Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) may have publicly denounced Norfolk Southern Railroad after the East Palestine disaster, but privately, just days after receiving campaign contributions from a powerful lobbyist, Later, they lavished federal funds in their direction.
The donation and grant announcement comes after the February 23, 2023 train accident in East Palestine, Ohio, located on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. A train more than a mile long has derailed in south Norfolk, scattering dozens of cars and toxic chemicals and emitting black smoke for days.
Winds blew acrid smoke into the homes of East Palestinian residents and covered cars in ash. It took several days before authorities allowed them to return to their homes.
Wade Lovett, 40, poses for a portrait along Leslie Run Creek in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 22, 2023. Lovett was working at Lorena Auto Sales when the Norfolk Southern Railroad derailed on Feb. 3, sending 38 of the approximately 150 cars off the tracks and causing the cars carrying hazardous materials to burst into flames. As the train burned, Lovett continued to work until residents and businesses were forced to evacuate. Three days later, the railroad burned the vinyl chloride in five tank cars to prevent explosions, according to published reports. Lovett said his symptoms are still ongoing, including losing his voice and experiencing a sore throat and cough. “Every time I lay down, I feel like I’m drowning,” Lovett says. (Michael Swensen/Getty Images)
Since the disaster, Mr. Casey has touted his support for legislation to improve rail safety and provide post-disaster assistance. And his stump speeches are peppered with tough talk about Norfolk South. saying The company assumed legal and moral responsibility for the derailment.
“What they do every year when we propose a bill is they send in highly paid lobbyists to block the bill,” Casey said. Said In April 2023.
Casey appears to have first-hand knowledge of the activities of these lobbyists. His re-election campaign continued to rake in cash from Norfolk South through political action committees (PACs), and even the lobbyists he publicly despised questioned the sincerity of Casey’s statements.
The timing of some of these donations raises further questions.
December 4, 2023 Bob Casey accepted Campaign Cash from $1,000 Dennis Dwyera lobbyist in southern Norfolk. lobby On spending issues affecting the railroad industry.
Just two days later, on December 6, 2023, Casey announced a $143 million federal grant for Norfolk Southern.
A report on the contribution was not filed until January 19, 2024, more than a month after the announcement of the donation and federal grant.
Federal funding for Norfolk South, categorized as track and safety improvements, will be allocated to support. Expanding Amtrak Ridership Service between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Casey said he fought for the funding, which was announced months after the East Palestine disaster and after Casey previously blamed railroad companies for East Palestine’s environmental disaster. .
“I fought for this funding because our commonwealth thrives when Pennsylvanians can move quickly and easily across the state to work, study, and travel,” he said. Ta. Said. “Improved rail service means more jobs, more economic opportunities and more time to spend with family in urban and rural areas alike.”
But that donation is just a drop in the bucket compared to the total income Casey receives from Norfolk South. The Pennsylvania senator has received tens of thousands of dollars since his last reelection from a Norfolk Southern corporate PAC called the Norfolk Southern Corporate Good Government Fund, including $10,000.
The total amount Casey received from the Norfolk Southern corporate PAC was $37,500, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
Dwyer, who was called “one of Washington’s top four transportation lobbyists” by Influence Online, previously served as president of the International Trade Association for the rail and rapid transit manufacturing and supply industries.
In 2021, Dwyer important role in securing a controversial multi-million dollar railroad contract in Hawaii. His company won a no-bid contract from the Honolulu Department of Transportation thanks to its close relationship with Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).
However, Casey received thousands more in donations from other lobbyists in Norfolk South in six separate campaigns. Israel Klein, chris wilcoxand bert karpsince the East Palestine train accident.
Mr. Klein is former “Top communications aide” to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York). Wilcox is former aide to former Rep. Val Demings (D-FL). And Karp is a “senior and respected Democratic strategist.” Remaining “I’m very active in Democratic politics.”
Their donation to Casey totals $4,640.
The Democratic-led Senate has not even been able to vote on three bills that Casey regularly touts: the Railroad Safety Act, the Railroad Accountability Act, and the Supporting Local Heroes During Railroad Crisis Act.
Mr. Casey first held public office nearly 30 years ago in 1996, after winning the race for Pennsylvania comptroller general, but returned to the private sector for just two years after losing the gubernatorial race. . He is currently seeking his fourth six-year term in the Senate.
Bradley Jay is Breitbart News’ Capitol Hill correspondent. Follow him on X/Twitter. @BradleyAJay.
