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HR 946

SUPPORT-HIGH SPEED RAIL ACT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Rita Mayfield

Illinois supports the American High Speed Rail Act of 2026 and urges Congress to fund a national high-speed rail network, aligning state planning with federal action.

Resolution Adopted
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 946

Executive summary

  • This Illinois House Resolution (HR0946) expresses strong support for the federal American High Speed Rail Act of 2026 and urges Congress to enact and fund a national high-speed and higher-speed rail network. It does not itself create new state law or authorize spending, but signals Illinois’ policy stance and ties state planning with federal action.

Main purpose and intent

  • To endorse the American High Speed Rail Act of 2026, introduced in the U.S. House by Rep. Seth Moulton and co-led by Rep. Suzan DelBene, and to urge federal action and funding for a national high-speed rail system.
  • To highlight Illinois’ strategic role in a national high-speed rail network and to encourage robust federal investment as part of a federal surface transportation reauthorization.

Key provisions and changes proposed

  • The resolution:
    • Affirms Illinois’ support for the American High Speed Rail Act of 2026.
    • Commends Illinois’ congressional delegation members who are original cosponsors.
    • Urges the U.S. Congress to pass the Act and ensure substantial, dedicated funding for high-speed and higher-speed rail in any federal transportation package.
    • Urges the Trump administration to include strong funding for high-speed rail in its federal budget proposals, emphasizing economic, environmental, and competitiveness benefits.
    • Reaffirms support for the Illinois High Speed Rail Commission and the Illinois Department of Transportation’s statewide planning efforts to develop a high-speed rail network (including lines connecting Chicago with St. Louis and other Illinois cities, leveraging Amtrak and Metra).
    • Encourages continued, shovel-ready state planning to merit federal investment through programs like the Act.
    • Requests that copies of the resolution be sent to federal leaders and Illinois delegation members.

Who/what would be affected

  • State: Illinois, particularly the Illinois High Speed Rail Commission and the Illinois Department of Transportation, as ongoing statewide planning efforts are recognized and reinforced.
  • Federal: The Act (if enacted) would authorize up to $41 billion annually for five years (potential total of up to $205 billion) for high-speed rail planning, construction, and technology, with incentives for additional non-federal funding.
  • Regions and populations: Illinois and other states would benefit from a national high-speed rail network, with anticipated improvements in equity, resilience, sustainability, and economic development, especially in areas underserved by aviation and near rail hubs.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The resolution references legislative action on the federal American High Speed Rail Act of 2026, introduced in May 2026, with a large group of cosponsors, indicating broad congressional support.
  • Illinois expresses a call to action for Congress to advance the Act as part of the next federal surface transportation reauthorization.
  • No immediate state funding or new Illinois requirements are created by this resolution; it serves as a formal expression of support and a policy position.

Potential impact

  • Symbolic and strategic: Signals Illinois’ commitment to national high-speed rail and positions the state to benefit from federal investment if enacted.
  • Policy alignment: Encourages alignment between state planning efforts and federal funding opportunities, potentially facilitating future project development and intercity rail improvements in Illinois.
  • Economic and environmental implications: If the Act is enacted, Illinois could gain access to substantial funding for rail infrastructure, with expected positive effects on jobs, travel times, congestion, emissions, and regional economic activity.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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