Jennifer McClellan (D-VA)
Amtrak Grant Flexibility Act
A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Amtrak Grant Flexibility Act aims to amend title 49 of the United States Code. This bill would allow Amtrak to use various Federal grant funds to meet non-Federal share requirements for specific grant programs. It targets National Infrastructure Project Assistance Grants, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grants, and the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grants. The legislation seeks to provide more flexibility in how Amtrak utilizes its available funds to qualify for other assistance.
Yes
- Scored +5
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?
The bill provides Amtrak with greater flexibility to use various revenue and grant sources to meet the non-Federal share requirements for rail infrastructure projects.
- Scored +3
Is this likely to create jobs?
By easing the financial requirements for Amtrak to receive infrastructure grants, the bill facilitates rail expansion and modernization which can drive job growth in the transport sector.
- Scored +2
Would people in cities be better off under this?
Improved rail infrastructure flexibility can lead to better transit connectivity for urban centers served by the National Network and Northeast Corridor.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Flexibility for National Infrastructure Projects: Under Section 2(a), Amtrak can use its existing Federal grant funds (other than the specific funds awarded under that program) to carry out activities described in subsection (h)(1), provided their involvement is more than just monetary. This could help facilitate project activities.
-
Easier Access to Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grants: Section 2(b) allows Amtrak, when acting as an applicant, to use any Federal funds provided to them to satisfy non-Federal share requirements. This may make it easier for Amtrak to qualify for these specific grants.
-
Expanded Options for Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grants: Section 2(c) allows Amtrak to satisfy non-Federal share requirements using ticket and other revenues generated from operations or other sources. It also allows the use of grant funds issued by the Secretary for activities associated with the National Network or the Northeast Corridor to satisfy these requirements.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill provides Amtrak with greater flexibility to use various revenue and grant sources to meet the non-Federal share requirements for rail infrastructure projects.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — By easing the financial requirements for Amtrak to receive infrastructure grants, the bill facilitates rail expansion and modernization which can drive job growth in the transport sector.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in cities be better off under this? — Improved rail infrastructure flexibility can lead to better transit connectivity for urban centers served by the National Network and Northeast Corridor.
- 5/21/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/15/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Christopher DeluzioDemocrat · Pennsylvania
LaMonica McIverDemocrat · New Jersey