[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. TILLIE K. FOWLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 21, 2000

  Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) 
announced Friday, March 17, 2000, a rulemaking to determine how future 
rail mergers will be judged. While a longer period of time might have 
been beneficial, I applaud the Board for taking this appropriate and 
thoughtful step in response to the concerns voiced by customers, rail 
employees, Wall Street and communities during its four day hearing on 
rail industry consolidation.
  The Board, recognizing the need for updated merger standards, has 
moved expeditiously to provide for a much-needed pause in the 
industry's restructuring to permit these new standards to be developed 
and applied to all future mergers. The railroads are an important 
engine in our nation's economy--especially in the 4th District of 
Florida, which is a center for rail employment and activity. The STB is 
to be commended in for their action to ensure the industry's continued 
ability to fulfill that role.

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