Still, Clifford's allegations have stoked a scandal that has led to four Metra board resignations and state ethics investigations. With the resignations, the agency no longer has the minimum number of board members needed to hire a new executive director. On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, asked the Federal Railroad Administration to initiate special oversight of Metra to ensure that the nation's second-largest commuter rail system operates "safely and efficiently while its leadership issues are resolved." Representatives for Metra and the federal rail administration said the agencies will continue to work together during the transition.