INVEST Act Passed in U.S. House

The INVEST in America Act (H.R. 3684) passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives, 221-201, on July 1 with two-person crew and other transportation safety provisions important to SMART Transportation Division members remaining intact. The Nehls Amendment (R-TX), to strike the two-person crew mandate from the INVEST Act was pulled after pressure was exerted by two-person crew supporters in Congress. 

"We're very pleased that the House has wisely moved ahead today on the legislative path to ensuring that rail safety's Rule of 2 is maintained with the INVEST in America Act, and that the bus safety provisions, Amtrak funding and other rail safety components stay in the bill," SMART-TD National Legislative Director Greg Hynes said. "Now, similar to last year, the time has come for members of organized labor to make it crystal clear to senators who might be on the fence that the safety aspects within this bill are not up for negotiation."

Additional details and updates about the INVEST in America Act will come.