H.R. 9088

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 9088 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 9088

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a feasibility 
study on the establishment of a rail route linking Alaska to the North 
American continental rail network, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 2, 2026

Mr. Begich introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a feasibility 
study on the establishment of a rail route linking Alaska to the North 
American continental rail network, 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 ``Polar Express Act of 2026''.

SEC. 2. POLAR EXPRESS FEASIBILITY STUDY.

(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall initiate a 
feasibility study on the establishment of a rail route linking the 
State of Alaska to the North American rail network in the continental 
United States, to be known as the ``Polar Express''.
(b) Scope.--The Secretary shall determine the scope, contents, and 
methodology of the feasibility study conducted under this section, and 
may consult with such Federal agencies, State, Tribal, and local 
governments, foreign governments, and other stakeholders as the 
Secretary determines appropriate.
(c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which the 
feasibility study is initiated under subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate a report containing the results of the 
feasibility study and any recommendations of the Secretary.
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed--
(1) to authorize the construction of the rail route 
described in subsection (a); or
(2) to commit Federal funds for the construction of such 
rail route.
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