Every year, Chuck commits to traveling to all62 counties in New York to meet with constituents.
On March 6,2023, standing near the freight rail tracks in Syracuse's Armory Square, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer launched his two-track plan to get railroads to increase transparency, boost rail safety, and demand answers on the steps railroads are taking to keep Syracuse and Upstate communities safe amid growing concern from national rail accidents.
Schumer, a longtime champion of rail safety who led the charge to get rid of the dangerous crude oil-carrying DOT-111 train cars, that frequented Syracuse, said it is time for immediate action on train cars carrying hazardous materials and ensuring locals have proactive and detailed sharing of information about trains carrying hazardous materials through their communities.
First, the senator revealed a letter to the major railroad companies demanding answers on the actions they are taking to prevent an accident, like what happened in Ohio, from occurring in Upstate New York.
Second, Schumer said he is guiding the Senate to move full steam ahead and support the new bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2023 to create new rail safety protocols, hold railroads accountable for malfeasance, and increase transparency of trains carrying hazardous materials in places like Syracuse and across America.