Baby Changing on Board Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. EZELL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 248) to require Amtrak to install baby changing tables in bathrooms on passenger rail cars.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 248

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Baby Changing on Board Act''. SEC. 2. INSTALLATION OF BABY CHANGING TABLES ON AMTRAK TRAINS.

(a) In General.--Chapter 243 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 24313 the following: ``Sec. 24314. Baby changing tables

``(a) Definitions.--In this section:

``(1) ADA-compliant restroom.--The term `ADA-compliant restroom' means a restroom that complies with the requirements set forth in section 242(a) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12162(a)).

``(2) Baby changing table.--The term `baby changing table' means an elevated, freestanding structure generally designed to support and retain a child with a body weight of up to 30 pounds in a horizontal position for the purpose of allowing an individual to change the child's diaper, including pull- out or drop-down changing surfaces.

``(3) Covered passenger rail train.--The term `covered passenger rail train'--

``(A) means a passenger rail train that--

``(i) is owned and operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (commonly known as `Amtrak'); and

``(ii) was solicited for purchase after the date of the enactment of the Baby Changing on Board Act for use by Amtrak; and

``(B) does not include any passenger rail train that Amtrak operates, but does not own.

``(b) Baby Changing Tables.--

``(1) In general.--All covered passenger rail trains shall have a baby changing table in at least one restroom in each car, including in an ADA-compliant restroom.

``(2) Signage.--Each restroom described in paragraph (1) shall clearly indicate with signage the presence of a baby changing table and such baby changing tables shall be clearly identified with signage.''.

(b) Clerical Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 243 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 24313 the following: ``24314. Baby changing tables.''.

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Mr. EZELL. 248.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 248, the Baby Changing on Board Act is effective, bipartisan legislation intended to help parents better care for their children when traveling.

The bill requires Amtrak to install baby changing tables in all ADA- accessible restrooms on trains owned by Amtrak. These facilities are common on other transportation modes, including airlines. They are likewise necessary on intercity passenger rails.

The bipartisan bill is a long, overdue improvement to Amtrak service.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
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Mr. EZELL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 248 is long overdue. It provides help for American families traveling with young children. It simply makes sense for Amtrak to comply with ADA requirements, especially as a recipient of Federal funding.

I was glad to see the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure favorably report this measure, and I look forward to the House doing so, as well.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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