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Bill· HRH.R. 756 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2011
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study the detention of commercial motor vehicle operators by shippers and receivers before loading and unloading their vehicles. Directs the Secretary to prescribe standards for the maximum number of hours that a commercial motor vehicle operator transporting property in interstate commerce may be reasonably detained, if not compensated for the time detained, by a shipper or receiver before the loading or unloading of the vehicle. Prohibits a shipper or receiver from detaining such operators before the loading or unloading of a vehicle without providing compensation for the time detained beyond the maximum number of hours that the Secretary determines is reasonable. Prescribes penalties for violation of this prohibition.
Bill· SS. 372 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2011
Internet and Cybersecurity Safety Standards Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct an analysis to determine the costs and benefits of requiring Internet service providers, communications service providers, electronic messaging providers, electronic mail providers, and other persons who provide a service or capability to enable computers to connect to the Internet to develop and enforce voluntary or mandatory minimum cybersecurity and Internet safety standards for users of computers to prevent terrorists, criminals, spies, and other malicious actors from compromising, disrupting, damaging, or destroying computer networks, critical infrastructure, and key resources. Directs the Secretary to consider: (1) the effect that such standards may have on homeland security, the global economy, innovation, individual liberty, and privacy; and (2) any legal impediments that may exist to the implementation of such standards.
Bill· SS. 371 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2011
Focusing Resources, Economic Investment, and Guidance to Help Transportation Act of 2011 - Declares U.S. policy with respect to freight transportation. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) an Office of Freight Planning and Development. Directs the Secretary to develop a long-term National Freight Freight Transportation Strategic Plan to guide planning and investments in the national transportation system to move freight. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop new or improve existing tools to support an outcome-oriented, performance-based approach to evaluate proposed freight-related and other transportation projects; (2) facilitate the collection of transportation-related data to support a broad range of evaluation methods and techniques to assist in making transportation investment decisions; and (3) consider improvements to the Commodity Flow Survey that reduce identified freight data gaps and deficiencies and help evaluate forecasts of transportation demand. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a competitive grant program for capital investment projects that improve the efficiency of the national transportation system to move freight, and (2) give priority to projects with the highest system performance improvement relative to their benefit-cost analysis. Limits the federal share of project net capital costs at 80%. Requires a grant recipient to submit to the Secretary: (1) a project management plan and an annual financial plan for a project with a total cost of $500 million or more, and (2) an annual financial plan for a project with a total cost of $100 million or more. Repeals specified prohibitions against the transfer of amounts from the Highway Trust Fund to the Port Infrastructure Development Fund.
Bill· HRH.R. 737 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2011
Repeals the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program.
Bill· HRH.R. 719 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2011
Directs the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to arrange for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor collectively the World War II members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in recognition of their military service and exemplary record during World War II. Requires the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the CAP. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals.
Bill· HRH.R. 729 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2011
Airline Passenger Bill of Rights Act of 2011 - Requires each air carrier and airport operator to submit for approval by the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) a proposed contingency plan meeting minimum standards established by the Secretary. Requires an air carrier to provide passengers on a departure- or arrival-delayed grounded aircraft with: (1) adequate food, water, restrooms, ventilation, and medical services; as well as (2) a time frame under which passengers may deplane a delayed aircraft after three hours, except in specified circumstances. Requires an airport operator plan to describe: (1) how passengers will be deplaned following a long tarmac delay, and (2) how facilities will be shared and gates made available to aircraft that experience such delays. Authorizes the Secretary to assess a civil penalty against air carriers and airport operators that fail to submit, obtain approval of, or adhere to a contingency plan. Requires public access to such plans. Directs the Secretary to establish a consumer hotline telephone number for air passenger complaints.
Bill· HRH.R. 723 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2011
Deauthorizes a specified portion of the project for navigation, Potomac River, Washington Channel, District of Columbia.
