Katie Porter: “I rise today as one of the many Members of Congress opposed to the Federal Railroad Administration's proposed rule for…”

“I rise today as one of the many Members of Congress opposed to the Federal Railroad Administration's proposed rule for trains to sound their horns at public crossings. Let me first state that I do not oppose efforts by the FRA or any other part of the Department of Transportation to improve safety. Each year there are over 35,000 transportation related deaths in America. We must reduce this terrible statistic. In fact, safer travel is the basis for my opposition to this proposed regulation. In my opinion, the approach taken by the FRA to prevent train crossing accidents is extreme. I believe that the spending mandated by this regulation would be wasteful and ultimately not improve safety. These scarce dollars and resources can be used more effectively, saving more lives, if spent in other areas. Implementing this rule would draw funds away from other important safety measures for drivers, pedestrians, and other travelers on Americas roads in Illinois and elsewhere.”