Senate delays rail safety bill ahead of Ohio election
- Senator Sherrod Brown's rail safety bill, introduced after the East Palestine derailment, has stalled in the Senate.
- Despite initial bipartisan support, concerns from Republicans about the bill's impact on energy transport have hindered progress.
- The likelihood of passing the bill before the Ohio election is low, with potential reconsideration during the lame duck session.
The Senate is unlikely to pass a rail safety bill before the upcoming Ohio election on November 5, which was introduced by Senator Sherrod Brown in response to the East Palestine train derailment. Despite initial bipartisan support, including seven Republican votes, the bill has stalled, with no recent movement reported. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin expressed doubts about scheduling a vote before the election, indicating that the window for action is closing. The political landscape in Ohio complicates the situation, as it is a key target for Senate Republicans, who may be hesitant to grant Brown a legislative victory. The bill aims to enhance rail safety standards and increase penalties for violations, but some Republicans worry it could negatively impact energy transport and consumer costs. Senator J.D. Vance, a Republican from Ohio, previously indicated that he believed there were enough GOP votes to pass the legislation, but the current sentiment among Senate Republicans suggests otherwise. Minority Whip John Thune noted that the necessary support is not present at this time, leading to a bleak outlook for the bill's progress. If the bill does not pass before the election, it may be revisited during the lame duck session, which occurs after the election and before the new Congress begins. This delay could further hinder the bill's chances, as the political dynamics may shift following the election results.