Amtrak is a federally chartered, for-profit government corporation that runs intercity passenger trains across the United States, including the Northeast Corridor and long-distance and state-supported routes. The federal government owns nearly all of its stock and funds it through annual appropriations. Its board comprises the Secretary of Transportation (voting), the CEO (nonvoting), and eight presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed members.
Created by Congress under the Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970 (Pub. L. 91-518; 49 U.S.C. ch. 243 (sections 24301 et seq.)), it acts within the authority that statute grants. Its actions are subject to judicial review and to congressional oversight and funding.
