hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Creates a new federal crime for assaulting or intimidating train crew members.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND)
Introduced and referred to Senate Commerce Committee.
The bill adds a new section to U.S. law that makes it a federal crime to assault or intimidate crew members on passenger trains (including intercity and commuter rail). It covers engineers, conductors, onboard personnel, safety-sensitive employees, and station staff. The maximum penalty is 8 years in prison, or up to 20 years if a dangerous weapon is used. The bill was introduced by Senators Duckworth and Hoeven and is now in the Senate Commerce Committee, which will review it before any floor vote.
Introduced Jan 15, 2026
This bill is under review by a committee. The committee holds hearings, gathers testimony from experts and stakeholders, and may propose amendments. If the committee votes to advance it, the bill moves to the full chamber for debate and a vote.
Currently, assaulting a train crew member is typically a state crime. This bill would make it a federal offense, meaning the FBI and federal prosecutors could get involved. That could lead to harsher sentences and consistent enforcement across states. The law covers not just physical assault but also intimidation that interferes with a crew member's duties. It applies on trains, platforms, and inside stations. The inclusion of box cutters and small pocket knives as dangerous weapons means even threats with common items could lead to 20-year sentences.
Supporters Say
Supporters say it provides needed federal protection for rail workers who face increasing violence.
Critics Say
Critics worry it duplicates state laws and could lead to over-penalization of minor incidents.
Supporters, including rail unions, argue that train crew members face rising assaults and need the same federal protection as flight crews. They point to the lack of consistent state laws. Critics, including some civil liberties groups, argue that state laws already cover assault and that a federal law could lead to disproportionate sentences for simple intimidation or scuffles. They also question whether small pocket knives should trigger a 20-year penalty.