U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) says he's working to protect the people of East Palestine from surprise tax bills.

He's calling for the passage of a bipartisan tax deal that would ensure the people who have lived there since February's toxic train derailment won't have to pay taxes on the relief they received from Norfolk Southern.

"This should not be taxable," Senator Brown said. "This money that Norfolk Southern, these are not dollars that you put in your pocket as income. These are dollars you get because you've been harmed by this corporation that was so irresponsible. They shouldn't pay taxes from this period. That's our goal. That's what this bill will do."

The tax deal would also expand the child tax credit and increase the availability of affordable housing for low-income families.