Rep. Burlison Introduces Train Crew Choice Act to Block FRA’s Union-Driven Mandate

September 5, 2025 Press Release Congressman Eric Burlison (R-MO-07) introduced the Train Crew Choice Act , legislation to nullify the Biden-Harris administration’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rule requiring all freight trains to operate with at least two crew members on board at all times. “ This bill is about stopping union bosses from using Washington to get what they can’t win at the bargaining table, ” said Congressman Burlison . “ Previously, in 2019, the FRA concluded that ‘accident/incident data does not support a train crew staffing regulation.’ Yet the Biden-Harris administration went ahead with this mandate, which burdens small railroads with increased costs with no benefit except inflating union membership. ” The Train Crew Choice Act repeals the FRA’s two-person crew rule and restores flexibility for railroads to make staffing decisions based on safety, technology, and efficiency. “ Freight rail is one of the safest ways to move goods in America, ” Burlison continued. “ We should be encouraging innovation, not imposing unnecessary regulations that benefit special interests. ”