The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“RESPONDING TO RAIL-BASED INCIDENTS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H8965 on Nov. 19, 2019.
The Department handles nearly all infrastructure crisscrossing the country. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department should be privatized to save money, reduce congestion and spur innovation.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RESPONDING TO RAIL-BASED INCIDENTS
(Mr. HIGGINS of New York asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, last weekend, a train derailed in Niagara Falls, New York, tossing several cars filled with butane on their side within yards of neighborhoods, residences, and local restaurants.
The Niagara Falls Fire Department and Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station responded quickly and, fortunately, this time, the emergency didn't rise to the level of placing the community in great danger.
According to the United States Department of Transportation, over 1,300 train derailments took place in 2018 alone, leaving no doubt that situations like this will occur again.
That is why I have introduced, along with Congresswoman Herrera Beutler, the Fire Department Proper Response and Equipment Prioritization Act. This bipartisan legislation ensures that our brave first responders have access to Federal grants that support the specialized training and equipment necessary to respond to rail-based incidents, making the safety of our communities a priority.
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