All Aboard, Build More Housing Near Transit acts enter Congress

Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Penn.) on July 29 reintroduced the All Aboard Act, which would dedicate $200 billion over five years to build high-speed rail, expand existing passenger rail service, and electrify the most heavily polluting rail yards and corridors.

The legislation also includes labor protections for existing union workforce and creates a rail personnel training grant program, officials from Markey's office said in a press release. The All Aboard Act was previously introduced in December 2024.

“In 2025, the people of this great country should have a rail system that is safe, fast, affordable and keeps the economy moving,” said Deluzio.

Specifically, the All Aboard Act would invest $150 billion across several rail grant programs, including the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail, the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety Improvement program, Amtrak and the Railroad Crossing Elimination program. The bill also calls for a $50 billion fund over five years to electrify the highest polluting rail yards and highest trafficked corridors.

Meanwhile, Sens. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) on July 22 introduced the Build More Housing Near Transit Act, which would offer federal benefits to cities building more housing near transit-oriented urban and suburban.

“This bill makes it easier for communities to build homes for working families by cutting red tape and giving them the freedom to create strong, family-friendly neighborhoods near public transit,” said Banks.