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To amend title 49, United States Code, to limit the preference for Amtrak using rail lines, junctions, and crossings near ports and rail yards, and for other purposes.
Summary
This Act amends federal transportation law to limit the preference granted to Amtrak for using rail lines, junctions, and crossings. Under current law, Amtrak passenger trains have priority over freight trains on shared rail infrastructure. The bill removes this preference for Amtrak in areas within 50 miles of ports or rail yards, giving freight transportation priority in those locations. Amtrak retains its preference in other areas, and emergency situations remain as an exception.
AI-generated plain-language summary of the bill text — neutral, and may be imperfect. See the full text below for the exact wording.
Sponsor (1)
- Rep. Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7] (R-MO)
2 cosponsors
Actions (3)
- Jul 26, 2025 Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. · house
- Jul 25, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. · house
- Jul 25, 2025 Introduced in House
Similar bills (6)
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Text versions (1)
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Full text
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 25, 2025
Mr. Burlison (for himself, Mr. Perry, and Ms. Hageman) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
A BILL
To amend title 49, United States Code, to limit the preference for Amtrak using rail lines, junctions, and crossings near ports and rail yards, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the “Freights First Act”.
SEC. 2. LIMITATION OF PREFERENCE FOR AMTRAK.
Section 24308(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking “Except in an emergency” and inserting the following:
“(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2) or in an emergency”; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
“(2) Limitation of preference.—Intercity and commuter rail passenger transportation provided by or for Amtrak shall not have preference over freight transportation in using a rail line, junction, or crossing if such rail line, junction, or crossing is located within 50 miles of a port or rail yard.”. <all>
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