H. R. 8853

Amtrak Grant Flexibility Act

Shown here: Introduced in House (2026-05-15)

To amend title 49, United States Code, to allow Amtrak to use grant funds to satisfy non-Federal share requirements of certain grant programs, and for other purposes.

1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the “Amtrak Grant Flexibility Act”.

2. Eligibility of grant funds to satisfy non-Federal share requirements

(a) National infrastructure project assistance grants

Section 6701(i)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(D) Allowable use of Amtrak grant funds
(i) In general
If Amtrak is the recipient of a grant under this section, Amtrak may use any Federal grant funds provided to Amtrak (other than grant funds awarded under the program and subject to any terms or conditions placed on such Federal grant funds) to carry out any activity described in subsection (h)(1), so long as the involvement of Amtrak in such activity is not limited to monetary contributions.
(ii) Non-applicability of limitation
Any Federal grant funds used by Amtrak pursuant to clause (i) may not be treated as Federal assistance for purposes of subparagraph (B).

(b) Consolidated rail infrastructure and safety improvements grants

Section 22907(h) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(5) Treatment of Amtrak grant funds
If Amtrak is an applicant under this section, any Federal funds provided to Amtrak may be used to satisfy the non-Federal share requirements.

(c) Federal-State partnership for intercity passenger rail grants

Section 24911(f)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking “may use” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following:

may satisfy the non-Federal share requirements using—
(A) tickets and other revenues generated from its operations or other sources;
(B) with respect to a project under this section associated the National Network, grant funds issued by the Secretary to Amtrak for use in activities associated with the National Network; and
(C) with respect to a project under this section associated the Northeast Corridor, grant funds issued by the Secretary to Amtrak for use in activities associated with the Northeast Corridor.

2. Eligibility of grant funds to satisfy non-Federal share requirements

(a) National infrastructure project assistance grants

Section 6701(i)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(D) Allowable use of Amtrak grant funds

(i) In general

If Amtrak is the recipient of a grant under this section, Amtrak may use any Federal grant funds provided to Amtrak (other than grant funds awarded under the program and subject to any terms or conditions placed on such Federal grant funds) to carry out any activity described in subsection (h)(1), so long as the involvement of Amtrak in such activity is not limited to monetary contributions.

(ii) Non-applicability of limitation

Any Federal grant funds used by Amtrak pursuant to clause (i) may not be treated as Federal assistance for purposes of subparagraph (B).

(b) Consolidated rail infrastructure and safety improvements grants

Section 22907(h) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(5) Treatment of Amtrak grant funds

If Amtrak is an applicant under this section, any Federal funds provided to Amtrak may be used to satisfy the non-Federal share requirements.

Section 24911(f)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking “may use” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following:

may satisfy the non-Federal share requirements using—

(A) tickets and other revenues generated from its operations or other sources;

(B) with respect to a project under this section associated the National Network, grant funds issued by the Secretary to Amtrak for use in activities associated with the National Network; and

(C) with respect to a project under this section associated the Northeast Corridor, grant funds issued by the Secretary to Amtrak for use in activities associated with the Northeast Corridor.