Nominations Hearing - Chairman Roger Wicker

Statement

I would like to thank our nominees, Rick Dearborn and Marty Oberman, for being here and for your willingness to serve in these important positions. Thank you.

Rick Dearborn has had an impressive career in public policy that spans more than 24 years. He has held leadership roles with the Trump and Bush administrations. He has also been a staff member for six Senators, most recently serving as the Chief of Staff and State Director for Jeff Sessions. After the 2016 election, Mr. Dearborn served as the Executive Director of President Trump's Presidential Transition Team and was the President's Deputy Chief of Staff from January 2017 until March 2018.

The Amtrak Board of Directors is comprised of ten individuals. They include eight Senate-confirmed appointees, and the Secretary of Transportation, and the President of Amtrak. There are currently two vacancies on the board. Mr. Dearborn has been nominated to replace board member Jeffrey Moreland, whose term expired in 2015.

Mr. Dearborn, we are very anxious to fill these vacancies. If confirmed, I know your vast experience in public policy will be crucial as you work with fellow board members on issues like long-distance service, positive train control, Gateway, and the restoration of Gulf Coast Rail, which is of particular importance to some of us in the room.

Our second nominee, Mr. Marty Oberman, has been nominated to serve as a member of the Surface Transportation Board. Mr. Oberman has spent the past 49 years of his career as attorney. His practice focuses on complex civil litigation spanning medical and legal malpractice, commercial disputes, local taxation, constitutional rights, civil rights, and financial crimes.

Apart from his distinguished legal career, Mr. Oberman has spent significant time in public service. Most recently, he served as the chairman of Metra, a commuter railroad in the Chicago metropolitan area that serves more than 100 communities with 241 stations and 11 lines. In this capacity, he led the formulation and adoption of a 10-year capital program totaling over $2 billion to revitalize and renew Metra's rail cars and locomotives.

Mr. Oberman has been nominated to fill one of the three vacancies on the Surface Transportation Board. As a board member, he will help resolve railroad rate and service disputes and review proposed railroad mergers. Filling these vacancies is vital to ensuring that the board has the staff and experience for these responsibilities.

Mr. Oberman, if you are confirmed, I am sure that your diverse legal background and leadership within Metra will serve you well in your position as a board member.

Again, thank you both for your willingness to serve.

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