Keeping Safety on Track, Protecting Workers and MORE

Keeping Safety on Track

Dear John,

After a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio - leading to emergency evacuations and health-related concerns for residents of Ohio and Pennsylvania - I joined six fellow members of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation to prevent an even worse disaster from happening right here at home.

U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan, Madeleine Dean, Brendan Boyle, Dwight Evans, Mary Gay Scanlon, Susan Wild and I sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, formally requesting the permanent suspension of a rule that allows explosive liquified natural gas (LNG) to pass through our district via freight rail.

Back in 2020, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) authorized the shipment of LNG along rail lines that pass through densely populated areas of our region and the eastern part of the state, creating a risk of catastrophic impact.

While Sec. Buttigieg temporarily halted the rule, we called on him to permanently suspend it until the agency can conduct detailed safety assessments on relevant procedures and equipment.

Taking this action will allow PHMSA to perform adequate risk reviews while developing the necessary equipment standards, operational controls and accident response protocols so that our communities are protected.

Read the entire letter here.

Look for the Union Label

Also this week, I was proud to support the bipartisan PRO Act, which will protect and strengthen the basic rights of American workers to stand together and negotiate for higher wages, better benefits and safer working conditions.

Unions are critical to growing a strong middle class and creating an economy that rewards hardworking Northeast Pennsylvanians. Studies show that union members earn, on average, 10 percent more than those with similar education, occupation and experience in a non-union workplace.

As an original co-sponsor of this important legislation, I was glad to see this week's reintroduction of the bill, which will provide the most significant increase in workers' collective bargaining rights in more than 80 years.

Workers exercising their right to organize has been a time-honored tradition in Northeastern Pennsylvania. By supporting the PRO Act, I’m making sure unions remain an important part of our future.

Read the full text of the bill here.

Medicare General Enrollment

Deadline Approaching

As a staunch supporter of all-things Medicare, I want to remind those who are eligible that the Medicare General Enrollment Period ends on March 31st.

If you did not sign up for Original Medicare when you were first eligible, and you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can enroll now.

Remember: You can only sign up for Part A and/or Part B during this period.

There are two main ways to get your Medicare coverage – Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

Click here for additional information about the Medicare General Enrollment Period.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, from now until March 31 is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period during which you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or switch to Original Medicare (and join a separate Medicare drug plan).

Click here for additional information about Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.

Medicare is a national treasure, delivering real value to millions of seniors. It's one of the most popular and important services the government provides and you'd better believe I'll keep fighting to keep it that way.

Be safe and well,

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