East Palestine Railroad Crisis

Floor Speech

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Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, more than 1 year ago, the people of East Palestine, Ohio, faced a crisis that shook their community to its core, caused by a train derailment. The Norfolk Southern train derailment unleashed a torrent of toxic chemicals, leaving a trail of uncertainty and toxic clouds of environmental fear in its wake.

Today, we stand here not just to acknowledge the pain of the past, but to act for the future. Alongside my Ohio colleague, David Joyce, we recently introduced the bipartisan East Palestine Health Impact Monitoring Act of 2024. It is about ensuring that the voices of the affected communities are heard and that their concerns are addressed.

By authorizing funding for a comprehensive study of the long-term health impacts, we commit to understanding the full extent of the damage caused and providing necessary support for recovery.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join us in this crucial bipartisan and bicameral endeavor. Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to the well-being of all Americans, and let us ensure that no community is left behind.

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