Bills · HR 769
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 769Transportation and Public Works
All Aboard Act
INTRO JAN 28· LAST ACTION JAN 29
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it directly addresses common frustrations with train travel: unexpected delays and cancellations. If this bill becomes law, it would provide a financial safety net for passengers, ensuring they aren't out of pocket when Amtrak's operational issues disrupt their plans. This means more accountability for Amtrak and potentially a financial incentive for the company to improve its service reliability.
Beyond just refunds, the bill's focus on changing Amtrak's maintenance practices is crucial. Moving away from a "run-to-fail" model could lead to more preventative maintenance, resulting in fewer breakdowns, smoother operations, and ultimately, a more reliable and enjoyable travel experience for millions of Americans who rely on passenger rail. Without this law, passengers would continue to rely on Amtrak's existing refund policies, which may not be as comprehensive, and Amtrak would not be mandated to change its maintenance approach, potentially perpetuating current service issues.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations within 180 days mandating full refunds from Amtrak for train cancellations or delays exceeding 3 hours due to Amtrak's failure.
This provision establishes a clear consumer right to compensation for significant service disruptions caused by Amtrak, ensuring passengers are not financially penalized.
PROVISION 02
Defines what constitutes an "Amtrak failure" (excluding uncontrollable events) and requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish procedures for determining cause and for Amtrak to dispute claims.
This ensures fairness in the refund process by clarifying when Amtrak is responsible and allowing them to contest claims for delays outside their control.
PROVISION 03
Bans Amtrak from using a "run-to-fail" maintenance model after two years from the bill's enactment and requires them to implement a new asset maintenance strategy.
This aims to improve the overall reliability of Amtrak's equipment and infrastructure by shifting to proactive maintenance, potentially reducing future delays and cancellations.
PROVISION 04
Mandates that Amtrak reimburse other rail carriers for refunds they issue to passengers whose travel on Amtrak-owned tracks was disrupted due to an Amtrak failure.
This prevents other rail operators from incurring costs for service disruptions caused by Amtrak's infrastructure or operational issues.
PROVISION 05
States that Amtrak may not receive Federal funds for any period during which it is determined to be noncompliant with the new requirements.
This provides a strong financial incentive for Amtrak to adhere to the new refund rules and maintenance standards.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
D· New Jersey
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
93
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 2 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSJAN 29
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
JAN 28
Introduced in House
JAN 28
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 769
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 28, 2025
Last actionJan 29, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 28, 2025
House BillHR 769Transportation and Public Works
All Aboard Act
INTRODUCED JAN 28, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 29, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
