Wyden Places Hold on Surface Transportation Board Nominee Husein Cumber
Press Release
Wyden Places Hold on Surface Transportation Board Nominee Husein Cumber
Citing lack of qualifications and Oregon's CORP short line rail dispute, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden announced today that he will object to any unanimous consent agreementa procedure known as placing a holdon the nomination of Husein Cumber to the Surface Transportation Board. A former fundraiser for both President George W. Bush and Governor Jeb Bush, Cumber's regulatory experience in transportation is limited to two short-term political appointments at the Department of Transportation.
"The President has nominated Mr. Cumber to work on a vital regulatory board with the capacity to impact our economy, our infrastructure, and the wages of hardworking Americans across the nation," said Wyden. "A seat on the Surface Transportation Board shouldn't be a payoff. It's not a prize to be won - it's a job to be done."
Senator Wyden has asked the STB to intervene in the CORP short line rail dispute in Oregon. The owners of the line have cut and reduced service while attempting to raise rates up to 300% and requesting that the state pay for rail maintenance.
Wyden makes all of his holds public at the time of their issue. His amendment requiring a Senator who places a hold to make it public within six days was included in ethics reform legislation that passed last year.
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