Bills · S 2104
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2104Transportation and Public Works
Reliable Rail Service Act of 2025
INTRO JUN 18· LAST ACTION JUN 18
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because reliable freight rail service is crucial for the entire economy. When rail shipments are delayed or unpredictable, it creates ripple effects throughout supply chains, leading to higher costs for businesses, empty store shelves, and potentially higher prices for consumers on everything from groceries to cars. This bill aims to improve the consistency and efficiency of how goods are moved across the country by rail.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to fewer shipping delays, more predictable delivery times, and a more resilient supply chain. This could help lower business operating costs and stabilize prices for goods that rely on rail transport. If it doesn't pass, the current system, which many shippers argue allows for inconsistent service without sufficient accountability, would remain in place, potentially continuing to contribute to supply chain bottlenecks and economic inefficiencies.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Expands the definition of "reasonable request" for rail service to specifically include meeting a shipper's need for timely, efficient, and reliable service.
This provision clarifies and strengthens the legal obligation of rail carriers to provide quality service, moving beyond a vague 'reasonable request' standard.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that the Surface Transportation Board (STB) consider specific factors when determining if a rail carrier has violated its service obligations, such as frequency of service, staffing levels, and equipment availability.
This ensures a more comprehensive and objective evaluation of service failures, preventing rail carriers from making arbitrary service cuts without accountability.
PROVISION 03
Requires the STB to expedite proceedings for service complaints (within 180 days) and for establishing service terms (within 45 days).
This speeds up the resolution process for shippers facing service issues, providing quicker relief and accountability.
PROVISION 04
Empowers the STB to prescribe specific reasonable transit or cycle times and other service standards if a rail carrier is found to have violated its service obligations.
This gives the STB a powerful new tool to directly intervene and ensure specific service improvements, rather than just issuing general orders.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Wisconsin
YRS IN OFFICE
27
BILLS LED
52
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUN 18
Introduced in Senate
JUN 18
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 2104
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJun 18, 2025
Last actionJun 18, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUN 18, 2025
Senate BillS 2104Transportation and Public Works
Reliable Rail Service Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JUN 18, 2025· LAST ACTION JUN 18, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
