To the editor:

I am the Congressman who represents folks in Beaver County, Pennsylvania–just across the border from East Palestine. My constituents, your neighbors, were also hurt by the Norfolk Southern derailment, and they expected me to do all I can to help. 

 That’s why I introduced the House version of the Railway Safety Act. The bill would add requirements for wayside defect detectors, increase fines for railroad wrongdoing, strengthen safety procedures for trains carrying hazardous materials, require at least two-person crews on trains, and more. This measure is supported by the Biden Administration, former President Trump, and Ohio Senators Brown and Vance. It’s also got support from plenty of Republicans and Democrats in the House.  

 Despite this support, many in Congress and the railroad lobby have been opposed–and Congress has done nothing to make freight rail safer. That is unacceptable to me and my constituents, and I bet you agree.  

I want folks in Columbiana County to know this: to make freight rail safer, I stand ready to work with whoever you elect to Congress. I hope that they will join me in the fight to pass the Railway Safety Act, hold Norfolk Southern accountable, and protect communities like ours across America.  

Rep. Chris Deluzio,

(PA-17)