Protecting American Railroad Workers’ Jobs Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]
Introduced
Summary
Require U.S.-based, authorized workers to operate freight trains after Mexico–U.S. crossings. The bill would require freight trains crossing the southern border to stop for a crew interchange and any federally mandated safety testing, and then allow only United States nationals or aliens lawfully authorized to work and who report primarily in the United States to operate those trains.
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- Railroad workers: Creates a rule that could preserve or prioritize jobs for U.S. nationals and workers lawfully authorized to work in the United States on trains that cross the southern border.
- Foreign crew members and non‑authorized workers: Prevents individuals who do not meet U.S. nationality, work authorization, and U.S. primary reporting point requirements from operating trains after the border stop.
- Railroad carriers and operations: Requires carriers to stop at the international boundary with Mexico for crew changes and federally required safety testing and to ensure crews meet the new eligibility and reporting rules.
- Statutory change: Adds a new provision to title 49 of the U.S. Code and inserts a clerical entry for "20172. Border crossings and train crew requirements."
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New rules for cross-border train crews
If enacted, this bill would require freight trains from Mexico to stop at the U.S.–Mexico border. Trains would stop so carriers can change crews and run any federally required safety tests. After that interchange and testing, only U.S. nationals or people living in the U.S. and legally authorized to work would operate those trains. Eligible operators would need a main reporting point in the United States and would not perform railroad duties while physically outside the United States. Carriers would have to verify workers' eligibility and follow the stop, interchange, and testing rules. This would protect jobs for U.S.-based operators but would limit work for foreign-based crews.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]
NH • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5]
TX • R
Sponsored 4/23/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov