NTSB emphasizes ongoing family assistance, monitoring of Norfolk Southern vent‑and‑burn recommendations and first‑responder training needs

The National Transportation Safety Board told House appropriators it maintains long‑term contact with families affected by transportation disasters and continues to track implementation of recommendations, including those related to the Norfolk Southern East Palestine derailment.

Jennifer Homendy, Chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board, said the agency’s family assistance program facilitates recovery and identification work, and that staff meet families early in investigations—often within 24–48 hours—and remain in contact through preliminary and final reports. “Any time there are updates, they get them, they get noticed first,” she said, describing the agency’s ongoing communications with family members and noting that some families become safety advocates.

On the East Palestine investigation, Representative Thomas Massie asked about vent‑and‑burn procedures. Homendy said Norfolk Southern had not fully developed the recommended procedures and that the NTSB continues to monitor implementation; she said the board has not yet seen comparable adoptions by other rail systems.

Members also raised training for first responders. Homendy identified Chief of Special Operations Eric Grossoff as leading NTSB outreach to law enforcement and firefighters. She said the agency would like to add four or five regional staff to expand training and that the estimated cost per additional employee (including travel) could be about $200,000—an investment she described as “a small investment with a big payoff.”

The board also reiterated longstanding concerns about drug‑impaired driving. Homendy said teen driver education on drug impairment has declined in many places and that research shows one‑third of teen drivers surveyed believe it is legal to drive after using marijuana; she cited an increase in national marijuana use figures discussed during the hearing and urged improved testing protocols, more law‑enforcement training and stronger public education.

Why it matters: Families told the committee they need timely information and support; the NTSB’s follow‑through on recommendations (whether to railroads, local authorities or federal agencies) affects the implementation of safety changes and community recovery.

No formal votes were taken at the hearing; the subcommittee requested additional follow‑up on recommendation implementation, first‑responder training logistics and resource needs for expanded outreach.