Donald Beyer (D-VA)
American Electric Rail Mapping Act of 2026
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
This bill is known as the American Electric Rail Mapping Act of 2026. It requires the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration to study the feasibility of rail electrification across passenger and freight corridors in the United States. The study must identify existing and planned rail corridors, how systems are powered, railroad classes, feasible electrification segments, and clean rail technology adoption areas. The Administrator must consult with railroad owners, operators, and various levels of government while reusing existing resources to minimize spending. Finally, the Administrator is required to submit an initial progress report and a final report to Congress.
Yes· 3 of 18
- Scored +4
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?
The bill mandates a comprehensive study on passenger and freight rail electrification and infrastructure corridors.
- Scored +3
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
The study explores rail electrification and clean rail technologies which could eventually lower emissions.
- Scored +3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
Requires initial progress reports and final reports to be submitted to Congress.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(c) requires the Administrator to consult with State, local, and Tribal governments, as well as the District of Columbia, territories, and railroad owners and operators, which ensures that local voices and impacted communities are included in the study process.
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Section 2(d) mandates the reuse of existing resources of the Federal Railroad Administration to minimize expenditures, which is a common-sense approach to protecting taxpayer dollars.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions outlining negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
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 mandates a comprehensive study on passenger and freight rail electrification and infrastructure corridors. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The study explores rail electrification and clean rail technologies which could eventually lower emissions. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — Investigating clean rail adoption promotes environmentally friendly transportation alternatives. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The focus on rail electrification sets a foundation for future clean energy integration in transportation. Does this invest in rural communities? — Rail corridors often traverse rural areas, potentially benefiting from future electrification mapping.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires initial progress reports and final reports to be submitted to Congress. Does this make it easier to do business across state lines? — Studying freight and passenger rail corridors supports long-term interstate commerce efficiency. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — The bill explicitly mandates consultation with state, local, and Tribal governments. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill directs a federal agency to conduct a national study.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in cities be better off under this? — Urban areas stand to benefit significantly from enhanced passenger rail electrification studies. Would business owners be better off under this? — Rail owners and operators are consulted as part of the study process. Would farmers be better off under this? — Improved freight rail mapping and efficiency can indirectly benefit agricultural shipping. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill specifically mandates consultation with Tribal governments. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Rural rail corridors are included in the nationwide mapping and feasibility assessment.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill emphasizes cost-minimization by utilizing existing resources. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill mandates the reuse of existing agency resources to minimize expenditures for the study. Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill explores rail electrification feasibility which could support future infrastructure development.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill tasks the Federal Railroad Administration with conducting a technical feasibility study.
- 6/9/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Seth MoultonDemocrat · Massachusetts
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia