Washington, D.C. — 

Following the increased number of South Dakota shippers experiencing significantly reduced rail service, U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today delivered remarks at a hearing before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) regarding the impact the disruptions in rail service have had on South Dakota farmers, ethanol producers, and other small business owners who relying on rail service.

In addition to his remarks at today’s STB hearing, Thune has been working with senior officials from both the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) and Canadian Pacific (CP) railroads – as well as the STB to address the growing number of rail service issues in South Dakota and the region. On April 1, 2014, Thune sent a letter to senior officials at BNSF and CP railroads reaffirming his concerns and sharing the growing frustration from South Dakota shippers whose livelihoods depend on the ability to get bulk goods to market.

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee has jurisdiction over freight railroads and the Surface Transportation Board.

Video of Thune’s remarks to the STB can be viewed here.