Brian Higgins: “Last weekend, a train derailed in Niagara Falls, New York, tossing several cars filled with butane on their side within…”

“Last weekend, a train derailed in Niagara Falls, New York, tossing several cars filled with butane on their side within yards of neighborhoods, residences, and local restaurants. The Niagara Falls Fire Department and Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station responded quickly and, fortunately, this time, the emergency didn't rise to the level of placing the community in great danger. According to the United States Department of Transportation, over 1,300 train derailments took place in 2018 alone, leaving no doubt that situations like this will occur again. That is why I have introduced, along with Congresswoman Herrera Beutler, the Fire Department Proper Response and Equipment Prioritization Act. This bipartisan legislation ensures that our brave first responders have access to Federal grants that support the specialized training and equipment necessary to respond to rail-based incidents, making the safety of our communities a priority. ____________________”