Bill· HRH.R. 712 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2011
Baggage Fee Fairness Act of 2011 - Requires air carriers to refund passenger baggage fees within 30 days after the arrival of any passenger flight in which a piece of baggage is lost, delayed, or damaged. Makes it an unfair or deceptive practice for a domestic air carrier, foreign air carrier, or ticket agent to sell a ticket for air transportation but fail, before sale of the ticket, to: (1) ask the ticket purchaser if he or she has one or more pieces of baggage to check, and (2) inform him or her of the cost of checking each piece of baggage.
Bill· HRH.R. 708 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2011
Safe Highway Markings Act of 2011 - Prescribes standards for glass beads used in pavement markings, limiting the arsenic or lead content to 200 parts per million. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold up to 5% of the apportionment of federal-aid highway funds for any state that fails to enforce requirements to ensure that glass beads used in pavement markings on or along federal-aid highway roads or highways do not contain more than 200 parts per million arsenic or lead.
Bill· SS. 346 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2011
Residential and Commuter Toll Fairness Act of 2011 - Grants state, county, and municipal governments, as well as multi-jurisdictional transportation authorities that operate or manage roads, bridges, railroads, buses, ferries, or other transportation systems, rulemaking authority to establish toll, user fee, or fare discount programs for their local residents or commuters.
Bill· HRH.R. 688 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2011
Department of Transportation Bonding Assistance Authority Act of 2011 - Replaces the mandate for the Minority Resource Center to provide bonding assistance to disadvantaged business enterprises. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Minority Resource Center, to prescribe, guarantee, and enter into commitments to guarantee a surety against loss resulting from a small business concern's breach of a bond that is required for it to bid on or perform a transportation project contract, pay on the contract, or serve as a prime contractor or subcontractor on such contract. Authorizes the Secretary to indemnify such a surety up to 90% of any loss sustained by it in avoiding or attempting to avoid a breach of a bond guaranteed under this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish a program under which not more than five selected states may carry out: (1) the activities of the Secretary with respect to issuing surety guarantees, as well as (2) the activities of sureties to assist eligible small business concerns.
Law· HRH.R. 658 (112th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2011
FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2014 for: (1) airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning programs, (2) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air navigation facilities and equipment, (3) FAA operations, and (4) administrative expenses for certain airport programs. Converts to permanent the pilot program for passenger facility charges (PFCs) at nonhub airports. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish a pilot program to authorize, at up to five airports, a PFC to finance the eligible cost of an intermodal ground access project. Directs the Comptroller General to study an alternative means to collect PFCs without their inclusion in the price of an airline ticket. Revises requirements for establishment and adjustment of user fees for FAA services. Directs the FAA Administrator to p rescribe certain registration, certification, and other specified fees. Revises airport improvement program (AIP) requirements. Allows a general aviation airport sponsor, without federal sanction, to enter into a through-the-fence agreement granting a person owning residential real property adjacent to the airport access to the airfield for the person's aircraft or an aircraft the person has authorized. Repeals the prohibition against approval of any Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority application: (1) for an airport development project grant; or (2) to impose a PFC. Requires the FAA Administrator to appoint a Chief NextGen Officer to implement all Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) programs. Directs the DOT Inspector General to review the award and oversight of FAA contracts to provide automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) services for the national airspace system. Requires the FAA Administrator, after an assessment of leases for critical FAA facility sites located near wind farms or areas suitable for their construction, and following a Comptroller General