Velázquez Pushes Bold Priorities in Upcoming Surface Transportation Package

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) submitted two letters to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure outlining her top priorities for the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization package. Her proposals center on affordability, safety, environmental justice, and long-overdue investments in rail and transit systems serving frontline communities.

“As we work to revitalize American infrastructure, we need to put working families first, protect communities from pollution, and make transit and rail safer, cleaner, and easier to access,” said Velázquez. “This bill should be a blueprint for fairness, resilience, and opportunity.”

Velázquez’s key priorities include:

Railroad and Freight Priorities

• National Standards for Waste Transport

Velázquez is calling for federal action to require the sealed and secure transport of dangerous waste materials such as sewage sludge, demolition debris, coal ash, and incinerator ash. While these materials are often labeled "non-hazardous" under current rail regulations, they can contain highly toxic substances like arsenic, mercury, lead, and asbestos.

Her proposal would require all railcars carrying these waste streams to use solid covers and sealed containers and would prohibit open drains or other openings that allow liquid waste to escape.

This policy aims to address the health and environmental threats facing low-income and working-class neighborhoods, especially in areas like New York City where freight corridors run directly through residential communities.

“Since 2009, Civics United for Railroad Environmental Solutions has worked tirelessly with elected officials from all levels of government to containerize waste-by-rail and eliminate dangerous diesel locomotive emissions. We thank Congress Member Nydia Velázquez for her advocacy on these important issues that affect health and quality of life in the densely populated communities through which rail travels.”- Mary Parisen-Lavelle, Chair Civics United for Railroad Environmental Solutions

• Transformational Rail Investment

Her letter calls for $200 billion over five years to expand passenger rail service, build high-speed rail, electrify polluting railyards, and improve safety at crossings. It also proposes a new federal grant program for rail worker training.
Railway Safety Improvements

Velázquez supports enhanced safety requirements for trains carrying hazardous materials, broader definitions for high-hazard flammable trains, stricter bridge safety standards, and enforceable inspection requirements. “The East Palestine derailment showed us the cost of inaction. Rail safety cannot be optional,” she said.

• Support for Existing Rail Programs

She urged continued investment in Amtrak and key programs created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, including the Federal-State Partnership and the Corridor Identification and Development Program.
 

• Pilot Program for Clean Rail Technologies

She is also proposing the creation of a new pilot program at the Federal Railroad Administration to support the development of flexible train designs that can operate across multiple power sources. This would include battery-powered, electric, hydrogen, and diesel trains, helping rail systems transition toward cleaner, more efficient operations

Transit & Highway Priorities

• Fare-Free Transit Pilot Program

Velázquez is calling for $10 million to launch state-level pilot programs that provide fare-free public transit. The pilot would prioritize low-income areas and include ADA-compliant paratransit services.

• Expand Charging and Fueling Infrastructure

She supports reauthorization of the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) program to grow the network of EV and alternative fuel stations, particularly in underserved communities. Velázquez emphasized the need for flexible deployment to reflect regional needs.

• Improve Road Safety Nationwide

With pedestrian fatalities at a 40-year high, Velázquez is urging increased federal support for Vision Zero and the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. Her proposals also include competitive grants to install suicide prevention barriers and increasing flexibility to use Highway Safety Improvement Program funds to cover the local cost share of Transportation Alternatives Program safety projects.
 

• Strengthen Emissions Reduction Programs

Citing the transportation sector as the nation’s top source of greenhouse gas emissions, Velázquez is pushing for stronger investments in zero-emission buses, clean school transportation, and reforms to the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program. 

For a copy of Rep. Velázquez’s letter outlining Railroad and Freight Priorities, click here.

For a copy of Rep. Velázquez’s letter outlining Transit and Highway priorities, click here.

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