United States Senate Committee on Railroads facts for kids

The Senate Committee on Railroads was a special group in the United States Senate that no longer exists today. It was created on March 12, 1873, to take over from an earlier committee called the Committee on the Pacific Railroad.

This committee's main job was to look at new laws and other important issues related to railroad transportation across the United States. It helped make sure trains and tracks were working well and safely.

The committee continued its work until April 8, 1921, when it was closed down because it wasn't very active anymore. Over time, other Senate committees started handling railroad matters. For example, the United States Senate Committee on Interstate Commerce began focusing on things like how much railroads could charge and making sure passengers and workers were safe.

Another separate group, the Committee on Pacific Railroads, also existed from 1893 to 1921. This group specifically looked into the money situation of the Union Pacific Railroad.

Even though the original Senate Committee on Railroads is gone, the Senate still keeps an eye on the railroad industry. Today, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and its smaller groups (called subcommittees) handle this important work.

Leaders of the Railroad Committee

Many different people led the Senate Committee on Railroads during its time. These leaders, called chairmen, helped guide the committee's work on railroad laws and issues. They were important in shaping how railroads operated in the United States for many years.