Fiscal 2025 Bills on Congress’ Fall Calendar

Lawmakers are preparing for a busy agenda upon returning to Washington, with a focus on passing fiscal 2025 legislation to prevent a government shutdown, especially as funding authority for federal agencies will expire on October 1. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has emphasized the need for bipartisanship, highlighting contrasting approaches between the Senate, where collaborative bills have been passed, and the House, where partisanship has stalled progress on legislation. The Senate has advanced spending bills for the Department of Transportation that include substantial funding allocations aimed at enhancing air traffic control, rail safety, and infrastructure improvements. Notably, the proposed fiscal 2025 budget includes significant investments for various transportation agencies, which reflect a commitment to modernizing and maintaining safety in the sector. There are specific provisions in the bill regarding trucking and freight rail, particularly attempts to address concerns such as electronic logging devices, safety measures for autonomous trucks, and procedures for cargo theft. Additionally, there is an ongoing push for the passage of the Railway Safety Act following recent derailments, though bipartisan support remains to be secured for key provisions. Given the critical investments outlined in the proposed budget and pending legislation, it is essential for lawmakers to find common ground to facilitate necessary safety improvements across transportation sectors. Prioritizing rail and road safety measures alongside increased federal funding presents a vital opportunity to enhance infrastructure resilience and public safety. The success of these legislative efforts will likely depend on Congress's ability to collaborate across party lines, which has historically been a challenge in today's polarized political environment. Senator J.D. Vance continues to advocate for rail safety legislation despite limited support from Senate Republicans. He emphasizes that the derailment and chemical explosion in East Palestine, Ohio, were preventable due to errors by Norfolk Southern and its contractors. The National Transportation Safety Board found that a defective wheel bearing on a Norfolk Southern railcar was to blame for the incident. In response, bipartisan legislation titled the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024, co-sponsored by Representatives Troy Nehls and Seth Moulton, has been introduced and is awaiting a committee vote. Nehls asserts that this legislation aims to modernize the rail network and improve safety through critical investments. The act includes provisions to implement technologies that can identify potential failures before they result in derailments, increase penalties for safety violations, and bolster community preparedness for such incidents. Senate Commerce Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell supports these efforts and stresses the urgent need for action on rail safety. An expert opinion in transportation underscores the importance of these legislative initiatives. Improving rail safety is essential not only for protecting communities near rail lines but also for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of freight transport across the country. Implementing advanced technologies and tightening safety regulations can significantly mitigate risks associated with rail transportation, ultimately fostering a safer and more robust freight system that can adapt to future challenges.