Finally, the act loosened restrictions on railway pooling and railroad acquisitions, even directing the ICC to lead an initiative to consolidate the railroads into fewer, stronger systems. googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; In 1887, Congress passed the Interstate Commerce Act, making the railroads the first industry subject to federal regulation. use Times New Roman font size 12 pt United States. Surface Transportation Board (STB), which reviews mergers and acquisitions, rail line abandonments and railroad corporate filings. Looking back, however, it is striking to see the degree of bipartisan consensus on the need to develop practical tools for managing the administrative state. Congress therefore felt that the special court had exceeded its jurisdiction. Support your claim with specific data presented by the candidates. Initially states had tried to combat these unscrupulous business practices by enacting their own railroad laws. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [10] The enlarged process led to a major increase in ICC staff, and the valuations continued for almost 20 years. In 1887, the United States Congress passed the Interstate Commerce Act. In the years following the Civil War, railroads were privately owned and entirely unregulated. 2023