The Federal Railway Administration released an outline of the measures it is taking to ensure safety and accountability in the freight-rail industry.
The FRA aims to address safety concerns and foster a culture of safety within the rail industry, according to a May 9 news release. The agency contrasted its efforts to improve national rail safety with Republicans' efforts to slash federal funding for public safety and infrastructure.
“The House GOP plan would slash funding for programs the American people depend on every day — including funding for transportation safety and improving our country's infrastructure,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a May 17 post on Twitter.
Key measures of FRA's plans include issuing safety advisories, implementing stricter penalties for safety violations and conducting a comprehensive safety assessment of Norfolk Southern Railway, the release reported.
Conversely, House Republicans passed legislation to cut discretionary spending by 22%, according to the release. This would reportedly lead to nearly 7,500 fewer rail safety inspection days and more than 30,000 fewer miles of track inspected annually. This equates to nearly enough track to cross the country 10 times.
These changes could lead to the shut down of services at 375 federally staffed and contract air traffic control towers, the release said. The U.S. Department of Transportation is worried about this compromising safety at one-third of U.S. airports.
The DOT proposed a budget allocation of $273.5 million to support railroad safety personnel, enhance inspection and audit capabilities and improve data analysis for identifying the root causes of safety incidents, the release reported. The budget request includes another $760 million to the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program and Railroad Crossing Elimination programs and $59 million for a research and development program for advancing new technologies and practices to enhance railroad safety.
According to House Republicans, every Democrat voted against the bill which passed the House and is now headed for the Senate, according to a May 16 release. Republicans stress the GOP's commitment to infrastructure investment but criticize the budget for its tax increases, claiming they would hinder economic growth and job creation.
The Republicans say they are highlighting the need for responsible spending and assert the GOP will work toward finding common ground to address infrastructure needs while ensuring fiscal responsibility, the release reported.
