Springfield Standard

Congressman Eric Burlison has reintroduced the Freights First Act in Washington, D.C. The legislation aims to reduce rail congestion near crucial supply-chain hubs by prioritizing freight movement over passenger service within key logistics corridors.

Under current federal law (49 U.S.C. § 24308(c)), Amtrak is given statutory preference over freight railroads on shared tracks. This rule often results in bottlenecks near ports and major rail yards.

"The backbone of America’s economy is a strong and reliable supply chain," stated Congressman Burlison. "When freight rail is forced to wait for passenger trains near critical infrastructure, our entire economy suffers. My Freights First Act removes this barrier and ensures goods arrive on time and without costly delays."

The Freights First Act proposes to:

- Eliminate Amtrak’s track preference within 50 miles of a port or rail yard to prevent congestion and keep freight moving efficiently.

- Improve supply chain resilience by prioritizing freight over passenger service in areas where the movement of goods is most critical.

The act aims to enhance America's economy by clearing bottlenecks, strengthening the supply chain, and ensuring goods move at the speed of commerce.