Everything old is new again

Washington - Two Wisconsin lawmakers are taking on the railroad industry, saying a lack of competition on the nation's railways has led to unfair shipping rates that are driving up costs for consumers.

And their legislation to eliminate the railroad industry's exemption from antitrust laws is gaining momentum in the House and Senate.

On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee approved a bill by Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Madison) that would eliminate the antitrust exemptions given to railroad companies for collective ratemaking agreements.

Fighting Bob LaFollette made an issue of that, too, if I’m remembering right.