Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 15 through September 21, 2025, as "Rail Safety Week" in the United States, and supporting the goals and ideals of reducing highway-rail grade crossing-related incidents, fatalities, and injuries.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 798
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-01: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-06T10:37:19Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 798) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating the week of September 15 through 21, 2025, as "Rail Safety Week." It aims to raise public awareness about safety around railroad tracks and highway-rail grade crossings (points where roads intersect with train tracks) to reduce related accidents, deaths, and injuries.
Key Provisions
- Support for the Designation: The resolution formally backs the week as Rail Safety Week, highlighting its origins in 2017 from a collaboration between Operation Lifesaver (a nonprofit focused on rail safety education), the Department of Transportation, and other groups.
- Endorsement of Goals: It strongly supports efforts to educate the public on safe behaviors near tracks, promote engineering improvements (like better crossing designs), and enforce safety rules, noting that many incidents could be prevented through these measures.
- Encouragement for Participation: Urges Americans to join Rail Safety Week events, learn about rail safety, and share knowledge with others, while emphasizing caution for drivers and pedestrians near trains.
- Background Facts: Includes data on rail incidents, such as 2,260 highway-grade crossing accidents in 2024 causing 260 deaths and 762 injuries, with most fatalities linked to crossings or trespassing; it also notes ongoing industry investments in maintenance, technology, and campaigns.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to laws or regulations. It builds on existing voluntary efforts like those by Operation Lifesaver, which has broad bipartisan backing, but does not create new mandates.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Could increase public awareness and safer habits around railroads, potentially lowering the 97% of rail deaths tied to crossings and trespassing in 2024; encourages year-round vigilance, especially at gated crossings where over half of incidents occur.
- On Government Agencies: Supports the Department of Transportation's role in safety campaigns without adding new duties; may foster more collaboration on education and enforcement.
- On International Relations: Promotes joint observance with Canada and Mexico, strengthening cross-border safety initiatives and cooperation on shared rail networks.
- Broader Effects: Aims to reduce incidents through education and technology, addressing a slight decline in crossings since 2005 but persistent high fatality rates.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Public (Motorists and Pedestrians): Primary focus for education to prevent accidents.
- Rail Industry: Benefits from highlighted investments in safety tech and maintenance.
- Nonprofits and Organizations: Groups like Operation Lifesaver gain visibility and support for their programs.
- Government Entities: Department of Transportation and local communities involved in enforcement and public campaigns.
- International Partners: Canada and Mexico, through concurrent Rail Safety Week events.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and does not require presidential approval or Senate action; it simply voices congressional opinion.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in promoting public welfare and interstate commerce (railroads fall under federal oversight), without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan unity on safety issues, potentially boosting momentum for future rail safety funding or policies; underscores the value of public-private partnerships in addressing preventable deaths.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-01: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
- 2025-10-08: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-10-08: Submitted in House
- 2025-10-08: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 15 through September 21, 2025, as "Rail Safety Week" in the United States, and supporting the goals and ideals of reducing highway-rail grade crossing-related incidents, fatalities, and injuries. — issued 2025-10-08 — PDF (3 pages)