PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1470)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jul 25, 2002
National Defense Rail Act - Authorizes appropriations for Amtrak security assistance. Requires studies or assessments of: (1) foreign rail transport security programs; (2) the feasibility of passenger, baggage, and cargo screening; (3) existing rail safety regulations; (4) security priorities; and (5) rail crossing delay security issues.Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish a national high-speed ground transportation policy; and (2) provide 100 percent financial assistance to develop and implement high-speed rail corridors according to designated priorities, including the elimination of hazards of railway-highway crossings.Requires such projects to comply with specified labor standards, including the prevailing wage requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act.Defines the national rail passenger transportation system. Authorizes Amtrak to operate an intercity rail service or route not included in such system. Authorizes additional appropriations for Amtrak for principal and interest, compliance with environmental laws, and improving accessibility for the elderly and persons with disabilities. Repeals the requirement that Amtrak be self-sufficient. Authorizes appropriations for the Northeast Corridor, long and short distance trains, and State-supported routes.Directs the Secretary to re-establish the Northeast Corridor Safety Committee. Revises requirements concerning the Amtrak board of directors. Requires an independent audit of Amtrak operations.Revises requirements of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 concerning loans and loan guarantees.Directs the Secretary to establish a rail passenger cooperative research program, including an advisory board.
People & committees
Rep. Carson, Julia [D-IN-10] · D–IN
Legislative record
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Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1470)
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads.
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 19, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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