Building a 21st century rail system that drives America forward

OPINION:

Resilient and reliable transportation infrastructure is a foundation of our country. Freight rail systems, highways, bridges and waterways all are critical tools for economic growth for our communities. From agricultural products to energy, transportation routes keep our supply chain efficient and products moving.

In Congress, one of my top priorities is to help ensure Illinois continues to lead as the transportation hub of the Midwest. I have introduced multiple pieces of legislation to support America’s trucking and rail industries, been a leading voice for increased access to public transportation and advocated for and secured federal investments for water infrastructure.

The current North American railcar fleet is comprised of over 1.6 million railcars with an additional 321,000 in storage. According to the most recent data from 2023, the railway supply industry contributed $75 billion to the United States’ GDP and directly supported 240,000 jobs. In my home state of Illinois, the freight rail industry employs over 18,000 people, drives manufacturing, supports our farmers, and ensures global competitiveness.

Unfortunately, many of our railcars are outdated. These older railcars are less efficient, prone to mechanical issues, and risk the chance of failing safety standards. To support these overdue upgrades, Congress can encourage private investment and market certainty for the rail sector. Earlier this year, I was proud to introduce the FREIGHT RAILCAR Act of 2025 alongside my colleague from Illinois, Rep. Brad Schneider, to improve the efficiency of railcars and address supply chain constraints.

This pro-growth, pro-safety, bipartisan bill provides a non-refundable 10% tax credit for the replacement or modernization of existing railcars over a three-year period. This will lead to renewed investment in higher capacity, encourage fuel efficiency, drive innovation, and support freight railcar manufacturing in the United States.

The commercial trucking industry is a vital economic driver that impacts critical industries across the country. Unfortunately, the United States is experiencing an unprecedented shortage of truck drivers, and bureaucratic red tape is making it worse. My legislation, the LICENSE Act, will streamline the process for future commercial drivers to get a license while maintaining high safety standards. Along with several bipartisan colleagues, I also introduced legislation to abolish the 12% federal excise tax on semitrucks and trailers. This outdated tax hinders trucking companies from hiring more drivers and upgrading their fleets to cleaner, safer, more efficient models.

Part of a secure supply chain is strong water infrastructure. The 2024 Water Resources Development Act included several of my provisions to strengthen Illinois’ waterways, boost economic opportunity, and mitigate flood damage. Through the Community Project Funding process, which allows members of Congress to designate funding for critical initiatives through the appropriations process, I helped secure $75 million to upgrade the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers’ navigation infrastructure.

Bus and public transportation also play an important role in our communities. Each year, buses transport millions of riders to work, doctor visits, school, recreation activities, and many more important parts of our daily lives. Since 2018, I have proudly served as the co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus alongside Rep. Rick Larson, D-Wash. Through our work, the Caucus has helped grow the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant Program, which assists transit agencies in modernizing and maintaining their bus fleets and facilities.

As Congress debates the next surface transportation reauthorization bill, I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to slash bureaucratic red tape to simplify the application process, continue funding core infrastructure projects, and take bold actions to improve the United States’ domestic manufacturing sector.

Building and maintaining infrastructure requires policies and investments that support the hardworking Americans who keep our infrastructure, supply chains, and economy moving. Congress must work together in a bipartisan manner to ensure that the United States’ transportation infrastructure is safe, reliable, modern, and efficient.

• Rep. Darin LaHood has represented Illinois since 2015. He serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, where he chairs the subcommittee on Work and Welfare.