All articles tagged with #rail safety bill
President Joe Biden visited East Palestine, Ohio for the first time, announcing research grants for studying the health impacts of a 2023 train derailment that released toxic chemicals. Residents have expressed concerns about the long-term effects and called for federal assistance. Biden also voiced support for a rail safety bill aimed at improving railroad accident prevention and response measures.
A bipartisan rail safety bill aimed at responding to a toxic spill in Ohio is facing opposition within the Republican Party, threatening its chances of passing in the Senate. The bill, sponsored by Republican Senator J.D. Vance, is two votes short of the 60 needed for passage and lacks support from GOP leaders. The divide reflects the party's realignment, with former President Donald Trump supporting the bill while other Republicans view its regulations as excessive. The bill's fate remains uncertain, with concerns that it could be filibustered or quietly shelved by the party.
A coalition of conservative groups is opposing a bipartisan rail safety bill introduced by lawmakers after a freight train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in Ohio in February. The Railway Safety Act of 2023 aims to set new safety requirements and procedures for trains carrying hazardous materials, strengthen inspection standards, and increase fines for safety violations. The conservative groups argue that the bill would create inefficiencies for businesses and give the Transportation Department too much authority. However, several advocacy groups and President Biden have expressed support for the bill.