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Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act

USA119th CongressHR-188| House 
| Updated: 6/6/2025
Troy E. Nehls

Troy E. Nehls

Republican Representative

Texas

Cosponsors (1)
Sam Graves (Republican)

Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation, titled the "Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act," aims to increase public oversight of Amtrak's operations. It specifically requires the Amtrak Board of Directors to comply with the open meetings requirements outlined in section 552b of title 5, United States Code, commonly known as the Government in the Sunshine Act. This amendment extends federal transparency mandates to Amtrak, ensuring greater public access to its board meetings. While promoting transparency, the bill also establishes several key exemptions to protect sensitive information. These exemptions prevent the disclosure of details related to contract negotiations that could compromise Amtrak's competitive position, as well as collective bargaining agreements and proposed terms. Additionally, matters concerning the employment, appointment, or termination of individuals, and confidential commercial information are exempt from public disclosure. The bill also clarifies that it does not compel Amtrak to reveal information that could jeopardize the safety of its customers or employees, nor does it impede the company's ability to conduct normal business or fulfill existing legal obligations.

Bill Text Versions

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2 versions available

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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-8692
Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act
Jan 3, 2025
Introduced in House
Jan 3, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Jan 4, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Apr 2, 2025
Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Discharged
Apr 2, 2025
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Apr 2, 2025
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Jun 6, 2025
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 113.
Jun 6, 2025
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-144.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-8692
    Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act


  • January 3, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • January 3, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.


  • January 4, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.


  • April 2, 2025
    Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Discharged


  • April 2, 2025
    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.


  • April 2, 2025
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held


  • June 6, 2025
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 113.


  • June 6, 2025
    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-144.

Transportation and Public Works

Congressional oversightGovernment ethics and transparency, public corruptionGovernment information and archivesNational Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)Railroads

Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act

USA119th CongressHR-188| House 
| Updated: 6/6/2025
This legislation, titled the "Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act," aims to increase public oversight of Amtrak's operations. It specifically requires the Amtrak Board of Directors to comply with the open meetings requirements outlined in section 552b of title 5, United States Code, commonly known as the Government in the Sunshine Act. This amendment extends federal transparency mandates to Amtrak, ensuring greater public access to its board meetings. While promoting transparency, the bill also establishes several key exemptions to protect sensitive information. These exemptions prevent the disclosure of details related to contract negotiations that could compromise Amtrak's competitive position, as well as collective bargaining agreements and proposed terms. Additionally, matters concerning the employment, appointment, or termination of individuals, and confidential commercial information are exempt from public disclosure. The bill also clarifies that it does not compel Amtrak to reveal information that could jeopardize the safety of its customers or employees, nor does it impede the company's ability to conduct normal business or fulfill existing legal obligations.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-8692
Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act
Jan 3, 2025
Introduced in House
Jan 3, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Jan 4, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Apr 2, 2025
Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Discharged
Apr 2, 2025
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Apr 2, 2025
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Jun 6, 2025
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 113.
Jun 6, 2025
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-144.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-8692
    Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act


  • January 3, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • January 3, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.


  • January 4, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.


  • April 2, 2025
    Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Discharged


  • April 2, 2025
    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.


  • April 2, 2025
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held


  • June 6, 2025
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 113.


  • June 6, 2025
    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-144.
Troy E. Nehls

Troy E. Nehls

Republican Representative

Texas

Cosponsors (1)
Sam Graves (Republican)

Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Transportation and Public Works

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Congressional oversightGovernment ethics and transparency, public corruptionGovernment information and archivesNational Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)Railroads