Bill would strip Amtrak of power to block passengers from suing
In committeeH.R. 8888Latest action
Sponsor: Christopher R. Deluzio · Representative · PA
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Official title: Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 8888 would ban Amtrak from using contracts to force passengers into arbitration or block class action lawsuits.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 8888 would prohibit Amtrak from including mandatory arbitration clauses or class action bans in its passenger contracts. The bill covers consumer disputes such as personal injury and service problems, as well as civil rights disputes involving discrimination based on race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Courts, not arbitrators, would have authority to determine whether the law applies in a given case.
Who does it affect?
The bill protects anyone who rides or attempts to ride Amtrak, including minors and passengers who did not personally pay for their ticket. Amtrak employees are explicitly not covered.
Why does it matter?
Passengers who sign Amtrak contracts currently may be bound by fine print requiring private arbitration and barring class action participation. If enacted, the bill would take effect immediately and apply to any dispute arising after that date, regardless of what a signed contract states.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 19, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · May 19, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.