Legislation introduced to increase Amtrak accountability, transparency

On Monday, U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced legislation aimed at addressing concerns about accountability and transparency at Amtrak.

The legislation, the Amtrak Transparency Act, aims to tackle concerns about closed-door decision making at Amtrak, Fischer, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, said. Recent reports of large bonuses for top executive in the face of financial losses and decreased ridership have raised concern about the company’s denying public access and failing to publish minutes or transcripts from meetings despite being funded by taxpayers, Fischer’s office said.

The legislation would expand board meeting requirements to include representatives from state-sponsored and long-distance routes as well as passenger groups, while mandating compliance with open meeting requirements and requiring the company to disclose employee bonus payments of more than $50,000 to Congress. The legislation would also mandate the company disclose any vendor agreements and associated costs over $250,000, which would help states and rail partners make more informed decisions, Fischer said.

“Americans have funded Amtrak for decades despite serious concerns about the railroad’s governance and fiscal responsibility,” Fischer said. “Six figure bonuses for executives amid struggling performance have only heightened the need for additional scrutiny. My bill will pull back the curtain, allowing both Amtrak partners and the public to weigh in on Amtrak policy and decisions so that the organization better serves the taxpayer.”

Companion bills are being introduced in the House by U.S. Reps. Troy Nehls (R-TX) and Marc Molinaro (R-NY).

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