Polar Express Act of 2026

Nicholas J. Begich III

Republican · AK · Representative

Source: Congress.gov · FEC

No cosponsors on record. Bills can pass without cosponsors — this often means the sponsor introduced the bill alone, either because it's a messaging bill, a chairman's mark, or simply early in the legislative cycle.

Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

2026-06-02

Source: Congress.gov

The federal government would study whether it's possible and practical to build a railroad connecting Alaska to the rest of North America's rail system, which would require crossing through Canada. The study would examine the costs, engineering challenges, environmental impacts, and potential benefits of such a massive infrastructure project. This would affect transportation companies, Alaska residents and businesses, and potentially create construction jobs if the project moves forward.

AI-assisted summary generated from the official bill metadata (title, subjects, actions) sourced from Congress.gov. Cached and reviewed. Always verify against the official text linked below.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 9088 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 9088 To direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on the establishment of a rail route linking Alaska to the North American continental rail network, and for other purposes. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 2, 2026 Mr. Begich introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on the establishment of a rail route linking Alaska to the North American continental rail network, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Polar Express Act of 2026''. SEC. 2. POLAR EXPRESS FEASIBILITY STUDY. (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall initiate a feasibility study on the establishment of a rail route linking the State of Alaska to the North American rail network in the continental United States, to be known as the ``Polar Express''. (b) Scope.--The Secretary shall determine the scope, contents, and methodology of the feasibility study conducted under this section, and may consult with such Federal agencies, State, Tribal, and local governments, foreign governments, and other stakeholders as the Secretary determines appropriate. (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which the feasibility study is initiated under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report containing the results of the feasibility study and any recommendations of the Secretary. (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed-- (1) to authorize the construction of the rail route described in subsection (a); or (2) to commit Federal funds for the construction of such rail route. <all>

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