31/congratulations-to-the-class-of-
        15/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/04/03/curated-by-ephs-marilyn-
        hollywood-icon/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/02/12/around-the-americas-feature-now-
        available/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/02/15/eph-bookshelf-11-the-big-bang-
        symphony/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/02/17/what-kind-of-lectures/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/02/17/dan-ohnemus-04-in-antarctica/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/02/18/eph-booze-culinary-yakuza/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/02/18/eye-to-eye-at-the-clark/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/02/20/orzel-93-seeks-input-for-hugo-
        award-nominations/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/02/21/sayles-amigo-gets-domestic-
        distribution-deal/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/02/23/george-washington-and-the-
        revolutions/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/02/24/texas-governor-launches-drive-
        for-10000-bachelors-degree/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/02/24/washington-dc-get-your-non-combo-
        za/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/02/25/draft-thiel-fellowships-for-
        dropping-out/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/02/27/when-williams-had-a-medical-
        school-part-iv-the-end/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/07/john-russell-82-to-conduct-
        cincinnati-pops/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/08/higher-education-the-golden-
        dozen-part-i/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/10/pownal-biomass-update/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/12/moving-iranian-art/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/14/ephs-at-arlington-i/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/15/when-williams-had-a-medical-
        school-part-3-mark-hopkins/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/17/eph-art-mafia-glenn-lowry-76-on-
        what-to-see-in-2011/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/19/david-strathairn-70-to-star-in-
        new-show/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/21/williams-among-best-winter-
        colleges/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/22/eph-bookshelf-higher-education-
        the-golden-dozen-part-ii/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/25/an-eph-christmas-poem/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/27/visit-ed-schmidt-84-in-his-
        living-room/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/30/eliot-coleman-61-jeffersonian-
        farmer/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/01/02/upcoming-concerts-at-the-clark/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/01/05/gender-differences-in-concussion-
        symptoms/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/01/07/mcginn-82-in-comics/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/01/08/eph-bookshelf-10-all-the-devils-
        are-here/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/01/13/blog-tours-of-albrecht-durer-at-
        the-clark/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/01/16/chase-coleman-97-update-another-
        social-network-billionaire/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/01/19/cgcl-vii-tyler-dennett-04/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/01/20/a-look-back-at-fall/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/01/20/store-at-five-corners-shuttered/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/01/23/social-learning-sites-sprout/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/01/26/no-small-advantage-winter-study-
        edition/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/01/26/were-delighted-to-be-here/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/01/28/youtube-favorite-phil-shuman-79/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/01/31/sand-springs-closes-again/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/02/04/an-interview-with-the-least-
        popular-eph/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/02/06/curated-by-ephs-al-taylor-wire-
        instruments-and-pet-stains/

        http://ephblog.com/2011/02/10/londons-school-of-life-sells-the-
        liberal-arts/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/07/22/toughest-job-in-cooking/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/07/30/found-williams-a-leader-in-
        social-register-atten-dance/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/08/06/35198/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/08/12/no-athletic-training-major/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/08/14/eph-bookshelf-dominion-of-
        memories/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/08/18/ephs-on-entrepreneurship-1-ken-
        thomas-93/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/08/19/your-next-home-base-in-the-
        purple-valley/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/08/20/ephs-on-entrepreneurship-1-anon-
        07/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/08/21/hbo-presents-stephen-sondheim-
        sort-of/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/08/23/ephs-on-entrepreneurship-3-david-
        lerner-90/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/08/24/cricket-creek-farm/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/09/18/eph-bookshelf-8-parallel-worlds/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/11/04/alumni-swarm-to-head-of-the-
        charles-regatta/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/11/06/molly-to-red-molly/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/11/08/christmas-2010-brought-to-you-by-
        sebastian-arcelus-99/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/11/09/eph-wins-murder-case/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/11/10/eph-bookshelf-9-appetite-for-
        america/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/11/11/art-mafia-reliquaries-in-
        cleveland/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/11/15/more-success-and-a-nickname-for-
        derek-ohly-97/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/11/16/how-piranha-led-to-lone-star-and-
        more/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/11/18/choosing-a-chaplain-part-i/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/11/18/ephblog-visit-to-arlington/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/11/23/draft-when-williams-had-a-
        medical-school-part-i/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/11/24/7-overtimes/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/11/25/a-holiday-recipe-from-porter-
        mcconnell-00/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/11/28/marcus-hummon-84-takes-another-
        shot-at-the-stage/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/01/self-designed-majors-increase-
        elsewhere/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/02/draft-when-williams-had-a-
        medical-school-part-ii/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/03/big-concerts-have-their-downside/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/12/07/father-bill-clark-80-takes-final-
        vows/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/04/19/eph-bookshelf-fingerprints-of-
        god/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/04/21/hiring-and-the-liberal-arts-
        graduate/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/04/23/mirth-on-morning-joe/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/04/27/cartoon-controversy-volume-n/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/04/30/mafia-work-chicago-edition/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/05/05/eph-bookshelf-thereby-hangs-a-
        tail/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/05/06/a-download-to-grab/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/05/10/keep-your-friends-close-and-your-
        family-closer/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/05/15/examining-the-warrior/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/05/18/brenauhigh-museum-partnership/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/05/21/national-bike-to-work-day/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/05/21/eph-bookshelf-carry-a-chicken-in-
        your-lap-draft/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/05/23/surprise-party/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/06/03/david-strathairn-roundup/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/06/03/williamstown-bachelorette/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/06/05/the-harvard-disqualification-
        clause/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/06/10/eph-bookshelf-the-dead-tossed-
        waves/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/06/17/youtube-biennial/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/06/20/clark-art-institute-roundup/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/06/23/smith-chaplains/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/06/24/624-world-cup-open-thread/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/06/27/golf-interlude/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/06/30/eph-bookshelf-the-fourth-star/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/07/11/art-mafia-down-under/

        http://ephblog.com/2010/07/14/eph-bookshelf-6-steinbrenner/

    These posts from 2010 and 2011 appear under the pseudonym 
``Anonymous Senior.'' Other posts under that name were made from 
August, 2016 to June, 2017, by another author. I did not author the 
posts under the name ``Anonymous Senior'' following 2011.
    However, in 2015 and 2016, I did author blog posts at EphBlog under 
a different pseudonym, ``Edward W. Morley '60.''
    All posts under this pseudonym are available at this link: http://
ephblog.com/author/esoskin/
    I blogged as part of a group of bloggers at a Harvard Law School 
blog, Ex Parte, from November, 2003 through March, 2005, with an 
interruption (while the blog was relocated from one host to another 
during December, 2004 and January, 2005). No links to individual posts 
are available, but the entire contents of that blog are available 
through the Internet Archive's ``Wayback Machine,'' on pages grouped by 
month from November, 2003 to November, 2004, and by week from February, 
2005 to the end of March, 2005. These links are as follows:

        November 1, 2003 to November 30, 2003:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20040806223337/http://
        fedsoc.blogspot.com/2003_11_01_fedsoc_archive.html

        December 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20040902044647/http://
        fedsoc.blogspot.com/2003_12_01_fedsoc_archive.html

        January 1, 2004 to January 31, 2004:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20040910045937/http://
        fedsoc.blogspot.com/2004_01_01_fedsoc_archive.html

        February 1, 2004 to February 29, 2004:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20040818031028/http://
        fedsoc.blogspot.com/2004_02_01_fedsoc_archive.html

        March 1, 2004 to March 31, 2004:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20040806225046/http://
        fedsoc.blogspot.com/ 2004_03_01_fedsoc_archive.html

        April 1, 2004 to April 30, 2004:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20041018083803/http://
        fedsoc.blogspot.com/ 2004_04_01_fedsoc_archive.html

        May 1, 2004 to May 31, 2004:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20040725074255/http://
        fedsoc.blogspot.com/2004_05_01_fedsoc_archive.html

        June 1, 2004 to June 30, 2004:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20040808101253/http://
        fedsoc.blogspot.com/2004_06_01_fedsoc_archive.html

        July 1, 2004 to July 31, 2004:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20050405012642/http://
        fedsoc.blogspot.com/2004_07_01_fedsoc_archive.html

        August 1, 2004 to August 31, 2004:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20040901204734/http://
        fedsoc.blogspot.com/2004_08_01_fedsoc_archive.html

        September 1, 2004 to September 30, 2004:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20050226053453/http://
        fedsoc.blogspot.com/2004_09_01_fedsoc_archive.html

        October 1, 2004 to October 31, 2004:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20050125124059/http://
        fedsoc.blogspot.com/2004_10_01_fedsoc_archive.html

        November 1, 2004 to November 30, 2004:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20050213091535/http://
        fedsoc.blogspot.com/2004_11_01_fedsoc_archive.html

        February 6, 2005 to February 12, 2005:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20060507142652/http://
        exparte.powerblogs.com/archives/archive_2005_02_06-
        2005_02_12.shtml

        February 13, 2005 to February 19, 2005:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20060507142723/http://
        exparte.powerblogs.com/archives/archive_2005_02_13-
        2005_02_19.shtml

        February 20, 2005 to February 26, 2005:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20060507142626/http://
        exparte.powerblogs.com/archives/archive_2005_02_20-
        2005_02_26.shtml

        February 27, 2005 to March 5, 2005:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20060507142727/http://
        exparte.powerblogs.com/archives/archive_2005_02_27-
        2005_03_05.shtml

        March 6, 2005 to March 12, 2005:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20060507142831/http://
        exparte.powerblogs.com/archives/archive_2005_03_06-
        2005_03_12.shtml

        March 13, 2005 to March 19, 2005:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20060314011401/http://
        exparte.powerblogs.com/archives/archive_2005_03_13-
        2005_03_19.shtml

        March 20, 2005 to April 8, 2005:
        https://web.archive.org/web/20050409073527/http://
        exparte.powerblogs.com/

    18. List digital platforms (including social media and other 
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated 
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your 
name or an alias. Include the name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'' you 
have used on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account 
is active, deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if 
possible.

        Twitter:
        Brickyard99 (dormant)
        ArlHoosier (active)

        Facebook
        Eric Soskin (dormant)

        Flyertalk.com
        Hoosiereph (dormant)

        Chowhound.com
        Hoosiereph (dormant)

        Donrockwell.com
        Hoosiereph (dormant)

    19. Please identify each instance in which you have testified 
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each 
testimony. N/A.
    20. Given the current mission, major programs, and major 
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been 
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you 
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for 
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that 
position?
    As a career civil servant in the Department of Justice, I already 
recognize and appreciate the importance of the institution of inspector 
general. IGs serve as an important, independent voice in my client 
agencies across the government and are essential to ensuring that the 
Executive Branch is effectively and appropriately carrying out critical 
missions and in providing oversight to those agencies in their 
operations, thereby helping to maintain taxpayer confidence in our 
institutions. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated my passion for 
improving public service, including by offering counsel and advice to 
improve agency performance in complying with the rule of law and 
providing oversight to agencies as they respond to litigation and as 
they implement their policy priorities. And I have exhibited the 
integrity and nonpartisan performance necessary to earn the confidence 
of clients, colleagues, and leadership in multiple administrations.
    The major national investments in infrastructure over the last 
several years and those expected in the coming years have only 
increased the significance and importance of the accounting and 
financial controls that are one of the essential functions of the 
Inspector General. Further, in the next decade and beyond, the 
Department of Transportation will be pivotal in facilitating and 
regulating the development of many of the most transformative 
technology areas--drones, autonomous vehicles, commercial space 
launches, and key aspects of infrastructure in roads and rail. And the 
safety responsibilities that are the cornerstone of DOT's mission will 
be challenged by these technologies as well as by emerging threats to 
U.S. security in the physical and cyber domains. To ensure the 
integrity and effectiveness of DOT activities with regard to these 
investments, technologies, and threats, the inspector general will need 
to be a fluid, on-the-job learner who is able to assimilate facts and 
develop a thoughtful understanding of new subject areas in short order, 
and who understands the critical role of law enforcement in securing 
safety and economic prosperity. As a litigator responsible for 
defending many of the most important lawsuits brought against the U.S. 
government, and as a generalist without specific subject matter 
responsibilities and who has worked closely with law enforcement, my 
career demonstrates that I thrive in these capacities. Further, my 
expertise in building relationships with witnesses, team members, 
clients, and opposing counsel with all kinds of backgrounds, attitudes, 
and skill sets prepares me for managing the relationships that are 
critical to the effectiveness of the Inspector General. And as the 
policy counsel for the Civil Division, I have put my skills to use in 
the specific capacity of reviewing legislation and rule making, and 
making recommendations for improvements in legal compliance and agency 
performance in diverse fields.
    21. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to 
ensure that the department/agency has proper management and accounting 
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large 
organization?
    As Congress made clear in the IG Act, the mission of the Inspector 
General is not limited to redressing individual instances of 
ineffectiveness, waste, or malfeasance identified in an individual 
audit or investigation, although those are of great importance, but to 
recommend policies, and provide leadership to activities, that ensure 
that the agency as a whole is operating with economy, efficiency, and 
effectiveness, and without fraud and abuse. That means identifying 
opportunities for the agency to improve its management and accounting 
controls, to make recommendations regarding such improvements, to 
persuade the agency that the implementation of these recommendations is 
vital to the agency's mission, and to offer expertise, assistance and 
oversight to ensure that such recommendations are carried out. This is 
consonant with the importance of the Inspector General's law 
enforcement activities, which set the expectation that the agency--and 
its constituents, including personnel, contractors, recipients of 
funds, and regulated parties--will adhere to the law.
    One of the most important functions for the Inspector General is in 
guiding the establishment of priorities within each of these 
activities. Prioritization is a high leverage function for the 
Inspector General, because decisions to focus enforcement and auditing 
activities in the right places and to persuade the agency to implement 
recommendations with alacrity make the IG's overall job easier and 
ensure that the office's hard-working personnel punch above their 
weight in protecting taxpayer funds and improving agency operations. As 
a career government lawyer who has managed complex litigation within 
acute time and resource constraints, exercising judgment in the service 
of prioritization is in my core skill set, and I am prepared for the 
challenge of continually refining the identification of areas of 
highest risk and communicating the hierarchy of priorities to the 
agency, the public, and the Congress.
    My experience litigating complex cases is well suited to managing 
the Office of the Inspector General and the relationships between OIG 
and stakeholders inside and outside the DOT. Although it is not obvious 
to all those who lack a background in government litigation, marshaling 
the energy of others is a practical legal skill that is constantly 
used, and that I use in virtually every case. This includes managing 
and influencing the actions of others at one or more layers of remove: 
many of the substantive tasks in litigation are carried out by working 
through agency counsel to direct and influence the actions of agency 
personnel; and, correspondingly, by building relationships with and 
working through opposing counsel to influence the decisions and actions 
of their clients. As a litigator responsible for managing a dozen or 
more of his own cases at any given time, I have spent my career 
developing important skills in these respects, and I am confident that 
I can further develop and leverage those skills in place as the 
inspector general.
    22. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the 
department/agency, and why?
    As the unprecedented Federal response to the public health and 
economic emergencies created by the novel coronavirus epidemic 
continues, the oversight of CARES Act funds in an economical and 
effective manner, and the protection of those funds against fraud and 
abuse, will be one of DOT's leading challenges. As I understand it, the 
CARES Act presents DOT with nearly a one-third increase in its 
appropriations for the current Fiscal Year, an immense surge in funding 
that will require hard work and thoughtful leadership to administer, 
monitor, and audit. Prioritization of the controls, and review 
responsibilities, for this funding must be high on DOT's priority list 
to ensure the confidence of the taxpayers who have entrusted these sums 
to us.
    At a broader level, as we seek to return to economic growth, the 
United States must seize the opportunities being created by new 
technologies. One of the biggest challenges of the next decade will be 
in ensuring the safety of transformative technologies within the 
purview of DOT, including unmanned and autonomous vehicles, private 
access to space, and other transportation technologies to ensure their 
embrace by the public. For these to unleash their full potential to 
provide economic opportunity to hundreds of millions of Americans, we 
must strike the right balance between establishing safety--and, as 
importantly, the perception of safety--to ensure the business and 
consumer confidence needed for widespread adoption and to enable a 
diversity of new business models, while also creating an environment in 
which innovation can flourish. The Inspector General's responsibility 
in promoting economy, efficiency, effectiveness and safety, in securing 
taxpayer funds from fraud and abuse, and in enforcing the law against 
those who would take advantage of new opportunities to engage in 
illicit activities, are critical to ensuring that the United States 
prospers from new technologies.
    Finally, looking to the resurgence of international geopolitics in 
American headlines and the multi-headed nature of the threats posed to 
American security by both state and non-state actors, one of the 
biggest challenges for DOT will be assuring infrastructure and 
transportation security from both physical and cyber threats.
    In each of these areas, the IG's audits and investigations will 
have an important role in identifying opportunities for the agency to 
improve its performance, and the IG will need to be prepared to use 
that information, and the IG's broad familiarity with the Department 
and its strengths and deficiencies, to make recommendations to agency 
leadership and to facilitate DOT's ability to enable American success 
and leadership a decade from now.
                   b. potential conflicts of interest
    1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation 
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates, 
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement 
accounts. None.
    2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal, 
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business, 
association or other organization during your appointment? If so, 
please explain. No.
    3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other 
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in 
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will 
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
    In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with 
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's 
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts of 
interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved with the 
terms of an ethics agreement that I have entered into with DOT's 
Designated Agency Ethics Official and that has been provided to this 
Committee. I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of interest.
    4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial 
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for 
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in 
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the 
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve 
each potential conflict of interest.
    In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with 
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's 
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts of 
interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved with the 
terms of an ethics agreement that I have entered into with DOT's 
Designated Agency Ethics Official and that has been provided to this 
Committee. I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of interest.
    5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest, and explain 
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
    In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with 
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's 
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts of 
interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved with the 
terms of an ethics agreement that I have entered into with DOT's 
Designated Agency Ethics Official and that has been provided to this 
Committee. I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of interest.
    6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the 
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the 
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or 
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and 
execution of law or public policy.
    As a constituent, I have made occasional calls or written letters 
to my elected representatives in the United States Congress, the 
Virginia legislature, and the Fairfax County government regarding 
legislation or other public policy matters. I do not recall any 
specific legislation regarding which I have contacted elected 
representatives.
                            c. legal matters
    1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics, 
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a 
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special 
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other 
professional group? No.
    If yes:

  a.  Provide the name of agency, association, committee, or group;

  b.  Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or 
        personnel action was issued or initiated;

  c.  Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or 
        personnel action;

  d.  Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action, 
        complaint, or personnel action.

