Joe Daloisio Chairman of the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC)
With the kind permission of NRC
The voice of railway entrepreneurs and suppliers Came through loudly and clearly on the Capitol Hill
January 23, 2025 marked some remarkable first. I had the privilege to testify for the first time before the congress members in a hearing of the congress. It was also the first time in the history of the NRC that a chairman or a NRC officer testified before the congress.
It was really an honor and one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I submitted a five -minute explanation and answered questions from members throughout the hearing in front of the railways, pipelines and dangerous materials from the sub -committee of the House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I). The hearing entitled “America Builds: Investigation of America's freight and passenger rail network” contained statements by four stakeholders in the railway industry about their priorities for the new congress as well as current and potential transport legislation.
I was in Capitol Hill and have already met with members of the congress as part of the Railroad Day on the hill and our NRC flying, but this was a completely different experience that was humiliating, a bit intimidating and exciting. The other witnesses sat at a desk with the members of the sub-committee in stadium-like, graded seating, which look down on us, surrounded by Cspan cameras, microphones and photographers, and employees who have experience around.
I took responsibility to represent the opinions and experiences of NRC member companies and suppliers very seriously. Despite my lack of experience in this situation and the limited time, the focus was on the voice of the NRC members.
Security is always our main concern. Therefore, I have been committed to ensuring that railways, rail entrepreneurs and suppliers have the opportunity to innovate and use new security technologies. “We are calling for the congress to use data -controlled solutions that effectively increase the safety of the rail network and avoid changes in the directive that would present unnecessary or excessive mandates for the rail industry that would not improve the rail safety.”
I asked the legislators to improve the efficiency of crises and other subsidies. “The speed with which grant agreements were carried out was far too slow. At the beginning of the construction phase, a number of variables, in particular the cost increase, endanger the successful execution of these important projects. We encourage congress and the new administration to provide responsible but more appropriate funding financing. ”
I also emphasized how important a competitive company process for railway construction and maintenance contracts is to achieve the best return for these investments. “The NRC strongly supports more opportunities for expansion and competition in these programs to further stretch federal funds. An increased flexibility for railways and commuter lanes to accept the contract of work will benefit the industry. This is not an attempt to take the work of internal workers, but should help the entire industry to work more efficiently. ”
NRC members always strive to find the most innovative ideas and methods in order to deliver projects at lower costs without affecting security. “Our member companies are both specialized and have suggested to achieve this every day. Therefore, we urgently want to urge that all railway construction carried out with federal support are competitive for the independent railway construction industry in order to be as far as possible in order to ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars. ”
This opportunity to testify before the congress came through years of work and persistence from NRC employees and our own members. I am particularly grateful to Matt Ginsberg, who heads the government relationships of the NRC. Matt's ongoing relationships on the hill and that of NRC President Ashley Wieland have positioned the NRC as a credible resource for real perspectives for legislation in connection with the train. Her efforts were supported by numerous NRC members who took part in the hill on the Railroad Day and organized basic events in their facilities and jobs over the years.
Our work will continue on May 7th when we bring our case for the next railway day on the hill to Washington. Your voice is of crucial importance. Please join us and help us take every opportunity to bring our place at the table.
“We are not just in this industry. We are this industry! ”
Joe
Members of the railways, pipelines and dangerous materials from the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee subcommittee on January 23 have statements from four railway states (L to R) out of certificate: AAR President and CEO IAN JEFFERIES, ASLRRA President Chuck Baker, NRC-Daloisio and alternative security as well as alternative security And legisance.
This article was published in March 2025 edition of Railway line & structures