Congressman Zinke Votes to Strengthen Passenger Rail, Increase Accountability and Transparency

Press Release

This week, Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke voted for H.R. 749: Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 which extends funding for Amtrak passenger rail service and brings a greater level of transparency and accountability to the passenger rail service. The bill also expedites the permitting process for rail companies who seek to update lines.

"Sound infrastructure is critical to Montana and is a fundamental role of government," said Rep. Zinke. "This week I voted to support rail service in Montana by voting for the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act. This bill makes Amtrak more transparent and more accountable to taxpayers while also increasing competition and private sector participation in passenger rail. This law will help streamline the process for states and passenger rail providers to add on to or update their lines by reducing red tape and accelerating the environmental permitting process."

Background: H.R. 749 authorizes appropriations for FY2016-FY2019 for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) for the Northeast Corridor Improvement Fund account; the National Network account; the Office of the Inspector General; and the national infrastructure investment capital grants. This bipartisan bill, which improves infrastructure, reduces costs, creates greater accountability and transparency, leverages private sector resources, and accelerates project delivery for Amtrak and other passenger rail transportation systems, was passed unanimously out of T&I.

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