Rolling Stock Protection Act

6/18/2024, 8:28 PM

Rolling Stock Protection Act

This bill eliminates an exemption from the prohibition on using a type of federal financial aid to procure rail rolling stock for use in public transportation from certain manufacturers. Such prohibited manufacturers include ones that, among other things, are owned or controlled by a company based in a nonmarket economy country that is flagged for monitoring by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Currently, this exemption applies to contracts made prior to the enactment of the prohibition.

Bill 118 hr 3317, also known as the Rolling Stock Protection Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to protect the rolling stock of freight railroads from vandalism and theft.

The bill specifically targets individuals who engage in the unauthorized entry or tampering with freight railcars. It imposes penalties for those found guilty of such actions, including fines and potential imprisonment. Additionally, the bill requires rail carriers to implement security measures to prevent unauthorized access to their rolling stock.

Supporters of the Rolling Stock Protection Act argue that it is necessary to protect the integrity and safety of the nation's freight rail system. They believe that vandalism and theft of rolling stock can have serious consequences, including disruptions to the transportation of goods and potential safety hazards. Opponents of the bill may argue that the penalties imposed are too harsh or that the security measures required of rail carriers are overly burdensome. They may also raise concerns about potential racial profiling or discrimination in the enforcement of the legislation. Overall, the Rolling Stock Protection Act aims to address a specific issue within the freight rail industry and ensure the continued efficiency and safety of the nation's transportation infrastructure. It is currently under review by Congress and may undergo further revisions before potentially becoming law.
Congress
118
Number
HR - 3317
Introduced on
2023-05-15
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/22/2024
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Rolling Stock Protection Act

This bill eliminates an exemption from the prohibition on using a type of federal financial aid to procure rail rolling stock for use in public transportation from certain manufacturers. Such prohibited manufacturers include ones that, among other things, are owned or controlled by a company based in a nonmarket economy country that is flagged for monitoring by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Currently, this exemption applies to contracts made prior to the enactment of the prohibition.

Bill 118 hr 3317, also known as the Rolling Stock Protection Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to protect the rolling stock of freight railroads from vandalism and theft.

The bill specifically targets individuals who engage in the unauthorized entry or tampering with freight railcars. It imposes penalties for those found guilty of such actions, including fines and potential imprisonment. Additionally, the bill requires rail carriers to implement security measures to prevent unauthorized access to their rolling stock.

Supporters of the Rolling Stock Protection Act argue that it is necessary to protect the integrity and safety of the nation's freight rail system. They believe that vandalism and theft of rolling stock can have serious consequences, including disruptions to the transportation of goods and potential safety hazards. Opponents of the bill may argue that the penalties imposed are too harsh or that the security measures required of rail carriers are overly burdensome. They may also raise concerns about potential racial profiling or discrimination in the enforcement of the legislation. Overall, the Rolling Stock Protection Act aims to address a specific issue within the freight rail industry and ensure the continued efficiency and safety of the nation's transportation infrastructure. It is currently under review by Congress and may undergo further revisions before potentially becoming law.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend title 49, United States Code, to remove the lifetime exemption from the prohibition on procurement of rolling stock from certain vehicle manufacturers for parties to executed contracts.
Policy Areas
Transportation and Public Works
Potential Impact
Foreign and international corporations•
Motor vehicles•
Public contracts and procurement•
Public transit

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary5/31/2024

Rolling Stock Protection Act

This bill eliminates an exemption from the prohibition on using a type of federal financial aid to procure rail rolling stock for use in public transportation from certain manufacturers. Such pro...

Latest Action5/22/2024
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.