Happening Now
2026 Legislative Resources
Rail Passengers Association Fiscal Year 2027 Legislative Grant Request
Rail Passengers Association's annual legislative grant request for Amtrak and passenger rail, providing an overview of the programmatic funding requests and specific policies and legislation that Rail Passengers is advocating for in the coming year.
Congressional committees are currently drafting the bill that will succeed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), a historic piece of legislation that sought to close the investment gap for America's passenger rail system. Until this the new law is enacted, Rail Passengers believes it is critical for Congressional appropriators to continue supporting these programs
Read Rail Passengers' President & CEO Jim Mathews' letter to the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, House and Urban Development leadership.
Rail Passengers Association Surface Transportation Reauthorization Blueprint
As Congress prepares to develop legislation that will succeed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Rail Passengers Association has assembled a list of programs, policy reforms, funding proposals that we believe will speed project delivery, support State- and private sector-led corridor develeopment, and strengthen Amtrak's network nationwide.
Read our 2026 Rail Reauthorization Blueprint one-pager.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Already Advancing Critical Projects
Increased infrastructure investment provided in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)—in combination with annual appropriations approved by Congress—is already resulting in tangible improvements to the U.S. rail network and national rail fleet. The IIJA has already invested $53 billion across 594 projects that will improve rail safety and expand passenger rail travel in 48 states.
Rail Passengers has assembled a list of select passenger rail projects and corridors that are already seeing work funded by IIJA rail programs.
Privatization and Profitability in Passenger Rail
Responding to common myths and misconceptions about subsidies and privatization across the U.S. transportation system.
"When [NARP] comes to Washington, you help embolden us in our efforts to continue the progress for passenger rail. And not just on the Northeast Corridor. All over America! High-speed rail, passenger rail is coming to America, thanks to a lot of your efforts! We’re partners in this. ... You are the ones that are going to make this happen. Do not be dissuaded by the naysayers. There are thousands of people all over America who are for passenger rail and you represent the best of what America is about!"
Secretary Ray LaHood, U.S. Department of Transportation
2012 NARP Spring Council Meeting