Enhanced Safety Requirements for Trains Carrying Hazardous Materials

Floor Speech

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Mr. DELUZIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the fact that when Norfolk Southern's train derailed next to my district-- leaking chemicals, evacuating constituents, and distressing thousands-- the people of western Pennsylvania were mad, and so was I.

That is why my first bill in Congress is to take on the railroads. Today, the gentleman from California (Mr. Khanna) and I introduced the DERAIL Act, which ensures trains carrying hazardous materials are properly classified and have increased safety requirements. It is long overdue, but rail industry lobbyists have fought against it.

This derailment included hazardous materials, but since the train wasn't classified properly, it didn't have stricter safety rules. That is why we need the DERAIL Act.

This bill is for everyone in Beaver County, East Palestine. It is for everyone who has heard about this derailment and thought: ``Could this happen here?'' The terrible reality is yes, it could, but if colleagues from both parties join together, it doesn't have to.

Let's tell the railroads we won't let them recklessly pursue profit and endanger our communities and workers.

I will keep fighting to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for every penny of pain they have caused.

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