119-hr4790

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4790 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
 H. R. 4790

 To establish a State rail formula grant program, to direct Federal 
 Railroad Administration to create a Green Railroads Fund, to expand 
passenger rail programs, to address air quality concerns, to establish 
 rail workforce training centers, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 July 29, 2025

 Mr. Deluzio (for himself, Mrs. McIver, and Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania) 
 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on 
Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the 
 Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall 
 within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

 A BILL

 To establish a State rail formula grant program, to direct Federal 
 Railroad Administration to create a Green Railroads Fund, to expand 
passenger rail programs, to address air quality concerns, to establish 
 rail workforce training centers, and for other purposes.

 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

 This Act may be cited as the ``All Aboard Act of 2025''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

 In this Act:

    (1) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' means the 
 Federal Railroad Administration.

    (2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the 
 Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration.

    (3) Amtrak.--The term ``Amtrak'' means the National 
 Railroad Passenger Corporation.

    (4) Electrification infrastructure.--The term 
 ``electrification infrastructure''--
        (A) means overhead wire in-motion charging 
 technology and any associated infrastructure necessary 
 for the operation to propel a locomotive or train; and
        (B) includes battery electric technology that 
 propels a locomotive or train in railyards and other 
 environments in which catenary infrastructure is 
 difficult to deploy as determined by the Secretary.

    (5) Environmental justice community.--The term 
 ``environmental justice community'' means a community with 
 significant representation of individuals of color, low-income 
 individuals, or Tribal and Indigenous individuals, that 
 experiences, or is at risk of experiencing, higher or more 
 adverse human health or environmental effects.

    (6) Federal-state intercity partnership program.--The term 
 ``Federal-State Intercity Partnership program'' means the grant 
 program developed and implemented by the Secretary pursuant to 
 

section 24911

    (b) of title 49, United States Code.

    (7) High-performance rail service.--The term ``high-
 performance rail service'' means an intercity passenger rail 
 service that is designed to meet the current and future market 
 demand for the transportation of people and goods, in terms of 
 capacity, travel times, reliability, and efficiency.

    (8) Locomotive.--The term ``locomotive'' has the meaning 
 given that term in 

section 1033.901 of title 40, Code of 
 Federal Regulations.

    (9) MU locomotive.--The term ``MU locomotive'', with 
 respect to electric multiple unit and battery-electric multiple 
 unit trains, has the meaning given that term in 

section 229.5 
 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.

    (10) Partnership applicant.--The term ``partnership 
 applicant'' has the meaning given that term ``applicant'' in 
 

section 24911 of title 49, United States Code.

    (11) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
 of Transportation.

    (12) State.--The term ``State'' means a State of the United 
 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
 Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern 
 Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, the 
 Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall 
 Islands, or the Republic of Palau.

    (13) Train.--The term ``train'' has the meaning given that 
 term in 

section 221.5 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.

    (14) Zero-emission locomotive.--The term ``zero-emission 
 locomotive'' means a locomotive that does not emit any criteria 
 pollutant, toxic pollutant, or greenhouse gas from any onboard 
 source of power at any power setting, including any propulsion 
 power that is connected to and moves with the locomotive when 
 it is in motion.

SEC. 3. STATE RAIL FORMULA FUNDING.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a formula grant 
program under which the Secretary shall award grants to States for the 
development of State rail plans, operations of rail service, and 
maintenance and expansion of rail infrastructure.

    (b) Report Required.--Each State that receives a grant under this 
section shall submit to the Secretary a report describing how the State 
rail plan and activities--

    (1) include a strategy--
        (A) to expand passenger rail service, particularly 
 high-performance rail service, including new routes, 
 existing routes identified by the department of 
 transportation of the State, and routes selected under 
 the Corridor Identification and Development Program 
 established under 

section 25101 of title 49, United 
 States Code; and
        (B) to electrify existing freight and passenger 
 rail; and

    (2) will demonstrate progress towards the goals described 
 in subsection
            (c) .
            (c) Goals.--The goals described in this subsection are--

    (1) to support the goal of achieving zero-emission 
 locomotives by 2047;

    (2) to guarantee the national rail network has the capacity 
 to serve a significant portion of freight and passenger 
 movement along the current and projected highest trafficked 
 intercity corridors by 2050;

    (3) to achieve zero emissions for--
        (A) 50 percent of all trains by 2030;
        (B) all new trains by 2035; and
            (C) all locomotives by 2047;

    (4) to reconnect communities divided by railroads through 
 infrastructure improvements that expand freight and passenger 
 rail capacity;

