,,ii ,cal5d> ,no4 #id #aad? ,,congress  
#a/ ,session  ,s4 #hjh ,report ,no4     
#aad-eb ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,! ,,unit$ 
,,/ates  ,m>* #ai1 #bjae,mr4 ,?une 7=   
himself & ,mr4 ,nelson7 introduc$ !     
foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 read twice & ref]r$  
to ! ,committee on ,comm]ce1 ,sci5ce1 & 
,transportation  ,may #ba1 #bjae,report$
 by ,mr4 ,?une1 )\t am5dm5t  ,a ,,bill  
,to e/abli% ! ,surface ,transportation  
,bo>d z an indep5d5t e/abli%m5t1 & = o!r
 purposes4  #a4 ,%ort title2 table (    
cont5ts  7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may  
be cit$ z ! ,surface ,transportation    
,bo>d ,reau?orization ,act ( #bjae4  7b7
 ,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts =  
?is ,act is z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort   
title2 table ( cont5ts4,sec4 #b4        
,ref]5ces to title #di1 ,unit$ ,/ates   
,code4,sec4 #c4 ,e/abli%m5t ( ,surface  
,transportation ,bo>d z an indep5d5t    
e/abli%m5t4,sec4 #d4 ,surface           
,transportation ,bo>d memb]%ip4,sec4 #e4
 ,nonpublic collaborative               
discussions4,sec4 #f4 ,reports4,sec4 #g4

 ,au?orization ( appropriations4,sec4   
#h4 ,ag5t 9 ! ,di/rict ( ,columbia4,sec4
 #i4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,transportation        
,inspector ,g5]al au?ority4,sec4 #aj4   
,am5dm5t to table ( sections4,sec4 #aa4 
,proc$ures = rate cases4,sec4 #ab4      
,inve/igative au?ority4,sec4 #ac4       
,arbitration ( c]ta9 rail rates &       
practices disputes4,sec4 #ad4 ,effect ( 
proposals = rates f multiple orig9s &   
de/9ations4,sec4 #ae4 ,reports4,sec4    
#af4 ,crit]ia4,sec4 #ag4 ,con/ruction4  
#b4 ,ref]5ces to title #di1 ,unit$      
,/ates ,code ,except z o!rwise expressly
 provid$1 :]ev] 9 ?is ,act an am5dm5t or
 repeal is express$ 9 t]ms ( an am5dm5t 
to1 or repeal (1 a section or o!r       
provision1 ! ref]5ce %all be consid]$ to
 be made to a section or o!r provision (
 title #di1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  #c4   
,e/abli%m5t ( ,surface ,transportation  
,bo>d z an indep5d5t e/abli%m5t  7a7    
,r$esignation ( *apt] #g ( title #di1   
,unit$ ,/ates ,code ,title #di is       
am5d$-- 7#a7 by mov+ *apt] #g aft] *apt]

 #aa 9 subtitle ,,ii2  7#b7 by          
r$esignat+ *apt] #g z *apt] #ac2  7#c7  
by r$esignat+ sections #gja ?r\gh #gjf z
 sections #acja ?r\gh #acjf1            
respectively2  7#d7 by /rik+ sections   
#gbe & #gbg2  7#e7 by r$esignat+        
sections #gba ?r\gh #gbd z sections     
#acba ?r\gh #acbd1 respectively2 &  7#f7
 by r$esignat+ section #gbf z section   
#acbe4  7b7 ,indep5d5t e/abli%m5t       
,section #acja1 z r$esignat$ by         
subsection 7a77#c71 is am5d$ by /rik+   
subsection 7a7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3  7a7  
,e/abli%m5t ,! ,surface ,transportation 
,bo>d is an indep5d5t e/abli%m5t ( !    
,unit$ ,/ates ,gov]nm5t4  4  7c7 ,con=m+
 am5dm5ts  7#a7 ,adm9i/rative provisions
 ,section #acjc1 z r$esignat$ by        
subsection 7a77#c71 is am5d$--  7,a7 by 
/rik+ subsections 7a71 7c71 7f71 & 7g72 
7,b7 by r$esignat+ subsections 7b71 7d71
 & 7e7 z subsections 7a71 7b71 & 7c71   
respectively2 &  7,c7 by add+ at ! end !
 foll[+3  7d7 ,submission ( c]ta9       
docum5ts to ,congress  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,if

