Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Judiciary Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
The "Rail Passenger Fairness Act" seeks to empower Amtrak to enforce its statutory right to prioritize passenger trains over freight on shared rail lines. This legislation addresses the persistent issue of host railroads failing to grant Amtrak the preference outlined in section 24308(c) of title 49, United States Code, which mandates that intercity and commuter rail passenger transportation has preference over freight transportation. The bill aims to rectify the current situation where Amtrak's on-time performance is severely hampered by freight train interference, leading to millions of minutes in passenger delays annually. Currently, the enforcement of Amtrak's preference rights is limited, with only the Attorney General authorized to initiate civil actions, a power rarely exercised. This bill proposes a crucial amendment to section 24308(c) of title 49, United States Code, explicitly granting Amtrak the right to bring a civil action for equitable or other relief in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Congress finds that historical data demonstrates a direct correlation between effective enforcement mechanisms and improved on-time performance for passenger rail. Empowering Amtrak with this enforcement tool is expected to significantly enhance its operational efficiency, reduce taxpayer costs, and enable it to better fulfill its mission of providing reliable passenger service.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Transportation and Public Works
Rail Passenger Fairness Act
USA119th CongressHR-5570| House
| Updated: 12/1/2025
The "Rail Passenger Fairness Act" seeks to empower Amtrak to enforce its statutory right to prioritize passenger trains over freight on shared rail lines. This legislation addresses the persistent issue of host railroads failing to grant Amtrak the preference outlined in section 24308(c) of title 49, United States Code, which mandates that intercity and commuter rail passenger transportation has preference over freight transportation. The bill aims to rectify the current situation where Amtrak's on-time performance is severely hampered by freight train interference, leading to millions of minutes in passenger delays annually. Currently, the enforcement of Amtrak's preference rights is limited, with only the Attorney General authorized to initiate civil actions, a power rarely exercised. This bill proposes a crucial amendment to section 24308(c) of title 49, United States Code, explicitly granting Amtrak the right to bring a civil action for equitable or other relief in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Congress finds that historical data demonstrates a direct correlation between effective enforcement mechanisms and improved on-time performance for passenger rail. Empowering Amtrak with this enforcement tool is expected to significantly enhance its operational efficiency, reduce taxpayer costs, and enable it to better fulfill its mission of providing reliable passenger service.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.