Long-Distance Corridor Relief Enhancement Act

Bill Number

S. 3728

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-01-29: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Last Updated

2026-02-25T16:43:14Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Long-Distance Corridor Relief Enhancement Act" (S. 3728) aims to simplify the process for selecting long-distance intercity passenger rail routes under the federal Corridor Identification and Development Program. Specifically, it eliminates the need for the Secretary of Transportation to evaluate or require non-Federal funding (such as state or private contributions) when considering these routes for inclusion in the program.

Key Provisions

• Amendment to Selection Criteria: Modifies Section 25101(c) of Title 49, United States Code, which governs how the Department of Transportation (DOT) selects rail corridors.
• Redesignates existing paragraphs as subparagraphs and adds structure for clarity.
• Inserts an exception for long-distance routes: The Secretary cannot require or consider "committed or anticipated non-Federal funding" (e.g., pledges of state, local, or private money) for any part of the program involving intercity passenger rail corridors on long-distance routes.
• Application Date: The exception applies to any long-distance route corridor accepted into the program on or after October 1, 2023.
• Short Title: The bill is officially named the "Long-Distance Corridor Relief Enhancement Act."

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Under current law, the DOT must consider non-Federal funding as one factor (among others like safety, economic benefits, and ridership) when selecting corridors for development under the program.
• This bill creates a targeted exemption for long-distance routes (typically those over 750 miles, serving rural or cross-country travel), removing non-Federal funding from the evaluation entirely for these cases. Shorter, regional corridors remain subject to the original requirements.
• The change restructures the law's language for better organization but does not alter other selection factors.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The DOT will have a streamlined process for evaluating long-distance routes, potentially reducing administrative burdens and allowing more focus on federal resources for nationwide rail expansion. This could lead to increased federal investment in underfunded long-distance services without relying on state matching funds.
• On Citizens: Passengers in rural, remote, or long-distance areas may benefit from improved access to intercity rail services, enhancing connectivity and reducing reliance on cars or air travel. However, it might shift costs more heavily to federal taxpayers.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. rail infrastructure; indirect effects could include better integration with cross-border rail if long-distance routes expand toward Canada or Mexico.
• Overall, the legislation could accelerate development of long-distance rail projects, promoting equitable infrastructure in less urbanized regions.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Government: Primarily the Secretary of Transportation and DOT, which administers the program.
• Rail Operators: Amtrak and other intercity passenger rail providers, who operate long-distance routes and stand to gain easier access to federal development funds.
• State and Local Governments: Those in regions served by long-distance routes may see reduced pressure to commit funding, but could also receive less incentive to invest locally.
• Citizens and Communities: Riders and residents along long-distance corridors, particularly in rural or underserved areas, who may experience expanded rail options.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The amendment is narrowly tailored to a specific federal program under the U.S. Code, ensuring compliance with existing transportation statutes like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (which established the program). It avoids broader changes to funding mandates, reducing risks of legal challenges over equal treatment of rail types.
• Constitutional: No apparent issues; the bill exercises Congress's enumerated power to regulate interstate commerce and fund infrastructure, without infringing on states' rights or due process.
• Political: By easing requirements for long-distance routes, the bill could appeal to bipartisan interests in rural development and national connectivity (introduced by Senators from Montana and Oregon, representing diverse geographies). It may spark debate over federal spending priorities, favoring national over regional rail without state buy-in, potentially influencing future transportation budgets.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]

Cosponsors (1)

Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

Recent Actions

• 2026-01-29: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
• 2026-01-29: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Long-Distance Corridor Relief Enhancement Act — issued 2026-01-29 — PDF (3 pages)