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.
“IN RECOGNITION OF RAIL SAFETY MONTH AND RAIL SAFETY WEEK” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1178 on Sept. 7, 2017.
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:
IN RECOGNITION OF RAIL SAFETY MONTH AND RAIL SAFETY WEEK
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HON. DORIS O. MATSUI
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as Rail Safety Month and September 24-30, 2017 as Rail Safety week, and to commend the efforts being made across our country to improve railroad crossing safety.
An accident involving a train occurs every 3 hours in the United States and California ranks No. 1 in the nation in both trespassing and grade crossing deaths. Last year in California there were a total of 148 highway grade-crossing incidents, including 98 trespasser fatalities and 32 highway-rail crossing fatalities, all of which could have been avoided if both trespassers and drivers were taking the necessary safety precautions. There are more than 10,000 highway rail-
grade crossings located within 52 counties and more than 400 cities in California to service the BNSF Railway, Union Pacific Railroad, other freight trains, and Amtrak passenger trains running through California.
September is historically back to school month for most children and college students. Many must cross railroad tracks to attend school and it is important to reinforce rail safety with both children and their caretakers. California Operation Lifesaver, the Federal Rail Administration, the California Department of Transportation, the California Public Utilities Commission and freight and passenger railroads are working together to improve railroad safety and educate children and adults about the dangers of not obeying the signs and signals around railroad property. The ``See Tracks? Think Train'' campaign by Operation Lifesaver and its federal partners aims to help reduce pedestrian and driver injuries and fatahties around railroad tracks by highlighting behaviors that put people at risk, and by conducting on-the-ground law enforcement trainings, safety presentations, and public awareness activities. Railroad operators, motor vehicle operators, and pedestrians will benefit from a combined effort by local, state, Federal, industry, and citizen efforts to promote safety around railroad tracks and crossings.
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize September as Rail Safety Month and September 24-30, 2017 as Rail Safety week. I ask all my colleagues to join me in commending efforts being made to improve railroad crossing safety.
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