Washington, D.C. – American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman urged Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the full Senate to quickly confirm the nominations of Patrick Fuchs and Michelle Schultz to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board. Both nominees appeared before the Commerce Committee on Wednesday, April 11.

“Paper and wood products manufacturers rely on the nation’s rails to move billions of tons of materials to production mills and final markets. Yet our companies and other industries continue to face harmful service failures and higher pricing with no avenue to recourse. We urge the Commerce Committee and the full Senate to immediately confirm Mr. Fuchs and Ms. Schultz to the board so they may work to advance long-overdue rail service reforms. Revoking the outdated commodity exemption policy and other key actions will help ensure effective, streamlined and competitive rail service is accessible to all rail customers.”