Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 113.
Introduced:Jan 3, 2025
Primary Sponsor
Marcy Kaptur
Representative
Democratic
OH-9
Cosponsors
1
Quick Stats
Policy Area
Transportation and Public Works
Summary
This bill requires Amtrak to comply with the Government in the Sunshine Act open meeting requirements, with specific exceptions. Closed meeting portions are allowed for contract negotiations affecting Amtraks competitive position, collective bargaining discussions, and personnel matters involving officers, employees, or contractors unless affected individuals request public discussion. The bill aims to increase transparency of Amtrak board deliberations while protecting sensitive business and employment information.
Latest Action
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 113.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill requires Amtrak to comply with the Government in the Sunshine Act open meeting requirements, with specific exceptions. Closed meeting portions are allowed for contract negotiations affecting Amtraks competitive position, collective bargaining discussions, and personnel matters involving officers, employees, or contractors unless affected individuals request public discussion. The bill aims to increase transparency of Amtrak board deliberations while protecting sensitive business and employment information.
Last updated: 1/4/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act</strong></p><p>This bill directs Amtrak to comply with federal open meeting requirements under the Government in the Sunshine Act, with exceptions.</p><p>Under the bill, certain open meeting requirements do not apply to any portion or portions of a meeting that Amtrak properly determines are likely to involve</p><ul><li>contract negotiations, including negotiations for contract procurements and agreements, the disclosure of which would imperil or compromise Amtrak’s competitive position;</li><li>collective bargaining agreements or any terms and conditions that are proposed for inclusion in an agreement; and</li><li>matters involving the employment, appointment, termination, terms and conditions of employment, performance evaluation, promotion, or disciplining of a current or prospective Amtrak officer, employee, or contractor (unless all affected individuals request in writing that the matter or matters be discussed at a public meeting).</li></ul>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Requires Amtrak compliance with Government in Sunshine Act
Protects personnel matters unless public discussion requested
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
For Amtrak passengers: Greater transparency in rail service governance. For taxpayers: Improved oversight of federally-subsidized rail. For Amtrak board: Open meeting requirements with business protections. For Amtrak employees: Privacy protection for personnel matters. For government accountability: Standard sunshine requirements for Amtrak.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Transportation and Public Works
Related Subjects
Congressional oversight
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Government information and archives
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)
Railroads
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
188, 119th Congress (2025). "Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-188
