Congressman Cohen Speaks in Support of the Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member and Mr. Shuster for doing such a wonderful job on this bill. The chairman is passionate about this issue, and the American people are fortunate to have people in the Chair's position who are knowledgeable and passionate about the subject matter.

I rise today in support of the H.R. 2095, the Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this legislation which would reorganize the Federal Railroad Administration as the Federal Railroad Safety Administration, and requires the Secretary of Transportation to develop a long-term strategy for reducing the number and rates of accidents, injuries, and fatalities involving railroads. It is not just linguistics; it is action and direction.

The city of Memphis, which lies along the Tennessee border at the juncture of Mississippi and Arkansas, is a major hub for the railroad industry. The city ranks third nationally in the number of class 1 railroads. According to the Memphis Regional Chamber, 220 trains pass through Memphis every day. Between January and July of 2007, there were 36 rail accidents in Shelby County, two of which were fatal. Consequently, railroad safety is critically important to my district.

I was pleased that this Congress passed and enacted H.R. 1401, the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act, which was designed to enhance the security of our railroad transportation systems. The bill also adopted an amendment I introduced which called on the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Homeland Security Secretary, to work to minimize the hazards of toxic inhalation hazardous material.

This legislation we vote on today goes further by focusing on rail safety for passengers, pedestrians and train workers. The bill changes the hours of service rules for railroad workers and includes measures to improve areas where railroad tracks cross roads. This happens too frequently in Memphis, particularly in the university district.

In response to inspection personnel shortages, the measure requires the Department of Transportation to increase the number of Federal Railroad Safety Administration safety inspections and enforcement personnel, setting targets that are reachable and good for the public. I urge all Members to support passage of the bill and I yield back the balance of my time. Thank you.