March 01, 2021 U.S. Senators Eye RRIF Program Improvements Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Maggie Hassan’s (D-N.H.) bipartisan legislation would build on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) Express program and make it more viable for short lines. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) have reintroduced the Railroad Rehabilitation and Financing Innovation Act to provide dedicated funding for RRIF financing costs, streamline the application process, and extend loan terms for certain assets. • Establishing an expedited credit review process for loans that meet certain financial and operational criteria.