(TheRedWire.com) – On Monday, former President Trump expressed his support for a bipartisan safety package that would prevent a situation similar to the train derailment that occurred in East Palestine, Ohio from taking place again.
The bill is being led by Ohio Sens. JD Vance (R) and Sherrod Brown (D), and would set new safety regulations that trains carrying hazardous material would need to follow. The legislation comes months after the derailment in February of a Norfolk Southern train that was carrying toxic chemicals before being derailed as it was passing through an eastern Ohio town.
Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social to blast President Biden for not having appeared in East Palestine following the tragedy, while also criticizing Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for his response following the derailment.
He proceeded to note that Vance had been “working hard” to the derailment before offering his support for the bipartisan legislative effort. He added that the bill proposed by Vance had his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”
On Wednesday the Railway Safety Act is going to receive a markup by the Senate Commerce Committee which will move it towards legislative action. Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) have also expressed support for the legislation.
Trump’s support for the bill could potentially help increase the support that the bill has from Republicans. If the bill passes through Congress it is going to end up being the first major legislation to pass through the divided Congress.
The bipartisan package includes a number of regulations, including limiting train size while also increasing the inspection requirements. The bill would also increase the fines for violations.
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