DOWN THE REPAIR OUR ROADS ACT HERE

The Repair Our Railroads (ROR) Act of 2026

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An Act: To mandate the reinvestment of excess Class I railroad profits into the national infrastructure; to prioritize the expansion of high-speed public transit; to modernize freight efficiency; and to ensure the safety of American communities.

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Section 1: The “Railroad Bucket” Mandate

All Class I railroad carriers operating within the United States shall be required to contribute 90% of their annual net income into the National Railroad Revitalization Fund (NRRF). These funds are legally decoupled from shareholder dividends and executive bonuses to prioritize the physical and operational integrity of the American rail network.

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Section 2: Public Transit & Passenger Priority

The first $10.5 Billion of the annual NRRF shall be dedicated to the Public Mobility Initiative:

• Regional High-Speed Corridors: Direct funding for the “Corridor Kickstart” program to establish 125 mph service in ten high-density U.S. regions.

• The Right-of-Way Rule: Passenger rail shall receive absolute dispatching priority over freight on all shared tracks funded by this Act.

• Urban Hub Integration: Grants for “Last-Mile” connectivity, linking rail stations with local light-rail and bus networks.

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Section 3: Freight Modernization & Decarbonization

The subsequent $4 Billion shall be allocated to the Freight Efficiency Program:

• Zero-Emission Yards: Mandatory electrification of the top 20 highest-volume freight yards and ports.

• AI Dispatching: Implementation of a unified, digital traffic control system to eliminate idling and reduce transit times for consumer goods.

• Short-Line Support: A dedicated fund to maintain the “feeder” lines that connect rural manufacturers to the national grid.

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Section 4: The “Safe-Track” Safety Standard

The remaining $2.03 Billion shall be reserved for the Community Safety & Resilience Fund:

• Automated Inspections: Universal installation of “Hot-Box” and acoustic sensors every 10 miles to prevent mechanical derailments.

• Disaster Mitigation: Hardening of infrastructure against extreme weather, including flood-proofing and bridge reinforcement.

• The East Palestine Protocol: Full funding for specialized hazardous material response teams stationed at 50-mile intervals along all major chemical routes.

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Section 5: Economic Oversight

The Department of Transportation shall oversee the NRRF. For every $1 Billion invested, the railroads must demonstrate a measurable increase in passenger on-time performance and a reduction in carbon-intensity per ton-mile.