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Rail Safety to be Focus of Congressional Hearing

Washington, DC, February 20, 2014 | Justin Harclerode (202) 225-9446
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Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Denham (R-CA) will hold a hearing on Wednesday to examine issues related to passenger and freight rail safety.

The movement of people and product by railroad in the United States is generally safe, with 2012 being the safest year on record, according to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). However, several accidents over the past year have brought safety-related issues to the forefront. The Subcommittee will examine steps being taken by the industry and government to continue improving rail safety. 

The hearing, entitled “Oversight of Passenger and Freight Rail Safety,” is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 in 2167 Rayburn House Office Building.

Witnesses invited to testify at the hearing:

  • The Honorable Joseph Szabo, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration
  • The Honorable Cynthia L. Quarterman, Administrator, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
  • The Honorable Robert L. Sumwalt, Member, National Transportation Safety Board
  • Mr. John Tolman, Vice President & National Legislative Representative, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
  • Mr. Jack N. Gerard, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Petroleum Institute
  • Mr. Michael Melaniphy, President, American Public Transportation Association
  • Mr. Edward R. Hamberger, President and Chief Executive Officer, Association of American Railroads

    • More information about the hearing, including testimony, additional background information, and live webcast link, will be posted here as it becomes available. 

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