Americans for Tax Reform and a coalition of 23 other organizations sent a letter to President Trump and congressional leaders in April expressing strong opposition to the so-called ‘Railway Safety Act.’
The ‘Railway Safety Act’ (RSA), reintroduced by congressional Democrats, is a handout to union bosses disguised as a transportation safety bill. Provisions such as mandated unionized staffing increases and limits on the usage of technological advancements would do nothing to help rail safety, but it would put more union dues in the pockets of union bosses while adding billions of dollars in new costs for American consumers.
Congress Should Reject the So-Called ‘Railway Safety Act‘
As Congress prepares to pass a new surface transportation reauthorization bill, union bosses are doubling down on their push for the Railway Safety Act, seeking its inclusion in the broader legislative package. Members of Congress should reject costly Railway Safety Act-style provisions and instead focus on strengthening the nation’s railroads while maintaining affordability for Americans.
As the Railway Safety Act increases labor and new equipment costs, consumers will bear the brunt. Rail transportation touches every corner of the economy, and these billions of dollars in new costs will be passed on to consumers in higher prices. You pay. The union bosses get more money.
Everyday Americans have to pay higher prices for phony regulations and red tape from Washington. The so-called ‘Railway Safety Act’ will make everything we buy even MORE expensive.