Bill Would Keep STB Going

Wags are calling legislation proposed last week reauthorizing the Surface Transportation Board the "Linda Morgan job protection bill" because of a provision requiring that the STB chairman be confirmed by the Senate.

The four-year reauthorization bill was introduced last week by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), chairman of the Commerce Committee; Sen. Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.), the panel’s senior Democrat; and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.).

"The introduction of this bill is intended to demonstrate our committee’s firm commitment to enact STB reauthorization legislation during this session of Congress," Mr. McCain said. "The committee intends to fully explore the resource needs of the board, examine proposals for any necessary changes and study critical rail issues."

The legislation was promptly endorsed by the Association of American Railroads and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.

The bill is similar to legislation that died in the last Congress, except for the confirmation requirement. While all STB members are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, the president names the chairman from the current board.

Ms. Morgan has been criticized by rail unions for her votes in favor of allowing railroads to break labor contracts during mergers. (1-18 p. 4). Rumors were circulating that President Clinton would like to placate labor by naming board member William Clyburn as chairman.

Gail McDonald, former chairman of the Interstate Commerce Commission, was forced out in 1995 to make way for Ms. Morgan at the request of Mr. Hollings.

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