This photo taken with a drone shows portions of a Norfolk and Southern freight train that derailed Friday night in East Palestine, Ohio are still on fire at mid-day Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation sent the bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2023, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock, to the full Senate for consideration Wednesday.

According to a news release, the landmark legislation would prevent future train derailments by taking key steps to improve rail safety procedures and protocols and increasing fines for wrongdoing committed by rail carriers.

The legislation includes key provisions based on Casey and Fetterman’s Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act, which would set aside funds — paid for by rail companies that ship and carry hazardous materials — to provide emergency responders and firefighters with money to replace equipment, pay workers overtime and address other costs. Also included are provisions based on the Senators’ Railway Accountability Act, which would direct the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Safety Advisory Committee to assess potential regulations improving end-of-train and head-of-train device communications and brake signal testing.

“Pennsylvania families, businesses and first responders are still reeling from the disaster caused by Norfolk Southern’s trail derailment. No community in America should have to endure this ever again,” Casey said, according to the news release. “By passing this legislation out of committee, the Senate took a crucial step to protect people over profits, make freight rail safer, and hold rail companies accountable for putting communities and workers in harm’s way.”

“I’m proud that this vital bill to improve railway safety is making its way through the legislative process. Above all, we need to make sure a disaster like this never happens again,” Fetterman said, according to the news release. “That’s why I was proud to help lead on this bipartisan bill to strengthen rail safety regulations, which would make sure rail companies have the interests of workers and local residents in mind — not just their bottom lines. After this markup, it’s time to swiftly bring this bill to the floor and get it passed.”

Casey and Fetterman, the news release said, have repeatedly advocated for resources for Pennsylvania and Ohio residents affected by the derailment and to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for the cleanup and recovery. They pressed the Environmental Protection Agency on its plan to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for releasing hazardous materials into the air and water and highlighted the need to ensure the proper resources are reaching Darlington Township in Pennsylvania and East Palestine, Ohio to continue to aid residents in need.