Political Quotes

“earlier this month I introduced the Railroad Crossing Delay Reduction Act, S. 1015, with my colleagues, Senators Levin and Stabenow. This legislation would accelerate efforts at the U.S. Department of Transportation to address the issue of rail safety by requiring the Secretary of Transportation to issue specific regulations regarding trains that block automobile traffic at railroad crossings. Currently, there are no Federal limits on how long trains can block crossings. The Railroad Crossing Delay Reduction Act would simply minimize automobile traffic delay caused by trains blocking traffic at railroad grade crossings. In northeastern Illinois, there are frequent blockages at rail crossings. These blocked crossings prevent emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, and other related vehicles from getting to their destinations during the times of need. This is a serious problem and one I hope to address by passage of this important legislation.”