    (5) to protect the safety and health of rail workers and 
 nearby communities;

    (6) to ensure current and future rail infrastructure is 
 climate resilient;

    (7) to realize high-quality service that is trip-time 
 competitive with other intercity travel options; and

    (8) to facilitate a viable mode shift from short-haul 
 flights to passenger rail between targeted city pairs.
            (d) Use of Funds.--A State awarded a grant under this section may 
use funds from such grant to advance rail planning and operations by--

    (1) hiring and retaining staff;

    (2) pooling funds with other States to advance interstate 
 initiatives and projects;

    (3) making improvements to existing rail infrastructure;

    (4) constructing new rail infrastructure;

    (5) carrying out such other rail activities as the 
 Secretary determines appropriate, including studying the 
 impacts on freight rail operations and ridership and operations 
 coordination;

    (6) operating intercity passenger rail service; and

    (7) preparing applications for competitive Federal grant 
 programs.

    (e) Formula.--In allocating grant funds among the States, the 
Administrator shall--

    (1) ensure that each State receives not less than 
 $5,000,000, annually over a 5-year period; and

    (2) determine a method of apportionment that fairly 
 distributes funds based on the existing and future demand for 
 rail service in a State.

    (f) Technical Assistance.--The Administrator, in coordination with 
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary 
of Energy, Amtrak, and the Administrator of the Federal Transit 
Administration, shall provide technical assistance to States and 
communities to assist with the development of State rail plans.

    (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary $3,500,000,000 for the 5-year period 
beginning on October 1, 2025, to provide grants under this section.

SEC. 4. GREEN RAILROADS FUND.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the 
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, may award 
competitive grants to eligible entities described in subsection
            (c) to 
enable or improve electrified rail operations.

    (b) Application.--

    (1) In general.--To apply for a grant under this section an 
 eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary in 
 such manner as the Secretary may reasonably require.

    (2) Requirements.--Each application submitted in accordance 
 with paragraph

    (1) shall include--
        (A) a plan for robust engagement that details a 
 public notice process that requires--
            (i) notification online and in relevant 
 print sources written in languages used within 
 the area reasonably affected by the proposed 
 grant;
            (ii) opportunities for public meetings and 
 comment; and
            (iii) other information relevant to the 
 project to be made publicly available;
        (B) a plan that details how--
            (i) the project will safeguard or improve 
 the local environment and public health; and
            (ii) environmental and public health 
 stressors will be monitored and minimized 
 during the project;
            (C) a description of wage and apprenticeship 
 requirements for individuals employed to construct, 
 operate, and maintain rail electrification 
 infrastructure; and
            (D) a transition plan that examines the impact of 
 the proposed project on the workforce of the eligible 
 entity, including--
            (i) identifying skills gaps, training 
 needs, and retraining needs of the workforce;
            (ii) a plan to operate and maintain 
 infrastructure of the project using existing 
 insourced workforce;
            (iii) a plan to avoid displacement of the 
 workforce and to transition any displaced 
 workers to new jobs created by the project;
            (iv) identifying the steps the eligible 
 entity will take to offset any identified 
 negative impact or potential displacement of 
 the workforce, including how the entity will 
 use the funds from the grant and its own 
 funding to implement the transition plan; and
            (v) a description of how the eligible 
 entity will work with any organizations 
 representing the workforce to implement the 
 transition plan.
            (c) Eligible Entities.--An eligible entity described in this 
subsection is any of the following:

    (1) A State.

    (2) A group of States.

    (3) An interstate compact.

    (4) A public agency or a publicly chartered authority 
 established by one or more States.

    (5) A political subdivision of a State.

    (6) Amtrak or any other rail carrier that provides 
 intercity rail passenger transportation.

    (7) A class I railroad in partnership with at least 1 of 
 the entities described in paragraphs

    (1) through

    (5) .

    (8) A class II or III railroad.

    (9) A Federally recognized Indian Tribe.

    (10) A rail equipment manufacturer in partnership with at 
 least 1 of the entities described in paragraphs

    (1) through

    (5) .

    (11) A public utility.

