[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 193 (Monday, November 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF THE PROTECTING HOMES FROM TRAINS ACT OF 2025

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 17, 2025

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce the Protecting Homes from 
Trains Act of 2025, which would establish a grant program for the 
design and construction of barriers to mitigate rail activity that can 
harm homes and their occupants, including derailments, noise and 
vibrations. District of Columbia residents frequently tell me about the 
negative impact of train noise and vibrations on their lives. Train 
noise and vibrations can harm health and quality of life and can even 
harm the structural integrity of homes.
  As a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and 
as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, I 
have been working to reduce train noise and vibrations. I have convened 
community meetings with the Federal Railroad Administration, the 
District of Columbia Department of Transportation and the Federal 
Highway Administration. I established the Congressional Quiet Rails 
Caucus. I introduced a bill directing the Government Accountability 
Office (GAO) to conduct a study on how to reduce train noise and 
vibrations near homes. I separately requested GAO to conduct that 
study, which it has agreed to do.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

                          ____________________