Appointment:
- New Role: U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pittsburgh) has been appointed to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Reason: Deluzio fills the vacancy left by the death of Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-N.J.), who was the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
- Announcement: The appointment was made by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Background:
- Legislative Work: Deluzio is the lead sponsor of HR 1674, the House version of the Railway Safety Act.
- Context: The bill was introduced following the February 2023 derailment and toxic chemical release in East Palestine, Ohio, but it has been stalled in committee since its introduction.
Statement from Deluzio:
- Commitment: Deluzio expressed his gratitude to Leader Jeffries and highlighted his focus on rail safety and infrastructure improvements.
- Key Areas:
- Rail safety
- Passenger rail improvements
- Infrastructure resilience (water and flood management, airports, highways, bridges, public transit, locks, and dams)
Quote:
- Deluzio: “I did not expect to spend so much of my first term in Congress standing up for our safety against big railroads like it’s the 19th century—but I am determined to continue this fight and make freight rail safer for us.”