HR 4756
Freights First Act
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Bill overview
The Freights First Act changes how Amtrak uses railway lines near ports and rail yards. Currently, Amtrak has a priority over freight trains, but this bill limits that priority to emergencies only. Specifically, freight transportation will have preference if a rail line, junction, or crossing is within 50 miles of a port or rail yard. This aims to reduce congestion and improve efficiency for freight rail operations.
Key provisions
- Limits Amtrak’s priority on railway lines near ports and rail yards.
- Reduces Amtrak’s preference to only apply during emergencies.
- Establishes a 50-mile radius around ports and rail yards where freight transportation takes precedence.
- Amends Section 24308(c) of Title 49, United States Code.
Who is affected
- Amtrak
- Freight Rail Companies
- Ports
- Rail Yards
- Passengers traveling on Amtrak
Notable changes
- Eliminates Amtrak’s automatic priority over freight trains in certain areas.
- Creates an exception for emergencies where Amtrak’s priority remains.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Harriet M. [R-WY-At Large] Hageman
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
H. R. 4756
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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.
This Act may be cited as the Freights First Act
.
Section 24308(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
by striking Except in an emergency
and inserting the following:
by adding at the end the following: