Amtrak Grant Flexibility Act
Sponsored By: Representative McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would give Amtrak expanded flexibility to use federal grants and its own revenues as the non‑Federal share for major intercity rail grant programs. It loosens what counts as a match so projects that involve Amtrak can be easier to fund and move faster.
Show full summary
- Amtrak: Would be able to apply federal grant funds it receives and revenues like ticket sales toward non‑Federal match for projects, with the exception of funds awarded under the same program and subject to any attached conditions.
- State and local partners: Could need less direct cash or outside matching funds when Amtrak is the grant recipient, which can make joint proposals more competitive.
- Intercity rail projects: The change applies to three programs National Infrastructure Project Assistance, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements, and the Federal‑State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail and may help speed projects on the National Network and the Northeast Corridor.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Easier Amtrak matching for rail projects
If enacted, Amtrak would be allowed to use ticket sales and other revenues to meet the non‑Federal share for Federal‑State Partnership rail grants. For projects tied to the National Network or the Northeast Corridor, grant funds the Secretary gives to Amtrak for those networks would also count. Amtrak would be able to use Federal funds it receives to meet the non‑Federal share for CRISI grants. If Amtrak is a recipient of a National Infrastructure Project Assistance grant, it would be able to use other Federal grant funds it has (but not funds from that same National Infrastructure program), so long as Amtrak's role goes beyond just a cash contribution. These changes would not create new appropriations.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]
VA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17]
PA • D
Sponsored 5/15/2026
Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]
NJ • D
Sponsored 5/21/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov