House passes bills to increase Amtrak transparency, maritime and port security

The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee yesterday approved nine pieces of legislation, including a bill to increase transparency and accountability at Amtrak and bills designed to address port and maritime security.

The committee approved H.R. 188, the Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act. Introduced by U.S Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), the bill would increase transparency and accountability at Amtrak by applying requirements under the Government in the Sunshine Act to Amtrak's board meetings. Amtrak's board would have to comply with federal open meeting requirements under the Government in the Sunshine Act. Under the bill, certain open meeting requirements do not apply to contract negotiations, collective bargaining agreements or certain matters involving personnel. 

Other bills passed yesterday by the committee include:

• H.R. 2390, the Maritime Supply Chain Security Act. Introduced by U.S. Rep. David Rouzer (R-N.C.), the bill would clarify that Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) funds can be used to replace port crane hardware and software of Chinese origin. 

• H.R. 252, the Secure Our Ports Act of 2025. Introduced by U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), the legislation would prohibit certain foreign entities — including state-owned enterprises of China, Russia, North Korea and Iran — from entering into contracts for the ownership, leasing or operation of U.S. port facilities that are subject to security plans; and 

• H.R. 2035, the American Cargo for American Ships Act. Introduced by U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), the bill would require that 100% of cargo procured, furnished or financed by the U.S. Department of Transportation be transported on U.S.-owned, privately operated commercial vessels.