Springfield Standard

Congressman Eric Burlison, who represents Missouri’s 7th district in the U.S. Congress, has introduced new legislation aimed at reversing a recent Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rule. The rule requires all freight trains to have at least two crew members on board at all times.

Burlison stated, “This bill is about stopping union bosses from using Washington to get what they can’t win at the bargaining table.” He referenced a 2019 FRA conclusion that “accident/incident data does not support a train crew staffing regulation.” Burlison argued that the current mandate increases costs for small railroads without improving safety and primarily serves to increase union membership.

The proposed Train Crew Choice Act would repeal the FRA’s two-person crew requirement. It would also allow railroads more flexibility in making staffing decisions based on factors such as safety, technology, and efficiency.

“Freight rail is one of the safest ways to move goods in America,” Burlison said. “We should be encouraging innovation, not imposing unnecessary regulations that benefit special interests.”

Burlison has served in Congress since 2023 after replacing Billy Long. Before his current role, he was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from 2009 to 2017 and served in the Missouri Senate from 2019 to 2023. Born in Springfield, Missouri in 1976, Burlison currently lives in Ozark and graduated from Missouri State University with both undergraduate and graduate degrees.