New Rail Bill Authorizes Open-Ended Funding to Keep All Amtrak Long-Distance Routes Running

The new Rail Service Continuity and Stability Act of 2025 is trying to make sure that if you rely on a long-distance Amtrak route, that train isn't going anywhere. This bill includes a key provision that authorizes Congress to provide “additional sums as necessary” to keep every single long-distance route that exists today up and running once the law is enacted (SEC. 2).

The Long-Haul Guarantee

This section is essentially a financial promise for Amtrak’s long-distance network. Think of it as an insurance policy that prevents these routes from being cut due to budget shortfalls. If a route, say the Coast Starlight or the Empire Builder, needs an extra $50 million next year to cover operating costs and maintain service, this legislation authorizes that funding to be provided, ensuring service stability. For the communities served by these lines—often small towns or rural areas where rail is the only public transportation option—this is a big deal, guaranteeing they stay connected to the national grid.

Who Pays the Tab?

While the benefit is clear—continued rail service—the way this funding is structured is worth noting. The language authorizing “additional sums as necessary” is what policy analysts call an open-ended appropriation. It means there is no cap or specific dollar limit set in the bill itself for what Congress might have to spend to keep these trains running. This financial commitment puts taxpayers on the hook for whatever it costs to stabilize these routes, regardless of how efficient or costly they become. It’s a trade-off: guaranteed service stability in exchange for a blank check authorization that lacks specific budgetary oversight within this section.

What This Means for Your Commute (or Vacation)

If you use these long-distance trains for work, to visit family, or for a cross-country trip, this bill provides immediate peace of mind. Your planned route is financially protected. For example, a student commuting between college and home on a protected line won't have to worry about the line being shuttered next semester. This focus on continuity removes a major financial risk factor for Amtrak’s existing service, allowing them to focus on operations rather than constantly fighting for survival funding for their long-haul lines.