Bills/H.R. 264

Train EATS Act

Train EATS Act

In CommitteeInfrastructureHouseHouse Bill · 119th Congress
Bill Progress · House
Introduced
Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Passed Both
Signed

Plain Language Summary

# Train EATS Act Summary **What it does:** The Train EATS Act would require Amtrak to improve food and beverage options on overnight train routes. Specifically, it mandates that Amtrak offer traditional sit-down dining service (table service) where practical, plus a more affordable alternative food option. The bill also requires Amtrak to make unused dining capacity available to coach-class passengers for a fee, include healthy meal options, and allow passengers to pre-order meals that accommodate dietary restrictions. **Who it affects:** This bill primarily impacts Amtrak passengers, particularly those traveling on overnight routes who want dining options beyond what's currently available.

It also affects Amtrak as a company, which would need to meet these new service requirements and potentially adjust operations and budgets accordingly. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet advanced to a full vote in the House of Representatives.

CRS Official Summary

Train Establishment of Appetizing Table Service Act or the Train EATS Act This bill requires Amtrak to provide a range of dining services to passengers on overnight routes.Specifically, Amtrak must make available (1) traditional dining (i.e., table service), to the extent practicable; and (2) an alternative food and beverage service that is more affordable than traditional dining.On each overnight route, Amtrak must offer any traditional dining capacity not otherwise used by first-class or business-class passengers to passengers in coach class for a fee. In addition, Amtrak must ensure that traditional dining on overnight routes includes (1) a healthy meal option, and (2) the option for passengers to preorder meals that satisfy their dietary restrictions.The Department of Transportation must issue any necessary regulations.

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Latest Action

January 10, 2025

Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

Sponsor

D
6 cosponsors

Key Dates

Introduced
January 9, 2025
Last Updated
January 10, 2025
Read Full Text on Congress.gov →
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