May 10, 2023

Rep. Sykes: It’s Time To Pass the RAIL Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13) issued the following statement after the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation voted to pass the Railway Safety Act out of committee. In March, Rep. Sykes, along with Rep. Bill Johnson (OH-06), introduced the Reducing Accidents In Locomotives (RAIL) Act, similar legislation that would improve railway safety, protect our communities, and hold negligent railroad corporations accountable.

Americans across the political spectrum, including the former president and the Biden-Harris Administration, all agree — we must pass commonsense rail safety legislation to prevent future train derailments and keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Sykes. “I am glad to see a bipartisan rail safety bill progressing through the Senate, and the House must do the same. Ohio Democrats and Republicans came together to introduce the bipartisan RAIL Act, now it’s time for the House Republican majority to pass the RAIL Act to protect Ohioans and communities across the country.”

11 members of the Ohio delegation are original co-sponsors of the RAIL Act, including Reps. Max Miller (OH-07), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Troy Balderson (OH-12), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Mike Carey (OH-15), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Dave Joyce (OH-14), Shontel Brown (OH-11), and Mike Turner (OH-10). Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine also supports the RAIL Act.