Chairman Troy E. Nehls and Congressman Seth Moulton Introduce Legislation to Enhance Rail Safety

As Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, I introduced legislation with Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024. My bipartisan legislation incorporates the Railway Safety Act of 2023, introduced by Senators J.D. Vance (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and includes four significant safety provisions that increase the safety of our nation's rail network.

This bipartisan legislation will help modernize our nation's rail network and invest in crucial programs that will enhance rail safety, such as the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program. I applaud my Republican Senate colleague, Republican Vice-Presidential nominee Senator J.D. Vance, for introducing the Railway Safety Act of 2023, which is a core component of my legislation.

The Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024 is originally cosponsored by Congressman Derrick Van Orden (R-WI-03), Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY-04), Congresswoman Emilia Sykes (D-OH-13), Congressman Michael Rulli (R-OH-06), Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01), and Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17). It is cosponsored by Congressman Nick LaLota (R-NY-01), Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Congressman Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26).

I want to thank my colleague, Representative Seth Moulton, for working with me on this legislation. I look forward to working with all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this legislation across the finish line.

Read the entire bill HERE.

Chairman Troy E. Nehls Holds a Hearing Titled "Examining the State of Rail Safety in the Aftermath of the Derailment in East Palestine, Ohio"

This week, as Chairman of the House Transportation Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, I held a hearing titled, "Examining the State of Rail Safety in the Aftermath of the Derailment in East Palestine, Ohio."

I held this hearing to discuss rail safety and the events that occurred in East Palestine. During the hearing, I also discussed the legislation I sponsored and introduced alongside Representative Seth Moulton, the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024, which builds upon bipartisan legislation introduced in the Senate.

My legislation requires all Class 1 railroads to enroll in the Confidential Close Call Reporting System for a period of two years, which is a program run by an independent third party that allows railroad employees to report class calls and unsafe incidents.

My legislation also requires States' Department of Transportation to notify first responders of the existence of the AskRail app, which is a tool that provides real-time data to first responders about a train consist. The first responders in East Palestine had issues accessing the AskRail app due to a lack of connectivity. 

The legislation enhances the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program and authorizes a grant program at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to install onboard freight railcar telematics systems and gateway devices, which will modernize the tank car fleet.

During the hearing, I asked my colleagues for their support on this critical legislation.

Read my opening statement HERE.

Watch my opening statement HERE and my questioning of the witnesses HERE.

Rep. Troy E. Nehls Votes 'YES' to Pass the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY 2025

The United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 8998, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025.

This appropriations bill reins in wasteful spending and cuts burdensome regulations to reduce energy costs, safeguard American jobs, develop our natural resources, and ensure Americans' access to public lands for recreation.

Additionally, this legislation requires the Administration to resume oil and gas leasing sales, cuts funds to cancel oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, bans the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from imposing a methane fee on oil and gas producers, and increases production of vital critical minerals.

The FY 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act prevents restrictions on hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on federal lands, and blocks the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rulings that weaponize the Endangered Species Act against land users and energy producers.

I proudly voted 'YES' to pass this legislation.

Rep. Troy E. Nehls Votes 'YES' to Pass WRDA

This week, the United States House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), by a vote of 359-13.

This critical bipartisan legislation authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Civil Works projects to improve our nation's ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, among other aspects of our nation's water resources infrastructure.

Specifically, WRDA 2024:

• Delivers Needed Infrastructure Projects More Efficiently
• Strengthens Our Supply Chain and Competitiveness
• Increases Corps Accountability
• Supports Corps Recreation Facilities

I proudly voted 'YES' to pass this legislation, which contained several wins for not only the 22nd Congressional District of Texas, but the great state of Texas and our entire nation.

Rep. Troy E. Nehls and Republican Colleagues Send Third Letter to Sec. Mayorkas

In September 2022, I sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas regarding a report received by the Border Patrol that instructed agents to look for violent criminals from Venezuela entering the United States. The report received by the Border Patrol allegedly indicated that the Venezuelan regime, under the control of Nicolás Maduro Moros, was releasing violent criminals from prison early, including inmates convicted of “murder, rape, and extortion.” I never received a response.

Again, in February 2024, I sent a follow-up letter to Secretary Mayorkas, following the brutal murder of Laken Riley, a nursing student at the University of Georgia, who was attacked while on a run by a Venezuelan national who was paroled into the U.S. in September 2022 after entering the United States illegally and had been arrested at least once before. In the letter, I urged Secretary Mayorkas to prevent Venezuelans from entering the United States and immediately deport those who have been released pending immigration proceedings. I still have not received a response.

This week, I sent a third letter to Secretary Mayorkas following the brutal assault and murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, urging him to prevent Venezuelans from entering the interior, deport those who have been released into the country pending immigration proceedings, and imploring him to initiate a complete and total moratorium on all Venezuelan migration until Venezuela agrees to cooperate with deportation requests.  

If the Biden-Harris Administration truly cared about the safety of the American people, they would take action to prevent violent criminals from entering our country and deport those who have been released into our country, especially the bad hombres from Venezuela.

Read more about my letter to Secretary Mayorkas HERE.

Rep. Troy E. Nehls Votes 'YES' to Pass Resolution Condemning Border Czar Kamala Harris' Failure to Secure the Border

Despite what the dishonest media says and no matter how they try to spin it, Vice President Kamala Harris is this administration's border czar. In March 2021, President Joe Biden directed Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the administration's efforts to stem migration at the southern border. Since day one of Biden's presidency, nearly 10 million illegal aliens have crossed our borders.

This week, the House passed a resolution condemning Border Czar Kamala Harris' failure to secure the border. Six Democrats joined House Republicans in voting YES to pass this legislation.

