WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) reintroduced the RESPONSE Act, legislation that would improve emergency preparedness and training for first responders and provide support to help emergency personnel better respond to hazardous incidents, such as crude oil train derailments and other hazmat situations.

“Emergency responders bravely risk their lives every day to protect our communities, and we should support them by enhancing cooperation across all levels of government to help ensure they are provided the resources they need to perform their jobs,” said Senator King. “The terrible tragedy at Lac-Megantic opened our eyes to the potential dangers of derailed trains carrying hazardous material, which is why I hope we can quickly advance this bill as a critical step towards supporting our first responders as they prepare and equip themselves to handle these types of disaster.”

The Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation (RESPONSE) Act, led by Senator Heitkamp, creates a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) public-private council that would bring together emergency responders, federal agencies, and leading experts to review training and best practices for first responders. The Council would provide recommendations to Congress on how to address first responders’ needs moving forward and help them protect communities across the country. A one-page summary of the bill is available HERE. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) also joined in reintroducing the bill. Senator King supported the legislation last Congress.

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