Amtrak Grant Flexibility Act

Bill Number

H.R. 8853

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Last Updated

2026-06-24T12:33:56Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose The legislation, known as the Amtrak Grant Flexibility Act, aims to increase Amtrak's ability to meet non-federal matching requirements for certain federal rail grant programs by allowing the use of existing federal grant funds.

Key Provisions

• Amends section 6701(i)(2) of title 49, United States Code, to permit Amtrak, when receiving a National Infrastructure Project Assistance grant, to apply other federal grant funds (excluding those from the same program) toward project activities, provided Amtrak's role extends beyond simple funding contributions; these funds are not counted as federal assistance under certain limits.
• Amends section 22907(h) to allow any federal funds already provided to Amtrak to count toward non-federal share requirements in Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grants.
• Amends section 24911(f)(3) to expand options for satisfying non-federal shares in Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail grants, including revenues from operations and specific Amtrak grants tied to the National Network or Northeast Corridor.

Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill modifies three existing grant programs under title 49 by introducing new flexibility for Amtrak to treat prior federal awards as eligible matching funds, rather than requiring separate non-federal sources in all cases.

Potential Impacts

• On government agencies: The Federal Railroad Administration and Department of Transportation may see streamlined grant administration for Amtrak projects, with possible shifts in how matching funds are verified.
• On citizens: Indirect benefits could include improved rail infrastructure through easier project funding, though no direct effects on individual citizens are specified.
• On international relations: None identified.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Amtrak as the primary recipient gaining flexibility.
• The Federal Railroad Administration and other federal agencies administering the grant programs.
• State and local partners involved in rail projects under these programs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The changes are limited to administrative grant rules with no apparent constitutional issues, such as federalism conflicts or spending clause concerns, and represent a targeted policy adjustment to existing rail funding statutes.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]

Recent Actions

• 2026-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• 2026-05-15: Introduced in House
• 2026-05-15: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Amtrak Grant Flexibility Act — issued 2026-05-15 — PDF (3 pages)