Moulton Reintroduces High-Speed Rail Bill With $41 Billion Annual Bill

SALEM, MA — U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton reintroduced the American High-Speed Rail Act of 2026 — a bill that would authorize up to $41 billion annually over five years for high-speed rail planning, construction and new technologies.

Moulton's office said the legislation is intended to build a national high-speed passenger rail system and expand related development around rail hubs.

"America deserves the same world-class high-speed rail system that other countries across the globe have had now for decades," Moulton said on the bill. "This isn't just about improving convenience, it's about creating smart, business-driven investment that will create millions of good-paying jobs, connect communities big and small, fight climate change, and ensure America leads the way in the infrastructure of the future."

Moulton is currently campaigning in a primary challenge to U.S. Sen. Ed Markey for the Democratic nomination this fall.

The bill would set national definitions for high-speed rail at 186 mph or more and higher-speed rail at 110 to 186 mph. It would also create public-private partnership frameworks, prioritize grants for projects tied to equity, resilience, sustainability, economic development and climate benefits, and expand transit-oriented development incentives aimed at affordable housing and commercial growth near stations.

The reintroduction comes a week after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved Moulton's amendment to include the Railway Safety Act in the surface transportation reauthorization package. That measure would expand safety requirements for hazardous materials transport, increase inspection frequency, give regulators stronger enforcement tools, invest in workforce training and require adoption of safety technologies.

Among the Massachusetts members listed as cosponsors are Reps. Jake Auchincloss, Jim McGovern and Lori Trahan.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.