U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio’s quick reaction and leadership role in dealing with the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, has been noticed by his colleagues.
Deluzio, a freshman Democrat from Aspinwall, was appointed Tuesday to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to replace the late U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, D.-New Jersey. Since the Feb. 23, 2023, train derailment near the Ohio border that resulted in the burning of transported chemicals and concerns about long-term health risk, Deluzio has played a leadership role in attempting to hold the railroad accountable and helping residents in his adjacent district.
“Chris is a leader who gets things done and a champion for the hardworking people of Western Pennsylvania,” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who announced the appointment, said in a news release. “I look forward to working together as we continue to rebuild our crumbling roads, bridges, tunnels, airports and rail systems while creating good-paying union jobs at the same time.”
Deluzio is the lead sponsor in the House for the proposed Railway Safety Act that would establish strict responsibilities for railroad operations and set standards for their response to derailments and other incidents. He also commissioned a congressional report that found 95% of his constituents live within 5 miles of freight rail lines.
In a statement, he said he hadn’t planned on concentrating on railroads and other transportation issues but he relishes the appointment.
“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,” he said. “Membership on this committee provides me more opportunities to fight not only for rail safety, but also for major Western PA priorities like better passenger rail, stronger and more resilient infrastructure like water and flood management systems, airports, highways, bridges, public transit, locks and dams, and more.”
Ed covers transportation at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he’s currently on strike. Email him at eblazina@unionprogress.com.