U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell, Jon Husted, Amy Klobuchar, Eric Schmitt, Tammy Baldwin, Roger Marshall, John Fetterman, and Bernie Moreno have reintroduced the Bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2026. The legislation aims to address rail safety concerns that arose after the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio three years ago.
Senator Cantwell stated: “The Railway Safety Act will make communities across the country safer. It has been over three years since the Norfolk Southern derailment disaster in East Palestine, Ohio, and it is past time for Congress to act. Our bill requires railroads to deploy technology that could have prevented the East Palestine derailment, holds large railroad companies accountable through stiffer fines and ensures that trains carrying hazardous materials are held to a higher safety standard.”
Senator Husted commented: “Three years ago, many Ohioans understandably lost faith in the safety and reliability of our nation’s railways after the accident in East Palestine, Ohio. Since then, we have learned valuable lessons about the necessity of extensive consultation with the rail industry, emergency responders and local communities. By using a balanced, data-driven approach to advancing rail safety, my bill would protect Ohio’s communities while supporting the freight rail industry across the country.”
The proposed legislation incorporates recommendations from federal investigations and seeks to mandate defect detectors on trains at shorter intervals than current requirements. It also expands regulations on hazardous material transport by rail and increases penalties for violations up to $10 million.
Additional provisions include requiring two-person crews on trains and ensuring proper inspection standards for railcars. The Department of Transportation would be able to reimburse first responders for costs incurred during major derailments.
East Palestine resident Misti Allison said: “The reintroduction of the Railway Safety Act is a critical and welcome step forward. Communities like mine know firsthand that rail safety is not a political issue. It is a public safety, environmental, and public health issue. When a train derails, it’s not just tracks and cargo that are affected but our air, water, soil, and the long-term health of families. We owe it to communities like East Palestine and to towns across this country to strengthen oversight, increase accountability, and ensure disasters like this never happen again.”
Greg Regan of the Transportation Trades Department AFL-CIO stated: "As America's largest transportation labor federation... It's unacceptable that communities across the country have endured more than 3,100 derailments since the 2023 toxic Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine... Rail workers and communities living near railroad tracks deserve... commonsense reforms..."
Clarence E. Anthony from National League of Cities added: “When rail safety falls short and a train derails... Americans with rail in their communities should not have to worry if they will be the site of the next rail disaster…”
Matthew Chase from National Association of Counties said: “Counties across America are essential partners in enhancing... freight rail infrastructure… The Railway Safety Act of 2026 takes critical steps to enhance rail safety… Counties urge Congress to swiftly pass this legislation on a bipartisan basis..."
Other supporters include leaders from several transportation unions who emphasized stronger inspections by skilled personnel as vital for public safety.
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee—which reviews such legislation—plays an ongoing role in shaping national policy related to commerce and transportation matters according to its official website. The committee includes members from both parties led by its chairman or ranking member here.
The original version of this bill was introduced following immediate congressional inquiries into hazardous materials practices after high-profile incidents involving major U.S. railway operators.
Supporters argue these reforms are necessary given thousands of derailments since 2023; they call for Congress's swift passage before another serious incident occurs.
