(LibertySociety.com) – An effort to improve railway safety has become a top priority for a bipartisan group of lawmakers after the devastating train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, resulting in the release of toxic chemicals into the air and water. Now, the legislation has received a stamp of approval from former President Donald Trump, who touted the legislation in a post on Truth Social. Blasting the Biden administration, including Department of Transportation Secretary Buttigieg for their slow response to the tragedy, he said, “But that’s ok — our movement will be their voice, and we will NEVER forget them.”
Senator J.D. Vance shared the post from former President Trump on Twitter, expressing his excitement for his endorsement and eagerness to get it passed in the Senate. He also stated that “it’s time to ignore the chamber of commerce lobby,” indicating that there has been pushback. The legislation is endorsed by SMART-TD, which is the largest rail union in the United States. The President of the union called on Congress back in March 2023 to approve the legislation quickly. The new bill is co-sponsored by an equal number of lawmakers from both parties, including Vance of Ohio, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Marco Rubio of Florida, as well as Democrat Senators John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania.
Breitbart News previously highlighted the features of the bill, which include the reclassification of hazardous materials in railcars, prompt DOT inspections and audits, the implementation of bearing defect detectors every ten miles, an increase in fines for noncompliant rail companies by the DOT, and money for first responders to be trained on how to handle future derailments involving hazardous materials.
Norfolk Southern is facing a lawsuit from the AG of Ohio, who aims to force the company to pay for the aftermath of the derailment.
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