Polar Express Act of 2026

This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a rail route, to be known as the "Polar Express," that would connect the State of Alaska to the existing North American continental rail network. The Secretary must initiate this study within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The Secretary holds the authority to determine the comprehensive scope, specific contents, and appropriate methodology for this study. To ensure a thorough assessment, the Secretary is also authorized to consult with a wide range of entities, including various Federal agencies, State, Tribal, and local governments, foreign governments, and other relevant stakeholders. Upon completion of the study, and no later than two years after its initiation, the Secretary is required to submit a detailed report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. This report must include the full results of the feasibility study along with any recommendations the Secretary deems appropriate. Importantly, this Act is explicitly construed not to authorize the actual construction of the described rail route or to commit any federal funds for its future development.