Clean Railroads Act of 2007

To amend title 49, United States Code, to prevent railroad fatalities, injuries, and hazardous materials releases, to authorize the Federal Railroad Safety Administration, and for other purposes.

10/17/2007--Passed House amended. Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2007 - Title I: Federal Railroad Safety Administration -
(Sec. 101) Amends federal transportation law to establish within the Department of Transportation (DOT) the Federal Railroad Safety Administration to carry out, with the highest priority, enforcement of U.S. safety laws with respect to rail transportation (effectively replacing the Federal Railroad Administration). Provides for the appointment of an Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety who shall be the Chief Safety Officer of the Federal Railroad Safety Administration.
(Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to develop a long-term strategy for improving railroad safety, including an annual plan and schedule for reducing the number and rates of accidents, injuries, and fatalities involving railroads. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Safety Administration (Administrator) to semiannually report to Congress on the Federal Railroad Safety Administration's progress on achieving such goals and plans.
(Sec. 103) Requires:
(1) the Inspector General of the DOT to report to the Secretary and the Administrator a list of each statutory mandate regarding railroad safety that has not been implemented and each open safety recommendation made by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) or the Inspector General regarding railroad safety;
(2) the Secretary to report to Congress on the specific actions taken to implement such mandates; and
(3) the Secretary to annually transmit a report to Congress on each open safety recommendation made by the NTSB or the Inspector General regarding railroad safety, a copy of DOT's response to each of the recommendations, and a progress report on implementing such recommendations.
(Sec. 105) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011 for:
(1) railroad safety, including the safe transportation of hazardous materials;
(2) the purchase of six Gage Restraint Measurement System vehicles and five track geometry vehicles to enable the deployment of one Gage Restraint Measurement System vehicle and one track geometry vehicle in each region;
(3) the construction of the Facility for Underground Rail Station and Tunnel at the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado;
(4) rail security personnel in DOT regional offices and in Washington, DC; and
(5) development of a pilot electric cargo conveyor system for the transportation of containers from ports to depots outside of urban areas. Title II: Employee Fatigue -
(Sec. 201) Redefines "signal employee" to eliminate the requirement that such individual be employed by a railroad carrier (effectively extending hours-of-service requirements to contractors who are engaged in installing, repairing, or maintaining signal systems). Revises hours of service requirements for a signal employee and a train employee to prohibit, except in an emergency, a railroad carrier or railroad contractor from requiring or allowing such employee to remain or go on duty:
(1) unless the employee has had at least 10 consecutive hours off duty during the prior 24 hours;
(2) for a period in excess of 12 consecutive hours; or
(3) unless the employee has had at least one period of at least 24 consecutive hours off duty in the past seven consecutive days. Prohibits, with a specified exception, a railroad carrier from communicating with a signal or train employee during such employee's off duty period.
(Sec. 202) Prohibits a railroad carrier from providing sleeping quarters through the use of camp cars for employees and any individuals employed to maintain the right-of-way of a railroad carrier.
(Sec. 203) Requires each railroad carrier to submit to the Secretary for review and approval a fatigue management plan to reduce accidents and injuries caused by railroad employees due to fatigue.
(Sec. 204) Authorizes the Secretary to issue, based on scientific and medical research, regulations that reduce the maximum hours a railroad employee may be required to remain on duty, or that increase the minimum hours such employee may be required to rest, to a level less than that established under federal hours-of-service law.
(Sec. 205) Provides that a railroad carrier is deemed to know the acts of its managers and supervisors (under current law, officers and agents) in proceedings regarding the violation of hours-of-service requirements. Title III: Bridge Safety -
(Sec. 301) Requires the Federal Railroad Safety Administration to implement regulations requiring owners of track carried on one or more railroad bridges to adopt certain safety practices to prevent the deterioration of railroad bridges and reduce the risk of human casualties, environmental damage, and disruption to the U.S. transportation system that would result from a catastrophic bridge failure. Title IV: Grade Crossings -
(Sec. 401) Revises emergency notification of grade crossing problems provisions to require each railroad carrier:
(1) to establish a toll-free telephone service for the public to report malfunctions of signals and disabled vehicles blocking railroad tracks at grade crossings;
(2) upon receiving a report of a malfunction or disabled vehicle, to immediately contact trains operating near the grade crossing to warn them of the malfunction or disabled vehicle, including to contact the appropriate public safety officials to assist them in directing traffic and removing the disabled vehicle; and