evaluation of the impact of wind farms on implementation of the NextGen System, to issue guidelines for the construction of such wind farms. Requires the FAA Administrator to monitor the noise impacts of the New York/New Jersey/Philadelphia Metropolitan Area Airspace Redesign. Directs the FAA Administrator to: (1) develop a strategic runway safety plan, as well as a plan for the installation of systems to alert controllers or flight crew members of potential runway incursions; (2) study flight attendant fatigue; and (3) review off-airport, low-altitude aircraft weather observation technologies. Directs the FAA Administrator to conduct a rulemaking proceeding to improve the safety of flight crewmembers, medical personnel, and passengers onboard helicopters providing helicopter air ambulance services. Prohibits flight crewmembers from using a personal wireless communications device or laptop computer while at a duty station on a flight while an aircraft is being operated. Directs the FAA Administrator to establish and implement a safety assessment system for foreign repair stations that perform maintenance on U.S. aircraft. Requires the Secretary to develop a plan for the safe integration of commercial unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system. Establishes in the FAA an Aviation Safety Whistleblower Investigation Office. Directs the FAA Administrator to initiate rulemaking proceedings regarding duty periods and flight time limitations for flight crew members. Revises requirements and authorizes funding through FY2013 for the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. Authorizes funding for FY2014 and each fiscal year thereafter for EAS in Alaska and Hawaii. Repeals the EAS Local Participation Program. Terminates the EAS program (except in Alaska and Hawaii) on October 1, 2013. Increases from 24 to 34 the number of slots exempt from specified requirements and prohibitions concerning operation of an aircraft nonstop between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and another airport more than 1,250 statute miles away (Perimeter Rule limit). Requires certain air carriers and airport operators to submit for the Secretary's approval emergency contingency plans for passenger service during grounded aircraft flight delays. Directs the Secretary to notify the public of the DOT's: (1) consumer complaints hotline telephone number; and (2) Aviation Consumer Protection Division website. Expresses the sense of Congress urging all U.S. commercial air carriers to reduce air fares and eliminate certain fees or charges for members of the Armed Forces. Directs the DOT Inspector General to review air carrier flight delays, cancellations, and associated causes since 2000. Directs the Secretary to develop an expedited and coordinated environmental review process for NextGen environmental efficiency projects. Prohibits operating certain aircraft weighing 75,000 pounds or less that do not comply with stage 3 noise levels. Directs the Secretary to establish an aircraft departure queue management pilot program. Authorizes the FAA Administrator to implement practices for the incorporation of energy-efficient measures in the construction and renovation of FAA air traffic control facilities. Revises FAA personnel management system requirements with respect to the mediation, alternative resolution, and binding arbitration of disputes between the FAA Administrator and FAA employees about implementation of proposed changes to the system. Directs the FAA Administrator to assess: (1) FAA's technical training strategy and improvement plan for airway transportation systems specialists, (2) training programs for FAA air traffic controllers, and (3) conditions of FAA facilities. Directs the FAA Administrator to implement a certain staffing model for FAA aviation safety inspectors. Extends the Secretary's authority to provide insurance and reinsurance against loss or damage arising out of any risk from the operation of a domestic or foreign aircraft. Authorizes the FAA Administrator to access the criminal history records or databases systems of specified federal law enforcement agencies. Directs the FAA Administrator to provide for the realignment of FAA services and facilities to facilitate NextGen air traffic control modernization. Establishes the Aviation Facilities and Services Board. Directs the Comptroller General to study the impact of increases in aviation fuel prices on the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and the aviation industry. Amends the Railway Labor Act to grant the DOT Inspector General the authority to review National Mediation Board operations to determine compliance with federal laws, rules, and regulations. Renames space flight participants in commercial space transportation space flight passengers.