 ! ,bo>d submits any budget e/imate1    
budget reque/1 supplem5tal budget       
e/imate1 or o!r budget in=mation1       
legislative recomm5dation1 prep>$       
te/imony = a congressional he>+1 or     
comm5t on legislation to ! ,presid5t or 
to ! ,(fice ( ,managem5t & ,budget1 !   
,bo>d %all concurr5tly submit a copy (  
su* docum5t to--  7,a7 ! ,committee on  
,comm]ce1 ,sci5ce1 & ,transportation ( !
 ,s5ate2 &  7,b7 ! ,committee on        
,transportation & ,infra/ructure ( !    
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4  7#b7 ,no      
approval requir$ ,no (fic] or ag5cy ( ! 
,unit$ ,/ates has any au?ority to       
require ! ,bo>d to submit budget        
e/imates or reque/s1 legislative        
recomm5dations1 prep>$ te/imony =       
congressional he>+s1 or comm5ts on      
legislation to any (fic] or ag5cy ( !   
,unit$ ,/ates = approval1 comm5ts1 or   
review be=e submitt+ su* recomm5dations1
 te/imony1 or comm5ts to ,congress4  4  
#d4 ,surface ,transportation ,bo>d      
memb]%ip  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section         

#acja7;b71 z r$esignat$ by subsection   
#c7;a71 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph      
7#a7--  7,a7 by /rik+ #c memb]s & ins]t+
 #e memb]s2 &  7,b7 by /rik+ #b memb]s &
 ins]t+ #c memb]s2 &  7#b7 by /rik+     
p>agraph 7#b7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3  7#b7  
,at all times--  7,a7 at lea/ #c memb]s 
( ! ,bo>d %all be individuals )         
pr(essional /&+ & demon/rat$ k 9 !      
fields ( transportation1 transportation 
regulation1 or economic regulation2 &   
7,b7 at lea/ #b memb]s %all be          
individuals ) pr(essional or bus9ess    
exp]i5ce 7includ+ agriculture7 9 !      
private sector4  4  7b7 ,repeal (       
obsolete provision ,section #acja7;b71 z
 am5d$ by ?is section1 is fur!r am5d$-- 
7#a7 by /rik+ p>agraph 7#d72  7#b7 by   
r$esignat+ p>agraphs 7#e71 7#f71 & 7#g7 
z p>agraphs 7#d71 7#e71 & 7#f71         
respectively2 &  7#c7 9 p>agraph 7#d71 z
 r$esignat$1 by /rik+ :o becomes a memb]
 ( ! ,bo>d pursuant to p>agraph 7#d71 or
 an individual4  #e4 ,nonpublic         
collaborative discussions ,section      

#acjc7;a71 z r$esignat$ by subsections  
7a7 & 7c7 ( section #c1 is am5d$ to read
 z foll[s3  7a7 ,op5 meet+s  7#a7 ,9    
g5]al ,! ,bo>d %all be deem$ to be an   
ag5cy = purposes ( section #eeb;b (     
title #e4  7#b7 ,nonpublic collaborative
 discussions  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,not)/&+    
section #eeb;b ( title #e1 a majority ( 
! memb]s may hold a meet+ t is n op5 to 
public obs]vation to discuss (ficial    
ag5cy bus9ess if--  7i7 no =mal or      
in=mal vote or o!r (ficial ag5cy action 
is tak5 at ! meet+2  7ii7 ea* individual
 pres5t at ! meet+ is a memb] or an     
employee ( ! ,bo>d2 &  7iii7 ! ,g5]al   
,c\nsel ( ! ,bo>d is pres5t at ! meet+4 
7,b7 ,disclosure ( nonpublic            
collaborative discussions ,except z     
provid$ "u subp>agraph 7,c71 n lat] ?an 
#b bus9ess days aft] ! conclusion ( a   
meet+ "u subp>agraph 7,a71 ! ,bo>d %all 
make available to ! public1 9 a place   
easily accessible to ! public--  7i7 a  
li/ ( ! individuals pres5t at ! meet+2 &
  7ii7 a summ>y ( ! matt]s discuss$ at !

