The Senate's Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee passed the Rail Safety Act (RSA) with bipartisan support. The bill now moves on to the Senate, following a heated debate between two Republican Senators over amendments.

The RSA contains two-person crew language, and freshman Senator JD Vance, who helped usher the bill to victory, responded strongly to criticism that the bill was too costly. Senator Vance stated that the rail industry had socialized the risk while privatizing the rewards.

Despite the bill’s praise, continued bipartisan support must be ensured as it proceeds to the Senate floor and then to the House.

Rail Safety Act of 2023 (RSA) Passes Committee Hearing, Clears First Legislative Hurdle