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United States · Bill · HR

H.R. 2726 (108th)

National Defense Rail Act

referredUnited States· United States Congress· EN

Introduced

15 July 2003

Last action

16 July 2003 · Referred

Status

Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads.

Sponsors

Rep. Carson, Julia [D-IN-7], Rep. McIntyre, Mike [D-NC-7], Rep. Frank, Barney [D-MA-4], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. McDermott, Jim [D-WA-7], Rep. Jackson Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Payne, Donald M. [D-NJ-10], Rep. Lee, Barbara [D-CA-12], Rep. Owens, Major R. [D-NY-11], Rep. Evans, Lane [D-IL-17]

Subjects

Defence, Environment, Transport

Source updated

18 August 2025

Defence · Environment · Transport

Summary

National Defense Rail Act - Requires studies or assessments of: (1) security risks associated with freight and intercity passenger rail transportation; (2) security priorities; (3) rail crossing delay security issues; (4) existing rail safety regulations; (5) foreign rail transport security programs; and (6) the feasibility of passenger, baggage, and cargo screening. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish a national high-speed ground transportation policy; and (2) provide 100 percent financial assistance to develop and implement high-speed rail corridors according to designated priorities, including the elimination of hazards of high-speed railway-highway crossings. Requires such projects to comply with Buy American and competitive bidding requirements, and specified labor standards, including the prevailing wage requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act. Defines the national rail passenger transportation system. Authorizes Amtrak to operate an intercity rail service or route not included in such system. Declares that nothing in this Act is intended to preclude Amtrak from restoring, improving, or developing non-high-speed intercity passenger rail service. Repeals the requirement that Amtrak be self-sufficient. Authorizes additional appropriations for Amtrak for retirement of principal and interest on its debt service, and for improving accessibility for the elderly and people with disabilities, including compliance with environmental regulations. Authorizes appropriations for the Northeast Corridor, long and short distance trains, and State-supported routes. Directs the Secretary to re-establish the Northeast Corridor Safety Committee. Revises requirements concerning the Amtrak board of directors. Requires an independent audit of Amtrak operations and the development of a five-year financial plan. Revises requirements of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 concerning loans and loan guarantees. Directs the Secretary to establish a rail passenger cooperative research program, including an advisory board.

This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.

Timeline

  1. 15 July 2003

    Introduced

    Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

    Source: IntroReferral

  2. 15 July 2003

    Introduced

    Introduced in House

    Source: IntroReferral

  3. 15 July 2003

    Introduced

    Introduced in House

    Source: IntroReferral

  4. 16 July 2003

    Referred

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads.

    Source: Committee

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

Documents

3 official files

Introduced in House (text)

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  • Introduced in House (text)

    Introduced in House · EN · 15 July 2003

    ViewDownloadOpen at official source

  • Introduced in House (PDF)

    Introduced in House · EN · 15 July 2003

    ViewDownloadOpen at official source

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  • Introduced in House

    summary · EN · 15 July 2003

    Open at official source

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Sponsors

Related records

Sources

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