 meet+1 except = any matt]s ! ,bo>d     
prop]ly det]m9es may be )held f ! public
 "u section #eeb;b7c7 ( title #e4  7,c7 
,summ>y ,if ! ,bo>d prop]ly det]m9es    
matt]s may be )held f ! public "u       
section #eee;b7c7 ( title #e1 ! ,bo>d   
%all provide a summ>y ) z mu* g5]al     
in=mation z possible on ^? matt]s )held 
f ! public4  7,d7 ,ongo+ proce$+s ,if a 
discussion "u subp>agraph 7,a7 directly 
relates to an ongo+ proce$+ be=e !      
,bo>d1 ! ,bo>d %all make ! disclosure "u
 subp>agraph 7,b7 on ! date ( ! f9al    
,bo>d decision4  7,e7 ,pres]vation ( op5
 meet+s requirem5ts = ag5cy action ,no?+
 9 ?is p>agraph may be con/ru$ to limit 
! applicability ( section #eeb;b ( title
 #e ) respect to a meet+ ( ! memb]s o!r 
?an t describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph4  7,f7    
,/atutory con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is       
p>agraph may be con/ru$-- 7i7 to limit !
 applicability ( section #eeb;b ( title 
#e ) respect to any in=mation :i* is    
propos$ to be )held f ! public "u       
subp>agraph 7,b77ii72 or  7ii7 to       

au?orize ! ,bo>d to )hold f any         
individual any record t is accessible to
 t individual "u section #eeb;a ( title 
#e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  4  #f4        
,reports  7a7 ,reports ,section #acjd1 z
 am5d$ by section #c1 is fur!r am5d$--  
7#a7 by /rik+ ! section head+ & ins]t+ !
 foll[+3  #acjd4 ,reports  2  7#b7 by   
ins]t+ 7a7 ,annual report4-- be=e ,!    
,bo>d2  7#c7 by /rik+ on its activities4
 & ins]t+ on its activities1 includ+ ea*
 in/ance 9 :i* ! ,bo>d has initiat$ an  
inve/igation on its own initiative "u   
?is *apt] or subtitle ,,iv42 &  7#d7 by 
add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  7b7 ,rate case 
review metrics  7#a7 ,qu>t]ly reports ,!
 ,bo>d %all po/ a qu>t]ly report ( rail 
rate review cases p5d+ or complet$ by ! 
,bo>d dur+ ! previ\s qu>t] t includes-- 
7,a7 summ>y in=mation ( ! case1 includ+ 
! docket numb]1 case "n1 commodity or   
commodities involv$1 & rate review      
guidel9e or guidel9es us$2  7,b7 ! date 
on :i* ! rate review proce$+ began2     
7,c7 ! date = ! completion ( discov]y2  

7,d7 ! date = ! completion ( ! evid5ti>y
 record2  7,e7 ! date = ! submission (  
clos+ briefs2  7,f7 ! date on :i* !     
,bo>d issu$ ! f9al decision2 &  7,g7 a  
brief summ>y ( ! f9al decision2  7#b7   
,website po/+ ,ea* qu>t]ly report %all  
be po/$ on ! ,bo>d's public website4  4 
7b7 ,compilation ( compla9ts at ,surface
 ,transportation ,bo>d  7#a7 ,9 g5]al   
,section #acjd1 z am5d$ by subsection   
7a71 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end !  
foll[+3  7c7 ,compla9ts  7#a7 ,9 g5]al  
,! ,bo>d %all e/abli% & ma9ta9 a        
database ( compla9ts receiv$ by ! ,bo>d4
  7#b7 ,qu>t]ly reports ,! ,bo>d %all   
po/ a qu>t]ly report ( =mal & in=mal    
s]vice compla9ts receiv$ by ! ,bo>d dur+
 ! previ\s qu>t] t includes--  7,a7 !   
date on :i* ! compla9t 0 receiv$ by !   
,bo>d2  7,b7 a li/ ( ! type ( ea*       
compla9t2  7,c7 ! geographic region (   
ea* compla9t2 &  7,d7 ! resolution ( ea*
 compla9t1 if appropriate4  7#c7 ,writt5
 cons5t ,! qu>t]ly report may id5tify a 
compla9ant t submitt$ an in=mal compla9t

 only ^u ! writt5 cons5t ( ! compla9ant4
  7#d7 ,website po/+ ,ea* qu>t]ly report
 %all be po/$ on ! ,bo>d's public       
website4  4  #g4 ,au?orization (        
appropriations ,section #acje1 z        
r$esignat$ by section #c1 is am5d$ by   
/rik+ p>agraphs 7#a7 ?r\gh 7#c7 & ins]t+
 ! foll[+3  7#a7 #cc1jjj1jjj = fiscal   
ye> #bjaf2  7#b7 #ce1jjj1jjj = fiscal   
ye> #bjag2  7#c7 #ce1ejj1jjj = fiscal   
ye> #bjah2  7#d7 #ce1ejj1jjj = fiscal   
ye> #bjai2 &  7#e7 #cf1jjj1jjj = fiscal 
ye> #bjbj4  4  #h4 ,ag5t 9 ! ,di/rict ( 
,columbia  7a7 ,designation ( ag5t &    
s]vice ( notice ,section #acbc1 z       
r$esignat$ by section #c7;a71 is am5d$--
  7#a7 9 subsection 7a71 by /rik+ 9 !   
,di/rict ( ,columbia12 &  7#b7 9        
subsection 7c71 by /rik+ 9 ! ,di/rict ( 
,columbia4  7b7 ,s]vice ( process 9 c\rt
 proce$+s ,section #acbd7;a71 z         
r$esignat$ by section #c7;a71 is am5d$  
by /rik+ 9 ! ,di/rict ( ,columbia ea*   
place su* phrase appe>s4  #i4 ,dep>tm5t 
( ,transportation ,inspector ,g5]al     

