On Friday, August 12 the House of Representatives voted on the Inflation Reduction Act (AKA Budget Reconciliation Bill) and approved it along a party line vote of 220-207. Following the House passage of the bill, on Tuesday, August 16 President Biden signed the bill into law. This follows the Senate passage of the same bill during a rare “Vote-a-Rama” on Sunday, August 7. This passed the senate 51-50, with the deciding vote cast by Vice President Harris.

The House formally introduced the STB reauthorization bill ahead of a potential markup next month. Please click here to view more information on the bill. This bill is not expected to pass, but the unfavorable rail labor language REMSA and industry partners have long opposed did not make it into the bill.

On July 28, the Senate released the FY 2023 appropriations. To see the Transportation-HUD bill text please click here. Additionally, to view an explanatory statement of the bill please click here. Below is a table of noteworthy FY23 appropriations: 

How did you get started in the rail industry?

I was born and raised in the Omaha area. After spending 9 ½ years in the finance industry in Arizona, I was ready to come back “home”. A friend who was working for Union Pacific Railroad told me I should meet with an individual she knew at Omaha Track, as they were a company that was very well respected by Union Pacific. I visited the facility on Friday, had a job offer by Monday, and was able to make the move back home, which has been one of the very best decisions I have ever made!

What do you love most about your job/the rail industry?

I love that no two days are the same. My position allows me the flexibility to meet and work with new people all the time. The rail industry has so many intricacies, I feel like there will always be an opportunity to learn or explore something new!

What is it like being a woman in a primarily male dominated industry? 

I jokingly (kind of) credit my ability to work in this industry as a result of having three (3) older brothers, and being the only girl in my family. In this industry, there are real champions that don’t just say that they support women, they actually put those words into action, and to those individuals I will be forever grateful. I do think a sense of humor and not taking things personally are keys to success for a woman in this industry.  

What do you find yourself doing most in your downtime? 

I typically spend my downtime hanging out with my husband, Ron, and our dog, Trapper (a 13 year old French Bulldog). Ron takes in cattle at his family ranch in the summertime, which is about 4 hours away from Omaha. Some weekends you will find us checking cattle, windmills, and fences (my cell phone doesn’t work on the ranch, so that can be a nice break). Otherwise, we like to get together with friends or family to BBQ, golf, or any other excuse we can find to hang out with those that we are closest to.

How do you define the “future” of rail? Where do you think the industry is headed?

I think the future of rail is bright as it is the most effective and safe way to move a lot of freight long distances. With new innovation throughout the industry on what seems like a daily basis, I see the industry becoming even more efficient. I do think there are always going to be ways that the industry as a whole can get better, but again, those are the opportunities that make this industry fun and exciting!

What do you enjoy most about being part of REMSA?

REMSA is an organization that brings together a lot of “key players” in the rail industry. This is very much a relationship business, so the opportunity to meet and network with these key players is integral to the success of individuals and companies in this industry. The trade shows, scholarships, awards, and networking opportunities are all reasons why Omaha Track supports REMSA.

Anything else you would like to add/share?

If I haven’t had the opportunity to meet you yet, you can usually find me at the trade shows. Please introduce yourself, I would love the opportunity to meet you and hear more about you and your company!

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Interested in being featured in an upcoming Mainline and on REMSA's social media? REMSA is looking for members to feature as the member of the month! Whether you are a seasoned railroader or new to the industry, REMSA will share your story and recognize your company across our digital channels. Email Trade Shows & Marketing Manager Heidi Baker at baker@remsa.org to apply today.

REMSA's Grassroots Program connects our association's membership with members of Congress to host tours and site visits of company facilities and ongoing projects. It's a terrific way to showcase the positive impact that your company has in the local community, while also building strong personal relationships with your elected representatives. This program highlights REMSA members' products and services throughout the industry and to members of Congress, which helps to advance REMSA's legislative agenda in Washington.

If you are interested in hosting a grassroots event at your facility please reach out to Mike McGonagle at mcgonagle@remsa.org.

REMSA welcomes new member Sentinel Chemicals

Sentinel Canada is a leading supplier of performance fluids and lubes, and industrial grade heat transfer fluids, lubricants, and industrial chemical products. Sentinel is dedicated to delivering the quality, innovation, and support you expect from a world-class market leader. Sentinel delivers customized products worldwide to its global customers.