Amtrak Executive Bonus Disclosure Act

Mr. Speaker, I first extend my appreciation to Chairman Sam Graves not only for leadership of the committee this last year but also for working with us to move this piece of legislation.

Amtrak was certainly hesitant to disclose their bonuses that came immediately after the COVID pandemic and the stress and stressors on commuters, passengers, and employees. The fact that we had to work, despite the significant taxpayer subsidies, to have them disclose this information was obscene at best.

I, too, want to take a moment, though, since I have 5 minutes, to express my appreciation and gratitude to

Representative Garret Graves as well. I truly join, I think, a chorus of individuals who recognize not only his leadership but his diligence and hard work on behalf of not only his constituents but certainly this country as a whole. He certainly has made Congress just a little bit better for the American people, and I am grateful for his friendship and support.

I would note he is unofficially my mentor. I am not quite sure what it is I have learned from him. Nevertheless, I have learned quite a bit, and I am grateful for it.

I join him certainly today standing in support of my bill, the Amtrak Executive Bonus Disclosure Act. This bill is rooted in basic transparency and accountability.

As noted, in 2023, Amtrak awarded over $5 million in executive bonuses despite a $1.7 billion loss and $11 billion in taxpayer subsidies.

No business in the world, certainly not in this country, would extend those kinds of bonuses with those kinds of losses, as I noted, in the immediate aftermath of the COVID pandemic. These bonuses rightfully sparked outrage not only from passengers and constituents but Members of Congress and the hardworking employees who keep Amtrak running for Americans.

Those employees are represented by unions who join in opposition. They include SMART-TD and the Transport Workers Union, each calling these payouts exorbitant and an affront to taxpayers. I think all of us might have stronger words than that. TWU has not only endorsed the bill but certainly wishes, on behalf of their employees, to see continued expansion of transparency and accountability.

Overall, I oppose the bonuses. If we could claw them back, I would. I am hopeful this legislation might demand the opportunity for the board of directors to take a pause and be more respectful to taxpayers and perhaps Congress to take action subsequent to their issuing these bonuses.

Transparency should never be optional, certainly when it comes to taxpayer-subsidized programming, especially when it comes to Amtrak and the significant amount of public funds.

My bill seeks to ensure that Amtrak publicly discloses executive bonuses annually, empowering taxpayers to see exactly where their money goes.

This legislation puts passengers, workers, and taxpayers first. It is simply about fairness, accountability, and earning back the public trust.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8689) to require Amtrak to publicly disclose certain bonus compensation paid to Amtrak executives, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on H.R. 8689.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 8689 was introduced by my good friend, Representative Molinaro of New York. The bill is intended to ensure annual bonuses awarded to Amtrak's top executives are made public at the beginning of every calendar year.

Amtrak relies heavily on government subsidies, and during more than 50 years of existence, it has never made a profit. Nonetheless, Amtrak executives have been awarded generous six-figure bonuses despite financial losses and service issues.

The disclosure of such huge payouts rightfully outrages the public and members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

We had a hearing on this many, many months ago where Amtrak officials were unwilling to disclose some of the information we had requested. This bill is a strong step toward transparency and accountability for Amtrak executives and Amtrak's board of directors, which awards the bonuses.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Molinaro), the sponsor of bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

I normally would say thank you when folks give compliments. I am not sure that would be sincere in this case.

Seriously, Mr. Speaker, if my friend from New York decided he was going to take a $1.94 Uber ride because he was too lazy to walk a block, he would have to disclose it. He would have to disclose it if he spent public funds doing that.

The fact that we are talking about six-figure bonuses for Amtrak-- once again, public funds--not being publicly disclosed is simply inexcusable.

We must ensure this legislation is enacted and this information be made available. It is an important step toward increased transparency at Amtrak. This legislation will make sure Amtrak publicly discloses these salary bonuses given to Amtrak executives annually.

I do thank my good friend from New York (Mr. Molinaro) for his service to this country. He has been incredibly helpful to us in the Subcommittee on Aviation.

As you know, we passed a significant 1,000-page, 5-year aviation authorization this year on a strong bipartisan basis. My friend from New York was integral in putting that legislation together.

I really do appreciate his friendship and support, despite what he says about me, over the last few years. I wish him well in his next endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague Mr. Molinaro for sponsoring this really important legislation.

I rise in support of the Amtrak Executive Bonus Disclosure Act. This bill requires Amtrak to post the compensation of its executive leadership team annually on the Amtrak website. Congress already requires the Nation's intercity passenger railroads to submit this information to Congress. This bill increases transparency by making this information readily available to the public.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, this bill will increase transparency at Amtrak. I urge my colleagues to support this very important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.