Congress is about to chase rail freight onto American roads. It risks thousands of deaths

As the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee prepares to reauthorize surface transportation programs before the September 2026 deadline, lawmakers face a critical test of their ability to separate political theater from policy substance. Furthermore, three years after the East Palestine derailment, the Railway Safety Act of 2025 remains under consideration and may become a part of the reauthorization. This week, it was reintroduced. This is a critical juncture for the safety and standard of living for the American public.