    2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by 
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal, 
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic 
offense? If so, please explain. No.
    3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were 
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency 
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please 
explain. No.
    4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo 
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic 
offense? If so, please explain. No.
    5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual 
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or 
any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
    6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information, 
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in 
connection with your nomination. None.
                     d. relationship with committee
    1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with 
deadlines for information set by congressional committees, and that 
your department/agency endeavors to timely comply with requests for 
information from individual Members of Congress, including requests 
from members in the minority? Yes.
    2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can 
to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal 
for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
    3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested 
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with 
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
    4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly 
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be 
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
                                 ______
                                 
                        Resume of Eric J. Soskin
               Pennsylvania Bar  TS/SCI clearance
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
    U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Programs Branch, Senior Trial 
Counsel (2006 to present).
    Outstanding oral and written advocacy, team leadership, and 
representation of clients across the U.S. Government in nationwide 
litigation practice. Highlights include:

   Extensive Experience With Politically Sensitive Litigation, 
        including Executive Orders on travel and immigration; the 
        Department of Justice's ban on bump stocks; Secretary Clinton's 
        e-mail account; and the constitutional eligibility of Executive 
        Branch officials.

   Leadership in Bill of Rights Litigation, with particular 
        expertise in the First Amendment, Second Amendment, and Fourth 
        Amendment. Lead counsel resisting the Washington Redskins' 
        First Amendment challenge to trademark laws. Recognized as 
        Department's lead authority on defending district court Second 
        Amendment claims. Experienced in litigation and issues related 
        to the use of sealed warrants and other confidential process.

   Protection of National Security, including defending habeas 
        corpus actions from terrorists held at Guantanamo Bay; leading 
        the team that enforces National Security Letters (``NSLs'') in 
        district court; asserting the state secrets privilege and using 
        documentary substitutes to prevent the disclosure of classified 
        information; and safeguarding the limits on receipt of process 
        imposed by the DNI and Congress on Internet and social media 
        companies.

   Experience With a Wide Range of Executive and Legislative 
        Branch Agencies & Statutes, including the APA, Title VII, RFRA, 
        FOIA, the Congressional Accountability Act, the Fair Housing 
        Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the National Flood 
        Insurance Program, and the Medicare Prospective Payment System.

   Authoritative Knowledge of Discovery Techniques and 
        Privileges, including experience with presidential 
        communication, law-enforcement, and confidential-informant 
        privileges.

   Skilled in Training and Hiring. Frequent instructor in 
        depositions and trial advocacy at DOJ's National Advocacy 
        Center and repeated service on attorney and intern hiring 
        committees.

    Office of the Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division, Policy 
Counsel (Detail).

   Supervised and coordinated Civil Division input on 
        legislation and rulemaking, including through participation in 
        DOJ and inter-agency working groups.

   Provided legal opinions and litigation risk assessments for 
        proposed rules and legislation.

   Assisted in representation of DOJ and Civil Division on 
        Civil Rules Committee.

    West Springfield High School Crew, Rowing Coach (2001-2002).
    Mercer Management Consulting, Analyst, Core Consulting Group (1999-
2001).
EDUCATION AND CLERKSHIP
    Judge Paul S. Diamond, U.S. District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania, Law 
Clerk (2005-2006).
    Harvard Law School. J.D., magna cum laude, 2005.

   Submissions Editor, Harvard Journal of Law and Technology.

   Notes Editor, Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy.

    Williams College. B.A. in Mathematics and Political Economy, magna 
cum laude, 1999.

   Treasurer, Class of 1999 Alumni, 2009-2019.

   Coxswain, Varsity Crew and Purple Bull Masters Alumni Crew.

   Co-Director and Treasurer, Williams College Debate Union.

    Senator Wicker. Thank you very much, Mr. Soskin.
    Mr. Primus, you are recognized. Welcome.

STATEMENT OF ROBERT E. PRIMUS, NOMINEE TO BE A MEMBER, SURFACE 
                      TRANSPORTATION BOARD

    Mr. Primus. Thank you.
    Good morning, Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Cantwell, and 
distinguished members of the Committee.
    Thank you for affording me the opportunity to appear before 
you today in consideration of my nomination to serve on the 
Surface Transportation Board.
    There are several people responsible for my success who, 
due to the pandemic, could not be present with me this morning, 
and I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to acknowledge 
them.
    I would like to thank and acknowledge my amazing wife 
Gladys for her love and unwavering support, my three energetic 
and train-loving sons, Benjamin, Jacob, and Aaron Francis, my 
mother Betty Primus, my sister Marcine, and her family, and my 
brother Michael.
    I would also like to acknowledge the influence and support 
of my late father William Primus.
    Last, I want to thank my friend, teacher, and mentor, 
former Congressman Mike Capuano, for giving me the opportunity 
to serve as his Chief of Staff for 18 of the 20 years he served 
in Congress.
    My desire to join the Surface Transportation Board is borne 
from the idea that I want to continue my career in public 
service, assisting in the oversight of an industry that is of 
great interest to me and significant importance to the Nation.
    My appreciation for our Nation's rail system began when I 
was a child surrounded by family members who worked for 
railroads and has culminated during my time with Congressman 
Capuano when he served as Ranking Member on the House 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committees, Subcommittee on 
Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
    During that time, I was afforded the opportunity to work 
directly with the various sectors of the rail community and 
gained a more complete understanding of the legislative and 
regulatory policies that govern our national rail network.
    The Surface Transportation Board plays a critical role in 
ensuring our Nation's rail network is sound and functioning 
properly. This committee specifically and the Congress as a 
whole recognized the Board's importance through the passage of 
the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2015.
    Through the legislation, this committee strengthened the 
authority of the Board to oversee, investigate, and adjudicate 
matters that have long been a concern to industry stakeholders 
and Congress alike.
    Paramount among these concerns is the need to address 
deficiencies associated with the rate case process. Chairman 
Ann Begeman, along with Board Members Patrick Fuchs, and Marty 
Oberman, have since made considerable strides to address the 
issue.
    I look forward to working with them to implement changes 
that, consistent with sound economic principles, will 
streamline the rate case process to substantially reduce costs 
and timelines and ultimately enhance the Board's effectiveness 
in handling such cases.
    Another area of interest is the attention the Board gives 
to the smaller- and mid-sized shippers and the Class 2 and 3 
railroads that provide vital services to our Nation's small 
towns and rural communities.
    During my time in Congress, I made sure that the concerns 
of constituents who did not have the ability or resources to 
navigate the congressional and Federal process were 
appropriately heard.
    If confirmed, it would be a priority to ensure that the 
voices of the small shipper and small regional and shortline 
railroads are amplified and that their issues continue to 
occupy a place of importance among the Board.
    I also plan to value and amplify the importance of our 
Nation's passenger rail service. As someone who grew up riding 
trains and continues to do so, visiting relatives in the South, 
I am acutely aware of the importance of passenger rail service 
to the national rail network and, in particular, the many rural 
communities that rely on it.
    I applaud the Committee's efforts to address issues related 
to passenger rail service. If confirmed, I look forward to 
working with the other Board members on issues that are of 
concern to the passenger rail community and within the 
jurisdiction of the Board.
    In closing, I have sought over my nearly 25 years of public 
service to build a reputation centered on objectivity and fair-
mindedness which in turn has allowed me to become a strong 
consensus-builder and problem-solver.
    I hope to bring my background solving complex and 
multidimensional problems into a regulatory environment where I 
believe an unbiased, thoughtful, and unconventional approach 
will lead to fresh ideas and ultimately solutions to some of 
the challenges the Board is tasked to address and resolve.
    Again, thank you for the opportunity to come before you 
this morning, and I look forward to answering any questions.
    [The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr. 
Primus follow:]

    Prepared Statement of Robert E. Primus, Nominee to be a Member, 
                      Surface Transportation Board
    Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Cantwell and distinguished Members 
of the Committee, thank you for affording me the opportunity to appear 
before you today in consideration of my nomination to serve on the 
Surface Transportation Board.
    There are several people responsible for my success who, due to the 
pandemic, could not be present with me this morning, and I would be 
remiss if I did not take a moment to acknowledge them. I would like to 
acknowledge my amazing wife Gladys for her love and unwavering support; 
my three energetic and train-loving sons Benjamin, Jacob and Aaron 
Francis; my mother Betty Primus, my sister Marcene and her family and 
my brother Michael. I would also like to acknowledge the influence and 
support of my late father, William Primus. Lastly, I want to thank my 
friend, teacher and mentor, former Congressman Mike Capuano, for giving 
me the opportunity to serve as his Chief of Staff for eighteen of the 
twenty years he served in Congress.
    My desire to join the Surface Transportation Board is borne from 
the idea that I want to continue my career in public service assisting 
in the oversight of an industry that is of great interest to me and 
significant importance to the Nation. My appreciation for our Nation's 
rail system began when I was a child, surrounded by family members who 
worked for railroads, and has culminated during my time with 
Congressman Capuano when he served as the Ranking Member on the House 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Subcommittee on 
Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials. During that time, I was 
afforded the opportunity to work directly with the various sectors of 
the rail community and gained a more complete understanding of the 
legislative and regulatory policies that govern our national rail 
network.
    The Surface Transportation Board plays a critical role in ensuring 
our Nation's rail network is sound and functioning properly. This 
Committee specifically, and the Congress as a whole, recognized the 
Board's importance through the passage of the Surface Transportation 
Board Reauthorization Act of 2015. Through the legislation, this 
Committee strengthened the authority of the Board to oversee, 
investigate and adjudicate matters that have long been a concern to 
industry stakeholders and Congress alike. Paramount among these 
concerns is the need to address deficiencies associated with the rate 
case process. Chairman Ann Begeman, along with Board Members Patrick 
Fuchs and Marty Oberman have since made considerable strides to address 
the issue. I look forward to working with them to implement changes 
that, consistent with sound economic principles, will streamline the 
rate case process to substantially reduce costs and timelines and 
ultimately enhance the Board's effectiveness in handling such cases.
    Another area of interest is the attention the Board gives to the 
smaller and mid-sized shippers and the Class II and III railroads that 
provide vital services to our Nation's small towns and rural 
communities. During my time in Congress, I made sure that the concerns 
of constituents who did not have the ability or resources to navigate 
the Congressional and Federal process were appropriately heard. If 
confirmed, it would be a priority to ensure that the voices of the 
small shipper and small regional and shortline railroads are amplified 
and that their issues continue to occupy a place of importance among 
the Board.
    I also plan to value and amplify the importance of our Nation's 
passenger rail service. As someone who grew up riding trains and 
continues to do so when visiting relatives in the South, I am acutely 
aware of the importance of passenger rail service to the national rail 
network and in particular, the many rural communities that rely on it. 
I applaud the Committee's efforts to address issues related to 
passenger rail service. If confirmed, I look forward to working with 
the other Board Members on issues that are of concern to the passenger 
rail community and within the jurisdiction of the Board.
    In closing, I have sought, over my nearly twenty-five years of 
public service, to build a reputation centered on objectivity and 
fairmindedness, which in turn has allowed me to become a strong 
consensus builder and problem solver. I hope to bring my background, 
solving complex and multi-dimensional problems, into a regulatory 
environment where I believe an unbiased, thoughtful and unconventional 
approach and perspective will lead to fresh ideas and ultimately 
solutions to some of the challenges the Board is tasked to address and 
resolve.
    Again, thank you for the opportunity to come before you this 
morning and I look forward to answering any questions.
                                 ______
                                 
                      a. biographical information
    1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Robert Edmund 
Primus.
    2. Position to which nominated: Member, Surface Transportation 
Board.
    3. Date of Nomination: July 21, 2020.
    4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):

        Residence: Information not released to the public.
        Office: 2438 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 
        20515.

    5. Date and Place of Birth: October 25, 1969; Denville, New Jersey.
    6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your 
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including 
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).

        Gladys Barcena, Clerk--House Committee on Appropriations, 
        Subcommittee on Transportation, HUD and Related Agencies 
        (spouse).

    7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school 
attended.

        Bachelors of Science, Marketing--Hampton University, Hampton, 
        Virginia, 1991.

    8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all 
management level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to 
the position for which you are nominated.

        Chief of Staff, The Honorable Tony Cardenas, United States 
        House of Representatives, Washington, DC--March 2020 to 
        present.

        Senior Advisor, The Honorable Tony Cardenas, United States 
        House of Representatives, Washington, DC--February 2020-March 
        2020

        Senior Advisor, The Honorable Tim Ryan, United States House of 
        Representatives, Washington, DC--November 2019-February 2020

        Chief of Staff, The Honorable Nanette Diaz Barragan, United 
        States House of Representatives, Washington, DC--January 2019-
        October 2019

        Chief of Staff, The Honorable Michael E. Capuano, United States 
        House of Representatives, Washington, DC--September 2002-
        January 2019

        Legislative Director, The Honorable Michael E. Capuano, United 
        States House of Representatives, Washington, DC--March 1999-
        August 2002

        Registered Lobbyist, Van Scoyoc Associates, Inc., Washington, 
        DC--January 1995-February 1999

        Legislative Assistant, The Honorable Mel Reynolds, U.S. House 
        of Representatives, Washington, DC--January 1994-December 1994

        Legislative Assistant The Honorable Carrie P. Meek, U.S. House 
        of Representatives, Washington, DC--July 1993-January 1994

        Staff Assistant, The Honorable Frank R. Lautenberg, U.S. 
        Senate, Washington, DC--November 1991-July 1993

        Intern, The Honorable Frank R. Lautenberg, U.S. Senate, 
        Washington, DC--August 1991-November 1991

    9. Attach a copy of your resume. Attached.
    10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time 
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other 
than those listed above, within the last ten years. None.
    11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee, 
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any 
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise, 
educational, or other institution within the last ten years. None.
    12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten 
years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, 
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or 
religiously affiliated organization, private club, or other membership 
organization. (For this question, you do not have to list your 
religious affiliation or membership in a religious house of worship or 
institution.). Include dates of membership and any positions you have 
held with any organization. Please note whether any such club or 
organization restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color, 
religion, national origin, age, or disability.