(3) to place the toll-free telephone number and certain other explanatory information on signs at each grade crossing.
(Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to require each railroad carrier to remove from its right-of-way at all public highway-rail grade crossings, including at all private highway-rail grade crossings open to unrestricted public access, vegetation which may obstruct the view of a pedestrian or a vehicle operator to a train's approach.
(Sec. 403) Requires the Secretary to develop and make available to state and local governments model state legislation providing for civil or criminal penalties, or both, for violations of grade crossing signals.
(Sec. 404) Requires railroad carriers and states to report to the Secretary, and update periodically, unreported highway-rail (including non-vehicular pathway-rail) grade crossings and public highway-rail (including non-vehicular public pathway) grade crossings within the United States. Imposes civil penalties for violations of the requirements of this section.
(Sec. 405) Requires the Federal Railroad Safety Administration to periodically conduct an audit of each Class I railroad and non-Class I railroad to ensure that all grade crossing collisions and fatalities are reported to the national accident database.
(Sec. 406) Authorizes the Secretary to purchase promotional items of nominal value and distribute them to the public without charge as part of an educational or awareness program to improve the safety of grade crossings and to prevent trespass on railroad rights-of-way.
(Sec. 407) Directs the Federal Railroad Safety Administration to make grants to Operation Lifesaver to:
(1) carry out a public information and education program to help prevent railroad incidents, injuries, and fatalities, and to improve awareness along railroad rights-of-way and at grade crossings; and
(2) implement the Railroad Safety Public Awareness Program that addresses the need for targeted, sustained community outreach on rail and grade crossing safety. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011.
(Sec. 408) Directs the Secretary to annually identify the top 10 states that have had the most highway-rail grade crossing collisions over the past year, and to work with those states to develop a State Grade Crossing Action Plan approved by the Secretary that identifies specific solutions for improving safety at such crossings.
(Sec. 409) Declares that it is U.S. policy to develop new technology that can prevent loss of life and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings. Title V: Enforcement -
(Sec. 501) Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in a district court of the United States to collect a civil penalty imposed or an amount agreed on in compromise with respect to rail accident reporting violations or hours-of-service violations.
(Sec. 502) Increases penalties for violations of rail safety regulations prescribed or orders issued by the Secretary, including violations related to rail accident reporting and hours-of-service.
(Sec. 504) Expands the authority of the Secretary to issue emergency rules or restrictions to abate unsafe conditions or practices causing significant harm to the environment.
(Sec. 505) Requires the Secretary, not later than December 31, 2007, to provide a monthly updated summary to the public of all railroad enforcement actions taken by the Secretary or the Federal Railroad Safety Administration.
(Sec. 506) Makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly interfere with a rail accident investigation. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of such requirements.
(Sec. 507) Allows the Secretary to authorize officers, employees, or agents of the Secretary to intercept and record a radio communication, with or without the consent of the sender or other receivers of the communication, where such communication is broadcast or transmitted over a radio frequency which is authorized for use by one or more railroad carriers by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and primarily used by such railroad carriers for communications in connection with railroad operations. Allows such activities for purposes of accident prevention and accident investigation. Sets forth uses of information obtained through such activities.
(Sec. 508) Requires the Secretary to incrementally increase through December 31, 2011, the total number of positions for railroad safety inspection and enforcement personnel at the Federal Railroad Safety Administration. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions -
(Sec. 601) Requires, by December 31, 2014, each Class I railroad to develop and submit to the Secretary for review and approval a plan for implementing a positive train control system that minimizes the risk of train collisions and over-speed derailments. Requires the Secretary, not later than December 31, 2011, to report to Congress on the progress of the railroad carriers in implementing such systems.
(Sec. 602) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to require railroads with main lines in nonsignaled territory without a train speed enforcement system that would stop a train in advance of a misaligned switch to either:
(1) install an automatically activated device, in addition to the switch banner, that will capture the attention of the employees involved with switch operations and clearly convey the status of the switch both in daylight and darkness; or
(2) operate trains at speeds that will allow them to be safely stopped in advance of misaligned switches.
(Sec. 603) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations:
(1) to require railroad carriers to take certain measures to minimize accidents due to internal rail flaws; and
