Underwood Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Require Baby Changing Stations on Amtrak Trains

WASHINGTON– Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) introduced the Baby Changing on Board Act, a bipartisan effort co-led by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). The Baby Changing on Board Act would require every Amtrak train to be outfitted with baby changing stations in all accessible restrooms and to post adequate signage indicating their availability.

Since its founding in 1971, Amtrak has been a cornerstone of reliable and affordable transportation for millions of families. In the past year alone, Amtrak provided nearly 30 million passenger trips, including nearly 4 million in Illinois. Despite its extensive service, many Amtrak trains currently lack adequate baby-changing stations, leaving families without necessary amenities.

“Families traveling on Amtrak deserve to have access to basic facilities to care for their kids and babies,” said Rep. Underwood. “Whether it’s a short trip on the Illinois Zephyr or the Lincoln Service, or a cross-country journey from Chicago to Los Angeles, parents and caregivers should have peace of mind knowing they can care for their infants in a clean, accessible, and safe environment.”

The Baby Changing on Board Act would mandate that Amtrak use existing funding to install baby changing stations in new train cars until a minimum service standard is achieved. This ensures families with small children have access to essential facilities, especially on longer routes where their absence can significantly inconvenience families.

The Baby Changing on Board Act is endorsed by A Better Balance, MomsRising Together, and the National Women’s Law Center.

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