    (12) A nonprofit labor organization representing a class or 
 craft of employees of rail carriers or rail carrier 
 contractors.
            (d) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity awarded a grant under this 
section may use funds from such grant--

    (1) to purchase railroad lines and right of way from other 
 railroads that host Amtrak or other intercity passenger rail 
 transportation for new electrification infrastructure;

    (2) to rebuild or improve existing locomotives, trains, or 
 MU locomotives to enable such trains and locomotives to use 
 electrification infrastructure;

    (3) to install or improve existing rail electrification 
 infrastructure;

    (4) to build new rail corridors with electrification 
 infrastructure;

    (5) to update rail yards by adding electrification 
 infrastructure;

    (6) to lease or acquire an easement along a right of way 
 for electrification infrastructure;

    (7) to purchase or lease electric locomotives, MU 
 locomotives, and trains or rolling stock;

    (8) to ensure new electrification infrastructure is climate 
 resilient;

    (9) to engage in robust engagement with communities; and

    (10) for workforce development and training to support the 
 maintenance, deployment, and operation of electric locomotives, 
 MU locomotives, and trains.

    (e) Labor Requirements.--

    (1) In general.--A project funded by a grant awarded under 
 this section shall--
        (A) use project labor agreements;
        (B) use enforceable agreements to hire from local 
 communities; and
            (C) for any freight train or light engine used in 
 connection with the movement of freight, require a crew 
 consisting of at least 2 individuals, one of whom is 
 certified under regulations promulgated by the 
 Administration as a locomotive engineer pursuant to 
 

section 20135 of title 49, United States Code, and the 
 other of whom is certified under regulations 
 promulgated by the Administration as a conductor 
 pursuant to 

section 20163 of title 49, United States 
 Code.

    (f) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary 
shall give priority to projects that will--

    (1) reduce air pollution in environmental justice 
 communities; and

    (2) expand high performance passenger rail.

    (g) Benefits for Other Programs.--An eligible entity that receives 
a grant under this section and is eligible for other rail grant 
programs described by this Act shall receive priority for additional 
funding under such programs for rail electrification infrastructure 
projects. Entities awarded grants under other programs in this Act may 
be awarded a grant under this section when applicable.

    (h) Study on Transmission Co-Location With Rail Electrification 
Infrastructure.--

    (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
 the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in coordination with 
 the Administrator, and in consultation with the Department of 
 Energy, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and any other 
 agency deemed relevant by the Secretary and the Administrator, 
 shall conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility, benefits, 
 equity impacts, and challenges of co-locating electric 
 transmission infrastructure within the same right-of-way or 
 adjacent to rail corridors as part of efforts to minimize land 
 use, streamline permitting processes, support rail 
 electrification, expand renewable energy capacity, reduce 
 community impacts of new infrastructure, improve safety, and 
 ensure fair access to infrastructure benefits for all 
 communities.

    (2) Outcomes and recommendations.--
        (A) Interagency task force.--In carrying out the 
 study required under paragraph

    (1) , the Secretary may 
 recommend the establishment of an interagency task 
 force to facilitate ongoing coordination among Federal, 
 state, and local, and private entities to advance 
 projects involving transmission and rail 
 electrification infrastructure.
        (B) Designated priority corridors.--In carrying out 
 the study required under paragraph

    (1) , the Secretary 
 may--
            (i) propose a framework to designate 
 priority corridors for co-located transmission 
 and rail electrification projects; and
            (ii) recommend how such projects should be 
 incentivized.
            (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary $50,000,000,000 for the 5-year period 
beginning on October 1, 2025, to provide grants under this section.

SEC. 5. EXPANSION OF PASSENGER RAIL AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE RAIL.

    (a) Federal-State Intercity Partnership Program.--

    (1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
 to be appropriated to the Secretary for the Federal-State 
 Intercity Partnership program $80,000,000,000 for the 5-year 
 period beginning on October 1, 2025.

    (2) Priority high-performance rail.--

Section 24911
            (d) of 
 title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (A) by redesignating paragraphs

    (1) through

    (3) as 
 paragraphs

    (2) through

    (4) , respectively; and
        (B) by inserting before paragraph

    (2) , as 
 redesignated, the following:
 ``

    (1) the Secretary shall give priority to projects that 
 install or upgrade infrastructure that will enable high-
 performance passenger rail along new or existing rail corridors 
 regardless of the location of such projects within the United 
 States;''.

    (3) Cost benefit analysis.--

Section 24911
            (d) (3)
        (B)
            (i) of 
 title 49, United States Code, as redesignated, is amended--
        (A) in subclause
            (IV) , by striking ``; and'' and 
 inserting a semicolon;
        (B) in subclause
            (V) , by inserting ``and'' after 
 the semicolon at the end; and
            (C) by adding at the end the following:
 ``
            (VI) anticipated positive impacts 
 of the project's efforts to electrify 
 the corridor, or make improvements to 
 allow for electrification 
 infrastructure (as defined in the All 
 Aboard Act of 2025) in the future;''.

