House reps form Congressional Freight Caucus

The discussion group is designed to educate lawmakers about freight issues and lead to more pro-freight legislation, according to founding Reps. Dave Reichert, R-Wash. and Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y.    Reps. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., and Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., this week formed the Congressional Freight Caucus and are inviting other members of the House and Senate to join.
   The caucus was formed to facilitate discussion and shine a spotlight on policies to improve the nation’s freight system.
   The formation of the caucus coincides with House consideration of a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill, which would serve as a blueprint for infrastructure spending and highway safety programs for several years. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is editing and amending the bill on Thursday and could vote to send it to the full House. The Senate has already passed a bill that has three years of funding. Both bills have significant new chapters devoted to freight-related infrastructure.
   The Congressional Freight Caucus will gather input for industry experts and transportation users to help members and their staffs learn about how supply chains operate so that policies to improve the efficiency of goods movement can be done in ways that don’t adversely impact communities, the founders said in a letter to colleagues.
   Related caucuses on the Hill include ones focused on ports and maritime sector.