(2) for all classes of track for concrete crossties that address certain conditions to the integrity of rail lines.
(Sec. 604) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations and issue orders to establish a program to require the certification of train conductors.
(Sec. 605) Directs the Secretary to establish minimum training standards and training curriculum to ensure each class and craft of railroad employees charged with the inspection of track or railroad equipment are qualified to assess railroad compliance with federal safety standards to identify defective conditions and take remedial action to correct defective conditions that are known to contribute to derailments, accidents, or injury.
(Sec. 606) Prohibits a railroad carrier from:
(1) denying, delaying, or interfering with the medical or first aid treatment of an employee who is injured during the course of employment; and
(2) disciplining, or threatening to discipline, an employee for requesting medical or first aid treatment, or for following orders or a treatment plan of a treating physician.
(Sec. 607) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to require railroads to provide:
(1) emergency breathing apparatus for all crewmembers on freight trains carrying hazardous materials that would pose an inhalation hazard in the event of unintentional release; and
(2) such crewmembers with appropriate training for using the breathing apparatus.
(Sec. 608) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the effects of the locomotive cab environment on the safety, health, and performance of train crews.
(Sec. 609) Requires railroad carriers with respect to certain of its tunnels in which hazardous materials go through to:
(1) maintain for at least two years structural inspection and maintenance records for such tunnels; and
(2) provide, upon request, periodic briefings to local government authorities, including updates on repair projects that substantially alter the ingress and egress of such tunnels.
(Sec. 610) Directs the Secretary to conduct a study, and report the results to Congress, on DOT's regulations relating to safety inspections of diesel-electric locomotives and equipment and the safety consequences of requiring less frequent inspections of such locomotives (including their air brakes) which are operated by museums.
(Sec. 611) Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations and issue orders to establish a program to require the certification of carmen, including all employees performing mechanical inspections, brake system inspections, or maintenance on freight and passenger rail cars.
(Sec. 612) Directs the Secretary to establish a grant program for the deployment of train control and component technologies, with priority to applications that benefit both passenger and freight safety and network efficiency, or the deployment of train control technology on high-risk corridors that have significant movements of hazardous materials or where commuter and intercity passenger railroad operate. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011.
(Sec. 613) Requires Class I railroads to annually file with both the Federal Railroad Safety Administration and the Surface Transportation Board (STB) a report detailing, by state, the infrastructure investments and maintenance such railroads have performed on their system, including but not limited to track, locomotives, railcars, and grade crossings, in the previous calendar year.
(Sec. 614) Directs the Secretary to establish a program to provide grants to state and local governments to provide emergency grade crossing safety improvements at locations where there has been a railroad grade crossing collision with a school bus or collision involving three or more serious bodily injuries or fatalities. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011.
(Sec. 615) Requires the Secretary, when reviewing applications for a waiver or exemption from sounding locomotive horns at highway-rail grade crossings, to consider horn noise and its impact on the local community and the unique characteristics of such community.
(Sec. 616) Provides that mechanical and brake inspections of rail cars performed in Mexico shall not be treated as satisfying U.S. rail safety laws or regulations unless the Secretary certifies, among other things, that:
(1) such inspections are being performed under regulations and standards equivalent to those in the United States, including comparable enforcement procedures; and
(2) the Federal Railroad Safety Administration is permitted to perform onsite inspections to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section. Provides that hazardous material inspections performed in Mexico shall not be treated as satisfying U.S. rail safety laws or regulations.
(Sec. 617) Exempts solid waste rail transfer facilities from the exclusive jurisdiction of the STB (effectively allowing state and local authorities to regulate such facilities). Title VII: Rail Passenger Disaster Family Assistance - Rail Passenger Disaster Family Assistance Act of 2007 -
(Sec. 702) Directs the NTSB to provide certain assistance to families of passengers involved in a rail passenger accident that results in a major loss of life. Requires each rail passenger carrier to submit to the Secretary and the NTSB a plan for addressing the needs of such families.
(Sec. 704) Requires the Secretary to establish a task force to develop:
(1) a model plan to assist passenger rail carriers in responding to passenger rail accidents; and
(2) recommendations to improve methods on the delivery of such assistance by such rail carriers. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the model plan and recommendations developed by the task force.

