Polar Express Act of 2026
This bill directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of building a railroad that links Alaska to the continental North American rail network. Transportation officials would consult with state, tribal, local, and foreign governments and submit a final report with recommendations to Congress within roughly two and a half years. The measure only funds the research study and does not authorize construction or commit federal money to build the rail line.
Who it helps · who it burdens.
Who it helps
- Congressional transportation committeesReceives a report containing the findings and recommendations from the feasibility study on the proposed rail link.
Who it burdens
- Department of TransportationMust initiate and conduct a feasibility study on connecting Alaska to the continental U.S. rail network and submit a final report with recommendations to Congress within two years.
The provisions, in plain language.
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to begin a feasibility study within 180 days on establishing a rail route connecting Alaska to the North American rail network in the continental United States, determining its scope and consulting with relevant agencies, governments, and stakeholders.
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to submit a report with the study's findings and recommendations to the relevant congressional committees within two years of starting the study.
Clarifies that the bill does not authorize the construction of the rail route or commit federal funds for its construction.
How your members of Congress line up
How it moved.
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Introduced in House
- Introduced in House