Bill · H.R. 8468· House(119-HR-8468)
Protecting American Railroad Workers’ Jobs Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/23/2026
- Last activity
- 4/23/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Sponsored by
- Chris Pappas
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Protecting American Railroad Workers' Jobs Act of 2026 aims to protect the jobs of American railroad workers involved in cross-border traffic with Mexico. The bill requires railroad carriers operating freight trains across the southern border into the United States to stop at the border for a crew interchange and safety testing. It mandates that the individuals operating these trains following the interchange must be U.S. nationals or aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. These workers must also have their primary reporting point in the United States and perform no duties for a carrier while outside of the United States.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would union members be better off under this?+5
The bill protects domestic labor jobs by requiring crew interchanges and limiting duties performed outside the United States.
Does this tighten control of the border?+4
The bill strengthens border control by requiring all cross-border freight trains to stop for crew interchanges and safety testing at the southern border.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
The bill secures opportunities for U.S. nationals and authorized residents by mandating they handle cross-border freight operations.
The opposite
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-2
The mandate for crew interchanges and safety testing at the border increases operational costs and delays for railroad carriers.
Does this repair or build roads and bridges?-1
The requirement for freight trains to stop at the border may cause logistical delays in the transport of goods via national infrastructure.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Job Protection for Railroad Workers: The bill requires that trains entering the U.S. from the southern border undergo a crew interchange, ensuring that the operation of the train is handled by specific individuals. (Section 2(a)(1))
-
Employment Security for U.S. Nationals and Lawful Residents: By mandating that only U.S. nationals or aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. operate the trains after the border crossing, the bill establishes specific requirements for those performing the work. (Section 2(a)(2)(A))
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Requirement for Localized Operations: The bill ensures that the individuals operating the trains have a primary reporting point in the United States and do not perform duties while physically outside of the country. (Section 2(a)(2)(B))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Operational Requirements for Railroad Carriers: Railroad carriers must comply with new mandates to stop freight trains at the southern border to conduct crew interchanges and federally mandated safety testing. (Section 2(a)(1))
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+5Good For Low Income Households+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+4
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Small Business Support-2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Roads And Bridges-1
- 8/27/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/23/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Lance GoodenRepublican · Texas
Wesley HuntRepublican · Texas
Gabe VasquezDemocrat · New Mexico