Law· HRH.R. 662 (112th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2011
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to reduce the amount apportioned for a surface transportation program, project, or activity for FY2011 by amounts apportioned or allocated under the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2010 and the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2010, Part II for the period October 1, 2010-March 4, 2011. Amends the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2010 to extend through FY2011 the authorization of appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) (other than the Mass Transit Account) for the federal-aid highway, surface transportation research, and transportation planning programs under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). Extends through FY2011 the authorization of appropriations, at increased amounts, for federal-aid highway program administrative expenses. Amends SAFETEA-LU to extend through FY2011 the authorization of appropriations for specified National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety programs (including NHTSA administrative expenses) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) programs. Extends through FY2011 the funding for hazardous materials (hazmat) research projects. Amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to extend through FY2011 the authorization of appropriations, and current requirements for their distribution, for fish restoration and management projects. Extends the set-aside for administrative expenses for carrying out such projects. Extends through FY2011 the allocation of capital investment grant funds for federal transit programs, including the metropolitan planning program and the state planning and research program. Extends the special rule authority of the Secretary to award urbanized area formula grants to finance the operating cost of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation in an urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000. Allocates through FY2011 certain amounts for formula and bus grants and capital investment grants for: (1) certain new fixed guideway capital projects; (2) new fixed guideway ferry systems and extension projects in Alaska and Hawaii; (3) payments to the Denali Commission for docks, waterfront development projects, and related transportation infrastructure; (4) ferry boats or ferry terminal facilities; (5) a set-aside for the national fuel cell bus technology development program; (6) projects in nonurbanized areas; (7) intermodal terminal projects; and (8) bus testing. Extends through FY2011 the apportionments of: (1) nonurbanized area formula grants for public transportation on Indian reservations; and (2) capital investment grant funds for certain fixed guideway modernization projects. Extends through FY2011 the authorization appropriations from the HTF Mass Transit Account for: (1) formula and bus grant projects, (2) capital investment grants, (3) transit research, and (4) administration expenses. Extends through FY2011 certain SAFETEA-LU programs, including: (1) the contracted paratransit pilot program, (2) the public-private partnership pilot program, (3) project authorizations for final design and construction and preliminary engineering of specified fixed guideway projects, and (4) the elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities pilot program. Extends through FY2011 certain allocations for national research and technology programs. Extends obligation authority of the Highway Category and the Mass Transit Category through FY 2011, but limited to the FY2009 amount. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through FY2011 authorities for expenditures from the: (1) HTF Highway and Mass Transit accounts, and (2) Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.
Bill· HRH.R. 668 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2011
Secure High-voltage Infrastructure for Electricity from Lethal Damage Act or SHIELD Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), with or without notice, hearing, or report, to order emergency measures to protect the reliability of either the bulk-power system or the defense critical electric infrastructure whenever the President issues a written directive or determination identifying an imminent grid security threat. Directs FERC to consult with governmental authorities in Canada and Mexico regarding implementation of emergency measures. Prescribes: (1) implementation procedures; and (2) related cost recovery measures affecting owners, operators, or users of either the bulk-power system or the defense critical electric infrastructure. Directs FERC to require any owner, user, or operator of the domestic bulk-power system to implement measures to protect the system against specified vulnerabilities. Directs FERC also to order the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) to submit reliability standards to: (1) protect the bulk-power system from a reasonably foreseeable geomagnetic storm event or electromagnetic pulse event (EMP); and (2) require entities that own or operate large transformers to ensure their adequate availability to restore promptly the reliable operation of the bulk-power system in the event of destruction or disability as a result of attack or a geomagnetic storm or EMP. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to: (1) develop technical expertise in the protection of electric energy systems against either geomagnetic storms or malicious acts using electronic communications or electromagnetic weapons; and (2) share it with owners, operators, or users of systems for the generation, transmission, or distribution of electric energy located in the United States and with state commissions. Exempts, for a specified period, the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Bonneville Power Administration from any requirement pertaining to either emergency response measures or measures to address grid security vulnerabilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 1 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2011
Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 - Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2011 - Appropriates funds for FY2011 to the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance, including for the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, environmental restoration, overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid, former Soviet Union cooperative threat reduction, and the DOD Acquisition Workforce Development Fund; (3) procurement, including for aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, National Guard and Reserve equipment, and purchases under the Defense Production Act of 1950; (4) research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E); (5) Defense Working Capital Funds and the National Defense Sealift Fund; (6) the Defense Health Program; (7) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (8) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (9) the Office of the Inspector General; (10) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund; (11) the Intelligence Community Management Account; and (12) overseas contingency operations, including military, reserve, and National Guard personnel, operation and maintenance, the Afghanistan Infrastructure Fund, the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund, the Iraq Security Forces Fund, procurement, the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Fund, RDT&E, and the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund. Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. Makes continuing appropriations for FY2011. Appropriates amounts for continuing operations, projects, or activities which were conducted in FY2010 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available in: (1) the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010; (2) the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010; (3) the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010; (4) the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010; (5) the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2010; (6) the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010; (7) chapter 1 of title I of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2010 that addresses guaranteed loans in the rural housing insurance fund (except for the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to waive certain fees for very low- and low income borrowers); and (8) the United States Patent and Trademark Office Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2010 for the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Provides funding under this division through FY2011. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities (including activities for entitlements and other mandatory payments) through such fiscal year. Bars any language specifying an earmark in an appropriations Act for FY2010, or in a committee report or joint explanatory statement accompanying such an Act, from having legal effect with respect to funds appropriated by this Act. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to transfer, release, or assist in the transfer of, or release to or within the United States, its territories, or possessions of, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed or any other detainee who: (1) is not a U.S. citizen or a member of the U.S. Armed Forces; and (2) is or was held by DOD on or after June 24, 2009, at the U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Establishes the level of funding for specified agricultural and rural development programs, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and related agencies programs. Establishes the level of funding for the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and for science and related agencies. Authorizes, restricts, or prohibits specified uses of appropriated funds in the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, with respect to funds appropriated by this Act. Establishes the level of funding for: (1) energy and water development, and related agencies; (2) financial services and general government; (3) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and (4) the Department of the Interior, the Environmental and Protection Agency (EPA), and related agencies. Requires specified federal departments and agencies to report to congressional appropriations committees on a spending, expenditure, or operating plan for FY2011 at a detail level below the account level. Establishes the level of funding for: (1) the Departments of Labor, of Health and Human Services (HHS), of Education, and related agencies; (2) the legislative branch; and (3) DOD military construction, Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA), and related agencies. Establishes the level of funding for: (1) the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs; and (2) the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and related agencies. Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. Rescinds and/or reduces specified funds from or within various accounts. Rescinds all unobligated balances remaining available as of February 11, 2011, of the discretionary appropriations provided by division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2000. Excludes from such requirement funds appropriated or otherwise made available to Offices of Inspector General and the Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board by such division A. Specifies the amounts by which each applicable allocation of new budget authority made by the Committee on Appropriations exceeds the amount of related proposed new budget authority (thereby establishing a spending reduction account).
Bill· SS. 326 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2011
Federal Surface Transportation Policy and Planning Act of 2011 - Declares it is U.S. policy to develop a national surface transportation system that advances the national interest and defense, interstate and foreign commerce, the efficient and safe interstate mobility of people and goods, and the protection of the environment. Sets forth certain U.S. policy objectives and goals, including to: (1) reduce national per capita motor vehicle miles traveled annually; (2) reduce national surface transportation-generated carbon dioxide levels by 40% by 2030; (3) reduce national surface transportation (including passenger and freight) delays and congestion at U.S. points of entry; (4) increase the total usage of public transportation, intercity passenger rail services, and non-motorized transportation; and (5) ensure adequate transportation of domestic energy supplies. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) develop performance criteria and data collections systems to evaluate the effectiveness of federal surface transportation programs; (2) implement such programs to meet the policy, objectives, goals, and performance criteria established by this Act; and (3) develop and implement a National Surface Transportation Performance Plan. Authorizes the Secretary to amend the goals established under this Act.