au?ority ,sub*apt] ,,ii ( *apt] #ac1 z  
r$esignat$ by section #c7;a77#b71 is    
am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #acbe1 z   
r$esignat$ by section #c7;a77#f71 !     
foll[+3  #acbf4 ,au?ority ( ! ,inspector
 ,g5]al  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,inspector     
,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,transportation1 
9 accordance ) ! mission ( ! ,inspector 
,g5]al to prev5t & detect fraud & abuse1
 %all h au?ority to review only !       
f9ancial managem5t1 prop]ty managem5t1 &
 bus9ess op]ations ( ! ,surface         
,transportation ,bo>d1 includ+ int]nal  
acc\nt+ & adm9i/rative control sy/ems1  
to det]m9e ! ,bo>d's compliance )       
applicable ,f$]al laws1 rules1 &        
regulations4  7b7 ,duties ,9 c>ry+ out  
?is section1 ! ,inspector ,g5]al %all-- 
7#a7 keep ! ,*airman ( ! ,bo>d1 !       
,committee on ,comm]ce1 ,sci5ce1 &      
,transportation ( ! ,s5ate1 & !         
,committee on ,transportation &         
,infra/ructure ( ! ,h\se (              
,repres5tatives fully & curr5tly in=m$  
ab\t problems relat+ to adm9i/ration ( !

 int]nal acc\nt+ & adm9i/rative control 
sy/ems ( ! ,bo>d2  7#b7 issue f9d+s &   
recomm5dations = actions to address !   
problems ref]r$ to 9 p>agraph 7#a72 &   
7#c7 submit p]iodic reports to !        
,committee on ,comm]ce1 ,sci5ce1 &      
,transportation ( ! ,s5ate1 & !         
,committee on ,transportation &         
,infra/ructure ( ! ,h\se (              
,repres5tatives t describe any progress 
made 9 implem5t+ actions to address !   
problems ref]r$ to 9 p>agraph 7#a74  7c7
 ,access to in=mation ,9 c>ry+ out ?is  
section1 ! ,inspector ,g5]al may ex]cise
 au?orities grant$ to ! ,inspector      
,g5]al "u subsections 7a7 & 7b7 (       
section #f ( ! ,inspector ,g5]al ,act ( 
#aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474  7d7        
,au?orization ( appropriations  7#a7    
,fund+ ,!re are au?oriz$ to be          
appropriat$ to ! ,secret>y (            
,transportation = use by ! ,inspector   
,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,transportation  
su* sums z may be necess>y to cov]      
exp5ses associat$ ) activities pursuant 

to ! au?ority ex]cis$ "u ?is section4   
7#b7 ,reimbursable agreem5t ,9 ! abs5ce 
( an appropriation "u ?is subsection =  
an exp5se ref]r$ to 9 p>agraph 7#a71 !  
,inspector ,g5]al & ! ,bo>d %all h a    
reimbursem5t agreem5t to cov] su*       
exp5se4  4  #aj4 ,am5dm5t to table (    
sections ,! table ( sections = *apt]    
#ac1 z r$esignat$ by section #c7;a71 is 
am5d$ to read z foll[s3  #ac ,surface   
transportation bo>d                     
,i--,e,s,t,a,b,l,i,s,h,m,e,n,t,sec4#acja
4 ,e/abli%m5t ( ,bo>d#acjb4             
,functions4#acjc4 ,adm9i/rative         
provisions4#acjd4 ,reports4#acje4       
,au?orization ( appropriations4#acjf4   
,report+ (ficial                        
action4,,ii--,,adm9i/rative#acba4       
,p[]s4#acbb4 ,bo>d action4#acbc4 ,s]vice
 ( notice 9 ,bo>d proce$+s4#acbd4       
,s]vice ( process 9 c\rt proce$+s4#acbe4
 ,railroad-,%ipp] ,transportation       
,advisory ,c\ncil4#acbf4 ,au?ority ( !  
,inspector ,g5]al4  4  #aa4 ,proc$ures =
 rate cases  7a7 ,simplifi$ proc$ure    