        Congressional Black Associates 1991-Present

        The 116 Club, Member, 2016-Present

        The National Democratic Club, Member, 2015-2018

    None of these organizations restrict membership on the basis of 
sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.
    13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office 
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any 
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are 
personally liable for that debt.
    Yes. I was elected to serve as Correspondence Secretary for the 
Ward 7 Democrats in Washington, DC. The campaign did not have any 
outstanding debt.
    14. List all memberships and offices held with and services 
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or 
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid 
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether 
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years, 
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year 
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.

        2010 Congressional Election Cycle--Chief of Staff and Political 
        Designee to U.S. Representative Michael E. Capuano--Served as 
        liaison between the Congressman's official office and campaign.

        2012 Congressional Election Cycle--Chief of Staff and Political 
        Designee to U.S. Representative Michael E. Capuano--Served as 
        liaison between the Congressman's official office and campaign.

        2014 Congressional Election Cycle--Chief of Staff and Political 
        Designee to U.S. Representative Michael E. Capuano--Served as 
        liaison between the Congressman's official office and campaign.

        2016 Congressional Election Cycle--Chief of Staff and Political 
        Designee to U.S. Representative Michael E. Capuano--Served as 
        liaison between the Congressman's official office and campaign.

        2018 Congressional Election Cycle--Chief of Staff and Political 
        Designee to U.S. Representative Michael E. Capuano--Served as 
        liaison between the Congressman's official office and campaign.

        2020 Congressional Election Cycle--Chief of Staff and Political 
        Designee to U.S. Representative Tony Cardenas--Serve as liaison 
        between the Congressman's official office and campaign.

    15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign 
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar 
entity of $500 or more for the past ten years.
    I have never made any political contributions to any individual, 
campaign organization, political party, political action committee, or 
similar entity of $500 or more.
    16 List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary 
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition 
for outstanding service or achievements.

        Youth for Tomorrow Mentoring (Chicago) Excellence in Service 
        Award

        Washington Government Relations Group Augustus F. Hawkins Award

        Congressional Black Associates Trailblazer Award

        Honorary Citizen of Louisville, Kentucky

        Honorary Kentucky Colonel

    17. Please list each book, article, column, Internet blog posting, 
or other publication you have authored, individually or with others. 
Include a link to each publication when possible. Also list any 
speeches that you have given on topics relevant to the position for 
which you have been nominated. Do not attach copies of these 
publications unless otherwise instructed.
    I have not authored, individually or with others, any books, 
articles, columns, Internet blog postings, or other publications, 
neither have I given any speeches on topics relevant to the position 
for which I have been nominated.
    18. List digital platforms (including social media and other 
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated 
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your 
name or an alias. Include the name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'' you 
have used on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account 
is active, deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if 
possible.

        LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-primus-a651ab2/

    19. Please identify each instance in which you have testified 
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each 
testimony.
    I have never testified before Congress.
    20. Given the current mission, major programs, and major 
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been 
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you 
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for 
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that 
position?
    I had the distinct pleasure of serving under former Congressman 
Michael E. Capuano while he was a member of the House Transportation 
and Infrastructure Committee's Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and 
Hazardous Materials. The Congressman served on the Subcommittee from 
2013 to 2018 and was its Ranking Member from 2015 through the end of 
2018. As the Congressman's Chief of Staff, I was afforded the 
opportunity to work directly with the various sectors of the rail 
community and gained a more complete understanding of the legislative 
and regulatory policies that governs our national rail network. During 
his tenure as Ranking Member, the Subcommittee held hearings and 
briefings, and the Congressman had a number of individual meetings 
specifically related to the Surface Transportation Board, and in 
particular, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 
2015. Accordingly, I developed a deeper knowledge and appreciation of 
Board's functions and oversight and became very familiar with industry 
and stakeholder issues within the freight and passenger railroad 
community.
    My desire to join the Surface Transportation Board is borne from 
the idea that I want to continue my career in public service assisting 
in the oversight of an industry that is of great interest to me and 
significant importance to the Nation. I want to bring my success 
solving complex and multi-dimensional problems at the Congressional 
level into a regulatory environment where I believe an unbiased, 
thoughtful and, at times, an unconventional approach and perspective 
will lead to fresh ideas and ultimately contribute to highly effective 
solutions to some of the challenges the Board is tasked to resolve. 
Fairness, reasonableness and equity are principles that have guided me 
throughout my career. Over my nearly twenty-five years of public 
service, I have sought to build a reputation centered on objectivity 
and fairmindedness, which in turn have allowed me to become a strong 
consensus builder and problem solver. When considering the 
responsibilities of a Surface Transportation Board Member, I believe 
these attributes are not only relevant, but necessary.
    21. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to 
ensure that the department/agency has proper management and accounting 
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large 
organization?
    First and foremost, I believe it would be my responsibility and 
duty to support Chairman Ann Begeman in her role as the administrator 
of the agency's operations. It is incumbent upon me and other Board 
Members to assist her in her efforts to properly oversee administration 
functions within the Agency and effectively address all identified 
deficiencies. With respect to proper management and accounting 
controls, I believe special attention should be given to Congressional 
directives outlined in the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization 
Act of 2015, as well recommendations brought forth by the Department of 
Transportation's Inspector General.
    For the past eighteen years, I have had the honor of serving as a 
Chief of Staff to three different Members of Congress. In this 
capacity, I have been responsible for overseeing not only Capitol Hill 
offices, but district and political offices as well. In addition to 
being senior policy and political advisor for each Member, I was also 
the primary human resource officer, compliance officer, budget/finance 
officer and ethics officer. I strongly believe my successful tenure as 
a senior manager on Capitol Hill will serve me well on the Board as it 
relates to the oversight and operation of the Agency.
    22. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the 
department/agency, and why?

  (1)  The Board needs to continue its work related to the Surface 
        Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2015. Congress was 
        very clear in its desire to see the Board address deficiencies 
        associated with rate case processes. Chairman Begeman, along 
        with Board Members Fuchs and Oberman, have made considerable 
        strides to address this issue. I look forward to working with 
        them to fully implement a rate reform model that will 
        streamline the rate case process, consistent with sound 
        economic principles, to reduce costs and timelines and 
        ultimately enhance the Board's effectiveness in handling such 
        cases.

  (2)  The Board must continue to make headway with respect to its 
        pending proceedings. There are a number of key issues that have 
        major implications for both the railroad and shipping 
        communities. Again, the current Board membership, under the 
        leadership of Chairman Begeman has made great strides in 
        tackling many of these issues and I hope that I can help to 
        contribute to the resolution of these pending matters in a way 
        that is both timely and appropriate.

  (3)  The Board must continually evaluate how its oversight and 
        investigatory responsibilities can ensure a fair and balanced 
        relationship between the railroad and shipping communities, and 
        it must assert its responsibilities where appropriate. Changing 
        business models within the railroad industry raise new and 
        important issues. The Board should continue its active 
        engagement with its advisory committees and the public, and it 
        should consider use of its new authority, endowed by Congress, 
        to investigate issues of national and regional significance as 
        appropriate.
                   b. potential conflicts of interest
    1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation 
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates, 
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement 
accounts.
    As a Federal employee, I participate in the Federal Employees 
Retirement System and the Thrift Savings Plan.
    2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal, 
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business, 
association or other organization during your appointment? If so, 
please explain.
    I have no commitments or agreements, formal or informal, to 
maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business, 
association or other organization during my appointment.
    3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other 
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in 
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will 
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
    As reflected in my Ethics Agreement with the STB, my spouse has a 
small home business called Happies Closet. For as long as my spouse 
continues to work in this business, I will not participate personally 
and substantially in any particular matter involving specific parties 
in which I know my spouse is a party unless I am first authorized to 
participate pursuant to 5 C.F.R. Sec. 2635.502(d). I do not have any 
other investments, obligations, liabilities, or other relationships 
which could involve potential conflicts of interest in the position to 
which I have been nominated.
    4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial 
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for 
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in 
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the 
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve 
each potential conflict of interest.
    I have not had any business relationship, dealing, or financial 
transaction during the last ten years that could in any way constitute 
or result in a possible conflict of interest in the position to which I 
have been nominated.
    5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest, and explain 
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
    I do not have any other potential conflicts of interest.
    6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the 
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the 
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or 
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and 
execution of law or public policy.
    Over the past ten years, in my capacity as a Chief of Staff and 
Senior Advisor to four different Members of Congress, it was often my 
responsibility to develop, coordinate and execute strategies on behalf 
of the respective Members that would directly influence the passage, 
defeat or modification of legislation that came before the House of 
Representatives.
                            c. legal matters
    1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics, 
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a 
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special 
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other 
professional group? If yes:

  a.  Provide the name of agency, association, committee, or group;

  b.  Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or 
        personnel action was issued or initiated;

  c.  Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or 
        personnel action;

  d.  Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action, 
        complaint, or personnel action.

    I have never been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics, 
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a 
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special 
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other 
professional group.
    2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by 
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal, 
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic 
offense? If so, please explain.
    Yes. In 1992, while my parents were out of town, I had accidentally 
locked myself out of their townhouse, located in a gated community in 
Washington, DC. An individual living in their gated community thought I 
was trespassing and aggressively confronted me, which resulted in a 
physical altercation between the two of us. I was subsequently arrested 
and charged with a misdemeanor simple assault. I plead not guilty and 
requested a jury trial before the DC Superior Court. I was found not 
guilty by a jury of my peers and my arrest record was sealed and 
ultimately expunged.
    3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were 
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency 
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please 
explain. No.
    4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo 
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic 
offense? If so, please explain.
    No, I have never been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo 
contendere) of any criminal violation.
    5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual 
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or 
any other basis? If so, please explain.
    No, I have never been accused, formally or informally, of sexual 
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or 
any other basis.
    6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information, 
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in 
connection with your nomination.
    I have no further information that I wish to provide.
                     d. relationship with committee
    1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with 
deadlines for information set by congressional committees, and that 
your department/agency endeavors to timely comply with requests for 
information from individual Members of Congress, including requests 
from members in the minority? Yes.
    2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can 
to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal 
for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
    3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested 
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with 
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
    4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly 
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be 
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
                                 ______
                                 
                       Resume of Robert E. Primus
SUMMARY
A team-oriented, senior professional with over twenty-five years of 
substantive experience in the legislative and advocacy fields; adept at 
researching and analyzing complex legislative and public policy issues 
while working in demanding environments; possesses excellent written 
and oral skills; results-oriented, with a solid record of legislative 
and policy accomplishments built upon proven abilities in strategic 
planning, administration and project management.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
OFFICE OF THE HONORABLE TONY CARDENAS, (CA-29)
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC
Chief of Staff    March 2020-Present
Primary responsibilities
Chief advisor and administrator; develop and execute political and 
policy agendas; oversee the office's day-to-day operations and 
management; hire staff and implement personnel policies and procedures.

OFFICE OF THE HONORABLE TONY CARDENAS, (CA-29)
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC
Senior Advisor    February 2020-March 2020
Primary responsibilities
Advised the Member and Chief of Staff on legislative and political 
matters.

OFFICE OF THE HONORABLE TIM RYAN, (OH-13)
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC
Senior Advisor    November 2019-February 2020
Primary responsibilities
Provide legislative background and expertise to the Member and Chief of 
Staff in the areas of healthcare, transportation, budget and 
appropriations, and national security. Drafted an updated Office 
Employee Handbook that included a number of modifications as directed 
by the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff. Provided formal and 
informal guidance to members of the Congressman's legislative team.

OFFICE OF THE HONORABLE NANETTE DIAZ BARRAGAN, (CA-44)
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC
Chief of Staff    January 2019-November 2019
Primary responsibilities
Responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the 
Congresswoman's office. Primary staff liaison to the Democratic 
leadership, as well as the Energy and Commerce Committee and the 
Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Provide legislative background and 
expertise in the areas of healthcare, transportation, budget and 
appropriations, and national security. Serve as the Congresswoman's 
staff liaison to her Washington- and California-based fundraisers and 
works with the fundraisers to coordinate fundraising events.

OFFICE OF THE HONORABLE MICHAEL E. CAPUANO, (MA-7)
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC
Chief of Staff    September 2002-Present
Primary responsibilities
Chief advisor and administrator; develop and execute political and 
policy agendas; oversee the office's day-to-day operations and 
management; hire staff and implement personnel policies and procedures; 
manage legislative portfolio related to health care, national security, 
transportation, homeland security and national intelligence; primary 
staff contact for the Congressional Community Health Center Caucus, of 
which the Congressman is a co-chair; chief liaison to the House 
Leadership and the Massachusetts Congressional delegation; primary 
point-of-contact with the Congressman's Washington-based fundraiser and 
works with the fundraiser to develop and coordinate all fundraising 
events in Washington; develop, coordinate, and manage all district- and 
state-specific appropriations projects.
Leadership Accomplishments/Roles
   Staff point-of-contact for the Democratic Steering and 
        Policy Committee

   Chief liaison for Chairman Capuano's Democratic Caucus' 
        Organization, Study and Review Committee during the 2006 
        overview of Caucus rules and procedures

   Staff liaison for Chairman Capuano's Transition for Incoming 
        House Democratic Majority in 2006

   Liaison and special advisor to the Committee on House 
        Administration 2007-2010

   Supported Mr. Capuano's efforts to elect Congressman John 
        Larson Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus

   Managed the healthcare portfolio within the most health-
        centric congressional district in the country

   Worked directly with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
        during the implementation of the Affordable Care Act

   On the Massachusetts delegation team assisting 1115 Medicaid 
        waiver applications to CMS

   Worked closely with leading Massachusetts health care 
        institutions on critical health care issues including Medicaid 
        waivers, the Area Wage Index, the PACE program, the 340B drug 
        program, the Graduate Medical Education program, the dual-
        eligible program, community health center funding, and issues 
        surrounding behavioral health

   Secured more than $400 million in Congressionally directed 
        Federal funding for the district

   Organized, coordinated, and staffed CODEL Capuano to 
        Afghanistan and Pakistan, which was the first American 
        delegation to meet with then newly elected Pakistani Prime 
        Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani
Notable Misc.
   Deep personal ties to an extensive list of Democrat and 
        Republican members and staff

   Strong relationships with House Leadership and Committee 
        staff

   Strong relationships with members and staff of the 
        Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and 
        the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus

   Possess an active Top-Secret Security clearance

Legislative Director      March 1999-September 2002
Served as senior policy advisor, responsible for the coordination and 
oversight of all legislative activities; oversaw the constituent 
correspondence operation; managed all district- and state-specific 
appropriations projects; responsible for the Congressman's legislative 
portfolio related to national and homeland security and intelligence.

In this capacity, acted as the primary staff contact for the House 
Democratic Whip Team during the Congressman's tenure as a regional 
whip; served as the Congressman's associate committee staff during his 
time on House Budget Committee; and researched and drafted the Juvenile 
and Young Adult Witness Protection bill of 1999, which was later 
included in a comprehensive juvenile justice bill that was subsequently 
signed into law.

VAN SCOYOC ASSOCIATES, INC., WASHINGTON, DC

Registered Lobbyist    January 1995-February 1999
Represented major corporate, not-for-profit, healthcare, academic, and 
state government clients before the United States Congress and the 
Executive Agencies.; responsible for the development and execution of 
client strategies; provided drafted client testimony, report language, 
and briefing materials; coordinated and conducted briefings with 
Members of Congress and their staff; provided legislative research and 
analysis for clients.

OFFICE OF THE HONORABLE MEL REYNOLDS, (IL-2)
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC
Legislative Assistant      January 1994-December 1994
Briefed and advised the member on legislation and the impacts to the 
district; served as staff representative to the White House Conference 
on Small Business and the Democratic Health Care Seminars; served as a 
Team Captain on the Democratic Leadership's Message Board; drafted and 
analyzed legislation individually and in collaboration with colleagues 
in other member offices.

OFFICE OF THE HONORABLE CARRIE P. MEEK, (FL-17)
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC
Legislative Assistant      July 1993-January 1994
Briefed and advised the member on legislation related to national 
security, telecommunications, trade, and agriculture policy; drafted 
Dear Colleagues, constituent letters and floor statements; met with 
industry representatives and constituents.

