CHARGE Investments Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4442
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-17: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-10T16:59:13Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The CHARGE Investments Act aims to expand federal financial assistance for transit-oriented development projects near intercity passenger rail or fixed guideway rail transit stations. It promotes economic growth, housing development, and infrastructure improvements by broadening eligibility for loans and guarantees under the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Program, encouraging private investment in areas underserved by certain rail services.
Key Provisions
- Eligibility for Economic Development Financing: Allows direct loans or loan guarantees to fund commercial and residential development, along with related infrastructure, for projects that:
- Are physically connected to or within 1/4 mile of a fixed guideway transit station (a rail system with fixed tracks or overhead wires).
- Are at least 2 miles from a downtown core not served by intercity passenger rail.
- Include private investment exceeding 20% of total project costs.
- Extended Eligibility Radius for Intercity Rail Projects: For stations serving intercity passenger rail (long-distance train services between cities) outside downtown cores, eligibility extends to the nearest downtown core within a 2-mile radius, provided:
- The project is located in that downtown core.
- Public transportation connects the rail station to the project site.
- Definitions:
- Downtown core: An area in a city or region with the highest concentration of office space or jobs, as identified in official plans (e.g., central business district or city center).
- Intercity rail passenger transportation: Defined under existing U.S. law as rail services for travel between cities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends Section 22402(b) of Title 49, U.S. Code, which governs direct loans and loan guarantees for railroad projects. Key modifications include:
- Adding a new category (subparagraph G) for transit-oriented economic and housing development, which was not previously eligible.
- Inserting a new paragraph (3) to relax geographic restrictions for intercity rail projects, overriding prior limits tied to downtown cores.
- Incorporating new definitions to clarify terms, ensuring consistent application without altering broader program structures.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Transportation (DOT) may see increased demand for loan processing and oversight, potentially streamlining funding for rail-adjacent projects while prioritizing those with private sector involvement.
- Citizens: Could lead to more affordable housing and commercial spaces near transit, improving access to jobs and services in underserved areas, though benefits depend on local implementation.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic rail infrastructure; indirect effects might arise from enhanced U.S. rail competitiveness if it boosts economic ties through better connectivity.
- Overall, it may accelerate urban development and reduce sprawl by incentivizing growth around existing rail lines.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Transit and Rail Operators: Entities like Amtrak or local fixed guideway systems, which benefit from expanded funding for nearby developments.
- Developers and Private Investors: Gain access to federal loans for projects meeting the criteria, especially those involving at least 20% private funding.
- Municipalities and Regional Planners: Local governments designating downtown cores and coordinating public transportation, potentially seeing economic revitalization.
- Federal Government: Primarily the DOT, responsible for administering the program and ensuring compliance.
- Residents and Communities: Particularly in areas outside major downtowns, who may experience improved housing options and transit links.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Program by clarifying eligibility without creating new enforcement mechanisms; relies on existing definitions from U.S. Code for public transportation, reducing ambiguity in applications.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts, as it involves federal spending on interstate commerce (rail), which falls under Congress's authority; promotes equal access to development funds across regions.
- Political: Supports bipartisan goals of infrastructure investment and housing affordability, potentially aiding urban-rural connectivity; may face debate over federal funding priorities amid budget constraints, but emphasizes private sector leverage to minimize public costs.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-17: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
- 2025-07-16: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-07-16: Introduced in House
- 2025-07-16: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Catalyzing Housing and American Ready Growth and Expansion Investments Act — issued 2025-07-16 — PDF (4 pages)