Duffy Bill Helps First Responders "CROS" the Tracks

Press Release

As part of his First 5 for 15 © legislative package, U.S. Representative Sean Duffy (WI-07) introduced, H.R. 354, the Certifying Rail Operator Safety (CROS) Act, a bill to require railroad companies that block railroad crossings due to employee shift change to pay a $10,000 per hour penalty.

The legislation spawned from several reports of trains blocking crossings, including those in the 7th District, because -- according to company claims - despite being in the middle of a crossing, the conductors had reached the maximum number of operating hours allowed under Federal law.

Rep. Duffy offered, "Bottom line, this is a safety issue. Abandoning a train for, at times, as many as twenty-four hours has impeded emergency services and hampered businesses near the railroad.

"The fine is seemingly steep, but it will not take much for the rail companies to steer clear of it. Both a sophisticated rail system and simple math can prevent these trains from standing at a crossroad with our rural communities.

"This change will force railroad companies to become more efficient, and should also help them -- and nearby communities and businesses - maintain effectiveness."

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