February 7, 2025 | Amtrak, Headlines, Legislation
(Source: The Urbanist, February 6, 2025) New intercity passenger rail legislation filed in the Washington State Legislature would set ambitious targets for enhanced Amtrak Cascades service and accountability. Full story: The Urbanist
February 6, 2025 | East Palestine-NS, Headlines, Legislation, Railroad Safety
(Source: Trains.com, February 6, 2025) U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) has reintroduced two bills stemming from the East Palestine derailment of 2023 — one broadening the definition of a “high-hazard flammable train” and setting reporting requirements for railroads...
January 23, 2025 | Legislation, News, Railroad Safety, Top News
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (seated) after signing the “Stop, Look, and Listen” bill, with Rep. Michele Grim and BLET Ohio SLB Chairman John Esterly. ____________________ In mid-January, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed an important rail safety bill into law — the...
January 15, 2025 | Health & Welfare, Legislation, News, Railroad Retirement, Top News
Different from other unemployment and sickness benefits, railroad worker benefits are fully funded through payroll deduction and not government taxes. The federal government administers the program, but the government doesn’t fund railroad benefits. Therefore, it is...
December 26, 2024 | Legislation, News, Teamsters, Top News
On December 18, the U.S. Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 85-14. The authorization bill for national defense includes an amendment for the REEF Act, which will fully restore unemployment and sickness benefits to...
December 16, 2024 | Health & Welfare, Legislation, News, Top News
On December 11, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an authorization bill for national defense, which included an amendment for the REEF Act. This provision would fully restore unemployment and...
November 22, 2024 | C3RS, Legislation, News, Railroad Safety, Top News
The BLET is urgently working to secure passage of the House Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024 (H.R. 8996) before Congress adjourns. In a Take Action alert issued today, BLET members and their families are asked to use the Take Action tool on the BLET National...
November 3, 2024 | Legislation, News, Top News
November 5 will determine one of the most consequential elections in our lifetimes and all BLET members are encouraged to head to the polls. Control of the White House, the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives will be decided. All BLET members are encouraged...
October 11, 2024 | Legislation, News, Top News
Pictured: BLET Arizona State Legislative Board Chairman Kevin Onnembo (third from right) at the governor’s signing ceremony for HB 2742. ____________________ BLET Arizona State Legislative Board Chairman Kevin Onnembo was on hand earlier this month as Governor...
October 9, 2024 | Legislation, News, Top News
In advance of the general election on November 5, the BLET National Division is publishing a list of voting recommendations from the various BLET State Legislative Board Chairmen. The list includes candidates for governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of...