... morehide bill summarySee Full Bill Text

Sponsor

• Rep. James Oberstar [D, MN-8]
• and 94 Co-Sponsors
  • Rep. Neil Abercrombie [D, HI-1]
  • Rep. Thomas Allen [D, ME-1]
  • Rep. Robert Andrews [D, NJ-1]
  • Rep. Michael Arcuri [D, NY-24]
  • Rep. Brian Baird [D, WA-3]
  • Rep. Tammy Baldwin [D, WI-2]
  • Rep. Sanford Bishop [D, GA-2]
  • Rep. Timothy Bishop [D, NY-1]
  • Rep. Dan Boren [D, OK-2]
  • Rep. Leonard Boswell [D, IA-3]
  • Rep. Robert Brady [D, PA-1]
  • Rep. Bruce Braley [D, IA-1]
  • Rep. Corrine Brown [D, FL-3]
  • Rep. Shelley Capito [R, WV-2]
  • Rep. Michael Capuano [D, MA-8]
  • Rep. Dennis Cardoza [D, CA-18]
  • Rep. Christopher Carney [D, PA-10]
  • Rep. Julia Carson [D, IN-7]
  • Rep. Emanuel Cleaver [D, MO-5]
  • Rep. Steve Cohen [D, TN-9]
  • Rep. Jim Costa [D, CA-20]
  • Rep. Jerry Costello [D, IL-12]
  • Rep. Elijah Cummings [D, MD-7]
  • Rep. William Delahunt [D, MA-10]
  • Rep. Michael Doyle [D, PA-14]
  • Rep. Keith Ellison [D, MN-5]
  • Rep. Sam Farr [D, CA-17]
  • Rep. Bob Filner [D, CA-51]
  • Rep. Charles Gonzalez [D, TX-20]
  • Rep. Al Green [D, TX-9]
  • Rep. Raul Grijalva [D, AZ-7]
  • Rep. Phil Hare [D, IL-17]
  • Rep. Alcee Hastings [D, FL-23]
  • Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin [D, SD-0]
  • Rep. Brian Higgins [D, NY-27]
  • Rep. Rubén Hinojosa [D, TX-15]
  • Rep. Mazie Hirono [D, HI-2]
  • Rep. Tim Holden [D, PA-17]
  • Rep. Rush Holt [D, NJ-12]
  • Rep. Darlene Hooley [D, OR-5]
  • Rep. Jesse Jackson [D, IL-2]
  • Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee [D, TX-18]
  • Rep. Stephanie Jones [D, OH-11]
  • Rep. Marcy Kaptur [D, OH-9]
  • Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick [D, MI-13]
  • Rep. Dennis Kucinich [D, OH-10]
  • Rep. Steven LaTourette [R, OH-14]
  • Rep. John Lewis [D, GA-5]
  • Rep. Daniel Lipinski [D, IL-3]
  • Rep. Frank LoBiondo [R, NJ-2]
  • Rep. David Loebsack [D, IA-2]
  • Rep. Stephen Lynch [D, MA-9]
  • Rep. Doris Matsui [D, CA-5]
  • Rep. Betty McCollum [D, MN-4]
  • Rep. James McGovern [D, MA-3]
  • Rep. John Mica [R, FL-7]
  • Rep. George Miller [D, CA-7]
  • Rep. R. Bradley Miller [D, NC-13]
  • Rep. Alan Mollohan [D, WV-1]
  • Rep. Gwen Moore [D, WI-4]
  • Rep. James Moran [D, VA-8]
  • Rep. Patrick Murphy [D, PA-8]
  • Rep. Jerrold Nadler [D, NY-8]
  • Rep. Grace Napolitano [D, CA-38]
  • Rep. David Obey [D, WI-7]
  • Rep. Frank Pallone [D, NJ-6]
  • Rep. William Pascrell [D, NJ-8]
  • Rep. Donald Payne [D, NJ-10]
  • Rep. Ed Perlmutter [D, CO-7]
  • Rep. Collin Peterson [D, MN-7]
  • Rep. Thomas Petri [R, WI-6]
  • Rep. Todd Platts [R, PA-19]
  • Rep. Nick Rahall [D, WV-3]
  • Rep. Silvestre Reyes [D, TX-16]
  • Rep. Steven Rothman [D, NJ-9]
  • Rep. Loretta Sanchez [D, CA-47]
  • Rep. Linda Sanchez [D, CA-39]
  • Rep. Janice Schakowsky [D, IL-9]
  • Rep. Robert Scott [D, VA-3]
  • Rep. José Serrano [D, NY-16]
  • Rep. William Shuster [R, PA-9]
  • Rep. Albio Sires [D, NJ-13]
  • Rep. Christopher Smith [R, NJ-4]
  • Rep. Zackary Space [D, OH-18]
  • Rep. Fortney Stark [D, CA-13]
  • Rep. Edolphus Towns [D, NY-10]
  • Rep. Christopher Van Hollen [D, MD-8]
  • Rep. Timothy Walz [D, MN-1]
  • Rep. Melvin Watt [D, NC-12]
  • Rep. Robert Wexler [D, FL-19]
  • Rep. Lynn Woolsey [D, CA-6]
  • Rep. David Wu [D, OR-1]
  • Rep. John Yarmuth [D, KY-3]
  • Rep. Donald Young [R, AK-0]
  close

