(File Photo: Source for Photo: An aerial view of the cleanup of a derailed Norfolk Southern freight train, in East Palestine, Ohio, Feb. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Carnegie, PA) Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that his Railway Safety Act was approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on May 21st, 2026 as part of the BUILD America 250 Act, a major transportation package. The legislation now advances to the full House for consideration.

Deluzio joined the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in 2024 and has made rail safety legislation a key priority. He first introduced the Railway Safety Act in 2023 following the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

Representing a district neighboring East Palestine and communities affected by the derailment, Deluzio has advocated for stronger rail safety measures in Congress. Lawmakers have not enacted major rail safety legislation since the February 3rd, 2023 derailment. Supporters say the inclusion of the Railway Safety Act in the BUILD America 250 Act represents the most significant progress on rail safety legislation since the incident.

The measure was approved by the committee with bipartisan support and has received endorsements from several rail labor unions. Deluzio has also said President Donald Trump supports the legislation and would sign it if it reaches his desk.

“The people of Beaver County and East Palestine have waited long enough,” Deluzio said. “I am so proud that my bill, the Railway Safety Act, passed out of committee with bipartisan support. Let’s get this bill passed and on President Trump’s desk—who promised he would sign it.”