Amtrak was allocated $66 billion in funding under the bipartisan infrastructure law, but according to U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), the national passenger railroad system has raised concerns for operating amid a lack of transparency and financial losses stemming from a decline in ridership.
In an effort to hold Amtrak accountable, Sen. Fischer sponsored the Amtrak Transparency Act, S. 4492, on June 11.
“My bill will pull back the curtain, allowing both Amtrak partners and the public to weigh in on Amtrak policy and decisions so that the organization better serves the taxpayer,” the senator said.
The taxpayer-funded Amtrak currently conducts Board of Directors meetings behind closed doors without following the Government Sunshine Act and fails to publish minutes or transcripts for the public, according to Sen. Fischer’s office.
Under S. 4492, federal open meeting requirements would be mandated for Amtrak, with public notice at least 30 days prior to a meeting. In addition, board meeting requirements would be revised to include representatives from state-sponsored and long-distance routes and Amtrak passenger groups.
“Americans have funded Amtrak for decades despite serious concerns about the railroad’s governance and fiscal responsibility,” Sen. Fischer said. “Six figure bonuses for executives amid struggling performance have only heightened the need for additional scrutiny.”
Sen. Fischer’s bill would also require that Amtrak disclose to Congress bonus payments that exceed $50,000 for its employees. Disclosures would also be mandated for vendor agreements and any other costs over $250,000, a bill summary said.
The bill has garnered support from the Rail Passengers Association and the Southern Rail Commission.