Rep. Newman Secures Inclusion of Her Rail Center For Excellence Bill in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Marie Newman (IL-03), a member on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, announced that her office has successfully secured the inclusion of her Rail Center for Excellence legislation in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which the Senate passed earlier this month. Under the legislation, the U.S. Department of Transportation would establish a Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence that would conduct critical research and development to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of passenger and freight rail transportation.

"I am thrilled that my Rail Center for Excellence legislation has been included as part of President Biden's bipartisan infrastructure package," said Congresswoman Newman. "By ensuring that we're studying and researching the safety and efficiency of our rail systems across the country, we can create a national standard of excellence that would benefit all riders and transit workers. In the coming weeks, I look forward to passing this legislation as part of the bipartisan infrastructure package."

While the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) current research and development efforts rely on vendors and manufacturers for short-term projects, this legislation would establish funding for a long-term approach. Establishing a Rail Center for Excellence would help FRA and the rail industry advance breakthroughs in passenger and rail worker safety, develop sustainable solutions to address the climate crisis, and build a new generation of rail transportation and engineering professionals.

By harnessing the power of the basic and applied research that institutions like the University of Illinois System can operate, this bill would further help the nation plan for growth in the industry and compete globally. Furthermore, establishing a Rail Center for Excellence at a university would better inform policy discussions regarding the social and economic impacts of all rail, including freight, passenger, and transit.

"I applaud Congresswoman Newman for her leadership in championing a center of excellence focused on rail research and education," said Tim Killeen, president of the University of Illinois System. "Illinois is at the center of the nation's rail network and, as Congress considers investments in infrastructure, the University of Illinois System stands ready to share its considerable expertise in rail and transit issues to further this effort."

Congresswoman Newman previously introduced her Rail Center for Excellence bill as part of the INVEST in America Act. The Rail Center for Excellence legislation that has been secured as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will be voted on in the House this fall.

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