Bill· SS. 318 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2011
Secure Airport Terminal Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to prescribe regulations that: (1) require the use of security cameras at all screening locations and all locations where passengers exit the sterile area at airports in the United States; (2) prescribe requirements for the use, maintenance, and testing of such security cameras and other technological devices; and (3) specify that employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have access to all such security cameras and technological devices as well as data or recordings from them relating to airport security. (Under aviation security regulations: (1) "screening location" means each site at which individuals or property are inspected for the presence of weapons, explosives, or incendiaries; and (2) "sterile area" means a portion of an airport that provides passengers access to boarding aircraft and to which the access generally is controlled by TSA, or by an aircraft operator or a foreign air carrier, through the screening of persons and property.) Directs the DHS Assistant Secretary (TSA) to report to Congress: (1) recommendations for improving the security of each location at an airport where passengers exit the sterile area, and (2) an assessment of differences in location configurations and options for improving security at such locations. Prescribes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for individuals who enter an aircraft or an airport area in violation of security requirements. Increases the criminal penalty of maximum imprisonment for such violations from one year to 10 years. Directs each U.S. airport operator that is required to establish an air transportation security program to ensure that signs meeting DHS requirements for providing notice of such penalties are displayed near all screening locations, all locations where passengers exit the sterile area, and other appropriate airport locations. Subjects an individual to such penalties, however, without regard to whether signs are displayed as required by this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 607 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2011
Broadband for First Responders Act of 2011 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to increase the electromagnetic spectrum allocation for public safety services by 10 megahertz and reduce such allocation for commercial use by the same amount. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) allocate the paired electromagnetic spectrum bands of 758-763 megahertz and 788-793 megahertz (referred to as D Block) for public safety broadband communications and license such paired bands to public safety; (2) establish rules to permit a public safety broadband licensee to authorize public safety service providers to construct and operate a wireless public safety broadband network in the licensee's spectrum if such authorization would expedite public safety broadband communications; (3) require that any wireless public safety broadband network be fully interoperable, provide for user roaming, be disaster survivable, have the appropriate level of cyber security, and be consistent with the Statewide Interoperable Communications Plans and the National Emergency Communications Plan; (4) establish regulations to authorize the shared use of the public safety broadband spectrum and network infrastructure by entities that are not defined as public safety services; (5) establish regulations to allow use of the public safety broadband spectrum by emergency response providers; and (6) develop a public safety agency statement of requirements that enables nationwide interoperability and roaming across any communications system using public safety broadband spectrum. Specifies organizations that shall be included in the Board of Directors of the Public Safety Broadband Licensee. Establishes in the Treasury: (1) the Public Safety Interoperable Broadband Network Construction Fund, and (2) the Public Safety Interoperable Broadband Network Maintenance and Operation Fund. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish a grant program to assist public safety entities to establish a nationwide public safety interoperable broadband network in the 700 megahertz band, and (2) administer a program through which not more than 50% of maintenance and operational expenses associated with the public safety interoperable broadband network may be reimbursed from the Maintenance and Operation Fund. Directs: (1) the Assistant Secretary of Commerce to reallocate for commercial use electromagnetic spectrum at 1755-1780 megahertz, and (2) the FCC, within 18 months after enactment of this Act, to establish rules for pairing electromagnetic spectrum bands at 1755-1780 megahertz and 2155-2180 megahertz, inclusive, and auction the licenses for such paired spectrum. Requires each public safety entity, within 8 years, to migrate from a specified range of radio spectrum to an alternative radio spectrum that is licensed to public safety services in the 700 and 800 megahertz bands. Directs each federal law enforcement agency, within 10 years, to move all noncommercial network communications to spectrum in such bands. Directs the FCC to auction, through an appropriate competitive bidding system, certain paired electromagnetic spectrum bands recovered from public safety entities under a specified FCC migration plan. Extends the FCC's authority to grant a license or permit under applicable competitive bidding provisions to September 30, 2020.
Bill· HRH.R. 632 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2011
Highway Fairness and Reform Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT), beginning with FY2011, to carry out a direct federal-aid highway program to permit a state governor or chief executive officer, at least 90 days before the beginning of a fiscal year, to elect to: (1) waive the state's right to receive apportioned or allocated funds under the federal-aid highway program, and (2) receive instead a prorated amount of the taxes appropriated to the Highway Trust Fund (other than for the Mass Transit Account) which are attributable to highway users in the state. Requires a pro rata reduction of such tax-equivalent amount in order to fund contract authority for programs of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Requires the Secretary to accept a state's election if: (1) the state has an interstate maintenance program; (2) it submits a plan describing the purposes, projects, and uses to which such amounts will be put and the federal-aid highway programmatic requirements the state elects to continue; (3) the state agrees to obligate program amounts exclusively for projects that would be eligible for surface transportation program funding; and (4) it continues to suballocate surface transportation program funds to urbanized and other areas using certain formulae and rules.
Bill· HRH.R. 619 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2011
Surface Transportation Savings Act of 2011 - Rescinds specified amounts authorized for FY2010 and for October 1, 2010-March 4, 2011, under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) for: (1) safety belt performance grants; (2) administrative expenses of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); (3) the National Driver Register; (4) NHTSA operations and research; and (5) transit formula and bus grants.
