Federal lawmakers are trying again on rail safety with a new proposal following 2023 East Palestine derailment

If at first you fail, try again.

After lawmakers failed to pass rail safety legislation following the Feb. 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, lawmakers have introduced new legislation.

The Railway Safety Act of 2026, introduced by a group of lawmakers that includes U.S. Sens. Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno, both R-Ohio, would, in part, mandate the use of “defect detection” technology to alert crews sooner of problems, require speed restrictions, and expand the list of hazardous materials that are subject to higher safety standards. Such an expansion would include vinyl chloride, which the train that derailed in East Palestine carried.

“Three years ago, many Ohioans understandably lost faith in the safety and reliability of our nation’s railways after the accident in East Palestine, Ohio,” Husted said in a release.

“Since then, we have learned valuable lessons about the necessity of extensive consultation with the rail industry, emergency responders and local communities,” Husted added. “By using a balanced, data-driven approach to advancing rail safety, my bill would protect Ohio’s communities while supporting the freight rail industry across the country.”

Following the East Palestine derailment, federal lawmakers bandied about an earlier version of the bill, the Railway Safety Act of 2023, that they said would have improved railroad safety. Despite numerous headlines and backing from prominent politicos, lawmakers did not pass the measure.

Among its provisions, the legislation increases the frequency of “defect detection” technology, which lawmakers said could have prevented the Ohio derailment and mandates two-person train crews for railroads. It would also require railroads to inform state officials about hazardous materials traveling through local jurisdictions and increase civil penalties for violations.

“The reintroduction of the Railway Safety Act is a critical and welcome step forward,” East Palestine resident and rail safety advocate Misti Allison said in a release. “Communities like mine know firsthand that rail safety is not a political issue. It is a public safety, environmental, and public health issue.

“When a train derails, it’s not just tracks and cargo that are affected but our air, water, soil, and the long-term health of families,” Allison added. “We owe it to communities like East Palestine and to towns across this country to strengthen oversight, increase accountability, and ensure disasters like this never happen again.”

Separately, in a post to Truth Social last week, President Donald Trump said his administration is providing $10 million through the Economic Development Administration to support economic recovery in East Palestine, Ohio.

“We want to see East Palestine grow, flourish, and be able to take advantage of our now BOOMING Economy,” the president wrote in his post. “It was horrible what was allowed to happen there, and we are with you for the LONG HAUL.”

Federal lawmakers from Ohio lauded the announcement.

“This community has been through more than most can imagine,” Rulli said. “Families lost trust in their future, small businesses fought to survive, and yet the people of East Palestine never gave up,” U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Ohio, said in a release. “With this investment, President Trump has once again shown his commitment to this community in stark contrast to the neglect of the previous administration.”

“This funding will help rebuild what was lost, support families, and give local businesses the resources they need to thrive again,” Rulli added. “Under the Biden administration, East Palestine was left behind. Families waited, businesses struggled, and this community was ignored. President Trump continues to deliver real results, proving that when leadership matters, our community comes first.”