Senators from both parties have introduced the Railway Safety Act of 2026, a bill aimed at strengthening rail safety regulations in response to the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio), along with Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.).
The proposed law seeks to update safety standards by removing duplicative language and using real-time data for regulatory improvements. It would require railroads to notify states about hazardous materials being transported, strengthen emergency response plans, expand grants for protective gear for firefighters, mandate more frequent deployment of defect detection technology such as hotbox detectors, and increase accountability for large railroad companies through higher fines.
Senator Husted said, “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.”
Senator Cantwell emphasized the urgency of action: “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.”
Other supporters highlighted lessons learned from recent accidents and called for greater oversight and accountability within the industry. Senator Moreno stated: “I’m proud to join Senator Husted and our colleagues across the aisle to continue the critical work of Vice President Vance and fight for Ohioans that DC politicians have left behind. We cannot allow a repeat of the tragedy in East Palestine and this bill is a step toward protecting our communities.”
Missouri Senator Schmitt noted: “The derailment in East Palestine was a costly reminder about the risks associated with trains carrying hazardous materials… This bipartisan bill strengthens rail safety by modernizing protections to prevent another accident and requiring railroads to notify state governments about the types and frequency of trains carrying hazardous materials across state lines.”
Kansas Senator Marshall added: “Railroads are vital to Kansas… But with that responsibility comes a duty to operate safely. The Railway Safety Act incorporates lessons learned from the derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and ensures stronger safeguards and meaningful accountability for violations.”
Misti Allison, an East Palestine resident and advocate for rail safety reform said: “The reintroduction of the Railway Safety Act is a critical and welcome step forward… We owe it to communities like East Palestine and towns across this country to strengthen oversight, increase accountability, and ensure disasters like this never happen again.”
Jared Cassity from SMART Transportation Division expressed support: “Just over three years ago… our country was rocked by a catastrophic train derailment that occurred in East Palestine… despite known causation… no meaningful change has taken place… we are extremely proud to endorse the Railway Safety Act…”
John Samuelsen of Transport Workers Union commented: “The Rail Safety Act would dramatically improve freight rail safety standards and hold greedy railroad executives accountable when they prioritize short-term profits over safety… The TWU strongly endorses [it]…”
Mark Wallace from Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen stated: “…We salute sponsors… designed to keep train running safely across this great country… It also must be said that we would not have reached this point without… Vice President J.D. Vance…”
Matthew Chase from National Association of Counties urged passage: “…Counties urge Congress to swiftly pass this legislation on a bipartisan basis…”
Eric R. Byer at Alliance for Chemical Distribution noted operational challenges facing shippers due partly due reduced workforce levels among major carriers.
Clarence E. Anthony at National League of Cities added thanks for efforts “to put it on President’s desk before another catastrophic derailment like East Palestine happens again.”
Greg Regan at AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades Department cited over 3,100 U.S. derailments since 2023.
Josh Hartford at IAM Rail Division described consequences seen firsthand due cost-cutting measures impacting inspections.
Matt Hollis at Transportation Communications Union echoed calls for congressional action.
Don Grissom at Brotherhood of Railway Carmen warned against unsafe trains passing through communities due lack of proper inspection.
Reece Murtagh at IAM District 19 stressed importance thorough inspections by skilled workers.
Following public outcry after February 2023’s incident—where burning chemicals led residents suffering medical issues—the Senate Commerce Committee supported similar reforms last session under then-Senator J.D. Vance’s leadership.
In addition:
– In November 2025 officials announced plans for first responder training facility in East Palestine.
– In June 2025 research initiative launched into long-term health outcomes related crash.
– In May 2025 Husted testified before Environment & Public Works Committee on prevention measures.
– In February 2025 EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin visited affected area.
– As Lieutenant Governor in 2023 Husted wrote Norfolk Southern CEO urging improved practices.
Provisions include requirements such as two-person crews per train; expanding list hazardous materials subject stricter rules; improving maintenance/inspection protocols; funding protective equipment fire departments; mandating use advanced defect detection technologies every fifteen miles instead current twenty-five mile standard; notification procedures states regarding dangerous cargoes; expanded grant eligibility local responders; reimbursement programs first responders’ overtime/equipment/health costs following incidents.
Supporters argue these changes will help prevent future disasters similar those experienced recently throughout U.S., particularly those involving hazardous substances or insufficiently maintained equipment.
