Washington — A group of lawmakers, labor union leaders and local leaders is renewing its push for Congress to pass the bipartisan Rail Safety Act of 2025.
The group, led by Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), hosted a press conference on Feb. 3 – the third anniversary of the 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, OH.
On Feb. 2, three train cars derailed in Stockton, CA (near Garamendi’s district), crashing into a transmission tower and causing a large power outage.
“Three years since the disastrous Norfolk Southern train derailment, we have had our share of almost-serious accidents in our region, including just recently in Stockton,” said Garamendi, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “That’s why this bill is immensely important. We will continue to fight for commonsense and bipartisan reforms to make our train tracks safe. Rail safety is just too important.”
The Rail Safety Act (H.R. 928) – introduced in the House by Rep. Christopher Deluzio (D-PA) on Feb. 4, 2025 – applies to trains carrying hazardous materials. It would direct the Department of Transportation to issue safety regulations that require rail carriers and hazmat shippers to:
- Provide state emergency response commissioners with advance notice and information about the materials being shipped.
- Reduce blocked railroad crossings.
- Comply with requirements regarding train length and weight specifications, track standards, speed restrictions, and response plans.
The legislation, which has five Republican and four Democratic co-sponsors, also would direct DOT to update rail car inspection regulations and audit federal inspection programs, in addition to requiring freight trains to have at least two crew members (with some exceptions) and expanding training for local first responders.
On the same day the bill was introduced, it was referred to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, along with the Science, Space and Technology Committee. No action has been taken by either committee.
