After the derailment in East Palestine, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) published a page outlining “freight rail safety actions” taken since the incident. At first glance, it reads like a comprehensive reform agenda.
But rail safety is not judged by bullet points. It is judged by outcomes, transparency, and enforceability.
Congressmen Seth Moulton (MA-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Congresswoman Sarah McBride (DE-AL) led a bipartisan letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies urging Chairman Steve Womack (AR-03) and Ranking Member James Clyburn (SC-06) to fully fund Amtrak and passenger rail programs in Fiscal Year 2027 at the levels authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The letter was signed by 116 bipartisan Members of Congress.
Railroads move through thousands of communities every day. For most people, trains are simply part of the background. They pass by homes, schools, businesses, and road crossings so often that the sound of steel wheels on rail fades into everyday noise.
But sometimes something sounds different.
Occasionally, a resident hears a grinding noise from a passing train.
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) is the primary trade organization representing the major freight rail carriers operating across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Founded in 1934, the AAR serves as the collective policy voice of the rail industry in Washington and beyond.
A bipartisan group of United States Senators has introduced the Railway Safety Act of 2026, legislation aimed at strengthening federal rail safety standards following lessons learned from recent derailments, including the 2023 incident in East Palestine, Ohio.
In November 1977, the BRS launched a contest to name our new signal mascot. The winning choice, “Signalman Sam,” debuted in January 1978 and appeared on the cover of The Signalman’s Journal until his retirement in 1983.
In 2024, Sam received a much-needed facelift and was reintroduced as the official BRS mascot. You will see him in our publications, at local gatherings, and out in the wild as part of our sticker campaign. If you spot Sam, snap a photo and send it toinfo@brs.org with the subject: Signalman Sam.
Keep your eyes peeled.
Brother Richard Thielke, Local 56, volunteers for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Brother Thielke's support is driven to bring attention to mental health issues.
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Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
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