OFFICE OF THE HONORABLE FRANK R. LAUTENBERG, (NJ)
U.S. Senate, Washington, DC
Staff Assistant      November 1991-July 1993
Assisted the Administrative Assistant, Legislative Director and State 
Director with time sensitive and sometimes confidential mail inquires; 
assisted senior staff with tracking and researching legislation; 
drafted briefing memos for legislative fellows.
EDUCATION
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY--Hampton, Virginia      May 1991
Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing
Graduated Cum Laude

HARVARD UNIVERSITY--Cambridge, Massachusetts      Summer 2007
John F. Kennedy School of Government
Senior Managers in Government--Certificate Program

    Senator Wicker. Thank you very, very much, Mr. Primus.
    We had some technical glitches with our remote witnesses 
yesterday, Madam Ranking Member. I have a feeling these two are 
going to go very smoothly.
    So let's turn to Ms. Sarah Feinberg. Ms. Feinberg, are you 
with us, and can you hear us all right?

   STATEMENT OF SARAH E. FEINBERG, NOMINEE TO BE A DIRECTOR, 
                   AMTRAK BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Ms. Feinberg. I am. I can hear you and I can see you and 
hopefully you can hear me and see me.
    Senator Wicker. OK. Good. Well, you are recognized for 5 
minutes and thank you so much for being with us today.
    Ms. Feinberg. Thank you so much.
    Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Cantwell, and to the other 
distinguished members of the Commerce Committee, I want to 
thank you for holding this morning's hearing during what is an 
unprecedented time for this country and this body.
    I know your time is incredibly valuable and you have many 
demands on your attention and I thank you for your service and 
for your interest today.
    I appear in front of you as a nominee to the Amtrak Board 
of Directors. This is a Board I served on previously in 2015 
and 2016 while also serving as the Federal Railroad 
Administrator at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
    As Federal Railroad Administrator, I served as the 
country's safety regulator of both passenger and freight rail. 
During that stint on the Amtrak Board, I had the opportunity to 
help shape the company's approach to safety, its continued 
implementation of positive train control, and its approach to 
making its system more accessible for all.
    I also worked closely with the company and with my fellow 
board members as we implemented service system improvements 
across the country, including on state-supported routes and on 
the company's long-distance service, including the 
contemplation of the return of Gulf Coast service.
    At each turn, I felt our Board was able to simultaneously 
work with the company and work closely with the Congress, 
including this committee and its staff, to further safety, 
improve service for riders, improve business performance, and 
protect taxpayer dollars.
    To that end, I view the possibility of a second stint on 
the Amtrak Board as an opportunity to continue to push forward 
with safety improvements for all passengers and to serve both 
the traveling public and taxpayers.
    Without a doubt, Amtrak is facing an unprecedented moment 
and a challenging future. Like all transportation entities, its 
finances have been severely impacted by the COVID pandemic. 
Ridership has decreased dramatically and the timing of its 
return is uncertain while cleaning costs have risen.
    I believe Amtrak is taking the right steps to address this 
crisis head on with leaning and disinfection, requiring masks 
and social distancing, and matching service levels to current 
ridership demands.
    I believe members of the Amtrak Board have a serious 
fiduciary responsibility to the company as well as to 
taxpayers. Members of the Board must also fulfill a 
responsibility and share a commitment to improving safety, 
service, and reliability for Amtrak's passengers. I can assure 
you I take those responsibilities seriously.
    In the immediate term, if my nomination is successful, I 
will look forward to working closely with Amtrak to ensure 
continued protection of passengers during the pandemic and to 
return stability to the company, its work force, and its 
finances.
    My current day job is serving as the Interim President of 
New York City Transit, the largest public transit agency in 
North America, and it is my day job that prevents me from being 
with you in person today as I remain in New York City leading 
our agency as we continue our clean-up and restoration efforts 
following Tropical Storm Isaias and, of course, our ongoing 
work to recover from our first wave of COVID and prevent a 
second or subsequent wave.
    It is an honor to be with you today, even virtually, and I 
look forward to taking your questions.
    Thank you.
    [The prepared statement and biographical information of Ms. 
Feinberg follow:]

  Prepared Statement of Sarah E. Feinberg, Nominee to be a Director, 
                       Amtrak Board of Directors
    Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Cantwell, and to the other 
distinguished members of the Commerce Committee, I want to thank you 
for holding this morning's hearing, during what is an unprecedented 
time for this country and this body. I know your time is incredibly 
valuable and you have many demands on your attention, and I thank you 
for your service and for your interest today.
    I appear in front of you as a nominee to the Amtrak Board of 
Directors. This is a board I served on previously, in 2015 and 2016, 
while also serving as the Federal Railroad Administrator at the U.S. 
Department of Transportation. As Federal Railroad Administrator, I 
served as the country's safety regulator of both passenger and freight 
rail.
    During that stint on the Amtrak Board, I had the opportunity to 
help shape the company's approach to safety, its continued 
implementation of Positive Train Control, and its approach to making 
its system more accessible to all. I also worked closely with the 
company and with my fellow board members as we implemented service 
improvements across the country, including on state supported routes 
and on the company's long distance service, including the contemplation 
of the return of Gulf Coast service.
    At each turn, I felt our board was able to simultaneously work with 
the company, and work closely with the Congress, including this 
committee and its staff, to further safety, improve service for riders, 
improve business performance, and protect taxpayer dollars. To that 
end, I view the possibility of a second stint on the Amtrak board as an 
opportunity to continue to push forward with safety improvements for 
all passengers, and to serve both the traveling public, and taxpayers.
    Without a doubt, Amtrak faces an unprecedented moment and a 
challenging future. Like all transportation entities, its finances have 
been severely impacted by the COVID pandemic. Ridership has decreased 
dramatically, and the timing of its return is uncertain, while cleaning 
costs have risen. I believe Amtrak is taking the right steps to address 
this crisis head on--leaning into cleaning and disinfection, requiring 
masks and social distancing, and matching service levels to current 
ridership demands.
    I believe members of the Amtrak Board have a serious fiduciary 
responsibility to the company, as well as to taxpayers. Members of the 
board must also feel a responsibility and share a commitment to 
improving safety, service and reliability for our passengers. I can 
assure you I take those responsibilities seriously. In the immediate 
term, if my nomination is successful, I would look forward to working 
closely with Amtrak to ensure continued protection of passengers during 
the pandemic, and to return stability to the company, its workforce, 
and its finances.
    My current day job is serving as the Interim President of New York 
City Transit, the largest public transit agency in North America. And 
it is my day job that prevents me from being with you in person today--
as I remain in New York City, leading our agency as we continue our 
clean up and restoration efforts following Tropical Storm Isaias, and 
of course our ongoing work to recover from our first wave of COVID and 
prevent our second and subsequent waves.
    It is an honor to be with you today, even virtually, and I look 
forward to taking your questions.
    Thank you.
                                 ______
                                 
                      a. biographical information
    1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used):

        Sarah Elizabeth Feinberg.

    2. Position to which nominated: Member, Board of Directors, Amtrak.
    3. Date of Nomination: May 17, 2020.
    4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):

        Residence: Information not released to the public.
        Office: 2 Broadway 30th Floor, New York, NY 10004.

    S. Date and Place of Birth: October 3, 1977; Charleston, West 
Virginia.
    6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your 
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including 
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).

        Joshua Tyrangiel, COO and Chief Content Officer, Kunhardt 
        Films.

    7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school 
attended.

        Washington and Lee University, BA in Politics.

    8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all 
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to 
the position for which you are nominated.
    See attached CV.
    9. Attach a copy of your resume.
    See attached.
    10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time 
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other 
than those listed above, within the last ten years.
    All listed in CV.
    11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee, 
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any 
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise, 
educational, or other institution within the last ten years.
    All are listed in CV other than consulting work via Feinberg 
Strategies, LLC. Feinberg Strategies LLC client list is attached.
    12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten 
years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, 
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or 
religiously affiliated organization, private club, or other membership 
organization. (For this question, you do not have to list your 
religious affiliation or membership in a religious house of worship or 
institution.). Include dates of membership and any positions you have 
held with any organization. Please note whether any such club or 
organization restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color, 
religion, national origin, age, or disability.
    Only memberships are via board seats--StoryCorps Board of Directors 
and NHPF Board of Directors--both of which are described and included 
on CV.
    13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office 
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any 
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are 
personally liable for that debt.
    Yes--I was appointed to be Acting Administrator at the Federal 
Railroad Administration, and then was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and 
became Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration. There were no 
campaigns, or debts, associated with these positions.
    14. List all memberships and offices held with and services 
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or 
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid 
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether 
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years, 
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year 
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities. None.
    15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign 
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar 
entity of $500 or more for the past ten years.
    See attached.
    16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary 
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition 
for outstanding service or achievements. None.
    17. Please list each book, article, column, Internet blog posting, 
or other publication you have authored, individually or with others. 
Include a link to each publication when possible. Also list any 
speeches that you have given on topics relevant to the position for 
which you have been nominated. Do not attach copies of these 
publications unless otherwise instructed.
    I have done my best to identify any books, articles, columns, or 
other publications and relevant speeches, including a thorough review 
of my personal files and searches of publicly available electronic 
databases. Despite my searches, there may be other materials that I 
have been unable to identify, find or remember. The speeches I gave as 
Federal Railroad Administrator have been removed from the USDOT 
website, but may exist in archives. I have located the following:

        3/9/2020
        My promise to NYC straphangers: The new subway and bus boss 
        lays out her priorities
        https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-oped-my-promise-to-nyc-
        straphangers
        -20200309-7yefxvqi6vertknah2vrx3wj3m-story.html

        4/27/2020
        City Hall must not let the subways turn into a homeless shelter
        https://nypost.com/2020/04/27/city-hall-must-not-let-the-
        subway-turn-into-a-homeless-shelter/

        5/10/2020
        Transit boss says progress being made during overnight subway 
        shutdowns
        https://www.amny.com/oped/transit-boss-says-progress-being-
        made-during-overnight-subway-shutdowns/

        6/3/2020
        A safe return for the subways: The head of the NYC Transit 
        Authority outlines what will be different when the city begins 
        reopening
        https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-oped-a-safe-return-for-
        the-subways-20200603-7graokfwxvfcpfumfxop3eco4a-story.html

        6/8/2020
        MTA is glad to have you back for the NYC reopening
        https://www.bxtimes.com/op-ed-mta-is-glad-to-have-you-back-for-
        the-nyc-reopening/

        7/6/2020
        An early welcome back to Phase 3 of NYC's reopening
        https://qns.com/story/2020/07/06/op-ed-an-early-welcome-to-
        phase-3-of-new-york-citys-reopening/

    18. List digital platforms (including social media and other 
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated 
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your 
name or an alias. Include the name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'' you 
have used on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account 
is active, deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if 
possible.

        Twitter--@feinbergsarah
        Active

        Instagram--@sarahfeinberg
        Active

        Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/Sarah.Elizabeth.Feinberg/
        Active

    19. Please identify each instance in which you have testified 
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each 
testimony.
    I testified several times between January 2015-January 2017:

        https://railroads.dot.gov/testimonies/oral-statement-field-
        hearing-continued-oversight-california-high-speed-rail

        https://railroads.dot.gov/testimonies/written-statement-field-
        hearing-continued-oversight-california-high-speed-rail

        https://railroads.dot.gov/testimonies/oral-statement-sarah-e-
        feinberg-house-committee-oversight-and-government-reform

        https://railroads.dot.gov/testimonies/written-statement-sarah-
        feinberg-house-committee-oversight-and-government-reform

        https://www.transportation.gov/testimony/oversight-ongoing-
        rail-pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-rulemakings

        http ://www.transportation.gov/testimony/passenger-rail-
        reauthorization-future
        -northeast-corridor

        https://www.transportation.gov/testimony/oversight-amtrak-
        accident-philadelphia

        https://www.transportation.gov/testimony/state-positive-train-
        control-implementation-united-states-0

    20. Given the current mission, major programs, and major 
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been 
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you 
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for 
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that 
position?
    I believe my time serving as the Administrator of the Federal 
Railroad Administration, Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, member of the Board of Directors at the Metropolitan 
Transportation Authority, and Interim President of New York City 
Transit have prepared me and qualified me for Amtrak board service. I 
also believe my previous stint as a member of the Amtrak Board of 
Directors has prepared me well for this position.
    I want to serve in this role again because I believe safe, 
efficient passenger rail is critical to the survival and success of 
economies around this country-from the massive economies of the cities 
of the Northeast Corridor, to the smaller economies of the small towns 
dependent upon regional rail service.
    21. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to 
ensure that the department has proper management and accounting 
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large 
organization?
    As a member of the Amtrak Board of Directors, I would have a 
fiduciary duty to protect and act as a good and faithful steward of 
taxpayer dollars and resources.
    I have managed large organizations throughout my career, including 
my current management of New York City Transit, my tenure as FRA 
Administrator, and my service as Chief of Staff at USDOT.
    22. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the 
department/agency, and why?
    I believe Amtrak's greatest challenges are:

   Making important and tangible progress, even during the 
        midst of an economic downturn, to identify the potential for 
        long term planning and expansion of regional rail across the 
        Deep South and other regions.

   Even during the economic downturn, continuing to do the hard 
        work to shore up Amtrak's finances in order to remain a viable 
        and leading transportation option.

   Even during the economic downturn, remaining focused on 
        State of Good Repair work, particularly on the Northeast 
        Corridor.
                   b. potential conflicts of interest
    1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation 
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates, 
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement 
accounts.
    I remain the interim President of New York City Transit.
    I remain the owner of Feinberg Strategies, LLC, my firm. During my 
time as President of NYCT, I have taken a leave of absence from the 
firm. Only one client remains with the firm since my leave. Two of my 
colleagues run and manage the firm and the client work for the 
remaining client. I do not engage in client work at this time, and I do 
not solicit new clients.
    No deferred compensation agreements.
    I continue to hold a Thrift Savings Account from my time in Federal 
government service, and I hold various IRAs.
    2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal, 
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business, 
association or other organization during your appointment? If so, 
please explain.
    I will remain the interim President of NYCT during my board 
service, and I will remain the owner of my firm during my board 
service.
    3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other 
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in 
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will 
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
    My only potential conflict of interest is my current employment 
with NYCT, but both parties are comfortable with existing recusals in 
place, and I am happy to revisit at the Senate's discretion.
    4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial 
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for 
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in 
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the 
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve 
each potential conflict of interest.
    In 2017 and early 2018, Amtrak was a client ofmy firm, Feinberg 
Strategies, LLC. I no longer have a business relationship with Amtrak 
and have no intention of having a future business relationship with 
Amtrak. If Amtrak's counsel or any other party suggested this previous 
business relationship to be a conflict of interest I would be 
comfortable putting an appropriate recusal in place.
    5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest, and explain 
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest. None.
    6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the 
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the 
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or 
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and 
execution of law or public policy.
    No activity apart from carrying out my regular duties as Chief of 
Staff at USDOT, Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, 
and interim President of New York City Transit.
                            c. legal matters
    1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics, 
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a 
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special 
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other 
professional group? If yes:

  a.  Provide the name of agency, association, committee, or group;

  b.  Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or 
        personnel action was issued or initiated;

  c.  Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or 
        personnel action;

  d.  Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action, 
        complaint, or personnel action.

    Never, none.
    2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by 
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal, 
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic 
offense? If so, please explain. No.
    3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were 
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency 
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please 
explain. No.
    4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo 
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic 
offense? If so, please explain. No.
    5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual 
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or 
any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
    6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information, 
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in 
connection with your nomination. None.
                     d. relationship with committee
    1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with 
deadlines for information set by congressional committees, and that 
your department/agency endeavors to timely comply with requests for 
information from individual Members of Congress, including requests 
from members in the minority? Yes.
    2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can 
to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal 
for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
    3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested 
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with 
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
    4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly 
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be 
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
                                 ______
                                 
                    Feinberg Strategies Client List 
                              2017-Present
Aion Foundation
American Council of Engineering Companies
Amtrak
Ava Labs
Copperfield Advisory
Facebook
FitOps Foundation
Honeybee Health
Madhive
Markle Foundation
Orchid
Parity Technologies
Partnership for New York City
Ridgley Walsh
Running Mate Media
Solana
WeConnect Recovery

Served in an advisor capacity:
Blockchange Ventures
Oaktree Transportation Infrastructure Fund
Uptake Technologies
                                 ______
                                 
                      Resume of Sarah E. Feinberg
Sarah E. Feinberg is the interim President of New York City Transit, 
the largest transit system in North America, employing more than 54,000 
people and moving an average of more than 8 million people per weekday. 
She previously served on the Board of the Metropolitan Transportation 
Authority, where she chaired the Transit Committee.

Feinberg is a former senior White House and Obama administration 
official and a senior public policy and communications leader. Feinberg 
is also the founder of Feinberg Strategies, LLC, where she led a 
strategic consulting practice focused on the transportation and tech 
sectors.

