On behalf of the 450 members of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), we praise your leadership on advancing legislation that increases the safety on our railways, one of the most crucial industries in America. NSSGA is encouraged by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s work to approve S. 576, the Railway Safety Act, and hopes that the Committee will continue to discuss and consider innovative solutions to help aid this vital part of our nation’s infrastructure. Ensuring the safety and efficiency of railway infrastructure is crucial for the transportation and delivery of our members’ products to markets and construction projects. NSSGA represents the aggregates and industrial sand industries of our country, with over 9,000 facilities and more than 100,000 employees in high-paying jobs. Poor rail service is impacting our industries at an alarming rate. Declining rail service hinders our members’ ability to supply millions of tons of aggregates and industrial sand, which are essential resources utilized to upgrade outdated infrastructure, construct resilient communities, and support America's energy production. Aggregates producers rely on 1.1 million railcars to efficiently transport materials from quarries and plants to expanding communities and infrastructure projects. In the event of rail service suspension or delays, the ability to supplement these materials in these markets becomes extremely challenging, if not impossible.