House committee passes bill mandating transparency for Amtrak board meetings

The Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act, introduced by Chairman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, has passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Chairman Nehls' legislation mandates that Amtrak adhere to the requirements of the Government in Sunshine Act, commonly known as the Sunshine Act, similar to other federal agencies and government-sponsored entities. The Sunshine Act stipulates that meetings of certain federal agencies must be open to public observation, with ten exemptions to this requirement.

Although Amtrak is not classified as a federal agency, it is considered a government entity and receives funding from American taxpayers. Despite this funding, meetings of the Amtrak Board of Directors are often held without opportunities for public or stakeholder observation or comment.

The new legislation would enforce Sunshine Act requirements on Amtrak. It would necessitate that Amtrak notify the public about the time, place, and location of upcoming meetings and allow for public observation unless an exemption applies. If a meeting is closed under an exemption, Amtrak would need to provide minutes summarizing matters discussed and actions taken.

“I’m proud to announce that my bill, The Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act, passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee,” said Chairman Nehls. “This common-sense legislation would allow the American people to have a say in how their taxpayer dollars are used in government-sponsored style entities like Amtrak. I would like to thank my colleagues for supporting my legislation and look forward to working to get this legislation across the finish line.”