,section #ajgja7;d77#c7 is am5d$ to read
 z foll[s3  7#c7 ,! ,bo>d %all ma9ta9 #a
 or m simplifi$ & exp$it$ me?ods =      
det]m9+ ! reasonabl5ess ( *all5g$ rates 
9 ^? cases 9 :i* a full /&-alone co/    
pres5tation is too co/ly1 giv5 ! value (
 ! case4  4  7b7 ,exp$it$ h&l+2 rate    
review timel9es ,section #ajgjd7;d7 is  
am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ 7d7 ,)9 #i mon?s &
 all t foll[s ?r\gh railroad rates4 &   
ins]t+ ! foll[+3  7d7 7#a7 ,! ,bo>d %all
 ma9ta9 proc$ures to ensure ! exp$iti\s 
h&l+ ( *all5ges to ! reasonabl5ess (    
railroad rates4  2 &  7#b7 by add+ at ! 
end ! foll[+3  7#b7 7,a7 ,except z      
provid$ "u subp>agraph 7,b71 9 a        
/&-alone co/ rate *all5ge1 ! ,bo>d %all 
comply ) ! foll[+ timel9e3  7i7         
,discov]y %all be complet$ n lat] ?an   
#aej days aft] ! date on :i* ! *all5ge  
is initiat$4  7ii7 ,! developm5t ( !    
evid5ti>y record %all be complet$ n lat]
 ?an #aee days aft] ! date on :i*       
discov]y is complet$ "u clause 7i74     
7iii7 ,! clos+ brief %all be submitt$ n 

lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! date on :i* !  
developm5t ( ! evid5ti>y record is      
complet$ "u clause 7ii74  7iv7 ,a f9al  
,bo>d decision %all be issu$ n lat] ?an 
#ahj days aft] ! date on :i* ! evid5ti>y
 record is complet$ "u clause 7ii74     
7,b7 ,! ,bo>d may ext5d a timel9e "u    
subp>agraph 7,a7 aft] a reque/ f any    
p>ty or 9 ! int]e/ ( due process4  4    
7c7 ,proc$ures ,n lat] ?an #ahj days    
aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 !  
,surface ,transportation ,bo>d %all     
initiate a proce$+ to assess proc$ures t
 are available to p>ties 9 litigation   
be=e c\rts to exp$ite su* litigation & !
 pot5tial application ( any su*         
proc$ures to rate cases4  7d7 ,expir$   
rail s]vice contract limitation ,section
 #ajgji is am5d$ by /rik+ subsection    
7h74  #ab4 ,inve/igative au?ority  7a7  
,au?ority ,to initiate inve/igations    
,section #aagja7;a7 is am5d$--  7#a7 by 
/rik+ only on compla9t & ins]t+ on !    
,bo>d's own initiative or ^u receiv+ a  
compla9t pursuant to subsection 7b72 &  

7#b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 ,if !   
,bo>d f9ds a violation ( ?is "p 9 a     
proce$+ br\ght on its own initiative1   
any rem$y f su* proce$+ may only be     
appli$ prospectively44  7b7 ,limitations
 on inve/igations ( ! ,bo>d's initiative
 ,section #aagja1 z am5d$ by subsection 
7a71 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end !  
foll[+3  7d7 ,9 any inve/igation comm5c$
 on ! ,bo>d's own initiative1 ! ,bo>d   
%all--  7#a7 n lat] ?an #cj days aft]   
initiat+ ! inve/igation1 provide writt5 
notice to ! p>ties "u inve/igation1 :i* 
%all /ate ! basis = su* inve/igation2   
7#b7 only inve/igate issues t are (     
national or regional significance2  7#c7
 p]mit ! p>ties "u inve/igation to file 
a writt5 /atem5t describ+ any or all    
facts & circum/ances conc]n+ a matt] :i*
 may be ! subject ( su* inve/igation2   
7#d7 make available to ! p>ties "u      
inve/igation & ,bo>d memb]s-- 7,a7 any  
recomm5dations made z a result ( !      
inve/igation2 &  7,b7 a summ>y ( ! f9d+s
 t support su* recomm5dations2  7#e7 to 

