Perhaps Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has been urged to seize a political opportunity by using buzzwords like now “Biden Administration”, “coal” and fossil fuels “which the radical green movement hates.” But for those wondering what would prompt this political opportunism, remember: Cruz was looking for excuses to oppose much-needed rail safety legislation that had passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee.
Inspired by the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, in February, the bill would increase inspections of trains carrying hazardous materials, require the use of technology to detect track defects and increase penalties on railway companies due to accidents.
“There will be another East Palestine in this country if we don’t pass the Rail Safety Act. Simple as that.” said Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio. “Yes, it may make rail transport a little more expensive, but it will make it a little more expensive for the safety service.”
There has been a lot of bipartisan fighting to put this bill together. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., joined Vance in voting for the bill in committee. East Palestine was just one of a series of rail failures that highlighted the need for stronger safety measures for the industry.
But Cruz has been taught that he will be rewarded if he reframes every part of the legislative process in a battle between us. While it is up to the voters of Texas to show him how wrong he is, other Republicans in the Senate must ignore the nonsense.
Railway safety standards need to be improved. No amount of money thrown into a bank account to prevent falling property values changes that. Senators must not allow Cruz’s political theatrics to stall the momentum of legislation that deals with something far more important than money.
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