"America Builds: Examining America's Freight and Passenger Rail Network"

House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads

2025-01-23

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Summary

This meeting of the subcommittee convened to discuss the nation's freight and passenger rail network and surface transportation reauthorization, featuring testimony from representatives of major freight railroads, short lines, construction and maintenance associations, and rail labor unions. The discussion highlighted the critical role of rail in the U.S. economy and infrastructure, with a focus on improving safety, securing funding, and addressing regulatory challenges[ 00:20:09 ]

Themes

Railroad Safety

A significant portion of the discussion centered on railroad safety, including conflicting views on derailment rates[ 01:00:39 ]

. While Mr. Jeffries reported a decrease in accident rates and employee injuries, citing 2023 as an all-time low for employee injuries, Mr. Cassidy, Ms. Sykes, and Mr. Johnson pointed to data indicating increased derailments year-over-year from 2021 to 2023. The role of technology in safety was a key topic, with discussions on artificial intelligence, telematics, and defect detectors for inspections. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of defect detectors and the timely relay of information to operating crews. The need for adequate training for rail workers was emphasized by Mr. Cassidy, who noted a decline in training quality impacting safety. Hazardous materials transportation, blocked crossings, and the issue of long trains were also discussed, with calls for better information for first responders and potential legislative action. Support for a two-person crew rule was expressed by Ms. Titus and Mr. Nehls, while Mr. Jeffries argued against regulatory mandates that lock in current operating practices.

Infrastructure Funding and Development

The meeting underscored the importance of robust funding and strategic development for the rail network[ 00:21:49 ]

. The bipartisan infrastructure law was lauded for providing significant funding for passenger rail and safety projects, with speakers advocating for continued support for programs like Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) and the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program[ 00:29:08 ] . Mr. Jeffries highlighted the freight rail industry's substantial private investment in infrastructure, amounting to over $1.1 trillion (in today's dollars) since 1980. The potential of high-speed rail, such as Brightline West and proposed Midwest corridors, was championed by Ms. Titus, Mr. Larsen, and Mr. Cassidy as a means to spur economic development, reduce emissions, and create jobs. Projects like the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE) were cited as successful models for public-private collaboration[ 01:49:55 ] . Challenges in new rail construction costs and the need for faster project approval were also discussed.

Regulatory Environment and Permitting Reform

Several speakers called for reforms to the regulatory environment and permitting processes[ 00:22:04 ]

. Mr. Jeffries and Mr. Baker advocated for performance-based regulations that focus on desired safety outcomes rather than prescriptive methods, arguing this would allow for innovation and adaptation to new technologies. The need to cut "red tape" and streamline the grant and permitting processes was a recurring theme, with concerns that delays increase costs and reduce project scope. The controversial California Air Resources Board (CARB) locomotive regulations were discussed as an example of potentially unworkable and costly mandates that could harm the industry.

Workforce and Labor Issues

The importance of the rail workforce was highlighted, emphasizing their role in safety and efficiency[ 00:50:13 ]

. Mr. Cassidy, representing labor, raised concerns about declining training quality, increased demands on workers, and the potential negative impact of automation on jobs and safety. He also spoke about the need for transparent collaboration between labor and management in developing new technologies. Mr. Jeffries noted efforts by freight railroads to improve employee work-life balance through scheduling agreements, paid sick benefits, and proactive collective bargaining. The creation of good-paying union jobs through rail projects was also celebrated.

Competition with Other Transportation Modes

The competitive landscape between rail and other modes, particularly trucking, was a significant theme. Speakers like Mr. Jeffries and Mr. Baker emphasized rail's superior fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and reduced impact on road infrastructure compared to trucks. The insolvency of the Highway Trust Fund was a major concern, as it represents a substantial public subsidy for trucking infrastructure, which rail companies argue creates an unfair competitive imbalance. There was strong, bipartisan opposition to increasing truck size and weight limits, due to concerns about road damage, increased congestion, safety risks, and further competitive distortion.

Cargo Theft

The issue of cargo theft was raised by Mr. Cohen, who highlighted its rising prevalence in areas like Memphis and its impact on businesses and supply chains. Mr. Jeffries noted it as a federal issue requiring concerted attention from law enforcement and stronger prosecutions to deter organized efforts[ 02:01:11 ]

Tone of the Meeting

The tone of the meeting was largely serious and professional, reflecting the critical nature of the topics discussed. While there were clear areas of bipartisan agreement, such as the importance of rail safety and infrastructure funding, there were also moments of strong disagreement, particularly regarding the interpretation of safety data and the need for certain regulatory actions[ 01:00:39 ]

. Members expressed urgency for legislative action on rail safety, especially in the wake of the East Palestine derailment[ 01:41:09 ] . Overall, the dialogue was constructive, with a shared understanding among participants about the vital role of the rail network for the American economy and communities.