[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 1, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF THE TRAIN NOISE AND VIBRATIONS REDUCTION ACT OF 2025

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                        of district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2025

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce the Train Noise and 
Vibrations Reduction Act of 2025, which would direct the Government 
Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a report to Congress containing 
recommendations on how to reduce train noise and vibrations near homes, 
as well as estimates of the costs and benefits of each such 
recommendation. The report would include recommendations regarding 
modifications to trains, tracks and maintenance procedures, speed 
limits, mitigation measures between tracks and homes, the distance 
between tracks and homes, limits on the number of trains and the number 
of cars on trains, limits on hours of operations, building noise 
insulation and modifications to soil conditions. The report would be 
due to Congress no later than one year after the enactment of this 
bill.
  I hear from District of Columbia residents frequently about the 
negative impact of train noise and vibrations on their lives. The noise 
and vibrations can harm health and quality of life and can even damage 
the structural integrity of homes. As a senior member of the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure and as the ranking member of the 
Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, I have been committed to reducing 
transportation noise pollution. I have convened community meetings with 
the Federal Railroad Administration, the D.C. Department of 
Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to examine how to 
reduce train noise and vibrations. A GAO report on reducing train noise 
and vibrations can help us identify viable, long-term solutions for 
communities.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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