Rep. McNally's Resolution Calling for Congressional Action on Rail Safety Passes Ohio House

COLUMBUS- State Representative Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today passed House Resolution 33 (H.R. 33), a resolution urging Congress to approve legislation requiring railroads to inform state and local governments when they run hazardous materials through their jurisdictions.

“Even now, several weeks out from the derailment, I am still getting messages from people in my district asking for resources. They’re scared about their water, soil, air, businesses, jobs, and property values. They’re worried about the immediate and long term health and safety of their family members,” said Rep. McNally during her remarks on the Ohio House floor before the vote. “This event in East Palestine will be addressed in many phases, and there are very real people at the end of each and every one of them. It is our job to be their voice, and H.R. 33 is an opportunity for us to use it.” 

The bipartisan resolution introduced by State Representatives Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County) and Rep. McNally in the aftermath of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine received unanimous support in the Government Oversight Committee before passage in the Ohio House of Representatives.

“I’m grateful for my colleagues and their support of this common sense message to every member of the United States Congress. We are encouraged by the efforts being made by Ohio’s Congressional delegation to improve remediation and prevention laws on rail safety, ones that will prevent disasters like we saw in East Palestine,” said Rep. McNally. “Now, every Congressional member from every corner of our country will know that the Ohio House of Representatives stands with our federal lawmakers as they take on this work on behalf of the people of East Palestine.”

Following the vote, H.R. 33 will be formally enrolled by the Clerk of the Ohio House of Representatives and then signed by the Speaker of the Ohio House. Duly authenticated copies of the Resolution, those that match the language in the last paragraph, will be sent, along with a letter from the Clerk, to the entities directed by the Resolution, in this case members of Congress. Copies will also be sent to the Resolution Sponsors, Reps. Blasdel and McNally, in the following weeks.