Click here or on the image above for video from today’s hearing.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), chairman of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee, today chaired a subcommittee hearing on freight policy.

“Today we heard from an outstanding panel of transportation leaders. I was particularly proud to have representation from two of our nation’s largest transportation companies, Werner trucking and Union Pacific railroad, which are headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. I’m grateful for the great discussion on a variety of ideas to strengthen and update freight infrastructure across this nation.”

Witnesses at today’s hearing included: Derek J. Leathers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Werner Enterprises; Lance M. Fritz, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Union Pacific; Mr. Michael L. Ducker, President and Chief Executive Officer, FedEx Freight; and Mr. James Pelliccio, President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Newark Container Terminal.

In 2015, Congress passed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, the first long-term highway bill in a more than a decade, became law. Senator Fischer championed a formula freight program in the legislation called the National Highway Freight Program. It provides every state with annual, guaranteed transportation funding for a wide array of transportation infrastructure projects. Through this program, states have greater flexibility to work with key stakeholders and local officials to develop long-term strategic investments in transportation.

Click here to read Senator Fischer’s recent op-ed in the Hill on tax reform, infrastructure, and the freight program.

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