Protecting American Railroad Workers’ Jobs Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill requires freight trains coming from Mexico to stop at the border to switch crews. It ensures that only workers authorized to work in the United States operate these trains once they enter the country.
• The policy aims to protect American railroad jobs. It prevents companies from using crews based in Mexico to run trains deep into the United States, which could replace local workers.
• Trains would also have to undergo federal safety testing at the border. This ensures that every train entering the country meets U.S. safety standards before continuing its journey.
• To qualify to work on these trains, a person must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident authorized to work. Their main workplace must be in the United States, and they cannot perform railroad duties while in Mexico.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.