H.R.3660 - Make Autorail Great Again Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3660, the "Make Autorail Great Again Act," proposes to withhold federal funds from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) unless it renames itself the "Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access" (WMAGA) and renames the Metrorail as the "Trump Train."
The bill mandates these changes through an amendment to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Regulation Compact. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 29, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
The bill's primary objective is to leverage federal funding to influence the naming conventions of WMATA and its Metrorail system.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.3660 would likely lead to a cessation of federal funding to WMATA unless the specified renaming conditions are met. This could severely impact WMATA's operations and infrastructure projects, potentially affecting public transportation in the Washington metropolitan area.
The bill could also spark legal challenges regarding the federal government's authority to impose such conditions on a regional transit authority. The public perception of the bill could be highly polarized, given the political nature of the proposed name changes.
Potential Benefits
- Could be perceived as a symbolic victory for supporters of the proposed name changes.
- May lead to increased public awareness of WMATA and its operations.
- Potentially incentivizes WMATA to seek alternative funding sources, fostering financial independence.
- Could be seen as an assertion of federal authority over regional entities receiving federal funds.
- May generate public discourse on the role and influence of federal funding in local governance.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential disruption of WMATA's operations due to loss of federal funding.
- Negative impact on public transportation services in the Washington metropolitan area.
- Possible legal challenges and associated costs.
- Public backlash and political polarization due to the controversial name changes.
- Damage to WMATA's brand and reputation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is questionable. While Congress has the power to appropriate funds (Article I, Section 9, Clause 7), the conditions attached to those funds could be seen as coercive, potentially infringing upon the autonomy of the states and the District of Columbia in managing their own affairs, raising issues related to the Tenth Amendment.
Furthermore, the requirement to rename the Metrorail as the "Trump Train" could be challenged under the First Amendment if it is argued that it compels speech or association. The conditionality of funding may also be viewed as an overreach of federal power, potentially violating principles of federalism.
However, Congress could argue that it is simply setting conditions on the use of federal funds, a power it has historically exercised.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).