Status of H.R. 6707 The “Taking Responsible Action for Community Safety” Act
HR 6707 Passed, But Defeated Under Procedural Rules
Sep 29, 2008 - “Although it received a clear majority of votes in support, H. R. 6707 was defeated under the procedural rules that it was being considered. The bipartisan bill received votes from 206 democrats and 37 republicans, and it has broad support from the Illinois delegation. Unfortunately, under suspension of the rules, a bill must receive a two-thirds vote. Despite heavy lobbying against the bill by railroad companies that want to continue to merge with or take over other rail companies—regardless of the adverse effects on local communities and public safety—H.R. 6707 received a majority vote. This is a critical issue for the public and the environment, and we will look for other legislative vehicles to address this issue.”
-Congressman Oberstar
Chairman of the Transportation Committee
Where We Are Now
H.R. 6707, the "Taking Responsible Action for Community Safety" Act failed to pass in the House of Representatives. The bill will return to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for further action.
September 30 was the Surface Transportation Board (STB) deadline for comments weighing in on the DEIS. Numerous citizens, organizations and governmental bodies submitted comments. Most communities noted that the DEIS was wholly inadequate in reviewing and analyzing the environmental impacts that would stem from this deal. We do not believe that any approval decision based on the DEIS can be legitimate as the document was so flawed.
At this point, the STB has set a timetable for releasing a Final EIS (FEIS) between December 1, 2008 and January 31, 2009. CN has taken the STB to a federal court asking that the court compel the STB to make a final decision this year. The court has yet to rule on CN's request.
Check the TRAC Coalition website www.fightrailcongestion.com for breaking news on the STB decision and what further action we can take to stop the acquisition.