This bill creates a new federal grant program to fund public transit improvements in cities. It provides 80% federal funding for urban transit systems to cover operating costs (like vehicle service), security enhancements (including personnel), and safety projects identified by safety committees. Recipients must certify they will maintain or increase their own funding levels for these services and cannot use funds to switch to third-party on-demand transit providers. The grants are allocated based on each city's reported transit operating expenses from the previous year.
The CHARGE Investments Act expands federal loan and guarantee eligibility for transit-oriented development near rail stations. It allows financing for projects within 1/4 mile of rail transit stations (or within 2 miles of a downtown core if connected by public transit) that incorporate at least 20% private investment. Projects must avoid areas within 2 miles of unserved downtown cores and prioritize mixed-use commercial/residential development. This policy change directly affects developers and local governments planning transit-connected projects seeking federal financing.
This bill increases the annual limit on the tax credit for qualified railroad track maintenance expenses (also referred to as the short line railroad tax credit) and expands eligibility for claiming the credit. Under current law, the tax credit is limited each tax year to $3,500 multiplied by the sum of the number of miles of railroad track owned or leased by the taxpayer (miles owned or leased) and the number of railroad track miles assigned to the taxpayer by a Class II or III railroad (miles assigned). This bill increases the annual limit to $6,100 multiplied by the sum of miles owned or leased and miles assigned. The $6,100 amount used in the calculation of the tax credit limit is adjusted for inflation for tax years beginning after 2025. The bill also expands eligibility for the tax credit to include gross expenses for maintaining railroad tracks owned or leased as of January 1, 2024. Under current law, the tax credit is limited to gross expenses for maintaining railroad tracks owned or leased as of January 1, 2015.
HR 769, the All Aboard Act, requires Amtrak to refund passengers who paid for rail service that was canceled or delayed over 3 hours due to Amtrak's failures, with refunds issued in the original payment form within 7 days (or after dispute resolution). It also bans Amtrak's current "run-to-fail" maintenance strategy (keeping assets running until they break) and mandates a new maintenance plan within 2 years, replacing the old approach. The bill applies to all Amtrak passenger services and commuter rail on Amtrak-owned tracks. Failure to comply could result in loss of federal funding.
This bill modifies a federal rail funding rule to specifically exempt long-distance passenger rail corridors from requiring consideration of non-Federal funding commitments. It directly affects long-distance intercity rail routes by removing a requirement that previously forced the Secretary to factor in promised non-Federal funds when selecting corridors. The key provision adds an exception stating the Secretary "shall not consider committed or anticipated non-Federal funding" for these corridors during selection. This change simplifies the corridor selection process for long-distance routes by eliminating a specific funding-related hurdle. The bill does not alter funding levels or create new programs, only changing the criteria used in the selection process.
This bill, the RAIL Act, establishes new safety requirements for rail carriers transporting hazardous materials. It requires rail carriers to provide advance notification and safety planning to emergency responders, implement stricter inspection protocols for railcars and locomotives, and increase civil penalties for safety violations. The bill also sets a 2030 deadline for phasing out older DOT-111 tank cars and mandates minimum 2-person crews for most freight trains. These provisions directly affect rail carriers operating trains with hazardous materials, particularly Class I railroads. The legislation aims to enhance rail safety through comprehensive regulatory updates and enforcement mechanisms.
HR 3623, the Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2025, prohibits transporting horses between states in motor vehicles with two or more stacked levels. This directly affects horse transporters, including owners and carriers moving horses across state lines. The bill defines "motor vehicle" to exclude rail vehicles but requires compliance with the multi-level ban, imposing civil penalties of $100-$500 per horse transported in violation. Violations are enforced through separate penalties for each horse transported illegally, in addition to other applicable laws.
This bill requires all new Amtrak trains (purchased after enactment) to install baby changing tables in at least one restroom per train car, including in ADA-compliant restrooms. It mandates clear signage identifying these tables and defines a baby changing table as an elevated structure supporting children up to 30 pounds. The law directly affects parents traveling with infants on Amtrak, making diaper changes more accessible during train journeys. The requirement applies only to Amtrak-owned trains acquired after the bill becomes law.
HRES 798 designates the week of September 15-21, 2025, as "Rail Safety Week" in the U.S. to raise public awareness about highway-rail grade crossing safety. The resolution supports existing efforts - led by organizations like Operation Lifesaver - to reduce incidents, fatalities, and injuries at railroad crossings, citing 2024 data showing 2,260 incidents with 260 deaths. It encourages the public to participate in safety events and learn about safe practices around tracks, without creating new laws or funding. The bill directly affects the general public by promoting education and caution at crossings, aligning with ongoing industry and government safety initiatives.
HR 2792, the USRC Funding Eligibility Act, makes the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) eligible to receive 100% federal funding for several transportation infrastructure grant programs. The bill specifically modifies eligibility rules for BUILD grants, National Infrastructure Project Assistance grants, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure grants, and Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Rail grants to include the USRC as an entity that qualifies for full federal cost coverage. This policy change directly affects the USRC, allowing it to secure grants without contributing any local funds for eligible projects. The bill does not create new programs but adjusts existing federal grant rules to benefit this single designated organization.
