https://www.railwayage.com/news/fuchs-renominated-to-second-stb-term/

Republican Patrick J. Fuchs, 35, has been nominated by President Biden to a second term on the Surface Transportation Board (STB), which has economic regulatory authority over railroad rates and practices. His first term expired earlier this month, but the STB’s statute permits members to remain in office an additional 12 months pending Senate confirmation.

Fuchs now awaits a Senate Commerce Committee hearing to determine whether his name goes forward for a Senate-floor confirmation vote. A second term would extend to January 2029.


What is certain is Fuchs’ support for a second term from rail shippers, who have used words as “calm,” “solid,” “transparent” and “seriously thoughtful” to describe him. Railroads, so far silent, are expected to support his confirmation. Rail labor has indicated support for decisions that had Fuchs’ vote.

Notably, Oberman—who is close with fellow-Chicagoan Dick Durbin, the Senate’s highest-ranking leader behind Majority Leader Chuck Schumer—has consistently praised Fuchs’ work ethic, collegiality and understanding of the law and transportation economics.

As a Senate Commerce Committee senior staff member prior to earning his first STB term, Fuchs provided advice on transportation issues to then-Commerce Committee Chairperson John Thune, who holds the second-highest Republican Senate leadership post behind Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.