During the Obama administration, Feinberg first served as Senior 
Advisor to the Chief of Staff at the White House, and then later went 
on to become Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Transportation, 
and then Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration. Feinberg 
led the Federal Railroad Administration first as Acting Administrator 
starting in January, 2015, and later as Administrator following 
confirmation by the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate. Under Feinberg's 
leadership, FRA completed work on significant policy initiatives 
including finalization of crude-by-rail regulations, implementation of 
Positive Train Control, expansion of drug and alcohol testing, and 
finalization of a $2.458 loan to Amtrak--the largest loan in USDOT 
history. Feinberg also led and represented FRA and USDOT through 
multiple major rail incidents and investigations, and at multiple 
congressional hearings and in public appearances.
EMPLOYMENT
Interim President, New York City Transit. March 2020-Present. Interim 
President of the largest transit system in North America. Overseeing 
all subway and bus operations and a team of 54k employees. Most 
recently led the organization through the COVID pandemic and ongoing 
financial crisis.

Member, Board of Directors, MTA. Chair, Transit Committee. Vice Chair, 
Finance Committee, MTA Board. Spring 2019-March 2020.

Administrator, Acting Administrator, Deputy Administrator, Federal 
Railroad Administration. 2015-2017. The Federal Railroad Administration 
is a 1,000-person enforcement and investigative agency within the U.S. 
Department of Transportation. FRA is the chief safety regulator of the 
U.S. rail system--responsible for regulating all passenger and freight 
railroads, promulgating and enforcing all rail safety regulations, 
administering and managing more than $1B annually, and improving 
railroad safety for the traveling public. The administrator is a White 
House appointment requiring Senate confirmation.

Chief of Staff, U.S. Department of Transportation. 2013-2015. 
Responsible for management of all operational, strategic, legislative 
initiatives across the department. Managed the day-to-day operations of 
the multi-modal, 57,000 person agency, implementing the Secretary's 
operational and policy visions, and executing upon White House 
transportation priorities. Led DOT's efforts with regard to the 
immediate challenges facing the department, including expiration of the 
surface transportation programs, expansion of drone and autonomous 
vehicle programs, and the department's management of safety issues. 
Served as chief strategist and advisor to the Secretary of 
Transportation.

Director, Policy Communications, Facebook. 2011-2013. Managed message 
strategy and communications surrounding litigation, regulation, safety, 
security, privacy and data use, and other federal, state and local 
legislative issues. Managed Facebook's Washington-based outreach and 
communications, as well as the company's political and crisis 
communications.

Director, Global Communications and Business Strategy, Bloomberg LP. 
2010-2011. Managed Bloomberg's Washington-based communications, co-
managed Bloomberg's New York-and London-based communications. Focused 
on expanding Bloomberg's communications, business and media presence 
globally.

Special Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to the Chief of 
Staff, The White House. 2008-2010. Served as senior advisor to WH Chief 
of Staff Rahm Emanuel in the White House and during the transition. 
Responsible for serving as Emanuel's lead and liaison to several 
operations within the White House, including the economic team, the 
communications and domestic policy departments, the national security 
apparatus. Responsible for managing day-to-day crisis and issue 
oversight for the Chief of Staff (specifically: the banking and 
economic crisis, H1N1 pandemic, national service issues, WV mining 
disaster); member of the senior White House staff.
OTHER EMPLOYMENT
   Communications Director, U.S. House of Representatives 
        Democratic Caucus, Chairman Rahm Emanuel

   National Press Secretary, Democratic Congressional Campaign 
        Committee, Chairman Rahm Emanuel

   National/Leadership Press Secretary, Office of the Senate 
        Minority Leader, Senator Tom Daschle

   Deputy Staff Director, Senate Democratic Communications 
        Committee
EDUCATION
B.A. in Politics, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA. June 
1999
Incomplete: M.A. in Strategic National Security Studies, National 
Defense University, Fort Lesley McNair, Washington, DC. (Exited program 
in January 2009 upon start of White House employment.)
BOARD SERVICE
Amtrak--Served on Board of Directors 2015-2017
StoryCorps--Served on Board of Directors 2012-2015 and 2017-present
Metropolitan Transportation Authority--Member, Board of Directors, 
Spring 2019-March 2020
NHP Foundation--Member, Board of Directors, 2020
                                 ______
                                 
                   Donations to Political Candidates
9/30/2011--Barack Obama--$500

7/31/2012--Barack Obama--$500

10/28/2012--Barack Obama--$500

5/6/2013--Facebook PAC--$500

5/9/2016--Hillary Clinton--$500

7/16/2016--Hillary Clinton--$1200

9/8/2016--Hillary Clinton--$500

6/5/2017--Maria Cantwell--$500

4/25/2019--Joe Biden--$500

Fall 2019--Do not recall date--Katie Porter--$1000

    Senator Wicker. Thank you. Thank you very, very much.
    And we now turn to Mayor Koos. Can you hear us loud and 
clear?

STATEMENT OF CHRIS KOOS, NOMINEE TO BE A DIRECTOR, AMTRAK BOARD 
                          OF DIRECTORS

    Mr. Koos. I can, Senator. Thank you.
    Senator Wicker. You're recognized for 5 minutes. Thank you 
for joining us.
    Mr. Koos. I am Chris Koos, and I have proudly served as the 
Mayor of the Town of Normal for 17 years.
    I thank you, Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Cantwell, and 
distinguished members of the U.S. Senate, Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation, for the opportunity to 
testify before you today.
    I would like to take a moment to thank this committee under 
the leadership of Chairman Wicker and Ranking Member Cantwell 
for including passenger rail in the Surface Transportation 
Bill.
    I would like to thank President Trump, Secretary Chao, and 
Senators Durbin, Duckworth, and Schumer for advancing my 
nomination.
    I would also like to thank Congressman Davis and 
Congressman LaHood for their strong support of my nomination.
    If confirmed, I hope to bring my experience as a mayor, 
small business owner, and frequent Amtrak customer to the Board 
of Directors.
    These experiences have instilled in me the belief that 
passenger rail is a necessary investment that increases 
mobility, promotes economic growth, and improves the quality of 
life for all communities it serves.
    I have seen positive impact of passenger rail firsthand in 
Normal which is served by an Amtrak station at an uptown 
station. The station has been key to revitalizing the Town of 
Normal's Central Business District.
    This revitalization would not have happened if the business 
community and political leaders in the region did not recognize 
the importance of inner city passenger rail and transit-
oriented development.
    I have a deep respect for the organization, its history, 
and its employees who are committed to making Amtrak a 
convenient and reliable transportation option for all 
Americans.
    I believe that a healthy national passenger rail system 
will be crucial to solving many of the toughest problems we 
face today as a nation. From providing a viable addition to our 
transportation network, fighting climate change, and to create 
new and sustainable jobs, Amtrak can be a valuable part of this 
solution.
    As much as I admire Amtrak, I recognize the organization 
faces a number of challenges that I would hope to focus on if 
my appointment to the Board of Directors is confirmed.
    As a member of the Board, I would reaffirm my support for 
the long-distance passenger rail system. My community is served 
by both state-supported and long-distance lines. I recognize 
the importance of the long-distance train travel for many of my 
constituents who are often unable to travel by plane, bus, or 
car.
    Amtrak also plays a major role in the mobility and 
independence of the disability community. This cannot be 
ignored.
    In order to make passenger rail an effective transportation 
option, we need to significantly improve on-time performance. 
This means engaging new metrics and new standards as well as 
holding freight rail companies accountable for following 
agreed-upon time tables.
    I am also invested in making Amtrak a safer system. I would 
use my position as a director on the Board to advocate for safe 
rail crossings, improved grade separation, and right-of-way 
improvements that create safer conditions, decreased travel 
times, and improved on-time performance.
    I would advocate for a strong safety culture for Amtrak's 
management and employees.
    If confirmed, I look forward to tackling some of these 
challenges.
    In closing, as a mayor, I understand firsthand the benefits 
of inner city passenger rail to my community and our Nation. I 
hope I have the opportunity to work closely with the members 
and staff of this committee as well as the entire Congress to 
create a more effective and efficient passenger rail system for 
our country.
    I look forward to your questions, and thank you for having 
me here today.
    [The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr. 
Koos follow:]

    Prepared Statement of Hon. Chris Koos, Mayor, Town of Normal, IL
Introduction
    Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Cantwell, and distinguished Members 
of the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation, thank you for the opportunity to testify before you 
today. I am Chris Koos, and I have proudly served as the Mayor of the 
Town of Normal, Illinois since 2003. I am deeply honored to have been 
nominated by the President to serve on the Amtrak Board of Directors. 
If confirmed, I hope to bring my experience as a mayor, small business 
owner, and frequent Amtrak customer to the Board of Directors.
    These experiences have instilled in me the belief that passenger 
rail is a necessary investment that increases mobility, promotes 
economic growth, and improves the quality of life for all communities 
served. I have seen the positive impact of passenger rail firsthand in 
Normal, which is served by Amtrak at Uptown Station. Our intermodal 
passenger rail station is the second busiest in Illinois, with 238,626 
boardings and alightings in FY18. The station has been key to 
revitalizing the Town of Normal's central business district. This 
revitalization would not have happened if the business community and 
political leaders in the region did not recognize the importance of 
intercity passenger rail and transit-oriented development.
    I have a deep respect for the organization, its history, and its 
employees, who are committed to making Amtrak a convenient and reliable 
travel option for all Americans. I believe that a healthy national 
passenger rail system will be crucial to solving many of the toughest 
problems we face today as a Nation. From providing a viable addition to 
our transportation network, fighting climate change to creating new and 
sustainable jobs, Amtrak must be a part of the solution.
About Normal
    The town of Normal was originally founded as a railroad town in 
1865. The Town is located in McLean County in Central Illinois; 
adjacent to the City of Bloomington. We sit at the crossroads of two 
major Midwestern cities: Chicago and St. Louis. Normal is about 120 
miles southwest of Chicago and 160 miles northeast of St. Louis.
    Normal is home to Illinois State University, which is Illinois' 
oldest public university. Our community is also home to Heartland 
Community College, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Lincoln College. 
We pride ourselves on being a business-friendly community. You can find 
businesses such as State Farm Insurance, Growmark Inc., COUNTRY 
Financial, and Rivian, an exciting and visionary American automaker 
developing and manufacturing next generation electric vehicles, in 
Normal, Illinois
Amtrak's Impact on Bloomington-Normal
    The Bloomington-Normal community is served by two Amtrak routes: 
The Texas Eagle, a long-distance line, and the Lincoln Service, a 
state-supported line. The Texas Eagle connects Chicago to St. Louis, 
Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. The Lincoln Service provides even more 
frequent service between Chicago and St. Louis.
    In 2010, Normal was awarded one of the first TIGER, now known as 
BUILD, grants in the Nation for the redevelopment of Uptown Station in 
downtown Normal. The $46 million dollar project, which received $22 
million from the TIGER grant, $11 million in additional Federal 
funding, and more than $13 million in state and local contributions, 
was the first TIGER grant project in the Nation to break ground and 
begin construction.
    As Mayor of Normal, I was a part of a partnership between the 
Federal government, the State of Illinois, local contractors, and local 
unions; all focused on delivering a high-quality facility on time and 
within budget. We met that goal in 2012, less than two years after 
breaking ground. The redeveloped Uptown Station included a new Amtrak 
station, space for public transit and regional buses, three stories of 
office space now used by the Town of Normal, and parking lots for 
visitors and commuters. The station is also adjacent to the 
Constitution Trail, which is a rail-to-trail conversion running through 
Normal and Bloomington and offering safe pedestrian walkways as well as 
bike lanes and new bike infrastructure. Finally, a dangerous five-way 
intersection was transformed into a significantly safer green 
roundabout. The roundabout has become an attractive public space and 
diverts thousands of gallons of untreated stormwater from nearby 
creeks.
    The Uptown Station construction project was an incredible success 
and a testament to the importance of intercity rail and transit-
oriented development in our cities and towns, no matter the size. The 
transportation center created hundreds of jobs during its two-year 
construction period (nearly 140,000 hours of work for construction 
workers). This meant good-paying jobs for ironworkers, electricians, 
bricklayers, plumbers, sprinkler fitters, and sheet metal workers 
throughout the region.
    The project also created many indirect jobs. Private spinoff 
development anchored by the new station totaled at $175 million, in 
investments in new housing and construction. The project has also 
brought a new Children's Discovery Museum, two hotels, and a conference 
center to Normal. Thanks to Amtrak's Bloomington-Normal Station, our 
success is still playing out. We continue to attract new jobs, 
residents, and retail dollars to the community without contributing to 
sprawl.
    In addition to the incredible economic growth the Town has seen 
since the redevelopment of Uptown Station, Normal has received the U.S. 
EPA's 2011 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement in the category 
of Civic Places for the Uptown Normal Roundabout. Uptown Station also 
received a LEED Silver certification for its environmentally 
responsible and efficient construction and design.
Success in Partnerships
    I believe that the key to the success of Uptown's redevelopment has 
been our philosophy of partnership and engagement with Federal 
agencies, elected officials, the private sector, and the community. I 
believe that positive unified relationships between all stakeholders 
are key to the future success of intercity passenger rail in the United 
States. This means support for passenger rail at both the Federal and 
state level as well as support from private developers, labor groups, 
and the residents of the community.
    The Uptown Station project would not have been completed on time 
and within budget without the support of all stakeholders. All of our 
stakeholders agreed that a redeveloped Amtrak station would provide 
better access to jobs and educational opportunities while spurring 
transit-oriented development.
The Future of Amtrak
    As much as I admire Amtrak, I recognize that the organization faces 
a number of challenges that I would hope to focus on if my appointment 
to the Board of Directors is confirmed. As a member of the Board, I 
would reaffirm my support for long-distance passenger rail. My 
community is served by both state-supported and long-distance lines. I 
recognize the importance of long-distance train travel for many of my 
constituents, who are often unable to travel by plane, bus, or car. 
Amtrak plays a major role in the mobility and independence of the 
disability community; this cannot be ignored.
    As a Director, I would be a strong ally to the disability 
community. I was shocked when Amtrak made news in January after asking 
two wheelchair-users to pay $25,000 to ride from Chicago to Normal's 
Uptown Station. The normal price for that ticket would be $16. I 
understand that former Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson committed to 
improving accessibility on Amtrak trains and properties through a 
comprehensive review of current accessibility policies. We need to go 
above and beyond the bare minimum for our passengers with disabilities. 
This means upgrading and purchasing rolling stock to better suit the 
needs of disabled passengers as well as upgrading station 
infrastructure, to make the Amtrak experience accessible and reliable 
for all passengers.
    In order to make passenger rail an effective transportation option, 
we need to significantly improve on-time-performance (OTP). This means 
introducing new metrics and standards as well as holding freight 
companies accountable for following agreed-upon timetables.
    I am also invested in making Amtrak a safer system. I would use my 
position as a Director on the Board to advocate for safer rail 
crossings. Improved grade-separation and right-of-way improvements have 
helped create safer conditions, decreased travel times, and improved 
OTP, while increasing ridership in our town. I believe that this should 
be replicated in communities across the United States. Finally, in 
order to ensure the safety of all passengers, we need to reach 100 
percent PTC implementation on all route miles throughout the U.S.
    If confirmed, I look forward to tackling these challenges, and 
whatever challenges present themselves in the future. I, as well as the 
entire Bloomington-Normal community, understand firsthand the benefits 
of intercity passenger rail as well as the costs associated with a 
failing system, such as traffic congestion, lowered property values, 
and increased greenhouse emissions. I believe that Amtrak must be a 
part of the solution when addressing these issues which affect almost 
every single American.
    In closing, I again thank President Trump and Secretary Chao for 
their confidence in my ability to serve on the Amtrak Board of 
Directors. I hope to have the opportunity to work closely with the 
Members and staff of this Committee as well as the entire Congress to 
create a more effective and efficient passenger rail system.
                                 ______
                                 
                      a. biographical information
    1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used):

        Christopher C. Koos
        Chris Koos

    2. Position to which nominated: Amtrak Board of Directors.
    3. Date of Nomination: 5/21/2020.
    4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):

        Residence: Information not released to the public.

        Office: 206 South Linden Street, Normal, IL 61761.

        11 Uptown Circle, Normal, IL 61761--Mayor, City Hall address.

    5. Date and Place of Birth: 07/06/1948; Bloomington, IL.
    6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your 
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including 
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).

