Cramer Addresses Surface Transportation Board Hearing on Delayed Grain Shipments

Press Release

Today Congressman Kevin Cramer addressed the Surface Transportation Board field hearing on delayed grain shipments. The public hearing was convened in Fargo to provide concerned citizens with an opportunity to report on service problems they are experiencing, and discuss options for improving service.

"We all realize the pressing nature of these serious rail delays. While progress is being made against the backlog, I remain concerned about the ability of the rail system to handle another large harvest which is in full swing," said Cramer.

"Loading more cars with grain in North Dakota will only solve part of the problem however. We continue to see severe rail congestion in Minneapolis-St. Paul and Chicago, two hubs vital to our transportation network. At the international level, I have serious concerns about Canada's decision earlier this year to impose performance mandates and propose fines against Canadian Pacific (CP) and Canadian National (CN) railways for lack of compliance. This decision puts U.S. producers and shippers at a lower priority than the Canadian customers of these railways. Today I called on the STB to analyze these actions, and do what is necessary to make sure American customers are afforded a level playing field," Cramer added.

Cramer said he expects the CEOs of both companies to remain engaged on the issue, and will continue sharing the companies' updated status reports each week until the issue is resolved. Last month, Cramer wrote to Canadian Ambassador Gary Doer outlining his concerns on the mandates imposed by Canada. The signed letter can be viewed here.

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