Legis Daily

Rail Passenger Fairness Act

USA119th CongressHR-5570| House 
| Updated: 12/1/2025
Christopher R. Deluzio

Christopher R. Deluzio

Democratic Representative

Pennsylvania

Cosponsors (2)
Brendan F. Boyle (Democratic)LaMonica McIver (Democratic)

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.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-2937
Rail Passenger Fairness Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-9961
Rail Passenger Fairness Act
Sep 26, 2025
Introduced in House
Sep 26, 2025
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.
Dec 1, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-2937
    Rail Passenger Fairness Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-9961
    Rail Passenger Fairness Act


  • September 26, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • September 26, 2025
    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.


  • December 1, 2025
    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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-2937
Rail Passenger Fairness Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-9961
Rail Passenger Fairness Act
Sep 26, 2025
Introduced in House
Sep 26, 2025
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.
Dec 1, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-2937
    Rail Passenger Fairness Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-9961
    Rail Passenger Fairness Act


  • September 26, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • September 26, 2025
    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.


  • December 1, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Christopher R. Deluzio

Christopher R. Deluzio

Democratic Representative

Pennsylvania

Cosponsors (2)
Brendan F. Boyle (Democratic)LaMonica McIver (Democratic)

Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Judiciary Committee

Transportation and Public Works

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted