A bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) to make Amtrak more transparent and accountable advanced the House Tuesday, officials said.
Nehls, the chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, said his legislation, the Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act, would subject Amtrak to the same requirements of the Government in Sunshine Act. That legislation requires certain meetings to be open to public observation. While Amtrak is not a federal agency, it is considered a government entity and receives funding from the American taxpayers, Nehls office said. However, Amtrak Board of Directors meetings are often conducted without opportunity for taxpayers or stakeholders to observe or comment.
“I’m proud to announce my bill, the Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act, has passed the United States House of Representatives,” Nehls said. “Sunshine is the best disinfectant. Opening up Amtrak’s Board meetings to the American public will better ensure that their decisions are made in the best interest of the People. I encourage the Senate to swiftly consider my legislation to provide the American people with the transparency and accountability they deserve.”
The legislation would require Amtrak to notify the public of the time, place and location of pending meetings and to allow for public observations except under certain exemptions. If a meeting is closed for observation, Amtrak would be required to produce a set of minutes to the public containing a full and accurate summary of what was discussed and what actions were taken.