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Amtrak Gains Power to Sue Freight Railroads for Passenger Delays.

This bill grants Amtrak the authority to file lawsuits against freight railroads that fail to prioritize passenger trains, a right already established in law. The goal is to drastically reduce the millions of minutes of delays currently caused by freight interference, leading to more reliable and punctual rail travel for citizens. This change provides Amtrak with an effective tool to enforce passenger preference.
Key points
Amtrak is authorized to bring civil actions in federal court to enforce its statutory right to preference over freight trains on shared tracks.
The change aims to significantly improve Amtrak's on-time performance, saving passengers time and reducing operational costs funded by taxpayers.
Previously, only the Attorney General could initiate such enforcement actions, a power rarely used, rendering the existing preference right ineffective.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_9961
Sponsor: Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17]
Process start date: 2024-10-11
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Rail Passenger Fairness Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_9961.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-10-11.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Amtrak is authorized to bring civil actions in federal court to enforce its statutory right to preference over freight trains on shared tracks.
  • The change aims to significantly improve Amtrak's on-time performance, saving passengers time and reducing operational costs funded by taxpayers.
  • Previously, only the Attorney General could initiate such enforcement actions, a power rarely used, rendering the existing preference right ineffective.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Transport Courts and Law