        N/A; Josh Favus--Age 50.

    7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school 
attended.

        No degree, Illinois State University, 1966-68, 1971-72.

    8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all 
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to 
the position for which you are nominated.

        Owner--Draisine Limited, December 1978 to present.
        Mayor--Town of Normal, February 2003 to present.

    9. Attach a copy of your resume. A copy is attached.
    10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time 
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other 
than those listed above, within the last ten years. None.
    11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee, 
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any 
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise, 
educational, or other institution within the last ten years. N/A.
    12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten 
years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, 
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or 
religiously affiliated organization, private club, or other membership 
organization. (For this question, you do not have to list your 
religious affiliation or membership in a religious house of worship or 
institution.). Include dates of membership and any positions you have 
held with any organization. Please note whether any such club or 
organization restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color, 
religion, national origin, age, or disability.

        Illinois Municipal League--Board Member (2016 to present).

        U.S. Conference of Mayors--Vice Chair of Membership (2014 to 
        present).

        U.S. Conference of Mayors--Vice Chair of Transportation/
        Communications (2020 to present).

    13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office 
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any 
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are 
personally liable for that debt.

        Mayor--Town of Normal, elected, no outstanding campaign debt

    14. List all memberships and offices held with and services 
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or 
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid 
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether 
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years, 
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year 
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities. N/A.
    15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign 
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar 
entity of $500 or more for the past ten years. If you have held a paid 
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether 
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years, 
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year 
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities. None.
    16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary 
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition 
for outstanding service or achievements. N/A.
    17. Please list each book, article, column, Internet blog posting, 
or other publication you have authored, individually or with others. 
Include a link to each publication when possible. Also list any 
speeches that you have given on topics relevant to the position for 
which you have been nominated. Do not attach copies of these 
publications unless otherwise instructed.

        Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal, various unit 
        citations.

    18. List digital platforms (including social media and other 
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated 
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your 
name or an alias. Include the name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'' you 
have used on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account 
is active, deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if 
possible.

        https://www.normal.org/89/Mayor-Chris-Koos

        https://www.facebook.com/votemayorkoos/

        https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-koos-45463a50

    19. Please identify each instance in which you have testified 
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each 
testimony.

        House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform--07/14/2016.
        My testimony was a view of passenger rail infrastructure as an 
        economic development tool.

    20. Given the current mission, major programs, and major 
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been 
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you 
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for 
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that 
position?
    I assisted with the construction of a multimodal transportation 
center as Mayor, which took a lot of organization on the local, state, 
and Federal level. This was a keystone public project that was 
leveraged for considerable private investment in the surrounding area. 
I firmly believe that transportation infrastructure is as much about 
economic development as it is about transportation. I wish to serve in 
this position to work towards funding stabilization. A more stable 
funding stream would allow enable Amtrak to do better long-term 
planning and equipment and infrastructure upgrades.
    As a small business owner for 42 years, I understand the need for 
well planned financial decision making and realistic goals.
    21. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to 
ensure that the department/agency has proper management and accounting 
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large 
organization?
    I want to make sure my vision for the rail service aligns with 
those of fellow board members. I will bring to the table 42 years of 
retail experience as a business owner and 17 years of leadership 
experience as Mayor of a town with a population of over 50,000 
residents.
    22. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the 
department/agency, and why?
    Funding--I don't envision Amtrak becoming fully self-supporting, 
but I do want to see its funding stabilize. There is no National 
passenger rail system in the world that does not have significant 
sovereign investment. To facilitate budgeting and long term planning, 
Amtrak needs a five year funding scenario.
    Budgeting--depending on the administration that's in power, Amtrak 
is put on a see-saw of budgeting. One year its well funded, the next 
year it's being threatened with closure. This poses many challenges. To 
be effective, it needs a five year budgeting process.
    Ridership--If you have a system that has (1) on-time reliability, 
and (2) has a certain level of amenity with it, be it WiFi on every 
train, clean, modern seating, accessibility, you will see ridership go 
up.
                   b. potential conflicts of interest
    1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation 
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates, 
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement 
accounts.

        Northwestern Mutual Simple IRA

        Owner Draisine Ltd Normal, IL

        Salary Draisine Ltd Normal, IL

        Salary Town of Normal, IL

    2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal, 
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business, 
association or other organization during your appointment? If so, 
please explain.
    Mayor--term ending May April 30, 2021
    3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other 
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in 
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will 
resolve each potential conflict of interest. N/A.
    4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial 
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for 
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in 
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the 
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve 
each potential conflict of interest. N/A.
    5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest, and explain 
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest. N/A.
    6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the 
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the 
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or 
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and 
execution of law or public policy. N/A.
                            c. legal matters
    1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics, 
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a 
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special 
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other 
professional group? No.
    2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by 
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal, 
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic 
offense? If so, please explain.
    Yes, investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 
security clearance.
    3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were 
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency 
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please 
explain.
    Personal Lawsuit filed against me regarding a real estate 
transaction--dismissed.
    Two lawsuits against the Sub S Corporation, which I own and 
operate, for bike race liability--both dismissed.
    4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo 
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic 
offense? No.
    5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual 
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or 
any other basis? No.
    6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information, 
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in 
connection with your nomination.
    N/A.
                     d. relationship with committee
    1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with 
deadlines for information set by congressional committees, and that 
your department/agency endeavors to timely comply with requests for 
information from individual Members of Congress, including requests 
from members in the minority? Yes.
    2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can 
to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal 
for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
    3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested 
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with 
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
    4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly 
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be 
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
                                 ______
                                 
                     Resume of Christopher C. Koos
COMMUNITY ADVOCACY AND GOVERNANCE:
    Town of Normal, Normal, IL
    Council Member April 2001-February 2003
    Mayor February 2003-Present
   Drive economic and quality of life development, including 
        construction of the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, the 
        Hyatt Place Hotel, the Children's Discovery Museum, and major 
        multi-use construction
   Create and enact policies with a meaningful emphasis on 
        innovation, energy efficiency, and environmental sensitivity
   Pursue partnerships with community stakeholders, including 
        private businesses and governmental partners at the state, 
        local, and Federal level to enhance the quality of life for all 
        residents of the community
   Promote recreational opportunities in the community through 
        the construction of new recreation facilities, the preservation 
        of open space, and the expansion of the existing walking/biking 
        trail system.
Selected Projects and Leadership:
   Development and construction of multi-modal Uptown Station 
        (dedicated July 2012), servicing the highest Amtrak ridership 
        in Downstate Illinois on Lincoln Service/Texas Eagle trains
     $45.9 million total project cost; recipient of $22 
            million TIGER program funds, $10.6 million additional 
            Federal funding, over $13 million state and local 
            contributions
   Redevelopment of the Uptown Normal business district, 
        focusing on transportation-oriented design to highlight 
        Normal's position on the Chicago/St. Louis high-speed rail 
        corridor
     $90 million of public investment generated $172 
            million in private investment and economic development
   Expert testimony regarding urban development and 
        transportation:
     House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, 
            Subcommittee on Transportation & Public Assets, 2016
   Town of Normal Representative: Transportation for America 
        Advisory Board; Economic Development Council; Illinois 
        Municipal League
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE:
    Vitesse Cycle Shop, Normal, IL 1978-Present
    Often Running, Normal, IL 1995-Present
    Owner & Operator
   Lead the management of specialty retail stores serving 
        cycling and running enthusiasts through sustainable sales and 
        service practices
   Drive ongoing needs analyses, workforce design, marketing 
        development, and evaluation of local sales environment to 
        ensure alignment with business strategies
   Coach and enable management staff to effectively deliver 
        sales and customer service solutions to the organization
   Design programs and processes to elevate the customer 
        experience, focusing on health, wellness, and sustainability
   Model corporate philanthropy values by establishing 
        partnerships and providing services to nonprofit and public 
        organizations, including the Illinois Heart and Lung 
        Association, the Illinois Farm Bureau, and Illinois State 
        University
Selected Highlights:
   Recipient of 2013 ``America's Best Bike Shops'' recognition 
        from the National Bicycle Dealers Association
   Recipient of 2013 Green Business Certification from the 
        Illinois Green Business Association
PUBLIC SERVICE:
   Infantry Platoon Leader with the Army 101st Airborne/
        Airmobile Division, Vietnam: United States Army, 1968-1971
   Selective Service Board of Appeals Vice Chair from 1983 to 
        2003
   Urban Revitalization/Historic Preservation Subcommittee 
        Chair of the McLean Co. Comprehensive Plan Committee
   Town of Normal Historic Preservation Commission Chairman, 
        spearheading $1 million restoration of the Normal Theater, 
        which was named the 1996 ``Preservation Project of the Year'' 
        by Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois
EDUCATION:
    Illinois State University, Normal, IL
    Area of Study: Political Science 1966-1968; 1971-1972

    Senator Wicker. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Mayor, and 
thank you to all of our witnesses.
    We'll now move to questions, and there is a question that I 
am required to ask each of you and so I will ask the question 
and call on each of you for a yes or no answer in turn.
    If confirmed, will you pledge to work collaboratively with 
this committee and provide thorough and timely responses to our 
requests for information as we work together to address 
important policy issues?
    Mr. Soskin?
    Mr. Soskin. Yes, I will.
    Senator Wicker. And Mr. Primus?
    Mr. Primus. Yes, Mr. Chairman.
    Senator Wicker. Ms. Feinberg?
    Ms. Feinberg. Yes, sir.
    Senator Wicker. And Mayor Koos?
    Mr. Koos. Yes, Mr. Chairman.
    Senator Wicker. Very good. Thank you very much.
    Let me say it's no secret that the Ranking Member and I are 
supporters of passenger rail. It plays a very important role in 
our economy. I'd like to see it enhanced and expanded and I 
assume all of our witnesses feel that way, too.
    For Ms. Feinberg and Mayor Koos, I hope you know by now 
that I've long championed restoration of Amtrak service for the 
Gulf Coast route from New Orleans to Mobile. So the Rail 
Commission has received a CHISI, Consolidated Rail 
Infrastructure and Safety Improvements, grant award of $33 
million for this project.
    Ms. Feinberg, you're a little bit familiar with this 
because in a previous position, you came down and rode a train 
with me and state officials and Federal officials and saw for 
yourself at each stop the local support for Gulf Coast service.
    Are you committed to working with me to restore this route, 
if confirmed?
    Ms. Feinberg. I am. I remember that trip fondly. That was 
such a lovely day and I was reminiscing about it with your 
staff the other day. It was a beautiful day in New Orleans and 
it was a great day for an Amtrak trip. So I continue to be 
supportive of returning Gulf Coast service and happy to work 
with you and your staff, Amtrak Southern Rail Commission and 
others moving forward. I know it has been pushing a boulder up 
the mountain but look forward to working with you on it.
    Senator Wicker. Well, it was amazing, the number of local 
citizens, just massive crowds that came out to join us at each 
stop as we left New Orleans and made our way across the coast.
    Mayor Koos, I bet you would be willing to come down and 
ride that train with me, also, on the Gulf Coast.
    Mr. Koos. Oh, Mr. Chairman, I can tell you my association 
with one of your former mayors, John Robert Smith, reminds me 
all the time that I have to pay attention to the Gulf Coast 
routes and he's invited me to go down there. I would certainly 
be honored to join you and to learn as much as I can about that 
route, but I can assure you former Mayor Smith keeps me well 
informed on that.
    Senator Wicker. Well, that speaks well in your favor, also, 
and I can tell for those who are listening that do not know, 
John Robert Smith, he was a long-time veteran mayor of 
Meridian, Mississippi, and he knows firsthand the value to a 
medium-size City of passenger rail because that is a route that 
has been successful, continues to be successful, and I think 
his experience there as mayor and with passenger rail, with the 
passenger rail industry in general after that has demonstrated 
to him that there is a role for passenger rail even in areas 
outside the major corridors.
    Ms. Feinberg, did you shut down totally in New York 
Transit, and can you sort of give us a minute about what you 
may have learned from the virus impact in New York City, the 
largest transit system?
    Ms. Feinberg. Certainly. Well, New York was the epicenter 
and sort of the leading edge of the virus and it has taken a 
toll on MTA that is hard to describe. 131 of my colleagues have 
passed away from COVID and so it is something that even as our 
state is seeing numbers of those impacted by the disease go 
down and positive tests go down, it is something that we're 
very much still in the middle of and living with every day.
    So I would say the things that we learned, I probably 
couldn't list them if you devoted the rest of the hearing to 
it, but I can give you a couple examples and I'm happy to 
continue the conversation.
    We've taken an all-of-the-above approach to making sure 
that our system is safe. So we are disinfecting and cleaning 
stations twice a day. We have a 24/7 cleaning regimen in which 
we are cleaning all of our rail cars that are in service three, 
four, five, six times a day. We never completely shut down the 
service.
    We are now closed overnight from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. because 
this makes our cleaning operation more effective and efficient 
to not have riders in the system. That's a huge change for New 
York City Transit. You know, we say it's the city that never 
sleeps deserves a 24-hour subway system. So that has been a 
real change for us.
    Of course, we have bus service running 24/7, but beyond 
disinfecting, we're also aware that the virus can move, you 
know, through aerosols and so we've taken a close look at our 
air filtration systems. We're making sure that air is 
circulating in the subway system and on cars. We're opening 
windows on buses. We are, you know, putting barriers between 
bus operators and the public.
    We've got bus riders boarding through the back so that they 
are not having that interaction with the operator, so, you 
know, and that's to keep our systems safe, and there's a whole 
lot we're doing to make sure that our workforce is safe. So we 
have distributed massive amounts of PPE, millions of masks, 
millions of gloves, face shields.
    You know, we try to put as much space between operators and 
the public as possible. We've stopped using cash. We're 
cleaning our machines multiple times a day. So, I mean, it has 
had a massive impact on us and it has changed the entire way we 
operate the system. It's changed the way we think about public 
transportation. It's changed the way we think about operating 
generally.
    You know, I am happy to take any questions on this. That's 
a high-level view. I'd say the----
    Senator Wicker. Yes, thank you for that. I very much 
appreciate that and clearly this is an important perspective to 
bring to this hearing today.
    Senator Cantwell.
    Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    I think that last point, though, is really important. 
Whatever sector of transportation, keeping our workforce safe 
as they provide us transportation is a key thing that I hope we 
continue to spend time and focus on.
    The hearing gives us obviously a lot to cover here in the 
broad spectrum of people. So you'll excuse me if I have to jump 
around between a couple of different issues here, but let's 
start with you, Mr. Soskin.
    The independence of your job is critically important. A 
recent GAO report highlighted that the IG must be independent 
both of mind and appearance and earlier this year, the 
President abruptly removed the DOT Acting IG, a career 
official, and installed a politically appointed PHMSA 
Administrator to fill both of those roles simultaneously.
    The GAO has specifically expressed concerns about whether 
this situation is inconsistent, that it's not being consistent 
with the independence requirements generally accepted for 
auditing and standards and other professional standards.
    Would you agree that the abrupt removal of the Acting IG 
and replacing him with a political appointment creates an 
appearance of bias?
    Mr. Soskin. [Off microphone.] What I can speak to is my 
qualifications and my commitment to you to be an objective and 
independent voice to combat waste, fraud, and abuse, and to 
oversee the Office of Inspector General with integrity, if 
confirmed. I've spent 14 years as a career civil servant in the 
Department of Justice across three Administrations, and I've 
been entrusted with politically sensitive matters and to have 
hard conversations throughout that time and I am prepared to 
continue to do so and to act objectively as the Inspector 
General, if confirmed.
    Senator Cantwell. So if you're confirmed, would you talk 
about not interfering in investigations involving the Secretary 
or political appointees at the department?
    Mr. Soskin. I will serve with objectivity and integrity. 
I'm not sure I totally understood your question, but----
    Senator Cantwell. Do you agree that you will not interfere 
with investigations involving the Secretary or political 
appointees at the department? So somebody comes in and 
investigates the Secretary or a political appointee at the 
department outside, yes.
    Mr. Soskin. We will investigate all allegations and all 
issues without fear or favor and without regard to whether it 
involves a political nominee or not. The public is entitled to 
have oversight of everyone in the Department of Transportation, 
including political appointees.
    Senator Cantwell. So you wouldn't interfere if there was 
another investigation? Maybe I should put this in writing 
because I think you're hesitating and I want to make sure that 
I'm clear about what I'm asking and then you can respond in 
writing for the record to that. That would be helpful.
    I remain very concerned about what happened there and, 
well, very concerned about various positions within the 
Administration that I think are overly political, but let's go 
to the Amtrak organization and the two nominees that we have 
here.
    Obviously Amtrak is critical for millions of people and for 
us, the two lines, Washington State, the Coast Starlight and 
the Empire Builder, they serve 15 communities and a majority of 
them being small and rural communities. So I would like to ask 
the nominees, what kind of commitment can we get that you're 
going to preserve the Amtrak long-distance service, the 
economic lifeline that it provides to rural communities? Mr. 
Koos or Ms. Feinberg?
    Ms. Feinberg. Go ahead, Mr. Koos.
    Mr. Koos. Thank you.
    Senator Cantwell, I am very committed to the national 
network of long-distance trains. Without those trains, we don't 
have a national network and I think it's crucial for the 
function of Amtrak and I think people sometimes gloss over the 
long-distance routes as saying they're from point A to point Z, 
but a lot of people don't realize they use those trains for 
shorter distances along that corridor and it's a critical part 
of our daily operations.
    I understand the need right now to be prudent about the 
frequency of those routes in a COVID-19 world, but I'm strongly 
committed at such time as we can safely travel this country 
without fear of COVID-19 to returning to daily service on the 
long-distance routes.
    Senator Cantwell. Ms. Feinberg, commitment to preserving 
the long-distance service?
    Ms. Feinberg. Yes, Senator, thank you for the question.
    You have my commitment. I'm from a small town in a rural 
state myself. I'm from West Virginia, and I'm well aware of the 
importance of that long-distance service to those communities 
that offer just the station and the employees there acting as 
touch points for the community. You have my commitment.
    Senator Cantwell. So in 2017, we had a horrific accident 
which claimed the lives of three individuals and injured 65 
people. The Chairman of the NTSB, Robert Sumwalt, provided an 
ominous warning about the Amtrak safety culture. He said, 
``Amtrak's safety culture is failing and is primed to fail 
again until and unless Amtrak changes its ways of safety 
management.''
    The former CEO, Richard Anderson, testified about improving 
the safety culture and so this is a very big issue. I think you 
probably are both aware of the DuPont accident that happened 
where the train derailed onto I-5 and shut down I-5 and it was 
a maiden voyage through a new route. Speed control and 
awareness just didn't seem to be there, and it was a very 
costly accident both to life and to property.
    So will you ensure that reforming the safety culture--I get 
positive train control. It's going to help us, but that we have 
a safety culture that remains top priority at Amtrak.
    Ms. Feinberg. Absolutely.
    Senator Cantwell. Mr. Koos?
    Mr. Koos. The safety culture is critical for an effective 
and safe system.
    Senator Cantwell. OK. Well, I would hope that--I'm going to 
ask a follow up of that in writing exactly how you would 
continue to focus on that. I think that we definitely want to 
have service. We definitely have big challenges with COVID.
    So thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Senator Wicker. And thank you very much.
    Senator Moran, you are next.

