Innovation and Technology Discussed at Rail Subcommittee Hearing
The hearing, entitled, “America Builds: The Role of Innovation and Technology in a Safe and Efficient Rail System,” provided stakeholders an opportunity to offer policy recommendations to lawmakers as Congress begins drafting the next surface transportation reauthorization bill. Remarks were made from David Shannon, General Manager, RailPulse; Brigham McCown, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure; Eric Gebhardt, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Wabtec; and Tony Cardwell, President, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division, International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Subcommittee Chairman Daniel Webster (R-FL) provided the opening remarks.
In his testimony, Gebhardt, who testified on behalf of the Railway Supply Institute (RSI) and the railway supply industry, emphasized how advanced technologies developed by Wabtec and RSI members are transforming rail safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
“Wabtec’s and other RSI members’ commitment to research and development ensures that the rail industry continues to evolve to meet the needs of modern transportation,” Gebhardt said. “Continued progress requires continued partnership. Wabtec and RSI look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to ensure America’s rail network remains the safest and most efficient in the world.”
Since January, the House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee has conducted hearings to examine federal programs that support the freight and passenger rail industry ahead of the Sep. 30, 2026, expiration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
“RSI is grateful to the Subcommittee for the opportunity for an RSI member company to testify and highlight the important role our members play in strengthening the nation’s rail network,” said RSI President Jim Riley. “Wabtec Corporation embodies the innovative spirit of the rail supply industry and we’re grateful to Eric and the entire Wabtec team for serving as a strong representative for the entire industry.”
“On behalf of RSI’s Board of Directors, I’d like to thank and commend Wabtec for representing the entire rail supply industry before the House T&I Committee’s Railroads, Pipelines, & Hazardous Materials Subcommittee,” said Robert Oesch, Vice President of North American Commercial at Amsted Rail and Chair of the RSI Board of Directors. “Today’s hearing highlights RSI’s ability to bring forward real-world expertise from across our industry. RSI members’ collective expertise, and close working relationships with both public and private stakeholders allow us to play a central role in shaping policies that will define the future of rail.”
The June 24 hearing occurred just one month before RSI members are set to showcase the industry’s latest innovations at Innovation in Rail, RSI’s supplier technology event take place on Capitol Hill. The annual event, RSI says, “is designed to focus on rail technology, the regulatory environment, and the economic contributions made by the rail supply industry.” More information about the event is available here.
The full hearing of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials is available to watch below.
