Southeastern Rail Technologies Mapping Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9182
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-08: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T22:05:06Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation directs the Federal Railroad Administration to examine ways to improve rail service and adopt newer power technologies, such as electrification or battery and fuel-cell systems, along rail corridors in the southeastern United States.
Key Provisions
- Requires the Administrator, through the Office of Research, Data, and Innovation, to conduct a study on rail performance improvements and integration of new rail power technologies between Florida and Washington, DC.
- The study must identify corridor segments suitable for technologies like rail electrification, fuel cells, or batteries, along with any implementation challenges.
- For segments deemed unsuitable, the study must explain the reasons and recommend specific updates with estimated costs.
- Mandates submission of a final report to Congress within 18 months of enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces no amendments to current statutes. It creates a new, one-time study requirement focused on rail technology assessment in a defined geographic area.
Potential Impacts
- Places an administrative and resource obligation on the Federal Railroad Administration to complete the study and report.
- Could inform future infrastructure planning and funding decisions for rail corridors serving the Southeast, potentially affecting rail operators, state transportation agencies, and users of passenger and freight services in the region.
- No direct effects on international relations are specified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Railroad Administration (primary agency responsible for the study).
- Members of Congress representing states along the corridor (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia).
- Rail carriers, state departments of transportation, and local governments in the southeastern United States.
- Rail passengers and freight shippers who may benefit from future technology upgrades identified in the study.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure raises no apparent constitutional concerns, as it falls within Congress’s authority to direct federal agencies on transportation research. It is a narrowly scoped directive with limited immediate legal or political effects beyond requiring the production of a congressional report.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-08: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Southeastern Rail Technologies Mapping Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-08 — PDF (3 pages)