                STATEMENT OF HON. JERRY MORAN, 
                    U.S. SENATOR FROM KANSAS

    Senator Moran. Mr. Chairman, the four nominees for the 
Amtrak Board will be asked the same questions by maybe several 
of us. I appreciate that Senator Cantwell and you both 
expressed your strong support for long-distance passenger rail 
service and I am here to do the same.
    More importantly, I am here to make sure that the nominees 
understand what they just answered in Senator Cantwell's 
question about their commitment to long-distance service.
    I thank all of our nominees for their interest in serving. 
I wish the Inspector General, if confirmed, success. An 
Inspector General is a hugely important component of how 
Congress does and should do its job and I want you to do it 
well.
    Let me begin with Ms. Feinberg and Mayor Koos. I've 
experienced what I think at least as an attitude in prior times 
at Amtrak a bias against or at least not in favor of long-
distance passenger service, what I would describe as a bias 
against service that can't make a profit on its own.
    My view is that Amtrak is designed to provide long-distance 
service across the country. The metrics of whether or not it 
should exist is not whether or not it is profitable.
    We have a nationwide system designed to make certain that 
that service is available to all Americans with geographic 
disbursity across our country.
    The previous nominees to the Amtrak Board have received my 
vote in this committee, but also received me placing a hold on 
their nominations before the Senate could consider them and 
that would be a similar circumstance for me in this 
circumstance.
    I want to make--let me take a step back and indicate that 
at various points in time in my time in the Senate, I've seen 
where the Southwest Chief, which runs through three states of 
members of this committee, Colorado, New Mexico, and Kansas, 
has been in the crosshairs of Amtrak and it is, in my view, 
only through our engagement and intrusion that significant 
improvements are now being made on the Southwest Chief with a 
commitment of its future longevity.
    But now with COVID, there is an opportunity and perhaps an 
excuse for the diminution of service which I understand. What 
I'm concerned about is the return of the service, and I want to 
make certain that responding to the challenges, financial and 
otherwise, of COVID pandemic is not used as an excuse to now 
terminate or significantly reduce where it no longer is viable 
long-distance service on the Southwest Chief and other long-
distance routes.
    And so one of the things that I understand from Amtrak is 
that they have criteria by which they would determine whether 
to restore additional funding for long-distance service. One of 
those is whether or not the ridership levels in the first 
quarter of Fiscal Year 2021 is within 90 percent of the 
Amtrak's projected numbers. That requires me to have a lot of 
faith in the projections of Amtrak so that something less than 
what you project doesn't automatically become an explanation 
for why we no longer can support long-distance passenger 
service.
    So, Sarah or Ms. Feinberg and Mayor Koos, would you tell me 
again perhaps what you've already said and then I will ask you 
to respond to me in writing so that I don't have to delay your 
confirmation on the Senate Floor your commitment to long-
distance service and assure me that if you are a member of the 
Amtrak Board that you will not look for the excuse that COVID-
19 might present for the elimination or significant further 
reduction of that service?
    In other words, we struggle with maintaining our service 
for the needs on a daily basis and now with reduced service, I 
think ridership is going to be less viable, not more viable, 
and so a criteria that the Amtrak is creating is making it more 
difficult in my mind to see that Amtrak is on a path to 
restoration of service.
    What would you like to assure me about, Ms. Feinberg?
    Ms. Feinberg. So, Senator,--oh.
    Senator Moran. Yes?
    Ms. Feinberg. So, Senator, you have my commitment, as I 
mentioned earlier, and you have commitment in writing, as well. 
I understand that these are incredibly important services that 
we provide to rural communities and also to just states that 
need the service and to Americans who want to take a train 
instead of a car or a plane.
    Look, you know, I'm from West Virginia where there is an 
airport, but the Amtrak service there, just like it does in 
many other states, is, you know, similar to air service. It is 
one of the few ways that, you know, folks can get where they're 
going other than using their own car.
    So you've my commitment. I'm happy to work with you and 
with your staff as we contemplate the future and I know this is 
very important to you and to Senator Gardner and others. Happy 
to work with you.
    Senator Moran. Thank you very much.
    Mr. Koos?
    Mr. Koos. Senator Moran, in your comments, I would posit 
that there is no transportation system in the United States 
that is not heavily subsidized by Federal and state dollars and 
so to hold Amtrak to a different standard, I think, is unfair.
    The Texas Eagle comes through my community and I see the 
people getting on and off daily and the ridership level on that 
train is important to my community and I think it's important 
to a lot of smaller communities throughout the United States 
that don't have airports and maybe don't have an interstate but 
they do have train service, and I think that that is a critical 
amenity for our communities.
    First quarter of Fiscal Year 2021 seems to me like a 
tenuous benchmark because I don't know where we're going to be 
in the first quarter of 2021 with COVID-19. I think we have to 
recognize the mood of the country and people's willingness to 
trust public transportation again in a post-COVID world and 
that is the metric that I would use to judge the viability of 
the long-distance routes.
    I will indeed pledge to you in writing my support for the 
long-distance trains.
    Senator Moran. Thank you, Mayor. Both of you, I appreciate 
your answers, and we have been through this issue with Amtrak 
now for more than a year, the Senators from those three states. 
We actually thought we had things back on track and COVID, of 
course, creates new challenges, and I appreciate what you had 
to say and will follow through with you.
    Mayor, I don't know the geography well enough of Illinois, 
but the Southwest Chief generally originates in Chicago on its 
way to Los Angeles and so this is not just an important issue 
for the three states I mentioned. It's a long-distance route 
that involves your home state, as well.
    Thank you.
    Senator Wicker. Senator Moran, your position has been made 
very clear this morning. Thank you for that line of 
questioning.
    Senator Blumenthal.

             STATEMENT OF HON. RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, 
                 U.S. SENATOR FROM CONNECTICUT

    Senator Blumenthal. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to 
all of the nominees for your willingness to serve.
    Ms. Feinberg, you and I have worked together in the past, 
as well, and I commend and thank you for your work in New York, 
and I want to join my other colleagues--as well as your work in 
the Department of Transportation previously. I join my other 
colleagues in my intense and urgent interest in the 
infrastructure challenges posed by Amtrak and I think my 
colleague, Senator Moran, has said it very well. We need to 
link the country. We're one country. That is one of the points 
I think that's been highlighted during this pandemic and we 
need to think not only about existing tracks and rail cars but 
about significantly upgrading them, reimagining what rail 
transportation can be in this country. It isn't all that 
difficult because other industrial countries are way ahead of 
us and people are going to vote with their feet. They'll take 
Amtrak. The ridership will increase if it provides the kind of 
service that I hope all the nominees 9 are dedicated to 
provide.
    Let me ask you, Mr. Soskin. Inspectors General in this 
country are more vulnerable than any time in our Nation's 
history. The President's fired a number of them, as you know. 
The State Department's Inspector General left yesterday 
suddenly without really any explanation after his predecessor 
was fired because apparently he was investigating the Secretary 
of State.
    The fact is that Inspectors General need more protection 
right now. All that's required is 30 days' notice to Congress.
    Will you support legislation, such as I've offered, that 
would forbid firing Inspectors General without good cause?
    Mr. Soskin. Senator, I am currently counsel of record in 
litigation representing the United States on matters pertaining 
to executive officers and their service in an acting capacity 
and their removal.
    Both in light of that and my lack of specific familiarity 
with the legislation you've proposed, it would be inappropriate 
for me to comment at this time with a position on specific 
legislation.
    I will say that I share your commitment to objectivity and 
independence on the part of Inspectors General. It is a 
necessary part of their ability to carry out----
    Senator Blumenthal. Well, forgive me for interrupting you 
because, first, my time is limited and, second, let me just say 
bluntly that's what they all say, and it's not for lack maybe 
of good intentions, but the fact of the matter is that this 
White House has interfered repeatedly and forcefully in 
investigations and whatever your assurances without some 
greater protection, you, as other Inspectors General, will be 
vulnerable to those same improper influences and perhaps 
firing.
    Will you commit that you will look at that legislation and 
get back to me with a position on it?
    Mr. Soskin. I will certainly look at the legislation and 
provide you with our input and assessment, if I'm confirmed as 
Inspector General.
    Senator Blumenthal. Let me ask you. Who are you 
representing as counsel of record that's involved in Inspector 
General litigation?
    Mr. Soskin. It's litigation about the independence of 
executive officers and their appointments and services acting.
    Senator Blumenthal. What's the name of the litigation?
    Mr. Soskin. It's several of the cases involving Acting 
Attorney General Matt Whitaker when he was serving as Acting 
Attorney General of the United States and those cases present 
issues about the service of acting appointees.
    Senator Blumenthal. What was your involvement in, you said 
in your resume, politically sensitive litigation involving 
Executive Orders on travel and immigration? What specific 
cases?
    Mr. Soskin. I was--I've been involved in a number of 
politically sensitive cases throughout my career. Of course, to 
come to our office, they have to be of significant----
    Senator Blumenthal. Which cases on travel and immigration?
    Mr. Soskin. Sure. I was involved in the cases involving the 
President's Executive Orders and Proclamations regarding entry 
to the United States, including----
    Senator Blumenthal. Is that the Muslim ban?
    Mr. Soskin. Some people labeled it as such. I think the 
title of the President's actions were Executive Orders and 
Proclamations----
    Senator Blumenthal. And were you lead counsel?
    Mr. Soskin.--of the United States. I was one of many 
counsel on the team serving to defend those enactments against 
challenge.
    Senator Blumenthal. Did you participate in the policymaking 
leading to those Orders?
    Mr. Soskin. I was--my involvement in them was as litigation 
counsel.
    Senator Blumenthal. Were you in touch with the White House 
during the time that they were formulated?
    Mr. Soskin. I was involved as litigation counsel.
    Senator Blumenthal. And what was your involvement in the 
Department of Justice's ban on bump stock?
    Mr. Soskin. In that, when I was on detail in a policy role 
to the Office of Assistant Attorney General of the Civil 
Division, I worked on the drafting of what became the rule 
treating bump stocks as machine guns. I've subsequently been 
involved as lead litigation counsel in defending that ban 
against challenges, first preliminary injunctions which I'm 
proud to say we successfully defeated in their entirety, and 
now on the merits of litigation in----
    Senator Blumenthal. And what was your involvement in the 
Clinton e-mail litigation?
    Mr. Soskin. I was one of many lawyers who served as a trial 
attorney defending the State Department against lawsuits by 
various outside groups and some of them interest organizations, 
some of them media groups, seeking to obtain Secretary 
Clinton's personal e-mails as part of the information that came 
to light that----
    Senator Blumenthal. Have you ever conducted an 
Investigation?
    Mr. Soskin. A core part of my responsibility in defending 
litigation for the United States is overseeing investigations 
into the factual circumstances of the matters that are 
challenged. I routinely supervise cross-functional teams 
gathering information and seeking to lay out the factual basis 
on which we'll be defending lawsuits and seeking to highlight 
and identify and priority----
    Senator Blumenthal. Could you give me a specific example, 
please?
    Mr. Soskin. I'm sorry. Specific example of what?
    Senator Blumenthal. Of your conducting an Investigation.
    Mr. Soskin. Sure. Absolutely. In the cases that we had 
involving the cancellation of the trademark registration of the 
football team then called the Washington Redskins, one of the 
allegations in that case which challenged as a large-scale 
matter the constitutionality under the First Amendment of the 
statute under which the Patent and Trademark Office operated, 
one of the sets of allegations involved whether there was 
political involvement in the decisionmaking and as part of our 
defense of that case, we had to run down the factual 
underpinnings of those allegations.
    Senator Blumenthal. I'm not sure what the time is because I 
can't see here----
    Senator Wicker. Well,----
    Senator Blumenthal. I'm sure it's expired.
    Senator Wicker.--you're 3 minutes over but----
    Senator Blumenthal. I apologize, Mr. Chairman. You've been 
very gracious, and I appreciate your giving me that extra time. 
Thank you.
    Senator Wicker. Thank you. Thank you, Senator Blumenthal.
    Mr. Soskin, sounds to me like you're a pretty talented and 
experienced attorney and litigator.
    Senator Baldwin is next.