    (b) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement 
Program.--

    (1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
 to be appropriated to the Secretary $30,000,000,000 for the 5-
 year period beginning on October 1, 2025, to provide grants 
 authorized under 

section 22907 of title 49, United States Code.

    (2) Expanded eligibility.--

Section 22907

    (b) of title 49, 
 United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
 following:
 ``

    (14) A Class I railroad company only if--
 ``
        (A) the entity uses the funds to install 
 electrification infrastructure;
 ``
        (B) the project uses project labor agreements;
 ``
            (C) the project includes enforceable agreements 
 to hire from local communities;
 ``
            (D) the entity complies with 

section 22404 of 
 title 49, United States Code; and
 ``
        (E) the project is in partnership with at least 1 
 of the entities described in paragraphs

    (1) through

    (5) .''.

    (3) Eligible activities.--

Section 22907
            (c) of title 49, 
 United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
 following:
 ``

    (17) Any project to facilitate zero-emission locomotive 
 infrastructure, including projects--
 ``
        (A) to electrify publicly-owned or Amtrak-owned 
 routes;
 ``
        (B) to rehabilitate or improve existing 
 locomotives, MU locomotives, or trains (including 
 engines) to reduce emissions;
 ``
            (C) to purchase railroad infrastructure and right 
 of way from freight railroads--
 ``
            (i) to expand passenger rail or regional 
 rail; or
 ``
            (ii) with the intent to electrify rail in 
 the future;
 ``
            (D) to build electrified rail corridors;
 ``
        (E) to electrify rail yards;
 ``
        (F) to lease or acquire an easement along a 
 right-of-way for electrification;
 ``
        (G) to purchase electrification equipment and 
 rolling stock or other zero-emission locomotives, MU 
 locomotives, and equipment;
 ``
        (H) to ensure new electrification infrastructure 
 is climate-resilient; and
 ``
            (I) to engage in robust engagement with 
 communities impacted by any new rail infrastructure.''.

    (4) Requirements.--

Section 22907
            (d) of title 49, United 
 States Code, is amended to read as follows:
 ``
            (d) Application Process.--
 ``

    (1) In general.--The Secretary shall prescribe the form 
 and manner of filing an application under this section.
 ``

    (2) Workforce development requirements.--Each application 
 for a grant under this section shall include a transition plan 
 that examines the impact of the proposed project on the 
 workforce of the eligible entity and includes--
 ``
        (A) an identification of skills gaps, training 
 needs, and retraining needs of the workforce;
 ``
        (B) a plan to operate and maintain infrastructure 
 of the project using existing insourced workforce;
 ``
            (C) a plan to avoid displacement of the 
 workforce;
 ``
            (D) an identification of the steps the eligible 
 entity will take to offset any identified negative 
 impact or potential displacement of the workforce, 
 including how the entity will use the funds from the 
 grant and its own funding to implement the transition 
 plan; and
 ``
        (E) a description of how the eligible entity will 
 work with any organizations representing the workforce 
 to implement the transition plan.
 ``

    (3) Requirements for rail electrification projects.--Each 
 application for a grant for an eligible project described under 
 subsection
            (c) (17) shall include--
 ``
        (A) plans for robust engagement, early in the 
 project planning process, with communities impacted by 
 any new rail electrification infrastructure;
 ``
        (B) plans for hiring from local communities, 
 displaced rail workers, tribal and indigenous 
 communities, and environmental justice communities; and
 ``
            (C) a description of wage and apprenticeship 
 requirements for individuals employed to construct, 
 operate, and maintain rail electrification 
 infrastructure.''.

    (5) Priority for rail electrification.--

Section 22907

    (e) of 
 title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (A) by redesignating paragraphs

    (2) and

    (3) as 
 paragraphs

    (3) and

    (4) , respectively; and
        (B) by inserting after paragraph

    (1) the following:
 ``

    (2) Priority for rail electrification.--In selecting a 
 recipient of a grant for an eligible project, the Secretary 
 shall give priority to a proposed project that includes 
 electrification infrastructure (as defined in the All Aboard 
 Act of 2025)--
 ``
        (A) in freight railyards or corridors in 
 environmental justice communities; and
 ``
        (B) along new or existing rail corridors.''.
            (c) Amtrak.--

    (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
 the Secretary $30,000,000,000 for the 5-year period beginning 
 on October 1, 2025, for the use of Amtrak.

