Amtrak and Local Rail Revitalization Act of 1995
Key claim: The Amtrak and Local Rail Revitalization Act of 1995 would revise Amtrak contracting-out and procurement rules, operational and financial authorities, employee protections, facility use, and appropriations to support intercity and local rail revitalization.
Abstract
(S1318 · 104th Congress) TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Procurement Reforms Title II: Operational Reforms Title III: Employee Protection Reforms Title IV: Use of Railroad Facilities Title V: Financial Reforms Title VI: Miscellaneous Title VII: Authorization of Appropriations Title VIII: Amtrak Revenue Enhancement Title IX: Preservation of Rail Infrastructure Amtrak and Local Rail Revitalization Act of 1995 - Title I: Procurement Reforms - Amends Federal transportation law to revise National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) contracting out provisions to require Amtrak and its labor organizations to resolve the issue of under what conditions, if any, it may contract out work normally performed by an Amtrak bargaining unit employee when such contracting out results in the layoff of such employees. (Currently, Amtrak may not contract out such work if it will result in the layoff of Amtrak bargaining unit employees.) Requires each of the parties to the negotiations to select a neutral person from the list of National Mediation Board arbitrators if they are unable to resolve the issue. Requires the Board to select an arbitrator if the parties fail to do so. (Sec. 102) Prohibits Amtrak from submitting a bid for the performance of services under a contract for an amount less than the cost to it of performing such services (below-cost competition) with respect to any activity, except the provision of intercity rail passenger transportation, or mail or express transportation. Repeals general Amtrak authority to maintain and rehabilitate rail passenger equipment, and the mandate to maintain a regional maintenance plan including specified components. Authorizes Amtrak, with a specified exception, to enter into a contract with a motor carrier of passengers for the intercity transportation over regular routes only if certain requirements are met. (Sec. 103) Authorizes Amtrak and motor carriers of passengers, subject to Interstate Commerce Commission review, to: (1) combine their respective services a Latest action (1995-11-02): Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 221.
Why this matters
Amtrak’s procurement, labor, and operational authorities shape the practical cost and reliability of intercity passenger rail service, so historical reform proposals like S.1318 illustrate recurring policy levers Congress has considered to revitalize the network. Tracking these earlier proposals provides context for understanding subsequent Amtrak reauthorizations and the durability of employee protection and facility-use frameworks.