Reported by Trains.
The Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO has offered its support for Surface Transportation Board vice chairman Robert Primus, who is seeking to serve a second term on the STB.
“During his current term, Mr. Primus has demonstrated an expert understanding of the economic state of the railroad industry, including widespread service and staffing issues,” TTD President Greg Regan wrote in a letter to members of the Senate. “… Member Primus has been a leader in ensuring that the STB takes all necessary steps to address the numerous challenges in our freight rail system. Further, Mr. Primus understands the need to exercise the STB’s oversight authority to improve service for rail customers, grow the freight rail workforce, and bring long-term stability to the freight rail system.”
Primus’ renomination was addressed as part of a Wednesday hearing by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation that also focused on five nominations to the Amtrak Board of Directors. A recording of the hearing is available here.
In written testimony prior to the hearing, Primus said the reasons he sought a second term include the desire to “continue working on the diverse portfolio of issues … that have broad and lasting implications for the nation’s rail network and national economy.”
Primus was renominated for a full five-year term in June by President Joe Biden. He joined the board after 30 years as a congressional staffer or lobbiest, having been nominated by President Donald Trump in 2020 and confirmed by the Senate in January 2021 to complete the term of a position previously held by Deb Miller. That term ends Dec. 31, 2022; if confirmed, Primus’ second term would expire Dec. 31, 2027.
The National Grain and Feed Association has also sent members of the Commerce Committee a letter indicating its strong support for Primus’ confirmation.
Read here.