[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 130 (Thursday, July 27, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRAIN DERAILMENT IN WHITE MARSH

  (Ms. DEAN of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DEAN of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last week another train 
derailment alarmed a Pennsylvania community. This time 15 CSX cars 
derailed in Whitemarsh Township in the heart of my district. 
Fortunately, no one was hurt and there was no environmental harm. 
Authorities believe it was due to a sinkhole after the area endured 
major flooding in the days before.
  Whitemarsh is just another example of a train derailment, two in 
Pennsylvania this year, and, of course, the disaster in neighboring 
East Palestine, Ohio. This is a growing and alarming trend that cannot 
be overlooked.
  These are different scenarios, but whether it is a repercussion of 
improper oversight or a consequence of growing climate crises, we must 
meet this moment.
  Whether it is a sinkhole or overheated wheels, we must do better at 
monitoring freight trains and their rails because we rely upon our 
rails to feed us, heat and cool our homes, and bring other necessities. 
Many of these freight trains carry hazardous chemicals. These trains 
run through Pennsylvania neighborhoods directly threatening the safety 
of our residents.
  In the face of this climate crisis, re-imagining and investing in 
America is what we must do. Investing in our infrastructure is vital, 
and that is exactly what we are doing. Freight trains are essential to 
our Nation and should never be a threat to our communities.

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