Committees

• House Transportation and Infrastructure
• 2 more
  • Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation
  • House Transportation and Infrastructure
  close

Amendments

This bill has 10 amendments. See All AmendmentsHide All Amendments

Amendments to H.R.2095

Number	Status	Purpose
H.Amdt856	Pass	An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 110-371 to require the Federal Railroad Safety Administration to issue regulations requiring owners of track carried on one or more railroad bridges to adopt safety practices to prevent the deterioration of railroad bridges and reduce the risk of human casualties, environmental damage, and disruption to the Nation's transportation system that would result from a catastrophic bridge failure. The amendment also strikes Sections 301, 610, and 616 of the reported bill because these sections were enacted in Public Law 110-53, the `Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.' The amendment would also require the Secretary to consider additional criteria regarding communities when reviewing applications for a waiver or exemption from sounding locomotive horns at highway-rail grade crossings.
H.Amdt857	Pass	An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 110-371 to prohibit mechanical and brake inspections performed in Mexico of rail cars entering the United States from satisfying U.S. rail safety laws unless inspection standards, enforcement standards, and worker training are certified to meet those of the United States. It prohibits hazardous material inspections performed in Mexico from satisfying applicable U.S. rail safety laws and regulations.
H.Amdt858	Pass	An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 110-371 to allow state and local authorities to regulate solid waste management fa cilities. This amendment would state that the Surface Transportation Board does not have exclusive authority to preempt state and local regulation of solid waste management facilities, as defined in the amendment.
H.Amdt859	Pass	An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 110-371 to authorize funds to the Secretary to design and develop a pilot electric cargo conveyor system for the transportation of containers from ports to depots outside of urban areas.
S.Amdt.5259	Pass	In the nature of a substitute.
S.Amdt.5677	Withdrawn	To establish the enactment date.
S.Amdt.5678	Offered	Of a perfecting nature.
S.Amdt.5680	Offered	Amendment information not available.
S.Amdt.5681	Offered	Amendment information not available.
S.Amdt.5682	Offered	Amendment information not available.

Bill Status

Make a Bill Status Widget (Close help)

OpenCongress widgets allow you to display information about bills and issue areas on your own website or blog. First, select which bill or issue you want to track, then customize the appearance of the panel, and finally paste a simple chunk of HTML into your site. Now your community will have an easy, up-to-date way to track the status of important bills and issues in Congress.

Introduced		Voted on by House		Voted on by Senate		Considered By President		Bill Becomes Law
May 01, 2007		October 17, 2007		August 01, 2008

Latest Vote

October 01, 2008Roll call number 210 in the Senate
Question: On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amdt. To the Senate Amdt. to H.R. 2095 )
Required percentage of 'Aye' votes: 1/2 (50%)	Percentage of 'aye' votes: 74%	Result: Motion Agreed to

Democrats Voting 'Aye'

