Press Releases
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Daniel Webster, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, led 23 of his colleagues in requesting a briefing from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to discuss the growing issue of freight rail cargo theft, and the FRA’s initiatives to combat these crimes.
In a letter sent to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FRA Acting Administrator Drew Feeley, Chairman Webster highlighted recent reports showing cargo theft incidents have increased significantly in recent years, surpassing 65,000 incidents in 2024 alone, with losses exceeding $100 million.
“The growing threat of freight rail theft is concerning,” the members wrote. “Freight rail is a critical component of our National supply chain, and the Committee is alarmed by the rising number of incidents that disrupt commerce, impose significant economic costs, and present serious safety and National security concerns.”
The letter highlights the growing sophistication of cargo theft operations, from sabotaging braking systems to insider leaks and cross-border criminal networks. Members are requesting a briefing on the FRA’s ongoing and planned efforts, interagency coordination with federal, state, and local partners, and any statutory or regulatory gaps that may need to be addressed to strengthen rail security.
Co-signers of the letter include, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Representatives Nick Begich (R-AK), Rick Crawford (R-AR), Mike Bost (R-IL), David Rouzer (R-NC), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Burgess Owens (R-UT), Mike Ezell (R-MS), Vince Fong (R-CA), Tony Wied (R-WI), Tom Barrett (R-MI), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Jefferson Shreve (R-IN), Addison McDowell (R-NC), David Taylor (R-OH), Brad Knott (R-NC), and Bob Onder (R-MO).
Read the full letter text here.
In a letter sent to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FRA Acting Administrator Drew Feeley, Chairman Webster highlighted recent reports showing cargo theft incidents have increased significantly in recent years, surpassing 65,000 incidents in 2024 alone, with losses exceeding $100 million.
“The growing threat of freight rail theft is concerning,” the members wrote. “Freight rail is a critical component of our National supply chain, and the Committee is alarmed by the rising number of incidents that disrupt commerce, impose significant economic costs, and present serious safety and National security concerns.”
The letter highlights the growing sophistication of cargo theft operations, from sabotaging braking systems to insider leaks and cross-border criminal networks. Members are requesting a briefing on the FRA’s ongoing and planned efforts, interagency coordination with federal, state, and local partners, and any statutory or regulatory gaps that may need to be addressed to strengthen rail security.
Co-signers of the letter include, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Representatives Nick Begich (R-AK), Rick Crawford (R-AR), Mike Bost (R-IL), David Rouzer (R-NC), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Burgess Owens (R-UT), Mike Ezell (R-MS), Vince Fong (R-CA), Tony Wied (R-WI), Tom Barrett (R-MI), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Jefferson Shreve (R-IN), Addison McDowell (R-NC), David Taylor (R-OH), Brad Knott (R-NC), and Bob Onder (R-MO).
Read the full letter text here.
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