USRC Funding Eligibility Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2792
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-09: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T22:06:45Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Union Station Redevelopment Corporation Funding Eligibility Act (H.R. 2792) aims to expand federal grant eligibility for the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC), a nonprofit entity responsible for managing and improving Union Station in Washington, D.C. It seeks to enable the USRC to access specific transportation infrastructure grants with full federal funding, supporting redevelopment and maintenance efforts without requiring matching funds from the corporation.
Key Provisions
- BUILD/RAISE Grant Program: Declares the USRC eligible for grants under the Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program (previously known as Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or RAISE). The federal share for these grants to the USRC is set at 100% of project costs.
- National Infrastructure Project Assistance Grants: Amends Section 6701 of Title 49, U.S. Code, to explicitly list the USRC as an eligible recipient alongside states, local governments, and other entities. Adds an exception allowing 100% federal funding for USRC projects, overriding the standard requirement for non-federal contributions.
- Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grants: Amends Section 22907 of Title 49, U.S. Code, to include the USRC among eligible applicants (such as railroads and states). Specifies that the federal share for USRC projects will be 100%, compared to the typical 80% maximum.
- Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grants: Amends Section 24911 of Title 49, U.S. Code, to add the USRC to the list of eligible recipients (including Amtrak and states). Provides an exception for 100% federal funding for USRC projects.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Eligibility Expansion: Inserts the USRC into statutory lists of qualified applicants for four major federal grant programs, which previously focused on governmental bodies, railroads, and public entities but did not explicitly include redevelopment corporations like the USRC.
- Funding Exceptions: Introduces waivers for federal cost-sharing requirements specifically for the USRC, allowing full (100%) federal reimbursement for eligible projects. This deviates from standard program rules that typically require 20-50% non-federal matching funds to encourage local investment.
- These amendments are targeted and do not alter broader program structures or eligibility for other applicants.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Transportation (DOT) will need to process and administer grants to a new type of recipient (a nonprofit corporation), potentially increasing administrative workload but streamlining funding for Union Station projects. This could accelerate infrastructure improvements without budget constraints from matching funds.
- Citizens: Residents and visitors in the Washington, D.C., area may benefit from enhanced rail facilities, safety upgrades, and redevelopment at Union Station—a major hub for Amtrak, commuter rail, and Metro—leading to better transportation access, reduced congestion, and economic activity. No direct international relations impacts are evident.
- Broader Effects: Full federal funding could expedite projects like station modernization, potentially creating jobs and boosting tourism, but it shifts costs entirely to federal taxpayers.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC): Primary beneficiary, gaining direct access to federal funds for station maintenance and expansion without financial matching obligations.
- Department of Transportation (DOT): Responsible for implementing the grant programs and verifying USRC project eligibility.
- Federal Taxpayers and Congress: Bear the full cost of USRC grants, influencing federal budgeting for infrastructure.
- Transportation Users: Commuters, tourists, and rail passengers who rely on Union Station for intercity and local travel, potentially gaining from improved services.
- Related Entities: Amtrak, regional rail operators (e.g., MARC, VRE), and local governments in the D.C. area, which may collaborate on projects but are not directly funded here.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill exercises Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution) to fund interstate transportation infrastructure. It avoids equal protection concerns by creating narrow, entity-specific exceptions rather than broad exemptions. No conflicts with existing grant statutes beyond the targeted amendments.
- Constitutional: Aligns with federal spending power, as it appropriates funds for a public-purpose entity tied to national rail policy. Does not raise separation-of-powers issues, as it amends existing laws through standard legislative process.
- Political: Represents a focused earmark-like provision to support a iconic national landmark, potentially drawing scrutiny for favoring one entity with full funding amid broader infrastructure debates. However, it promotes equity in grant access without altering competitive processes for others.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-09: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
- 2025-04-09: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- 2025-04-09: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 2025-04-09: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-04-09: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-09: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E303)
- 2025-04-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Union Station Redevelopment Corporation Funding Eligibility Act — issued 2025-04-09 — PDF (4 pages)