Oberstar tells NTSB they should hold public hearing
Like this?
Log in to share your opinion with MPR News and add it to your profile.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
![Rep. Jim Oberstar](https://img.apmcdn.org/3112076b7fba4ffd4ddd464822bd5a1a0a766268/uncropped/869b3e-20070102-oberstar.jpg)
Oberstar wrote NTSB board chair Mark Rosenker that by not holding a public hearing into the bridge collapse, the agency "appears to dismiss citizen concerns as not worthy of serious consideration."
The board voted 3 to 2 against a hearing, in part, because of NTSB staff's concern that the political debate surrounding the disaster.
The Congressman wrote Rosenker that he learned of this rationale from reporters, even though the two spoke on Tuesday. Oberstar told Rosenker he should have been fully candid with him.
According to Oberstar, a public hearing into the bridge collapse would help educate the country about the safety of bridges and could demonstrate to the NTSB board that other theories about its cause should be considered.
Support the News you Need
Gifts from individuals keep MPR News accessible to all - free of paywalls and barriers.