Bill Summary
The "Long-Distance Corridor Relief Enhancement Act" is a legislative proposal that seeks to amend the requirements for selecting long-distance intercity passenger rail routes under the Corridor Identification and Development Program. Specifically, the bill removes the necessity for the Secretary of Transportation to consider committed or anticipated non-Federal funding when evaluating these long-distance rail corridors.
The legislation aims to facilitate the inclusion of long-distance routes into the program by eliminating financial prerequisites that could hinder their development. The change will apply to any long-distance route corridors accepted into the program on or after October 1, 2023. This act is designed to promote the expansion and improvement of intercity passenger rail services without the constraints of non-Federal funding considerations.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "Long-Distance Corridor Relief Enhancement Act" could affect people:
1. **Increased Accessibility to Long-Distance Rail Travel**: By removing the requirement for non-federal funding considerations for long-distance intercity passenger rail routes, the Act could lead to the establishment of more routes and services. This would make long-distance rail travel more accessible for people who may not have previously had options for transportation, particularly in rural or underserved areas. As a result, individuals could find it easier and more affordable to travel for work, leisure, or family visits.
2. **Economic Impact on Local Communities**: The Act may stimulate economic growth in communities along newly established or enhanced long-distance rail corridors. As rail services improve, local businesses could benefit from increased foot traffic and tourism. This economic boost may lead to job creation in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and transportation, thus enhancing the overall quality of life for residents in those areas.
3. **Environmental Considerations**: With a greater emphasis on developing long-distance rail travel, the Act could encourage a shift away from car and air travel, which are often more carbon-intensive. This change could contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint for individuals traveling long distances. As a result, citizens who prioritize environmental sustainability may find this legislation aligns with their values and promotes a greener transportation alternative.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3728 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 3728
To remove the requirement that the Secretary of Transportation consider
the committed or anticipated non-Federal funding for long distance
intercity passenger rail routes under the Corridor Identification and
Development Program.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
January 29, 2026
Mr. Sheehy (for himself and Mr. Merkley) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To remove the requirement that the Secretary of Transportation consider
the committed or anticipated non-Federal funding for long distance
intercity passenger rail routes under the Corridor Identification and
Development Program.
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 ``Long-Distance Corridor Relief
Enhancement Act''.
SEC. 2. MODIFICATION OF CONSIDERATION REQUIREMENT OF NON-FEDERAL
FUNDING FOR CORRIDOR SELECTION.
Section 25101(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (14) as
subparagraphs (A) through (N), respectively, and indenting such
subparagraphs, as so redesignated, 2 ems to the right;
(2) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), as so
redesignated, by striking ``In selecting'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--In selecting'';
(3) in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated, by striking
``committed or'' and by inserting ``except as provided in
paragraph (2), committed or''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Exception for long-distance route corridor.--
``(A) In general.--For the purposes of this
subsection, the Secretary shall not require or consider
committed or anticipated non-Federal funding for any
part of the program described in subsection (a) for any
intercity passenger rail corridor on a long-distance
route.
``(B) Application.--The exception provided in
subparagraph (A) shall apply to any long-distance route
corridor accepted into the program on or after October
1, 2023.''.
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