In June 1906 Congress passed the Hepburn Act as part of President Theodore Roosevelt’s campaign against monopolies. In particular, Roosevelt wanted to regulate the railroads. The Hepburn Act increased the number of members of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) from five to seven. The act gave the ICC the authority to set and oversee maximum railroad shipping rates. The act extended the commission’s jurisdiction to include express and sleeping car companies, oil pipelines, ferries, terminal facilities, and bridges. The Hepburn Act also prohibited railroad companies from shipping commodities made by themselves or companies in which the railroad held the controlling interest. In addition, the act eliminated the discounts or free passes that railroads could offer in an attempt to eliminate competition. Railroads could appeal the established rates. The ICC continues to have the authority to control shipping rates.
