It succeeded the Committee on the Pacific Railroad on March 12, 1873.
The committee reviewed legislation and matters related to railroad transportation on the United States.
The committee existed until April 8, 1921, when it was abolished due to inactivity.
The United States Senate Committee on Interstate Commerce, in particular, focused on regulating railroad rates and assuring safety of railroad passengers and crews.
[1] While it no longer formerly exists as a standing committee, the Senate still conducts oversight over the railroad industry through the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and its Surface Transportation and United Interstate Commerce subcommittees.