And it would be very much appreciated to have clear and concise standards, so that we know when we are applying for those priority dollars that we have an opportunity to be successful.

Our country is in the midst of an energy revolution, and North Dakota is at the heart of it.

Everyone should want safety to be a top priority.

I'm grateful to have Secretary Foxx at the helm, whom I believe is up to the task.

There's got to be a collaborative way.

We have to make the transportation of this material as safe as what is humanly possible on the rails. I don't think there's any doubt about it.

Yes. I did say that the 1232s are still not adequate.

So we're building consensus on how we're going to test this or what the standards are going to be, Ms. Quarterman?

I'm committed to making sure that's the case.

I think there was a lack of engagement. In fact, Senator Hoeven along with Senator Landrieu, sent a letter in December of 2012 asking where that collaboration was.

Right after the Casselton derailment, I spoke with Senators Warner and Blunt to request that this committee hold a comprehensive hearing to examine rail safety.