Ohio lawmakers introduce rail safety bill on anniversary of East Palestine derailment

Two years after the East Palestine train derailment, Ohio Congress members have reintroduced the "RAIL Act" to enhance rail safety. The bipartisan bill aims to increase train inspections, improve emergency response measures, and raise penalties for safety violations. The legislation follows previous unsuccessful attempts to pass rail safety bills. It seeks to address issues identified in a National Transportation Safety Board investigation, including requiring two-person crews on freight trains and preventing wheel bearing failures. Vice President JD Vance and other officials visited East Palestine to mark the anniversary. They emphasized the need for effective rail safety legislation to protect communities near railways and prevent future accidents.