Transportation (Rail)

in committee · United States · House Apr 21, 2026

HR 8399: STAR Act

The STAR Act (HR 8399) aims to remove certain restrictions on how federal transit funds can be used. Specifically, it amends sections of title 49, United States Code, related to federal transit programs. The bill strikes provisions that currently prohibit the use of federal funds for acquiring transit rolling stock manufactured outside the United States and for constructing bus revenue vehicles by manufacturers not established in the U

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill removes restrictions on federal transit funds, allowing broader use for transit rolling stock and vehicle construction, which supports public transportation infrastructure.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail Vehicle Registration

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in committee · United States · House Jan 13, 2026

HR 7011: Under Pressure Act

This bill, the "Under Pressure Act," directs the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to prepare a report for Congress within 18 months of its enactment. The report must detail the rate and causes of rail tank car pressure relief device failures during derailments, including specific information like the presence of fire, its temperature and duration, and the device's compatibility and thermal protection. It also requires the FRA to provide recommendations to prevent future failures and an update on relevant National Transportation Safety Board safety recommendations. The FRA must consult with various rail industry stakeholders and employee organizations while developing this report.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances rail safety by requiring FRA to investigate tank car failures and recommend prevention measures, directly improving transportation safety standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Rail

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in committee · United States · House Apr 15, 2026

HR 8315: Modal Parity in Permitting Act

The Modal Parity in Permitting Act aims to streamline the acquisition of land for federally funded transit and passenger rail projects, directly affecting transit agencies and rail entities. It updates existing law by broadening the term "right-of-way" to "real property interests" for what federal transit funds can acquire. For passenger rail projects, the bill specifically allows recipients of federal aid to acquire or secure real property interests before or during environmental reviews. However, it explicitly prohibits any physical development or improvement on these properties until all required environmental reviews for the project are completed. The Federal Transit Administration is also directed to update its guidelines to reflect these changes.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill streamlines land acquisition for federally funded transit and passenger rail projects, expanding property interests available for transportation infrastructure development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail

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in committee · United States · House Apr 16, 2026

HR 8362: Transit Workforce Development Act

The Transit Workforce Development Act expands how federal grants for buses and bus facilities can be used for workforce training. It increases the portion of these grants that transit agencies can dedicate to workforce development from 5% to 10% of the allocated funds. Additionally, the bill broadens the types of training eligible for these funds, allowing them to cover all buses, related equipment, and facility construction,

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill increases funding for workforce training in transit, expanding worker development opportunities and skills.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill expands federal transit workforce training grants from 5% to 10% of allocated funds, directly strengthening public transportation infrastructure and workforce development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workforce Development Public Transit Rail

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in committee · United States · Senate Mar 24, 2026

S 4178: National Transit Frontline Workforce Training Act

This bill creates a Transit Workforce Center to help improve training and support for frontline public transportation workers across the United States. The Federal Transit Administration would establish this center by awarding grants to a qualified nonprofit organization that operates nationally and has experience in workforce development. The center would develop training programs, provide technical assistance, share educational resources, and analyze workforce data to help transit agencies recruit, hire, train, and retain skilled workers. It would also focus on emerging technology areas and work in partnership with labor groups, industry associations, and transit providers to address workforce needs in urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal areas.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes Transit Workforce Center to improve training and support for frontline public transportation workers, enhancing workforce development and employment standards.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes Transit Workforce Center to improve training and support for public transportation workers, strengthening workforce development in transportation sector95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development Public Transit Rail

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in committee · United States · House Mar 3, 2026

