U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-SD), chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said Wednesday he supports the Senate confirmation of Patrick Fuchs to the Surface Transportation Board (STB).
“I congratulate Patrick on his confirmation to serve on the Surface Transportation Board,” Thune said. “His knowledge and expertise as a member of the Commerce Committee staff has been a vital asset over the past four years. I wish him the best of luck and look forward to working with him in his new role.”
Fuchs has been a professional staffer on the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security since January 2015. He is the subcommittee’s senior professional staffer.
He previously served with the White House Office of Management and Budget.
Fuchs was confirmed along with Martin Oberman and will serve with Chairwoman Ann Begeman. Michelle Schultz’s nomination to the board was not advanced.
The STB is responsible for economic oversight of the U.S. freight rail system and has regulatory jurisdiction over railroad rates, mergers, new rail-line construction, line abandonment, line acquisitions, service, and other rail issues.
The bipartisan STB has five members who serve five-year terms and currently has two open seats.