[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 110 (Friday, July 30, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1704]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF THE FEDERAL RAILROAD SAFETY ENHANCEMENT ACT

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                           HON. RONNIE SHOWS

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 30, 1999

  Mr. SHOWS. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Federal Railroad 
Safety Enhancement Act of 1999. This bill is unique in two ways: it is 
premised on zero tolerance for railroad accidents and injuries, and it 
is supportedly by all of rail labor.
  Railway accidents have caused people in my district to suffer 
tragically. Several approaches to rail safety will be considered and it 
is important that the voices of all concerned parties be heard. The 
Federal Railroad Safety Enhancement Act is an approach that has been 
crafted by a coordinated effort of the many unions representing railway 
workers. We must pay heed to the workers who operate and maintain our 
rail system, just as we must pay heed to rail management and federal 
authorities that oversee our railways. We must keep an open mind as we 
examine all proposals so that we can pass legislation that best address 
this urgent matter.
  Mr. Speaker, over the past few years, the railroad industry has 
achieved a reduction in the number of fatalities and in the number of 
certain types of accidents, such as collisions and grad-crossing 
accidents. But the number of derailments and employee fatalities has 
remained almost unchanged, and some key safety issues have not been 
adequately addressed.
  For example, it is clear that in rail transportation, as in other 
modes of transportation, tired workers with insufficient rest present 
serious safety and health problems that must be addressed. While some 
individual rail unions continue to evaluate this issue in craft-
specific needs, we do know with respect to hours of service and fatigue 
management that there are a number of loopholes in current regulations 
that must be closed, and updates that must be made, to the current 
regime.
  Mr. Speaker, whether it is these issues or others such as 
certification, van crew safety, passenger safety service standards, 
etc., the fact of the matter is that current rail laws do not 
adequately address rail safety.
  The bill I am introducing today is one approach that would go a long 
way in achieving new levels of safety in the rail industry. We must 
carefully consider all approaches to rail safety, but if the ``Federal 
Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 1999'' is the most we can do at this 
time to reach that goal, then it is the very least we must do.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge members to join in support of this important 
piece of legislation.

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