Rail infrastructure is a fundamental component of the United States economy and transportation system; in many ways, it is the lifeblood of the economy. For example, US freight rail alone supports approximately 1.1 million jobs, directly generates $219 billion in economic output and $26 billion in tax revenues, and millions more Americans indirectly benefit by working in competitive industries, thanks to the affordability and productivity of freight railroads. That impact is not limited to the United States; passenger and freight traffic combined are expected to double globally by 2050, so the criticality of protecting rail infrastructure will only grow in step with its usage.