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119-hr-9088119th Congress

Polar Express Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]

Introduced

Summary

A federal feasibility study to assess a rail link connecting Alaska to the continental U.S. This bill would direct the Secretary of Transportation to begin a study called the Polar Express and to report findings to Congress after the study is complete.

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  • Alaska communities would get a formal federal analysis of a potential rail connection that could inform local planning and discussions.
  • The Secretary of Transportation would decide the study's scope and may consult federal agencies, State, Tribal, local, and foreign governments and other stakeholders.
  • The study would have a start deadline of no later than 180 days after enactment and a report due to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee within 2 years of starting the study.
  • The bill includes a rule of construction stating it would not authorize construction or commit Federal funds for the rail route.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Feasibility study for Alaska rail link

If enacted, this bill would require the Secretary of Transportation to start a study called the Polar Express. The study would examine a rail link connecting Alaska to the continental U.S. rail network and must begin within 180 days after enactment. The Secretary would set the study's scope, contents, and methods and would consult federal, state, Tribal, local, foreign, and other stakeholders as appropriate. Not later than 2 years after the study starts, the Secretary would send a report with the study results and any recommendations to the named House and Senate committees. The bill would also say the study does not authorize construction or commit federal funds for construction, and that statement would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]

AK • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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