October 21, 2025 | FRA, News, NTSB, Railroad Safety, Top News
As the Federal government shutdown that began on October 1 continues, it is beginning to affect government agencies that serve the rail industry and BLET members. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been...
October 14, 2025 | FRA, News, Top News
The U.S. Senate has confirmed David Fink, the former CEO of Pan Am Railways, as the 16th Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). He was part of a block of 107 nominees who were confirmed in a 51-47 party-line vote on October 7. During his Senate...
October 9, 2025 | FRA, Furloughs, News, Railroad Retirement, STB, Top News
A Federal government shutdown began on October 1 after the U.S. Senate failed to pass a proposal to keep government programs and services running. As of publication, it is not clear how long this shutdown will last and no progress has been made toward a deal that...
September 10, 2025 | DOT, FRA
BLET comments in favor of one proposed rule change: Qualification and Certification: Locomotive Engineers What the rule would do: The rule would modify how FRA participates in Operating Crew Review Board (the new name for the Locomotive Engineer Review Board)...
August 19, 2025 | FRA, News, Railroad Safety, Top News
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has disbanded its Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC), an important venue for labor, management, shippers and Federal regulators to collaboratively discuss and develop rules to improve safety in the railroad industry....
July 24, 2025 | Amtrak, FRA, News, Top News
House Appropriations Committee Republicans last week released the draft fiscal year 2026 Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies funding bill. The BLET is keeping a close eye on the proceedings as the proposed legislation...
July 1, 2025 | DOT, FRA, News, Technology, Top News
BMWED President Tony Cardwell testified before members of Congress this week about the potential dangers of over-reliance on technology. ____________________ BLET members rely on Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) investigations to hold railroads accountable, but...
June 25, 2025 | DOT, FRA, Headlines, Railroad Safety
(Source: Freight Waves, June 24, 2025) Rail unions are raising concerns about the Trump administration’s plan to roll back protections for federal inspectors and investigators put in place in 2021 that they say could increase safety risks in the rail industry. The...
May 30, 2025 | 2-man Crews, FRA, News, Top News
David Fink responds to questions during the Senate Commerce Committee’s confirmation hearing on May 13. ____________________ David Fink, the Trump administration’s nominee as Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), testified that he would...
May 2, 2025 | CPKC, FRA, Headlines, Railroad Safety
(Source: Trains.com, May 1, 2025) Canadian Pacific Kansas City executives say they are encouraged by discussions with the Federal Railroad Administration about rolling out new track and train inspection technology. Railroads are permitted unlimited use of automated...
