Bill · H.R. 7338· House(119-HR-7338)
Railroad Safety and Accountability Act
- Introduced
- 2/3/2026
- Last activity
- 2/4/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
- Sponsored by
- Emilia Sykes
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Railroad Safety and Accountability Act. It amends title 49 of the United States Code to officially codify the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee. The Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration is required to maintain this advisory committee to provide advice and recommendations on railroad safety regulatory programs. The committee will include representatives from major stakeholder groups across the railroad community. Additionally, the committee must meet quarterly with the Administrator and submit an annual report to Congress.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The legislation enhances transparency and accountability by requiring quarterly engagement meetings and an annual report submitted directly to Congress.
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?+5
The legislation codifies the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee, incorporating passenger rail and Amtrak stakeholders to improve overall rail safety and regulatory programs.
Would union members be better off under this?+4
Railroad labor organizations and various operating crafts are explicitly included as required stakeholder representatives on the advisory committee.
The opposite
Does this repair or build roads and bridges?-1
The bill authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund to carry out the committee's operations, which could draw resources away from traditional road and bridge projects.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a) adds Sec. 20122(a), which requires the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration to maintain the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee to provide advice and recommendations on railroad safety regulatory programs, including new regulations and reviewing existing ones. This is positive because it helps improve railroad safety for the people.
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Section 2(a) adds Sec. 20122(c), which states that the advisory committee shall include at least one representative from each major stakeholder group, including freight and passenger railroad carriers, Amtrak, local governments, rail passenger organizations, various railroad labor organizations, safety-related employees, and railroad suppliers and manufacturers. This ensures broad representation for different groups.
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Section 2(a) adds Sec. 20122(f), which requires the Administrator to meet quarterly with the advisory committee to consult on regulatory programs, discuss emerging issues, and review recommendations. This keeps our elected and appointed officials accountable by forcing regular, required engagement.
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Section 2(a) adds Sec. 20122(g), which requires the committee to submit an annual report to Congress summarizing its activities. This provides transparency to the public and holds officials accountable through congressional oversight.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2(a) adds Sec. 20122(i), which authorizes funds to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund as necessary to carry out this section. This could be seen as a negative burden because it draws money from the Highway Trust Fund to pay for the committee's operations.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Union Workers+4Good For Business Owners+2Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Urban Residents+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5Improves Interstate Commerce+3Increases Federal Power+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit+5Improves Roads And Bridges-1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Union Protections+2
- 2/4/2026
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1987)
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
- 2/3/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Introduced in House