The Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security will hold a hearing entitled “Technologies Transforming Transportation: Is the Government Keeping Up?” on Tuesday, July 7, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. (time changed from 10:00 a.m.).

This hearing will focus on innovative technologies that improve the safety and efficiency of our nation's transportation network, particularly the movement of goods through the supply chain. Witnesses will provide an overview of the development and implementation of new technologies within their businesses, discuss opportunities and challenges for continued innovation, and examine ways in which the federal government can facilitate innovation, including through the removal of unnecessary statutory or regulatory impediments.

"How technology integrates with our railroads, trucks, pipelines, and ports will have a major impact on safety, efficiency, and reliability,” said U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), the subcommittee chairman. "This hearing is an important opportunity to highlight America's leadership and review how the federal government can better keep up with new technological developments. I'm excited to hear from several major stakeholders who are advancing innovative solutions in transportation."

“In order to remain globally competitive, it is vital that we invest in our transportation infrastructure and advanced developing technologies. Staying on the cutting edge of the latest transportation technologies is critical to our nation’s capacity to transport goods, grow our economy, and improve safety,” said U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), the subcommittee ranking member. “ I am pleased to join Chairwoman Fischer to hold this hearing and discuss ways innovative technologies can help the federal government strengthen the safety and efficiency of our transportation network.”

Witnesses:

• Ms. Susan Alt, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Volvo Group North America (WATCH: the witness will provide testimony on automation and sensors used by Volvo, as shown in this video and this video)
• Mr. Paul E. Misener, Vice President of Global Public Policy, Amazon (WATCH: the witness will provide testimony on robot technology used by Amazon, as shown in this video)
• Mr. Gregory C. Fox, Executive Vice President, Operations, BNSF Railway (WATCH: the witness will provide testimony on innovative technologies used by BNSF, including those demonstrated in  this video
• Mr. Michael R. Christensen,Senior Executive Lead, Supply Chain Optimization, Port of Long Beach (WATCH: the witness will provide testimony on the innovative Middle Harbor project at the Port of Long Beach, as demonstrated in this video)

Hearing Details:

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

**1:30 p.m. (time changed from 10:00 a.m.)**

Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security hearing

This hearing will take place in Senate Russell Office Building, Room 253. Witness testimony, opening statements, and a live video of the hearing will be available on this page.

For reporters interested in reserving a seat, please contact the press gallery:

• Periodical Press Gallery – 202-224-0265

• Radio/Television Gallery – 202-224-6421

• Press Photographers Gallery – 202-224-6548

• Daily Press Gallery – 202-224-0241

Individuals with disabilities who require an auxiliary aid or service, including closed captioning service for the webcast hearing, should contact Stephanie Gamache at 202-224-5511 at least three business days in advance of the hearing date.