Close

Sen. Daniel Akaka [D, HI]
Sen. Max Baucus [D, MT]
Sen. B. Evan Bayh [D, IN]
Sen. Jeff Bingaman [D, NM]
Sen. Barbara Boxer [D, CA]
Sen. Sherrod Brown [D, OH]
Sen. Robert Byrd [D, WV]
Sen. Maria Cantwell [D, WA]
Sen. Benjamin Cardin [D, MD]
Sen. Thomas Carper [D, DE]
Sen. Robert Casey [D, PA]
Sen. Hillary Clinton [D, NY]
Sen. Kent Conrad [D, ND]
Sen. Christopher Dodd [D, CT]
Sen. Byron Dorgan [D, ND]
Sen. Richard Durbin [D, IL]
Sen. Russell Feingold [D, WI]
Sen. Dianne Feinstein [D, CA]
Sen. Thomas Harkin [D, IA]
Sen. Daniel Inouye [D, HI]
Sen. Tim Johnson [D, SD]
Sen. John Kerry [D, MA]
Sen. Amy Klobuchar [D, MN]
Sen. Herbert Kohl [D, WI]
Sen. Mary Landrieu [D, LA]
Sen. Frank Lautenberg [D, NJ]
Sen. Patrick Leahy [D, VT]
Sen. Carl Levin [D, MI]
Sen. Blanche Lincoln [D, AR]
Sen. Claire McCaskill [D, MO]
Sen. Robert Menendez [D, NJ]
Sen. Barbara Mikulski [D, MD]
Sen. Patty Murray [D, WA]
Sen. Ben Nelson [D, NE]
Sen. Bill Nelson [D, FL]
Sen. Barack Obama [D, IL]
Sen. Mark Pryor [D, AR]
Sen. John Reed [D, RI]
Sen. Harry Reid [D, NV]
Sen. John Rockefeller [D, WV]
Sen. Ken Salazar [D, CO]
Sen. Charles Schumer [D, NY]
Sen. Debbie Ann Stabenow [D, MI]
Sen. Jon Tester [D, MT]
Sen. Jim Webb [D, VA]
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse [D, RI]
Sen. Ron Wyden [D, OR]

Close

Republicans Voting 'Aye'

Close

Sen. Lamar Alexander [R, TN]
Sen. Robert Bennett [R, UT]
Sen. Thad Cochran [R, MS]
Sen. Norm Coleman [R, MN]
Sen. Susan Collins [R, ME]
Sen. Bob Corker [R, TN]
Sen. John Cornyn [R, TX]
Sen. Michael Crapo [R, ID]
Sen. Elizabeth Dole [R, NC]
Sen. Pete Domenici [R, NM]
Sen. Charles Grassley [R, IA]
Sen. Charles Hagel [R, NE]
Sen. Orrin Hatch [R, UT]
Sen. Kay Hutchison [R, TX]
Sen. John Isakson [R, GA]
Sen. Richard Lugar [R, IN]
Sen. Mitch McConnell [R, KY]
Sen. Lisa Murkowski [R, AK]
Sen. Pat Roberts [R, KS]
Sen. Gordon Smith [R, OR]
Sen. Olympia Snowe [R, ME]
Sen. Arlen Specter [R, PA]
Sen. Ted Stevens [R, AK]
Sen. John Warner [R, VA]
Rep. Roger Wicker [R, MS-1]

Close

Others Voting 'Aye'

Close

Sen. Joseph Lieberman [I, CT]
Sen. Bernard Sanders [I, VT]

Close

Democrats Voting 'Nay'

Close

Close

Republicans Voting 'Nay'

Close

Sen. Wayne Allard [R, CO]
Sen. John Barrasso [R, WY]
Sen. Christopher Bond [R, MO]
Sen. Samuel Brownback [R, KS]
Sen. Jim Bunning [R, KY]
Sen. Richard Burr [R, NC]
Sen. C. Saxby Chambliss [R, GA]
Sen. Thomas Coburn [R, OK]
Sen. Larry Craig [R, ID]
Sen. Jim DeMint [R, SC]
Sen. John Ensign [R, NV]
Sen. Michael Enzi [R, WY]
Sen. Lindsey Graham [R, SC]
Sen. Judd Gregg [R, NH]
Sen. James Inhofe [R, OK]
Sen. Jon Kyl [R, AZ]
Sen. Mel Martinez [R, FL]
Sen. John McCain [R, AZ]
Sen. Jefferson Sessions [R, AL]
Sen. Richard Shelby [R, AL]
Sen. John Sununu [R, NH]
Sen. John Thune [R, SD]
Sen. David Vitter [R, LA]
Sen. George Voinovich [R, OH]

Close

Others Voting 'Nay'

Close

Close

Democrats Voting 'Abstain'

Close

Sen. Joseph Biden [D, DE]
Sen. Edward Kennedy [D, MA]

Close

Republicans Voting 'Abstain'

Close

Close

Others Voting 'Abstain'