    (2) Climate resilience fund.--Of the funds appropriated to 
 the Secretary pursuant to paragraph

    (1) , $5,000,000,000 shall 
 be used for climate resiliency improvement projects to increase 
 resiliency against climate-related changes in conditions, 
 including flooding risk, sea level rise, extreme storms, 
 coastal erosion, and extreme temperatures.
            (d) Railroad Crossing Elimination Program.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to the Secretary $10,000,000,000 for the 5-year period 
beginning on October 1, 2025, to provide grants under 

section 22909 of 
title 49, United States Code.

    (e) Restoration and Enhancement Program.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary $1,000,000,000 for the 5-year period 
beginning on October 1, 2025, to provide grants under 

section 22908 of 
title 49, United States Code.

    (f) Grant Adjustment To Support Rail Expansion.--

Section 24305 of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
 ``

    (g) Use of Federal Grant Funds.--Unless specifically prohibited 
by law or inconsistent with a grant agreement pursuant to which the 
relevant funding was provided, Amtrak or States may use grant funding 
received from the Federal Government to cover any non-Federal share of 
costs required to be paid under grant programs authorized in title 23 
or 49, United States Code, or in other Federal laws, to the extent 
necessary to advance critical intercity passenger rail investments.''.

    (g) Railway-Highway Crossings.--

Section 130

    (e)

    (1) of title 23, 
United States Code, is amended--

    (1) by redesignating subparagraphs
        (B) and
            (C) as 
 subparagraphs
            (C) and
            (D) , respectively; and

    (2) by inserting after subparagraph
        (A) the following:
 ``
        (B) Installation of protective devices.--At least 
 \1/2\ of the funds set aside each fiscal year under 
 subparagraph
        (A) shall be available for the 
 installation of protective devices at railway-highway 
 crossings.''.

SEC. 6. RAIL AIR POLLUTION GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
Agency shall establish a program to provide grants under sections 103 
and 105 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7403 and 7405) to address the 
air pollution generated by railyards.

    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
Agency $500,000,000 for the 5-year period beginning on October 1, 2025, 
to provide grants under 

section 105 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 
7405) to carry out subsection

    (a) .

SEC. 7. LABOR PROTECTIONS AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

    (a) Grant Conditions.--Subsections

    (a) ,
            (c) , and
            (d) of 

section 22905 of title 49, United States Code, shall apply to any grant awarded 
pursuant to this Act, or funds provided under this Act, as if the grant 
or funds were awarded under chapter 229 of title 49, United States 
Code. The conditions of 

section 22404 of title 49, United States Code, 
shall apply to any grant awarded pursuant to this Act.

    (b) Operators and Certain Railroad Transportation Service Providers 
Deemed Rail Carriers and Employers for Certain 

=== Purposes ===
-

    (1) A person 
that
        (A) conducts passenger rail operations over, or
        (B) that performs 
work for, or in support of, passenger rail operations that is work 
performed by employees in railroad industry crafts and classes 
recognized under paragraph Ninth of 

section 2 of the Railway Labor Act 
(45 U.S.C. 152) on rail infrastructure constructed or improved with 
funding provided in whole in or part in a grant made under this Act 
shall be considered a rail carrier, and an employer only for the 
purposes of making such person subject to the laws of the United States 
referred to in 

section 10501
            (c) (3)
        (A) of title 49, United States Code, 
including
            (i) the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231 et 
seq.);
            (ii) the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.); and
            (iii) the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.) but is 
not deemed to be a rail carrier for the purposes of, or subject to, any 
other law of the United States.

    (2) Notwithstanding paragraph

    (1) --
        (A)
            (i) an employer engaged primarily in the building and 
 construction industry, as that term is used in 

section 8

    (f) of 
 the National Labor Relation Act (29 U.S.C. 158

    (f) ) which is 
 performing construction work as a contractor for an eligible 
 entity receiving funds provided under this Act, including a 
 rail carrier, shall not itself be considered a rail carrier 
 solely as a result of performance of that work, and shall be 
 permitted to perform the work with employees who are not 
 covered by
            (i) the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 
 231 et seq.);
            (ii) the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 151 et 
 seq.); and
            (iii) the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (45 
 U.S.C. 351 et seq.); and
            (ii) the exception described in clause
            (i) does not apply 
 to the performance of railroad maintenance and repair work that 
 is, and has been, historically and customarily performed by 
 employees in railroad industry crafts and classes recognized 
 under paragraph Ninth of 