Bill· HRH.R. 613 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2011
Airports, Highways, High-Speed Rail, Trains, and Transit: Make it in America Act - Eliminates certain grounds for waiving Buy American requirements that the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) obligate federal funding for certain air navigation, highway, and rail activities and projects only if U.S. steel, iron, and manufactured goods are used in such projects. (Retains the current waiver of such Buy American requirements for any case where use of U.S. material will increase overall costs of a highway and roadway or highspeed rail project by more than 25%.) Revises waiver of Buy American requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such requirements if the cost of U.S. components and subcomponents is: (1) more than 60% of the cost of all components of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities or equipment or rolling stock (buses and light and heavy rail trains), as under current law, in the case of obligations made on or before December 31, 2011; (2) more than 80% of the cost of all components of such items in the case of obligations made during calendar 2012; or (3) 100% of the cost of all components of such items in the case of obligations made after December 31, 2013. Repeals the Secretary's authority to exempt Amtrak from Buy American requirements in certain circumstances.
Bill· HRH.R. 579 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2011
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish a team of technical, policy, and financial experts to: (1) develop an energy action plan addressing the energy needs of each of the insular areas (the American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands) and Freely Associated States (the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau); and (2) assist each of the insular areas and Freely Associated States in implementing such plan. Requires such plan to include: (1) recommendations to reduce reliance and expenditures on imported fossil fuels, to develop indigenous, nonfossil fuel energy sources, and to improve performance of energy infrastructure and overall energy efficiency; (2) a schedule for implementation of such recommendations and identification and prioritization of specific projects; (3) a financial and engineering plan for implementing and sustaining projects; and (4) benchmarks for measuring progress toward implementation.
Bill· HRH.R. 596 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2011
Private Investment in Commuter Vanpooling Act of 2011 - Allows the local matching share provided by a public transportation capital project assistance recipient to include expenditures by a private commuter vanpooling service provider to acquire rolling stock (vans). Authorizes such a private provider to use vanpool revenues exceeding operating costs to acquire such vans, if there is a binding agreement requiring the vans to be used in the state or local government's service area.
Bill· HRH.R. 572 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2011
Clean Ports Act of 2011 - Declares that federal preemption of state and local law relating to a price, route, or service of any motor carrier of property shall not apply to the authority of a state, local government, or the political authority of two or more states to adopt requirements for motor carriers providing services at port facilities that are reasonably related to the reduction of environmental pollution, traffic congestion, the improvement of highway safety, or the efficient utilization of such port facilities, provided adoption or enforcement of such requirements does not conflict with federal law. Declares that nothing in this Act shall limit the rights reserved to any state or political subdivision of such state under the Clean Air Act.
Bill· SS. 304 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2011
Amends the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act to add to the purpose of any grants by the Secretary of Labor to the Alaska Workforce Investment board support of a program to train workers in the construction, operation, maintenance, and performance of all related environmental processes involving existing and future oil and gas infrastructure in Alaska. Modifies grant requirements by replacing the current ones with a mandatory certification by the Governor of Alaska that there is a need for the funds in order to ensure an adequately skilled, safe, and competent workforce to construct, operate, and maintain: (1) an Alaska natural gas pipeline system; or (2) all related environmental processes involving existing and future oil and gas infrastructure in Alaska. Increases from 15% to 50% the amount of federal funds that may be used for such training facility.
Bill· SS. 301 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2011
Revises positive train control systems implementation requirements for Class I railroad carriers that regularly provide intercity or commuter rail passenger transportation over their main lines. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to afford such carriers an opportunity to revise their plans as lines are added or removed. Prohibits the Secretary from disapproving a carrier's plan on the grounds that it does not cover a line over which intercity rail or commuter rail passenger transportation will not be provided, nor will poison- or toxic-by-inhalation hazardous materials be transported, on or after December 31, 2015. Requires a certain report by the Secretary to Congress to include the ability of such carriers to meet the December 31, 2015, deadline for implementation of positive train control systems.
