Ohio - Two state representatives are calling on Congress for action addressing rail safety. 

State Reps. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County) and Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) provided sponsor testimony in the Government Oversight Committee on House Resolution 33. 

The resolution urges Congress to pass legislation requiring railroads to inform state and local government when they run hazardous materials through their jurisdiction. 

The bipartisan resolution was introduced by Reps. Blasdel and McNally in the aftermath of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine. East Palestine is in Rep. Blasdel's district and borders Rep. McNally's.

During her testimony, Rep. Blasdel explained how she has been working with local officials and constituents in East Palestine to voice their concerns to those involved in the train derailment remediation efforts. 

"I have traveled to East Palestine on numerous occasions, and I want the residents to know that I stand firm in providing any support needed in the short and long term," said Rep. Blasdel during her testimony. "The disaster in East Palestine has highlighted how impractical and dangerous federal regulations can be. These railroads were not required to notify anyone at the state or local level of what was being transported through our neighborhoods," said Rep. Blasdel. 

Rep. McNally said during her testimony that Ohioans deserve to know what trains are carrying on the tracks that run through their backyards and communities. 

"The state and our local communities would be well within our legal rights to create programs, policies and procedures to address this knowledge gap, but those rights have limits. We can't act more locally without the authority of the federal government. That's where the relationship between the federal government and state government can be strengthened," said Rep. McNally. 

HR 33 requires several hearings in the Government Oversight Committee before a vote to all members of the Ohio House of Representatives.