WASHINGTON, D.C., May 21, 2026 — The IAM Union today applauded the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for passing an amendment to include the Railway Safety Act (RSA) in the BUILD America 250 Act, marking a major step forward in the fight to strengthen freight rail safety protections for railroad workers and communities nationwide.
For years, the IAM Union, Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) and rail labor unions have warned lawmakers and regulators about deteriorating safety conditions caused by aggressive cost-cutting, understaffing, longer trains, and unsafe operating practices imposed by Class I freight railroad carriers. Those concerns were sadly confirmed on Feb. 3, 2023 when a Norfolk Southern train derailed in the small town of East Palestine, Ohio, and tank cars loaded with toxic chemicals were set aflame, polluting the area for many miles.
The legislation advances long-overdue reforms aimed at protecting railroad workers, first responders, and the tens of millions of Americans living near freight rail corridors, just like the residents of East Palestine.
The Railway Safety Act amendment includes provisions that:
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Require railroads to properly use wayside defect detectors and stop trains when dangerous defects are identified
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Prohibits arbitrary railroad-imposed time limits on rail safety inspections
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Closes loopholes in regulations to promote and protect the use of qualified mechanical inspectors in performing critical safety inspections
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Expands enhanced safety requirements for hazardous materials shipments
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Requires two-person crews on most Class I freight trains, including those carrying hazardous materials
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Improves emergency response information and resources for communities and first responders
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Strengthens federal freight rail safety oversight and accountability measures
The unions also thanked U.S. Reps. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), and Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio) for leading the bipartisan amendment effort in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
The IAM Union and TCU/IAM recognized the Trump Administration for making rail safety legislation a priority and Vice President JD Vance for introducing and championing the Railway Safety Act while serving in the United States Senate following the East Palestine derailment disaster.
“Today’s committee vote is a major victory for railroad workers and communities that have spent years demanding action while Class I rail carriers prioritized profits over safety,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Our members know firsthand the dangers created by rushed inspections, reduced staffing and unsafe operating practices. This legislation represents meaningful progress toward finally putting safety first across the freight rail industry.”
“This legislation reflects years of advocacy from frontline railroad workers who have continued sounding the alarm about dangerous conditions across the industry,” said TCU/IAM National President Matt Hollis. “Railroaders deserve the staffing levels, inspection protections and safety standards necessary to safely operate the nation’s freight rail network.”
“For too long, freight rail carriers have pushed unsafe operating models that place enormous pressure on workers while putting communities at risk,” said Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division. “This legislation addresses many of the systemic safety failures rail labor has warned about for years.”
“Railroad workers have fought tirelessly for these protections because they understand what is at stake every day on the job,” said IAM District 19 President and Directing General Chair Reece Murtagh. “This committee vote sends a strong message that Congress is finally listening to the workers who keep this industry moving.”
The IAM Union and TCU/IAM urged Congress to continue advancing the Railway Safety Act through the legislative process and called on lawmakers in both parties to support final passage.
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.
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