HR 7748: Railway Safety Act of 2026

The Railway Safety Act of 2026 establishes new safety requirements for trains transporting hazardous materials, including speed limits, enhanced reporting, and stricter tank car standards. It mandates that high-hazard trains carrying flammable liquids or toxic materials be limited to 40 mph in urban areas, while requiring railroads to provide real-time information to emergency responders. The bill also increases penalties for safety violations, requires more frequent inspections of rail equipment, and creates a new emergency response assistance program to help communities affected by hazardous materials incidents. Additionally, it authorizes funding for research into safer tank cars and defect detection systems, and requires the Federal Railroad Administration to improve its safety workforce management.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens safety regulations for hazardous materials transport, reducing potential environmental contamination risks from spills or accidents.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances railway safety by establishing stricter regulations for hazardous materials transport, improving overall transportation safety standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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in committee · United States · House Mar 25, 2026

HR 8068: National Transit Frontline Workforce Training Act

This bill establishes a Transit Workforce Center to support the recruitment, training, and retention of skilled frontline public transportation workers. The center would be run by a qualified nonprofit organization selected through federal grants and tasked with developing training programs, educational resources, and technical assistance for transit providers across urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal areas. Key duties include conducting data analytics on workforce trends, facilitating industry dialogues, and promoting outreach to improve job readiness for workers using new technologies. The legislation requires the center to collaborate with the Federal Transit Administration, transit providers, and employee representatives while considering feedback from providers when creating training initiatives.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes workforce center to support recruitment, training, and retention of transit workers, directly advancing labor standards and workforce development.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes Transit Workforce Center to recruit, train, and retain skilled public transportation workers, directly strengthening public transit infrastructure and workforce capacity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workforce Development Public Transit Rail

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in committee · United States · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 3903: Railway Safety Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Railway Safety Act of 2026, establishes new safety requirements for trains carrying hazardous materials and strengthens emergency response capabilities. It directly affects Class I railroads, emergency response agencies, and communities near rail lines by mandating stricter tank car standards, limiting train speeds in urban areas, and requiring railroads to provide real-time information about hazardous materials shipments to first responders. Key provisions include phasing out older tank cars for flammable liquids by 2027, requiring two-person crews on freight trains, increasing penalties for safety violations, and creating a new emergency response assistance fund to help communities respond to hazardous materials incidents.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens safety requirements for hazardous materials transport, reducing potential environmental contamination risks from spills or accidents.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances safety requirements for hazardous materials trains, strengthens emergency response, and improves rail transportation safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hazardous Materials Freight Rail

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in committee · United States · House Feb 25, 2026

HR 7662: Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2026

HR 7662, the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2026, strengthens safety measures for trains carrying hazardous materials and improves rail infrastructure oversight. The bill requires railroads to generate real-time electronic data about hazardous materials on trains and share this information with emergency response agencies. It mandates stricter tank car safety standards, requiring newer or upgraded cars by December 2027 for transporting flammable liquids. The legislation also increases penalties for safety violations, establishes new grant programs for emergency response training and equipment, and requires more frequent inspections of rail equipment. Additionally, the bill creates a confidential system for reporting near-miss incidents and funds research into better defect detection technology.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens safety for hazardous materials transport, reducing potential environmental pollution risks from spills or accidents.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances rail safety standards and requires real-time data sharing for hazardous materials transport, directly strengthening transportation safety infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

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in committee · United States · Senate Mar 3, 2026

S 3978: Investments in Rural Transit Act

This bill, titled the Investments in Rural Transit Act, aims to improve funding and administrative support for public transportation in rural areas and on Tribal lands. It increases the Federal operating share for rural transit from 50 percent to 80 percent and allows Tribal transit agencies to receive up to 100 percent Federal funding for eligible projects. The legislation also streamlines how rural and Tribal agencies can purchase vehicles and equipment through cooperative purchasing arrangements and requires the creation of a new Associate Administrator position focused on Tribal transit support. Additionally, the bill mandates a joint report from the Departments of Transportation and Energy on improving the procurement of low-emission vehicles in rural communities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases federal funding share for rural transit from 50% to 80%, directly advancing public transportation budget and fiscal support for essential services.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill increases federal funding for rural and Tribal transit from 50% to 80%, directly strengthening public transportation infrastructure and services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Electric Vehicles Public Transit Rail Tags Rural Communities Tribal Nations

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