Like a lot of Minnesotans, Representative Jim Oberstar can't understand why there isn't going to be a public NTSB hearing on the collapse of the 35W bridge. Just like confidence in the Minnesota Department of Transportation has been spiraling down since the August disaster, confidence in the NTSB has been declining as rumors and conspiracy theories multiply. Simply put, if there isn't a transparent public hearing, the public is not going to believe the report on the cause of the collapse.

Earlier this year the NTSB board voted 3 to 2 not to hold a hearing based on staff recommendations that a hearing would delay the report. Rep. Oberstar, who chairs the House committee that recommends funds for the National Transportation Safety Board, told NTSB Chair Mark Rosenker that he values accuracy and transparency over a speedy report.