SMART-TD Celebrates Historic Victory

for Rail Safety Reforms

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers - Transportation Division (SMART-TD) today celebrated a historic victory for railroad workers, first responders, communities, and the future stability of America's supply chain after the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee voted to include key Railway Safety Act (RSA) provisions in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill (H.R. 8870).

With today's committee action, the most significant rail safety reforms in generations are now positioned to move before the full House and Senate for an up-or-down vote by the elected representatives of the American people. The amendment passed with overwhelming bipartisan support 54-11. Led by Congressman Troy Nehls and his fellow Representatives Bresnahan and Van Drew who co-sponsored the RSA Amendment. Twenty other Republicans joined in voting in favor of this critical legislation, while Representatives Titus, Larsen, Deluzio, (Democratic co-sponsors) and all 31 Democrats on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee supported our highest legislative priority.

"This is a monumental day for railroaders and working Americans," said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. "For years, rail labor has fought to force Congress to confront the dangerous consequences of Wall Street-driven railroad policies. Today, despite relentless opposition from the railroad lobby and the Association of American Railroads, the will of the American people broke through."

The Railway Safety Act movement was born from tragedy following the February 2023 Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. This disaster exposed the catastrophic consequences of deregulation, Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR), workforce reductions, and corporate cost-cutting measures that prioritized profit margins over safety.

SMART-TD recognized then-Senator J.D. Vance and Senator Sherrod Brown for laying the bipartisan foundation for this moment through their leadership in crafting the original Railway Safety Act legislation in 2023 and 2024.

"Since East Palestine, there has been a clear bipartisan appetite in both chambers of Congress to pass meaningful rail safety reform," Ferguson said. "But time and again, the railroad lobby and the AAR used their enormous influence, lobbying power, and dark money to pressure committee chairs and congressional leadership to keep these bills from ever receiving fair votes."

"Today, through bipartisan cooperation and the relentless work of SMART-TD's Safety and Legislative Department, the American worker finally broke through those barriers."

The legislation includes sweeping reforms strongly supported by SMART-TD and rail labor, including:

• Federal two-person crew (2-PC) requirements on freight trains;
• Stronger regulations governing hazardous materials transportation;
• Enhanced inspection protections and defect detector standards;
• Increased accountability and penalties for safety violations;
• Long train safety reviews and operational safeguards;
• Expanded emergency response preparedness requirements.

SMART-TD also acknowledged the support provided by both the Trump and Biden Administrations throughout the broader national rail safety movement following East Palestine.

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