Can you believe it's been a whole year since that Norfolk Southern freight train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio? Well, here's the kicker – Congress hasn't done squat to make railroads safer, according to Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.).
Deluzio is all in on the Railway Safety Act, a bipartisan bill he introduced almost a year ago, but it's been stuck in limbo. He suspects rail companies are throwing their weight around in Congress to protect their profits, leaving safety on the backburner.
The bill, supported by big names from both parties and even the Biden administration, aims to bring in new safety measures for the rail industry. But despite warnings from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and others, Congress seems to be dragging its feet.
No clear timeline on when the Senate will take it up, but it's supposedly a priority. Classic Congress, right?
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Congressional Inaction: Congress has failed to address railway safety concerns, as pointed out by Rep. Chris Deluzio, who claims that no substantial actions have been taken despite the Norfolk Southern incident in Ohio.
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Stalled Railway Safety Act: Deluzio's bipartisan Railway Safety Act, supported by key figures and even the Biden administration, has been stuck in the House for nearly a year, only recently gaining attention in the Senate after delays in committee.
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Influence of Rail Companies: Deluzio alleges that powerful rail companies are persuading Congress to prioritize their profits over safety measures, causing a standstill in advancing the Railway Safety Act.
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Accusations Against Norfolk Southern: Democrats accuse Norfolk Southern of favoring financial gains over safety, citing a significant $18 billion payout to shareholders between 2018 and 2023.
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Obstacles to Safety Measures: Deluzio's bill, designed to improve safety in the rail industry, faces resistance from the railroad lobby, delaying essential safety changes such as stricter rules, higher fines, and improved safety procedures. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is hindered in his safety efforts without Congressional support.
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