! ext5t practicable1 sep>ate !          
inve/igative & decisionmak+ functions ( 
/aff2  7#f7 dismiss any inve/igation t  
is n conclud$ by ! ,bo>d ) adm9i/rative 
f9ality )9 #a ye> aft] ! date on :i* x 0
 comm5c$2 &  7#g7 n lat] ?an #ij days   
aft] receiv+ ! recomm5dations & summ>y (
 f9d+s "u p>agraph 7#d7--  7,a7 dismiss 
! inve/igation if no fur!r action is    
w>rant$2 or  7,b7 initiate a proce$+ to 
det]m9e if a provision "u ?is "p has be5
 violat$4  7e7 7#a7 ,any p>ties to an   
inve/igation aga9/ :om a violation is   
f\nd z a result ( an inve/igation begun 
on ! ,bo>d's own initiative may1 n lat] 
?an #fj days aft] ! date ( ! ord] ( !   
,bo>d f9d+ su* a violation1 in/itute an 
action 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates c\rt ( appeals 
= ! appropriate judicial circuit = de   
novo review ( su* ord] 9 accordance )   
*apt] #g ( title #e4  7#b7 ,! c\rt--    
7,a7 %all h jurisdiction to ent] a      
judgm5t affirm+1 modify+1 or sett+      
aside1 9 :ole or 9 "p1 ! ord] ( ! ,bo>d2
 &  7,b7 may rem& ! proce$+ to ! ,bo>d =

 su* fur!r action z ! c\rt may direct4  
4  7c7 ,rulemak+s = inve/igations ( !   
,bo>d's initiative ,n lat] ?an #a ye>   
aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 !  
,bo>d %all issue rules1 aft] notice &   
comm5t rulemak+1 = inve/igations comm5c$
 on its own initiative t--  7#a7 comply 
) ! requirem5ts ( section #aagja7;d7 (  
title #di1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$  
by subsection 7b72  7#b7 satisfy due    
process requirem5ts2 &  7#c7 take into  
acc\nt ex p>te con/ra9ts4  #ac4         
,arbitration ( c]ta9 rail rates &       
practices disputes  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] 
#aag is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3
  #aagjh4 ,volunt>y arbitration ( c]ta9 
rail rates & practices disputes  7a7 ,9 
g5]al ,n lat] ?an #a ye> aft] ! date ( !
 enactm5t ( ! ,surface ,transportation  
,bo>d ,reau?orization ,act ( #bjae1 !   
,bo>d %all promulgate regulations to    
e/abli% a volunt>y & b9d+ arbitration   
process to resolve rail rate & practice 
compla9ts subject to ! jurisdiction ( ! 
,bo>d4  7b7 ,cov]$ disputes ,! volunt>y 

& b9d+ arbitration process e/abli%$     
pursuant to subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 %all  
apply to disputes involv+--  7,a7 rates1
 demurrage1 accessorial *>ges1 misr\t+1 
or mi%&l+ ( rail c>s2 or  7,b7 a c>ri]'s
 publi%$ rules & practices z appli$ to  
p>ticul> rail transportation2  7#b7 %all
 n apply to disputes-- 7,a7 to obta9 !  
grant1 d5ial1 /ay1 or revocation ( any  
lic5se1 au?orization1 or exemption2     
7,b7 to prescribe = ! future any        
conduct1 rules1 or results ( g5]al1     
indu/ry-wide applicability2  7,c7 to    
en=ce a labor protective condition2 or  
7,d7 t are solely betwe5 #b or m rail   
c>ri]s2 &  7#c7 %all n prev5t p>ties f  
indep5d5tly seek+ or utiliz+ private    
arbitration s]vices to resolve any      
disputes ! p>ties may h4  7c7           
,arbitration proc$ures  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,!
 ,bo>d-- 7,a7 may make ! volunt>y & b9d+
 arbitration process e/abli%$ pursuant  
to subsection 7a7 available only to !   
relevant p>ties2  7,b7 may make !       
volunt>y & b9d+ arbitration process     

