3 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Jan 13, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The diff reflects the bill's procedural progression from the House to the Senate, including an updated attestation with the Clerk's name and Senate referral information. No substantive policy changes were made between v2 and v3.

H.R. 192119th CongressIntroduced Jan 3, 2025

Amtrak Executive Bonus Disclosure Act

Passed HouseTransportation and Public WorksSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7]
Committees: Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
Last action: Jan 14, 2025

Bottom line

The bill requires Amtrak to publicly disclose the base pay, bonus compensation, and bonus criteria for its top executives, enhancing transparency for a federally subsidized entity.

What it actually does

This bill amends existing federal law (title 49, United States Code) to mandate that Amtrak not only submit annual reports to Congress detailing the base pay and bonus compensation of its executive leadership team but also make this information publicly available on its website. The disclosure must include the criteria and metrics used to determine any bonus compensation.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue this bill significantly increases transparency and accountability for Amtrak, a corporation that receives substantial federal subsidies. Public disclosure of executive compensation, including bonus criteria, allows taxpayers and oversight bodies to scrutinize how public funds are utilized and ensures that executive pay is aligned with performance and public interest.

Opponents contend

Critics might contend that requiring full public disclosure of executive compensation could make it more challenging for Amtrak to attract and retain highly qualified executives, who may prefer the privacy and competitive compensation structures offered by the private sector. Some may also argue it adds an unnecessary administrative burden without a proportional benefit.

The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly.

Section 2, amending 49 U.S.C. 24315(a)

Public Disclosure of Amtrak Executive Compensation

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision modifies the existing requirement for Amtrak to report executive compensation to Congress. It adds a new mandate that Amtrak must also make this information publicly available on its official website. The disclosure must specifically include the annual base pay and any bonus compensation for members of the executive leadership team (CEO, President, and other officers), along with the specific criteria and metrics used to determine these bonuses.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupAmtrakImpactIncreased administrative burden and potential changes to executive recruitment strategies.MechanismNew reporting and public disclosure requirements.ScaleModerate

GroupAmtrak Executives (CEO, President, Officers)ImpactTheir compensation details (base pay and bonuses) will become publicly accessible.MechanismMandatory public disclosure.ScaleIndividual

GroupTaxpayers and the PublicImpactEnhanced transparency and oversight regarding the use of federal subsidies for executive compensation.MechanismAccess to detailed compensation information via Amtrak's website.ScaleBroad

GroupCongressImpactContinues to receive the same information, now with public access.MechanismNo change to existing reporting to Congress, but public context is added.ScaleInstitutional

Supporters argue

Proponents argue that as a federally subsidized entity, Amtrak has a responsibility to be transparent with the public about how it compensates its top leadership. This provision ensures accountability, allowing taxpayers to see how their money is being spent and to evaluate the performance metrics tied to executive bonuses.

Critics contend

Opponents might argue that forcing public disclosure of executive compensation could put Amtrak at a disadvantage when competing for top talent with private sector companies that do not have similar disclosure requirements. This could potentially limit Amtrak's ability to hire the most qualified individuals to lead the organization.

Tradeoffs

The provision navigates the tension between the public's right to know how a federally supported entity operates and the potential for such transparency to impact an organization's ability to attract and retain competitive executive talent in a market where private compensation is often confidential.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.