Close

Close

---

See Full Voting History (4 votes)Hide Voting History     Show All Actions (51 actions)Hide Actions

Voting History

Date	Chamber	Question	Aye	Nay	Result
October 01, 2008	Senate	H.R.2095 Clean Railroads Act of 2007 On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amdt. To the Senate Amdt. to H.R. 2095 )	74	24	Motion Agreed to	See Vote
September 29, 2008	Senate	H.R.2095 Clean Railroads Act of 2007 On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Concur in the House Amdt. to the Senate Amdt. to H.R. 2095 )	69	17	Cloture Motion Agreed to	See Vote
October 17, 2007	House	H.R.2095 Clean Railroads Act of 2007 On Passage: H R 2095 Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act	377	38	Passed	See Vote
October 17, 2007	House	H.R.2095 Clean Railroads Act of 2007 On Motion to Recommit with Instructions: H R 2095 Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act	198	222	Failed	See Vote

All Bill Actions

• Oct 02, 2008: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
• Oct 01, 2008. Cleared for White House.
• Oct 01, 2008: Senate agreed to motion to agree to House amendment to Senate amendment to the measure by Yea-Nay Vote. 74 - 24. Record Vote Number: 210.
• Oct 01, 2008: Motion to concur in House amendment to Senate amendment with an amendment (SA 5677) withdrawn by Unanimous Consent.
• Oct 01, 2008: Considered by Senate.
• Sep 30, 2008: Considered by Senate.
• Sep 29, 2008: Cloture on the motion to concur in House amendment to Senate amendment with an amendment (SA 5677) invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 69 - 17. Record Vote Number: 209.
• Sep 29, 2008: Considered by Senate.
• Sep 27, 2008: Motion to concur in House amendment to Senate amendment with an amendment (SA 5677) made in Senate.
• Sep 27, 2008: Cloture motion on the motion to concur in the House amendment to Senate amendment presented in Senate.
• Sep 27, 2008: Motion to concur in House amendment to Senate amendment made in Senate.
• Sep 27, 2008: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent.
• Sep 25, 2008: Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate amendment.
• Sep 24, 2008: House agreed to Senate amendment with an amendment pursuant to H.Res. 1492.
• Aug 01, 2008: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
• Passed by Unanimous Consent in the Senate on Aug 01, 2008. Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
• Aug 01, 2008: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent.
• Aug 01, 2008: Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged by Unanimous Consent.
• Oct 18, 2007: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
• Oct 17, 2007: The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 2095.
• Passed roll in the House on Oct 17, 2007. On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 377 - 38 (Roll no. 980).
• Oct 17, 2007: On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 198 - 222 (Roll no. 979).
• Oct 17, 2007: The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
• Oct 17, 2007: DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sali motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with amendments that strike "Federal Railroad Safety Administration" each place it appears and insert "Federal Railroad Administration"; and insert a new section regarding funding limitation.
• Oct 17, 2007: Mr. Sali moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation.
• Oct 17, 2007: The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
• Oct 17, 2007: The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
• Oct 17, 2007: The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2095.
• Oct 17, 2007: DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 724, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rohrabacher amendment.
• Oct 17, 2007: DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 724, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pallone amendment.
• Oct 17, 2007: DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 724, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Napolitano amendment.
• Oct 17, 2007: DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 724, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Oberstar amendment.
• Oct 17, 2007: GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2095.
• Oct 17, 2007: The Speaker designated the Honorable Earl Pomeroy to act as Chairman of the Committee.
• Oct 17, 2007: House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 724 and Rule XVIII.
• Oct 17, 2007: Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2095 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against the consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure now printed in the bill.
• Oct 17, 2007: Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 724.
• Oct 17, 2007: Rule H. Res. 724 passed House.
• Oct 10, 2007: Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 724 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2095 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against the consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure now printed in the bill.
• Added to calendar on Sep 19, 2007: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 208..
• Sep 19, 2007: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation. H. Rept. 110-336.
• Added to calendar on Jun 14, 2007: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote..
• Jun 14, 2007: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
• May 22, 2007: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .
• May 22, 2007: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
• May 22, 2007: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .
• May 10, 2007: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1015-1017)
• May 02, 2007: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E916-917)
• May 02, 2007: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
• May 01, 2007: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• Introduced on May 01, 2007.