               STATEMENT OF HON. TAMMY BALDWIN, 
                  U.S. SENATOR FROM WISCONSIN

    Senator Baldwin. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    My question is for Mr. Primus. I really appreciated the 
opportunity to speak with you earlier this week about your 
nomination to the Surface Transportation Board, and I'd like to 
start today by continuing our conversation about competitive 
switching.
    Competitive switching would increase railroad competition 
and market forces over rail rates. Simply put, the current 
rules are not working for rail shippers or the public interest. 
This rulemaking has been stalled before the Surface 
Transportation Board most recently because of empty seats on 
the Board.
    I look forward to the day when I do not have to ask STB 
nominees for a commitment to take up the competitive switching 
proposal, but I think that it is so necessary to provide 
competitive rail service.
    So if confirmed, would you commit to moving forward with 
the pending rulemaking on competitive switching?
    Mr. Primus. Senator Baldwin, let me just say that I also 
enjoyed having opportunity to sit and talk with you and about 
the issues that are of concern to you and I can say right now 
that I will commit to working with you, this committee, as well 
as the stakeholders within the rail community on trying to 
resolve the issue of reciprocal switching and a lot of the 
issues that surround it.
    You are correct in assessing that it's been--this has gone 
on for some time and I hope to be a part of the solution with 
the rest of the existing Board.
    Senator Baldwin. Thank you for that. I want to continue by 
noting that rebuilding our economy gives us the opportunity to 
build back better, and I expect the same is true for freight 
rail, but I have been concerned about significant changes to 
freight rail operations adopted by the major railroads as part 
of their implementation of precision scheduled railroading or 
PSR.
    These changes in operation were poorly communicated to rail 
customers and ended up disrupting the movement of essential 
products. Underlying the PSR playbook is a focus on short-term 
gains.
    If confirmed, what would you do to ensure that PSR is not 
used to prioritize shareholders over rail service and jobs, 
particularly as we work to rebuild our economy?
    Mr. Primus. Well, I think that it has been very clear that 
there are concerns with PSR. The existing Board has held 
hearings to talk about the issue and has raised a number of 
concerns with respect to what's been going on, particularly 
with CSX's implementation.
    So I think the Board shares your concerns in terms of the 
implementation of PSR and its ramifications for the entire rail 
economy.
    I can assure you that, if confirmed as a Board member, I 
will continue to elevate those concerns and amplify those 
concerns. I believe that there has to be a solution to some of 
these concerns, and I think I want to play a role in addressing 
these concerns and bringing a fair and equitable solution to 
PSR and to the communities that are impacted by it.
    Senator Baldwin. Thank you.
    My last question for you is that Canadian National recently 
announced its intent to sell portions of its rail network in 
Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Recognizing that 
the Surface Transportation Board has jurisdiction over line 
sales, line construction, and line abandonment, I encourage the 
Board's oversight should a sale occur.
    Throughout this process, my attention will remain on 
service to Wisconsin shippers and other rail customers, 
particularly our manufacturers and agricultural producers.
    Do I have a commitment from you to give due attention on 
this matter?
    Mr. Primus. Absolutely, Senator, and in my statement, as I 
said, you know, I am very concerned and I want to amplify and 
advocate on behalf of a lot of the communities that are going 
to be affected by CN and others moving away from these areas. 
Most of them are rural and small communities.
    I think there may be opportunities for, as I said, you 
know, Class 2 and 3s and to get engaged and to assist in these 
areas, but you have my absolute commitment to work with you and 
again with the stakeholders and with these communities to make 
sure that the rail system that they rely upon continues to 
exist and actually becomes more robust and responsive.
    Senator Baldwin. Thank you, and I yield back, Mr. Chairman.
    Senator Wicker. Thank you, Senator Baldwin.
    Senator Tester is next.

                 STATEMENT OF HON. JON TESTER, 
                   U.S. SENATOR FROM MONTANA

    Senator Tester. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I want 
to thank Ms. Feinberg and Mr. Koos for their comments to 
Senator Moran on the long-distance rail. I'm also going to 
focus on that.
    Before I go there, though, I did have some questions for 
Mr. Soskin, but I'm not going to ask them because--and I'll 
tell you why. Because after listening to your responses to 
Senator Blumenthal, I just don't think you're being straight 
up. I'll just tell you that right now.
    I mean, I think you've been told to talk about independence 
and that's what you've been doing. Quite frankly, you've been 
put into a position that's highly political now and you need to 
address that and how you're going to handle that moving forward 
and you have yet to do that. So there's no need wasting my time 
on questions that revolve around that.
    So this is for Ms. Feinberg and Mr. Koos, and I just want 
to say, first of all, I'm a long-distance guy, too, and we have 
been fighting like hell with everybody dealing with Amtrak 
because it seems like they want to cut the long-distance 
routes.
    I have the same perspective as Senator Moran does on this 
and I'll tell you, I think it would be a huge mistake, but 
we've been playing defense.
    If you get confirmed to the Amtrak Board of Directors, what 
are you going to do on offense to make those long-distance 
routes more appealing and more rider-friendly?
    Ms. Feinberg. I'm happy to start, Senator. Thank you for 
the question, and I hope that you can see me because suddenly I 
can't see any of you. So I'm just going to assume you can see 
me and go with it.
    So thank you for the question. Look, I think one thing that 
Amtrak needs to do is take a look at how we can improve 
ridership on those routes. So whether it's through the dining 
experience or the experience in the private rooms or the 
reliability experience, the service experience, you know, I 
think there are things that we can do that will bring ridership 
back, particularly in the moment we're in when it may be that 
all travel feels unappealing to folks who are particularly 
anxious at this moment, but I think the reality is airline 
travel in particular feels scary and so I think this can be an 
opportunity for Amtrak and I'm happy to work with you and your 
staff as we walk through those issues.
    Senator Tester. Mr. Koos?
    Mr. Koos. I think I would echo what Ms. Feinberg said. I 
think modern, clean equipment, understanding what the customer 
wants, monitoring that, measuring that, is critical for the 
improvement of the service.
    You know, the Empire Building is not wasted on me, Senator, 
but while it goes through some beautiful country, it does miss 
your major population areas, Bozeman, Billings, Missoula, et 
cetera, but again modern, clean equipment, meal service that 
people want, maybe different levels of meal service at a cost, 
things like that. We have to understand what the customers 
want.
    Senator Tester. That's exactly right, and, by the way, if 
you guys get confirmed, and I got a notion you will, by the 
way, because I think you're saying the right things and 
hopefully you'll back that up with actions and I think you 
will, but we'll have a conversation about the southern route 
again and I don't want to establish a southern route at the 
expensive of the northern route, by the way, because I think 
they both are economic priorities.
    Let me ask you this, and you can answer this yes or no 
because it's an easy question. Have either of you ridden on the 
railroad system in Europe?
    Mr. Koos. Yes.
    Ms. Feinberg. I have, as well.
    Senator Tester. Do you think that there are things that 
they have done that could be implemented in the United States 
to make our system more user-friendly?
    Mr. Koos. I would say, Senator, that frequency, on-time 
performance, modern, clean equipment, reasonable meal service, 
you know. You can get all levels of it. I think 1 it's 
certainly a model that we should look at.
    Senator Tester. OK. And, Ms. Feinberg?
    Ms. Feinberg. Yes, I would say the thing that sticks out in 
my mind the most is how easy it is to get from one mode of 
transportation to rail there. So it's just a seamless movement 
from, you know, airport to rail and that's something, you know, 
I know Amtrak has looked at, but it's an important thing for us 
to get better on in the United States if we want people to make 
that choice.
    Senator Tester. I am going to place some questions for the 
record, Mr. Chairman, on the benchmarks and on the staffing 
cuts while they continue and ask for supplemental of $1.5 
billion and how these folks are going to deal with that. You 
don't have to answer that now. I'll put them for the record.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Ranking Member 
Cantwell.
    Senator Wicker. Well, thank you very much, Senator Tester.
    There are no further questions, and----
    Senator Tester. Well, hell, maybe I can just keep going 
then.
    Senator Wicker. Well, you're certainly--you can take a 
Round 2 or a Round 3 if you'd like, but as to your last 
comment, Senator Tester, we're going to leave the record open 
for two weeks and as is customary, during this time, Senators 
are asked to submit any questions for the record with the final 
submission deadline being close of business Thursday, August 20 
of this year and so the Committee asks witnesses that, upon 
receipt of any questions for the record, you submit your 
written answers to the Committee as soon as possible----
    Senator Rosen. Mr. Chairman?
    Senator Wicker. Well, let me finish the sentence here. But 
no later than close of business on Thursday, September 3, 2020.
    Senator Wicker. Now whose voice do I hear?

                STATEMENT OF HON. JACKY ROSEN, 
                    U.S. SENATOR FROM NEVADA

    Senator Rosen. That's Jacky Rosen. I think somebody--I was 
here. I think I got--somehow my connection was lost or 
something. Can I just give a plug for my great service in 
Northern Nevada that we want to keep and if the witnesses don't 
mind?
    Senator Wicker. Absolutely, yes. You're recognized for five 
minutes.
    Senator Rosen. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I sure appreciate 
it. Thank you to everyone for being here today. I'll be brief.
    Of course, like everyone else, in Nevada, we have service, 
as well, Amtrak service, and I just want to tell you about how 
important it is to us and so it comes as no surprise to our 
nominees that we do have service in Northern Nevada.
    The California Zephyr Amtrak line is a vital link in and 
out of three communities in the Silver State, specifically 
Elko, Winnemucca, and Reno. These are places that depend on 
reliable rail service to bring travelers in and out of their 
communities, including the approximately 84,000 Nevada riders 
who travel on the line every year, and if you ride on that 
line, you're going to see the most beautiful mountains and 
valleys in Northern Nevada that rival any other scenery in the 
country, I am quite sure, 4 and lots of our riders are 
veterans. They're seniors. They use the Amtrak to go into Reno 
to get their medical services and other kinds of things.
    So, unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, we've 
seen the Zephyr line service been temporarily cut, but for us 
it's a jobs issue. Back on June 24, I joined Senators Cortez 
Masto, Manchin, and Tester in a letter urging Amtrak not to 
reduce service or eliminate Amtrak jobs during the pandemic. 
Thousands of jobs really do depend on the Zephyr line and 
reliable transportation for rural Nevadans in communities like 
Winnemucca and Elko. I need to protect their safety and their 
ability to move around as much as I do for anyone.
    So following up on questions from Chairman Wicker, Ranking 
Member Cantwell, Senators Tester and Moran, I was hoping I 
could get a commitment from you to work with us to assure 
people in Nevada as well as other rural communities across this 
country, wonderful, beautiful communities that access to 
reliable passenger service, including long-distance service, 
and I'll ask that to Ms. Feinberg and Mr. Koos, please.
    Senator Wicker. Ms. Feinberg?
    Ms. Feinberg. I'm happy to go first. Nice to see you, happy 
to work with your staff. I know this is important to Nevadans. 
I know it's important that the 5 service come back soon and 
recognize your commitment to it and look forward to working 
with you.
    Senator Rosen. Thank you.
    Mr. Koos?
    Mr. Koos. I would agree with that. I'm certainly supporting 
Amtrak service through the state of Nevada, through any state 
that it goes through in terms of a national network. It's 
critical that we maintain a national network with on-time 
performance and frequency. It's what makes it work and so you 
have my commitment.
    Senator Rosen. I couldn't agree more. Thank you so much for 
being here today. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for letting me give 
my plug for the beauty of Northern Nevada and the scenic route 
that the Zephyr line takes. Thank you.
    Senator Wicker. I can't wait to visit there, Senator Rosen.
    Senator Rosen. Oh, come visit. I'll take you out and ride 
the train with you.
    Senator Wicker. We apologize for not having you in the 
queue for question and answer.
    Are there other Senators who I may have missed?
    [No response.]
    Senator Wicker. If not, I've made the announcements and 
with that, I believe--let me check with counsel. There being no 
further business, this hearing is concluded, and I thank each 
of our witnesses and think they're all four excellent choices.
    We are adjourned.
    [Whereupon, at 11:27 a.m., the hearing was adjourned.]

                            A P P E N D I X

  Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Marsha Blackburn to 
                              Eric Soskin
    Question. Mr. Soskin, unmanned Aircraft Systems, also known as UAS, 
are a vital part to the future of transportation in America. This 
year's report detailing the significant challenges DOT faces includes 
safely integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

    How can this committee work with DOT to overcome this challenge? I 
know this is a concern our Nation's airports share, and we need to make 
sure they are prepared to face any and all challenges they may 
encounter with drones.
    Answer. I am not currently serving at the Department of 
Transportation (DOT) or the DOT Office of Inspector General (OIG). I 
appreciate your interest in having DOT and this committee work together 
to overcome the challenges involved in safely integrating UAS, 
including those associated with safety data, remote UAS identification, 
unmanned system traffic management (UTM), and compliance with 
requirements in the FAA's 5-year reauthorization act and other 
statutes. If I am fortunate enough to be confirmed, I will work with my 
team of career professionals to prioritize staff and resources, 
including by reviewing this issue and examining ways for this committee 
to work together with DOT on the challenges of integrating UAS safely.
                                 ______
                                 
    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Roger Wicker to 
                            Robert E. Primus
    Question 1. Under 49 U.S.C. 24308, the Surface Transportation Board 
has the ability to order that the facilities of a rail carrier be made 
available to Amtrak and prescribe reasonable terms and compensation for 
using the facilities. STB must decide disputes brought under section 
24308(a) no later than 90 days after a dispute is submitted. Do you 
believe the requirement that STB decide such cases promptly is 
important and are you committed to doing so if confirmed?
    Answr. Chairman Wicker, I strongly believe the Board should abide 
by the statutes that govern its authority. I support the decision 
deadlines in 49 U.S.C. 24308(a)(2)(C) and all efforts to expedite the 
dispute resolution process. If confirmed, I will work with my fellow 
Board Members to uphold the statute and render timely decisions.

    Question 2. The Interstate Commerce Act, amended by the ICC 
Termination Act of 1995, provides STB with exclusive jurisdiction over 
transportation by rail carriers. This jurisdiction is important for 
ensuring a patchwork of regulatory requirements do not impede 
interstate commerce and affect the fluidity of the rail network. How do 
you view the STB's role in asserting jurisdiction, and do you believe 
STB should assert this authority?
    Answer. Mr. Chairman, I believe one of the primary responsibilities 
of the Board is to promote the consistent and uninterrupted flow of 
commercial rail activity throughout the Nation's freight rail network. 
Therefore, it is incumbent upon the Board to assert its jurisdiction, 
when appropriate, to help maintain the integrity of the network and 
minimize unnecessary disruptions.
                                 ______
                                 
  Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Marsha Blackburn to 
                            Robert E. Primus
    Question. Mr. Primus, one of the unique features of the railroad 
industry is that it operates in every single state. The Interstate 
Commerce Act provides the Board broad preemption over state regulation 
of transportation by a rail carrier to avoid a patchwork of 
inconsistent regulation. Can you expand upon your views of the Board's 
role in preserving the free flow of interstate commerce?
    Answer. Senator Blackburn, 49 U.S.C. 10501 provides the 
Board with preemptive authority over state law as it relates to 
transportation by a rail carrier. Without this authority, the Board 
would be severely weakened in its ability to promote an efficient 
national rail economy. The Board's exercise of its preemption authority 
in appropriate circumstances safeguards the consistent flow of goods 
along our national rail network.
                                 ______
                                 
    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Roger Wicker to 
                             Sarah Feinberg
    Question 1. I have long championed restoration of passenger rail 
for the Gulf Coast, which lost service after Hurricane Katrina. Do you 
commit to working with me to implement Amtrak service from New Orleans 
to Mobile as soon as possible?
    Answer. I do. I have also long championed restoration of this 
service. I look forward to working with you, your colleagues, state and 
local officials in the impacted states, and other parties to do all I 
can to assist in returning service to this area. I recognize how 
important restoration of Gulf Coast service is to the region and to 
Amtrak, as a model of growth and service to our communities. I also 
recognize how much work has already been committed to its return and 
pledge to give my full support to those efforts, if confirmed.

    Question 2. In response to COVID-19, Amtrak is reducing frequencies 
on many long distance routes from once-daily service to three times per 
week. If confirmed, do you commit to reinstating once-daily service on 
these long-distance routes? If so, do you commit to doing so as quickly 
as possible?
    Answer. I commit to reinstating service as quickly as possible as 
ridership and revenue returns. The pandemic placed an unexpected burden 
upon the entire transportation industry. Amtrak is not alone among 
companies faced with tough decisions. I will work hard with Amtrak, if 
confirmed, to bring the company back to pre-pandemic levels of success 
and service, and beyond, as quickly as possible.
                                 ______
                                 
    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Roger Wicker to 
                               Chris Koos
    Question 1. I have long championed restoration of passenger rail 
for the Gulf Coast, which lost service after Hurricane Katrina. Do you 
commit to working with me to implement Amtrak service from New Orleans 
to Mobile as soon as possible?
    Answer. If confirmed, I would commit to working with you on the 
restoration of passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast. As the 
mayor of a small town served by Amtrak, I recognize the importance of 
returning service and jobs to cities across Mississippi, Alabama, and 
Florida such as Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula, Mobile, 
and Tallahassee.

    Question 2. In response to COVID-19, Amtrak is reducing frequencies 
on many long-distance routes from once-daily service to three times per 
week. If confirmed, do you commit to reinstating once-daily service on 
these long-distance routes? If so, do you commit to doing so as quickly 
as possible?
    Answer. If confirmed, I would commit to quickly restoring once-
daily service for all longdistance routes affected by the COVID-19 
pandemic. I believe the Nation cannot have a fully functioning network 
that only operates 3 days a week. We must restore certainty for both 
employees and customers through continued daily service.

                                [all]