Even members of the Democrat Party cannot deny Border Czar Kamala Harris' failures.

Read more HERE.

Rep. Troy E. Nehls and Rep. Seth Moulton Visit Brightline

As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, I have toured several railroads nationwide. This week, I traveled to the state of Florida to tour Brightline, an intercity rail route that travels between Miami and Orlando, Florida. Brightline is the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger railroad in the country. I was joined by my colleague, Representative Seth Moulton (D-MA-06).

During my visit, I had the opportunity to tour their facility and rode a train from Orlando to Miami. Additionally, we discussed federal investments in our nation’s rail network and industry.

Thank you for having me! 

As we come together in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, I want to assure you that my team and I are here to help you during this difficult time. The destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl has left many of our family, friends, and neighbors in urgent need of assistance. 

On July 12, 2024, the Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Texas was amended to provide Individual Assistance for Brazoria, Harris, Matagorda, and Wharton counties. These counties have already been designated for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program. As of July 13, 2024, Fort Bend County qualifies for Individual Assistance as well. 

Below, you will find important information on the resources available through FEMA and guidance on how to access this assistance. 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. We are here to help you navigate this process and to support you every step of the way. 

Hurricane Beryl

Residents living in Brazoria, Fort Bend, Harris, Matagorda, and Wharton counties are now eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance due to Hurricane Beryl impacts.

Individual Assistance is available to individuals and households in need of financial and direct services who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. 

To apply for FEMA disaster assistance, please visit this link. If you have access to Wi-Fi and your electronic devices have power, applying online is the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to apply. 

If you have any questions, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT. Wait times may be unusually high and applying online at disasterassistance.gov is the quickest way to complete an application now.

What you'll need when you apply:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are staying now
• Your Social Security number
• A general list of damage and losses
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name  

Recovery

Individuals and families in these counties may be eligible to receive Serious Needs Assistance, which is a one-time $750 payment per household for essential items like food, water, baby formula, breast feeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies. 

Eligible survivors may also receive Displacement Assistance, which is money to help with housing needs if you cannot return to your home because of the disaster. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options while you look for a more permanent housing solution.

In addition to Serious Needs and Displacement Assistance, eligible survivors may receive money for rental assistance, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other eligible expenses related to Hurricane Beryl.

People who applied for and received FEMA assistance for the severe storms that occurred in April can still apply and receive assistance for damage as a result of Hurricane Beryl if their primary home is located in one of the 17 declared counties. 

Residents in any Texas county who experienced property damage are encouraged to report their damage using the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s online Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) by visiting damage.tdem.texas.gov.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

FEMA and the State of Texas have established Disaster Recovery Centers in Brazoria and Matagorda counties.

Please visit the links below for more information: FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) / DRC Locator

Texas Hurricane Beryl DR-4798-TX

Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster

Texans should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after Hurricane Beryl. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.

If you did not apply for assistance, but receive a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline will submit a request to stop any further processing of that application.

If you do want to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the helpline will assist you in creating a new application. 

Scams

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews, housing inspectors and other officials are working in areas impacted by the hurricane. They carry official identification badges with photo IDs. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Don't believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. They don’t represent FEMA.

Don't give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

How to Report Fraud

If you believe you are the victim of fraud or a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff's department or contact the Office of the Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-621-0508.

If you suspect fraudulent activity involving FEMA, you can report it to the FEMA Fraud Branch at: [email protected], fax: (202) 212-4926 or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.

If you suspect identity theft, please visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or IdentityTheft.gov.

To view an accessible video about fraud, visit: FEMA Accessible: Fraud FEMA (youtube.com)

It is an HONOR to serve the 22nd Congressional District of Texas in Congress.

For more information, please call or go online to visit us at nehls.house.gov.

My Fulshear District Office is currently seeking full-time and/or part-time interns. Current college students and recent high school and college graduates are welcome to apply.

Intern responsibilities include answering and logging phone calls and assisting staff with special projects, casework, and administrative duties. The ideal candidate should be interested in public policy and government and willing to learn more about the legislative process to serve the folks of the 22nd Congressional District of Texas. Candidates with strong writing, communication, and interpersonal skills are encouraged to apply.

For more information or to start the application process, please visit my website HERE. If you have any questions, please feel free to email one of my team members at [email protected].

My office is now accepting Service Academy Nominations.

One of the privileges of serving in the United States House of Representatives is the opportunity to nominate outstanding young people from the 22nd Congressional District of Texas to be considered for appointment to our nation’s service academies.

Admission to a service academy is a two-tiered process. First, the candidate must meet the minimum standards set by the individual academy. Second, the candidate must complete the congressional application by October 11, 2024, to be considered for an interview in our office with the nomination review board. Please note, the ultimate selection of appointees rests solely with academy officials and is based on their competitive evaluation of all nominees.

Please fill out the web form HERE to receive all of the application information. If you have any further questions, please email [email protected] or call my district office at (346) 762-6600.

I am pleased to announce that my office is hosting the 2024 Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge is a competition designed to encourage student participation in computer science and coding. Students are encouraged to register online and submit their app by October 24, 2024.

The Congressional App Challenge is open to all middle and high school students in the 22nd Congressional District of Texas. Students entering the competition must submit their app to CongressionalAppChallenge.us during the Competition Submission Period through Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 12 P.M. Eastern Time.

The winner from the 22nd Congressional District, chosen by a panel of expert judges, will be featured on CongressionalAppChallenge.us. The winning app will also be eligible to be on display in the U.S. Capitol, honoring the winners from across the country.

For more information, please visit the official Congressional App Challenge website email [email protected], or email my office at [email protected].

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YES 82.9%

NO 17.1%

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