[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 38 (Tuesday, February 28, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  ENHANCED SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAINS CARRYING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

  (Mr. DELUZIO asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DELUZIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the fact 
that when Norfolk Southern's train derailed next to my district--
leaking chemicals, evacuating constituents, and distressing thousands--
the people of western Pennsylvania were mad, and so was I.
  That is why my first bill in Congress is to take on the railroads. 
Today, the gentleman from California (Mr. Khanna) and I introduced the 
DERAIL Act, which ensures trains carrying hazardous materials are 
properly classified and have increased safety requirements. It is long 
overdue, but rail industry lobbyists have fought against it.
  This derailment included hazardous materials, but since the train 
wasn't classified properly, it didn't have stricter safety rules. That 
is why we need the DERAIL Act.
  This bill is for everyone in Beaver County, East Palestine. It is for 
everyone who has heard about this derailment and thought: ``Could this 
happen here?'' The terrible reality is yes, it could, but if colleagues 
from both parties join together, it doesn't have to.
  Let's tell the railroads we won't let them recklessly pursue profit 
and endanger our communities and workers.
  I will keep fighting to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for every 
penny of pain they have caused.

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