---

Related Bills:

• S.1889
• H.Res.724
• H.Res.1492

Related Issue Areas:

• Medical supplies
• Transportation
• Accident prevention
• Actions and defenses
• 73 more
• Administrative remedies
• Business
• Civil rights
• Colorado
• Communications
• Congressional reporting requirements
• Criminal justice
• Damages
• Department of Labor
• Department of Transportation
• Disciplining of employees
• Discrimination in employment
• Dismissal of employees
• Emergency communication systems
• Emergency management
• Emergency medicine
• Employee rights
• Employee training
• Employers' liability
• Environmental protection
• Executive departments
• Executive reorganization
• Families
• Family services
• Federal advisory bodies
• Federal employees
• Fines (Penalties)
• Government employees
• Government information
• Government paperwork
• Government procurement
• Government publicity
• Governmental investigations
• Hazardous substances
• Hours of labor
• Job training
• Judicial review
• Labor
• Law
• Licenses
• Limitation of actions
• Maintenance and repair
• Medical care
• Medical instruments and apparatus
• Medicine
• Occupational health and safety
• Public contracts
• Public service advertising
• Punitive damages
• Railroad accidents
• Railroad commuting traffic
• Railroad employees
• Railroad equipment
• Railroad freight operations
• Railroad passenger traffic
• Railroad safety
• Railroads
• Research and development facilities
• Right-of-way
• Safety appliances
• Science policy
• State and local government
• State laws
• Telecommunication
• Telephone
• Traffic accidents and safety
• Traffic signs and signals
• Transportation of hazardous substances
• Transportation planning
• Transportation research
• Tunnels
• Wage restitution
• Whistle blowing

Data from the Congressional Research Service

Users tracking H.R.2095 (1) are also tracking:

Show More User Statistics... Hide User Statistics

In the News

October 02, 2008 8:50 am - Congressman Berry's High Speed Rail Study

Congress has completed action on HR 2095, the Rail Safety Improvement Act, which reauthorizes the Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak. ...

Was this article useful? Yes or No

Source: KARK, Little Rock

Did you find this article useful? Your opinion counts - together, we're finding the very best news and blog coverage about Congress available on the web.

October 02, 2008 Rail safety bill clears Senate, heads to White House

Yesterday, the Senate passed the Rail Safety Enhancement Act of 2008 (HR 2095/S. 1889) by a 74-24 vote. The measure — and its companion bill, the Passenger ...

Was this article useful? Yes or No

Source: Progressive Rail Roading, WI

Did you find this article useful? Your opinion counts - together, we're finding the very best news and blog coverage about Congress available on the web.

October 01, 2008 Congress Approves Rail Safety Bill: ACC Urges White House To Sign ...

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today Congress passedlegislation (HR 2095) that combines important rail safety provisions withthe ...

Was this article useful? Yes or No

Source: International Business Times, NY

Did you find this article useful? Your opinion counts - together, we're finding the very best news and blog coverage about Congress available on the web.

18 more articles...
See most useful news articles

Blog Coverage

October 06, 2008 Provisions of the Amtrak Bill

The following are highlights of the bill (HR 2095) to reauthorize Amtrak and rail safety programs under the Federal Railroad Administration. The Senate cleared the measure Oct. 1, after the House agreed to it Sept. 24.

Was this article useful? Yes or No

Source: masstransitmag.com: Funding News

Did you find this article useful? Your opinion counts - together, we're finding the very best news and blog coverage about Congress available on the web.

October 05, 2008 Entry for October 5, 2008

Congress has passed a new federal railroad law (HR 2095). Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters has indicated that President Bush will sign it. The bill addresses many critical topics facing the US railroad system. ...

Was this article useful? Yes or No

Source: OKLAHOMA RAIL NEWS

Did you find this article useful? Your opinion counts - together, we're finding the very best news and blog coverage about Congress available on the web.

October 04, 2008 Amtrak train riders should vote for Obama since McCain votes ...

The bill is HR 2095, the Passenger Rail Improvement and Investment Act. Barack Obama voted to strengthen Amtrak and provide more passenger rail service; John McCain voted against it. Here is the Senate roll call. ...

Was this article useful? Yes or No

Source: Progressive Advocacy

Did you find this article useful? Your opinion counts - together, we're finding the very best news and blog coverage about Congress available on the web.

118 more posts...
See most useful blog posts

Information made available by: