Freights First Act

The Freights First Act would amend title 49 of the U.S. Code to curb Amtrak’s priority on shared rail lines, junctions, and crossings near ports and rail yards. Specifically, it adds a new rule stating that intercity and commuter rail passenger service provided by or for Amtrak shall not have priority over freight transportation when using a rail line, junction, or crossing that is located within 50 miles of a port or rail yard. The bill keeps an emergency exception and makes this limitation part of the general rule in section 24308(c). In short, in the areas within 50 miles of ports or yards, freight would have priority over Amtrak passenger service, altering the typical precedence given to Amtrak in some shared corridors. The bill was introduced in the House (H.R. 4756) on July 25, 2025, by Rep. Burlison (with others listed as sponsors) and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. As introduced, there is no enacted law change yet; the proposal would require action by Congress to become law.