section 2 of the Railway Labor Act (45 
 U.S.C. 152); or
        (B) an employer performing work as a contractor or 
 subcontractor for--
            (i) a railroad that owns, uses, or is contracted to 
 perform work on, rail infrastructure constructed or 
 improved with funding provided in whole or in part in a 
 grant made under this Act; or
            (ii) an operator that uses such infrastructure,
 shall not itself be considered a rail carrier solely as a 
 result of performance of that work, and shall be permitted to 
 perform the work with employees who are not covered by
            (i) the 
 Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231 et seq.);
            (ii) the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.); and
            (iii) the 
 Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.) 
 when such work is performed consistent with a collective 
 bargaining agreement between the railroad or operator and a 
 union representing employees in a railroad industry craft or 
 class recognized under paragraph Ninth of 

section 2 of the 
 Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 152), covering work performed by 
 that craft or class.
            (c) Other Requirements.--

    (1) In general.--All laborers and mechanics employed by 
 contractors or subcontractors in the performance of 
 construction, alternation, or repair work carried out, in whole 
 or in part, with assistance made available under this Act shall 
 be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on 
 projects of a character similar in the locality as determined 
 by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of 
 chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code.

    (2) Authority.--With respect to labor standards specified 
 in paragraph

    (1) , the Secretary of Labor shall have the 
 authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan 
 Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. App.) and sections 
 3145 of title 40, United States Code.
            (d) Rail Workforce Training Centers.--

    (1) Passenger rail workforce training center.--
        (A) In general.--There is established within the 
 consolidated workforce training program--
            (i) a center, which shall be known as the 
 ``Passenger Rail Workforce Training Center'', 
 to meet the needs of the passenger rail systems 
 workforce through standards-based training 
 relating to relevant maintenance and operations 
 occupations; and
            (ii) expand workforce development efforts 
 in partnership with organized labor including, 
 apprenticeship training programs.
        (B) Duties.--The Passenger Rail Workforce Training 
 Center, in cooperation with nonprofit labor 
 organizations and Amtrak, shall develop and carry out 
 training and educational programs for rail employees 
 serving in the passenger rail workforce.

    (2) Freight rail workforce training center.--The 
 Administrator, in partnership with rail carriers and nonprofit 
 labor organizations, shall--
        (A) establish a consolidated workforce training 
 program for freight railroad personnel;
        (B) establish a center, which shall be known as the 
 ``Freight Rail Workforce Training Center'', to meet the 
 needs of the freight rail systems workforce through 
 standards-based training relating to relevant 
 maintenance and operations occupations; and
            (C) expand, in partnership with organized labor, 
 workforce development efforts, including apprenticeship 
 training programs.

    (3) Training and educational program inclusions.--The 
 training and educational programs developed pursuant to 
 paragraphs

    (1) and

    (2) may include courses in recent 
 developments, techniques, and procedures relating to--
        (A) developing consensus national training 
 standards, in partnership with industry stakeholders, 
 for key rail occupations with demonstrated skill gaps;
        (B) establishing regional, State, and local rail 
 training partnerships--
            (i) to identify and address workforce skill 
 gaps; and
            (ii) to develop skills needed for--
            (I) delivering quality rail 
 service; and
            (II) supporting employee career 
 advancement;
            (C) developing programs for the training of 
 frontline workforce, instructors, mentors, and labor-
 management partnership representatives, in the form of 
 classroom, hands-on, on-the-job, and internet web-based 
 training, to be delivered--
            (i) at a national center;
            (ii) regionally; or
            (iii) at an individual rail carrier;
            (D) developing training programs for skills 
 relating to existing and emerging rail technologies, 
 such as zero-emission locomotives and trains and zero-
 emission locomotive infrastructure;
        (E) developing improved capacity for safety, 
 security, and emergency preparedness in rail systems 
 and the industry as a whole through--
            (i) developing the role of the rail 
 workforce in establishing and sustaining safety 
 culture and safety systems in rail; and
            (ii) training to address rail workforce 
 roles in promoting health and safety for rail 
 workers, communities adjacent to railroad 
 infrastructure and railyards; and
        (F) developing rail carrier capacity for career 
 pathway partnerships with schools and other community 
 organizations for recruiting and training 
 underrepresented populations as successful rail 
 employees who can develop careers in the rail industry.

    (4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
 to be appropriated to the Administrator $500,000,000 for the 5-
 year period beginning on October 1, 2025, to carry out the Rail 
 Workforce Training Program authorized under this subsection.
 <all>