Amtrak faces new legislation demanding transparency akin to federal agencies

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials has introduced The Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayer Act. This legislation aims to subject Amtrak to the same requirements as other federal agencies under the Government in the Sunshine Act.

The Sunshine Act mandates that meetings of certain federal agencies be open to public observation, with ten exemptions to open meeting requirements. Although Amtrak is not classified as a federal agency, it is considered a government entity that receives taxpayer funding. Currently, meetings of the Amtrak Board of Directors are often held without public or stakeholder observation or comment.

Chairman Nehls' bill seeks to extend the Sunshine Act's provisions to Amtrak. Specifically, it would require Amtrak to notify the public about the time, place, and location of upcoming meetings and allow for public observation unless closed under a Sunshine Act exemption. If a meeting is closed for observation, Amtrak would need to produce minutes summarizing matters discussed and actions taken.

"The American people deserve to have a say in how their taxpayer funds are used in government-sponsored-style entities such as Amtrak," said Chairman Nehls. "Over the past three plus years of the disastrous policies of the Biden Administration, the American people are having to pay more for the basics and are struggling to stay afloat. In 2021, despite having run substantial fiscal deficits, Amtrak decided to give its executives six-figure bonuses. This is not only irresponsible but out of touch. I’m proud to introduce The Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayer Act to provide the American people with the transparency they deserve in taxpayer-funded entities such as Amtrak."

Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) has also introduced similar legislation requiring that the Sunshine Act apply to rail service decisions and ensuring that both Congress and the American people are notified about executive bonuses awarded by Amtrak.