available only-- 7i7 aft] receiv+ !     
writt5 cons5t to arbitrate f all        
relevant p>ties2 &  7ii7 7,i7 aft] !    
fil+ ( a writt5 compla9t2 or  7,,ii7    
?r\gh o!r proc$ures adopt$ by ! ,bo>d 9 
a rulemak+ proce$+2  7,c7 ) respect to  
rate disputes1 may make ! volunt>y &    
b9d+ arbitration process available only 
to ! relevant p>ties if ! rail c>ri] has
 m>ket dom9ance 7z det]m9$ "u section   
#ajgjg72 &  7,d7 may initiate ! volunt>y
 & b9d+ arbitration process n lat] ?an  
#dj days aft] ! date on :i* a writt5    
compla9t is fil$ or ?r\gh o!r proc$ures 
adopt$ by ! ,bo>d 9 a rulemak+ proce$+4 
7#b7 ,limitation ,initiation ( !        
volunt>y & b9d+ arbitration process %all
 preclude ! ,bo>d f sep>ately review+ a 
compla9t or dispute relat$ to ! same    
rail rate or practice 9 a cov]$ dispute 
involv+ ! same p>ties4  7#c7 ,rates ,9  
resolv+ a cov]$ dispute involv+ !       
reasonabl5ess ( a rail c>ri]'s rates1 ! 
arbitrator or panel ( arbitrators1 z    
applicable1 %all consid] ! ,bo>d's      

me?odologies = sett+ maximum lawful     
rates1 giv+ due consid]ation to ! ne$ = 
diff]5tial pric+ to p]mit a rail c>ri]  
to collect adequate rev5ues 7z det]m9$  
"u section #ajgjd7;a77#b774  7d7        
,arbitration decisions ,any decision    
rea*$ 9 an arbitration process "u ?is   
section-- 7#a7 %all be consi/5t ) s\nd  
pr9ciples ( rail regulation economics2  
7#b7 %all be 9 writ+2  7#c7 %all conta9 
f9d+s ( fact & conclusions2  7#d7 %all  
be b9d+ ^u ! p>ties2 &  7#e7 %all n h   
any prec$5tial effect 9 any o!r or      
subsequ5t arbitration dispute4  7e7     
,timel9es  7#a7 ,selection ,an          
arbitrator or panel ( arbitrators %all  
be select$ n lat] ?an #ad days aft] !   
date ( ! ,bo>d's decision to initiate   
arbitration4  7#b7 ,evid5ti>y process ,!
 evid5ti>y process ( ! volunt>y & b9d+  
arbitration process %all be complet$ n  
lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! date on :i* !  
arbitration process is initiat$ unless--
  7,a7 a p>ty reque/s an ext5sion2 &    
7,b7 ! arbitrator or panel (            

arbitrators1 z applicable1 grants su*   
ext5sion reque/4  7#c7 ,decision ,!     
arbitrator or panel ( arbitrators1 z    
applicable1 %all issue a decision n lat]
 ?an #cj days aft] ! date on :i* !      
evid5ti>y record is clos$4  7#d7        
,ext5sions ,! ,bo>d may ext5d any ( !   
timel9es "u ?is subsection ^u ! agreem5t
 ( all p>ties 9 ! dispute4  7f7         
,arbitrators  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,unless     
o!rwise agre$ by all ( ! p>ties1 an     
arbitration "u ?is section %all be      
conduct$ by an arbitrator or panel (    
arbitrators1 :i* %all be select$ f a    
ro/]1 ma9ta9$ by ! ,bo>d1 ( p]sons )    
rail transportation1 economic           
regulation1 pr(essional or bus9ess      
exp]i5ce1 includ+ agriculture1 9 !      
private sector4  7#b7 ,indep5d5ce ,9 an 
arbitration "u ?is section1 !           
arbitrators %all p]=m _! duties )       
dilig5ce1 good fai?1 & 9 a mann]        
consi/5t ) ! requirem5ts ( imp>tiality &
 indep5d5ce4  7#c7 ,selection  7,a7 ,9  
g5]al ,if ! p>ties _c mutually agree on 

an arbitrator1 or ! lead arbitrator ( a 
panel ( arbitrators1 ! p>ties %all      
select ! arbitrator or lead arbitrator f
 ! ro/] by alt]nately /rik+ names f !   
ro/] until only #a "n rema9s meet+ !    
crit]ia set =? 9 p>agraph 7#a74  7,b7   
,panel ( arbitrators ,if ! p>ties agree 
to select a panel ( arbitrators1 in/ead 
( a s+le arbitrator1 ! panel %all be    
select$ "u ?is subsection z foll[s3  7i7
 ,! p>ties to a dispute may mutually    
select #a arbitrator f ! ro/] to s]ve z 
! lead arbitrator ( ! panel (           
arbitrators4  7ii7 ,if ! p>ties _c      
mutually agree on a lead arbitrator1 !  
p>ties %all select a lead arbitrator us+
 ! process describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,a74 
7iii7 ,9 addition to ! lead arbitrator  
select$ "u ?is subp>agraph1 ea* p>ty to 
a dispute %all select #a additional     
arbitrator f ! ro/]1 reg>dless ( :e!r ! 
o!r p>ty /ruck out ! arbitrator's "n "u 
subp>agraph 7,a74  7#d7 ,co/ ,! p>ties  
%all %>e ! co/s incurr$ by ! ,bo>d &    
arbitrators equally1 ) ea* p>ty         

