Walz Votes in Favor of Rail Safety Legislation

Press Release

Walz Votes in Favor of Rail Safety Legislation

Legislation passed House by vote of 377-38

Washington, Oct 18 - Today, Congressman Walz announced his support of the Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2007 (H.R. 2095) which reauthorizes the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and takes a number of steps to strengthen rail safety. Walz noted that the FRA has not been reauthorized since 1998.

"Rail travel in the United States has changed dramatically since the Federal Railroad Administration was last reauthorized," said Walz. "Economic growth, the need for more effective and efficient public transit, and increasing international trade have all contributed to the increased usage of our nation's railways. We need to ensure that our rail safety efforts keep pace."

Walz said the legislation, which was approved by the House of Representatives by a vote of 377-38, strengthens rail safety by updating the limits on rail workers' hours of service, nearly doubling the number of railroad safety inspectors, requiring new safety technologies on trains, and upgrading safety at rail tracks and crossings.

"This legislation, authored by my friend and fellow Minnesota Representative Jim Oberstar, strengthens hours-of-service rules that protect railroad workers," said Walz. He noted that the FRA estimates nearly 40-percent of railroad accidents are caused by human error, with one in four of those accidents caused by fatigue.

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