June 24, 2025 – Earlier today Railway Supply Institute (RSI) member Wabtec Corporation, testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on behalf of RSI and the railway supply industry. The hearing, entitled, “America Builds: The Role of Innovation and Technology in a Safe and Efficient Rail System,” provided industry stakeholders an opportunity to offer policy recommendations to lawmakers as Congress begins drafting the next surface transportation reauthorization bill.
In his testimony, Wabtec Corporation Executive Vice President and CTO Eric Gebhardt 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. He added, “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 September 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.”
Today’s hearing occurs just under one month before RSI members are set to showcase the industry’s latest innovations at Innovation in Rail, RSI’s rail supplier technology event taking place on Capitol Hill. The annual event is designed to focus on rail technology, the regulatory environment, and the economic contributions made by the rail supply industry. Learn more and RSVP to the event here.
About the Railway Supply Institute (RSI)
The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) is dedicated to advancing safety, innovation, technology, and sustainability within the freight and passenger railway supplier industry, both in North America and global markets. As the voice of the industry, RSI strategically engages in critical and urgent industry matters by leveraging the technical expertise of our members to advocate in the legislative and regulatory arenas, foster education, host impactful events, and facilitate networking opportunities. For more information visit www.rsiweb.org, follow RSI on Twitter and LinkedIn.