responsible = pay+ its own legal & o!r  
associat$ arbitration co/s4  7g7 ,relief
  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,subject to !           
limitations set =? 9 p>agraphs 7#b7 &   
7#c71 an arbitral decision "u ?is       
section may aw>d ! paym5t ( damages or  
rate prescriptive relief4  7#b7         
,practice disputes ,! damage aw>d =     
practice disputes may n exce$           
#b1jjj1jjj4  7#c7 ,rate disputes  7,a7  
,monet>y limit ,! damage aw>d = rate    
disputes1 includ+ any rate prescription1
 may n exce$ #be1jjj1jjj4  7,b7 ,"t     
limit ,any rate prescription %all be    
limit$ to n long] ?an #e ye>s f ! date (
 ! arbitral decision4  7h7 ,bo>d review 
,if a p>ty appeals a decision "u ?is    
section to ! ,bo>d1 ! ,bo>d may review !
 decision "u ?is section to det]m9e if--
  7#a7 ! decision is consi/5t ) s\nd    
pr9ciples ( rail regulation economics2  
7#b7 a cle> abuse ( arbitral au?ority or
 discretion occurr$2  7#c7 ! decision   
directly contrav5es /atutory au?ority2  
or  7#d7 ! aw>d limitation "u subsection

 7g7 0 violat$4  4  7b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t 
,! table ( cont5ts = *apt] #aag is am5d$
 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  #aagjh4    
,volunt>y arbitration ( c]ta9 rail rates
 & practice disputes4  4  #ad4 ,effect (
 proposals = rates f multiple orig9s &  
de/9ations  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ij
 days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is    
,act1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$   
,/ates %all comm5ce a /udy ( rail       
transportation contract proposals       
conta9+ multiple orig9-to-de/9ation     
movem5ts4  7b7 ,report ,n lat] ?an #a   
ye> aft] comm5c+ ! /udy requir$ "u      
subsection 7a71 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al    
%all submit a report conta9+ ! results (
 ! /udy to--  7#a7 ! ,committee on      
,comm]ce1 ,sci5ce1 & ,transportation ( !
 ,s5ate2 &  7#b7 ! ,committee on        
,transportation & ,infra/ructure ( !    
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4  #ae4 ,reports 
7a7 ,report on rate case me?odology ,n  
lat] ?an #a ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t
 ( ?is ,act1 ! ,surface ,transportation 
,bo>d %all submit a report to !         

congressional committees ref]r$ to 9    
section #ad7;b7 t--  7#a7 indicates :e!r
 curr5t l>ge rate case me?odologies are 
suffici5t1 n unduly complex1 & co/      
effective2  7#b7 indicates :e!r         
alt]native me?odologies exi/1 or c\ld be
 develop$1 to /reaml9e1 exp$ite1 &      
address ! complexity ( l>ge rate cases2 
&  7#c7 only includes alt]native        
me?odologies1 :i* exi/ or c\ld be       
develop$1 t are consi/5t ) s\nd economic
 pr9ciples4  7b7 ,qu>t]ly reports       
,beg9n+ n lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! date 
( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,surface     
,transportation ,bo>d %all submit       
qu>t]ly reports to ! congressional      
committees ref]r$ to 9 section #ad7;b7 t
 describes ! ,surface ,transportation   
,bo>d's progress t[>d address+ ! issues 
rais$ 9 ea* unf9i%$ regulatory proce$+1 
reg>dless ( :e!r ! proce$+ is subject to
 a /atutory or regulatory deadl9e4  #af4
 ,crit]ia ,section #ajgjd7;a77#b7 is    
am5d$ by ins]t+ = ! infra/ructure &     
inve/m5t ne$$ to meet ! pres5t & future 

dem& = rail s]vices & aft] managem5t14  
#ag4 ,con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is ,act may  
be con/ru$ to affect any suit comm5c$ by
 or aga9/ ! ,surface ,transportation    
,bo>d1 or any proce$+ or *all5ge p5d+   
be=e ! ,surface ,transportation ,bo>d1  
be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4    
,may #ba1 #bjae,report$ )\t am5dm5t