Bill· HRH.R. 526 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2011
Our Nation's Trade, Infrastructure, Mobility, and Efficiency Act or ON TIME Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to: (1) address major transportation investment needs in national trade gateway corridors, (2) reduce freight congestion along current and future trade corridors along surface transportation routes that are or will be congested as a result of current or future growth in international trade, and (3) develop corridors that will increase freight transportation system reliability. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to assess and collect through FY2022 a national trade gateway corridor fee on each article imported into, and exported from, the United States. Requires collected fees to be deposited in the National Trade Gateway Corridor Fund for projects in the transportation trade corridors for the Customs port of unloading of imported, or loading of exported, articles. Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) the allocation of Fund amounts in the form of grants to state departments of transportation to carry out eligible projects in the corridors for the Customs ports of entry, and (2) project selection and eligibility. Requires the Secretary to establish a transportation trade corridor for each Customs port of entry where fees are collected.
Bill· HRH.R. 549 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2011
Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a program to reduce or remove lead from the emissions of piston engine aircraft.
Bill· HRH.R. 563 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2011
Domestic Energy Independence and Maritime Jobs Creation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for the vessels LNG GEMINI, LNG LEO, and LNG VIRGO. Limits authorized coastwise trade for each vessel to the carriage of natural gas, as defined in the Deepwater Port Act of 1974. Prohibits a vessel transported in Dry Dock #2 (if, during such transportation, such dock remains connected by a utility or other connecting line to pierside moorage in Ketchikan, Alaska) from being considered merchandise for the purposes of certain coastwise trade requirements a vessel must otherwise meet before engaging in merchandise transportation.
Bill· HRH.R. 562 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2011
Amends the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act to add to the purpose of any grants by the Secretary of Labor to the Alaska Workforce Investment board support of a program to train workers in the construction, operation, maintenance, and performance of all related environmental processes involving existing and future oil and gas infrastructure in Alaska. Modifies grant requirements by replacing the current ones with a mandatory certification by the Governor of Alaska that there is a need for the funds in order to ensure an adequately skilled, safe, and competent workforce to construct, operate, and maintain: (1) an Alaska natural gas pipeline system; or (2) all related environmental processes involving existing and future oil and gas infrastructure in Alaska. Increases from 15% to 50% the amount of federal funds that may be used for such training facility.
Bill· HRH.R. 551 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2011
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve, through December 31, 2016, a request by a state to provide state public transportation and federal-aid highway project funds to federal agencies (including the Department of Transportation), state agencies, and Indian tribes participating in the environmental review process or approved state process for such projects to support activities that contribute to expediting and improving project planning and delivery in the state.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 72 (112th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2011
Requires each of the following House Committees to inventory and review existing, pending, and proposed regulations, orders, and other administrative actions or procedures by federal agencies within its jurisdiction: (1) Agriculture, (2) Education and the Workforce, (3) Energy and Commerce, (4) Financial Services, (5) the Judiciary, (6) Natural Resources, (7) Oversight and Government Reform, (8) Small Business, (9) Transportation and Infrastructure, and (10) Ways and Means. Requires each committee, upon completion of its inventory and review, to: (1) consider specified matters, (2) conduct any hearings and other oversight activities necessary in support of the inventory and review, and (3) identify in a report on the first session of the 112th Congress any oversight or legislative activity conducted in support of, or as a result of, such inventory and review.
Bill· SS. 275 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2011
Pipeline Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2011 - Prescribes or revises requirements for safety and environmental protection in pipeline transportation. Defines the term "major consequence violation" to mean a violation that contributed to an incident resulting in: (1) one or more deaths or injuries or illnesses requiring in-patient hospitalization; or (2) environmental harm exceeding $250,000 in damage, including property loss (other than the value of natural gas or hazardous liquid lost or damage to pipeline equipment). Subjects to a civil penalty of $250,000 any person that the Secretary of Transportation has found to have committed a major consequence violation of a pipeline marking or excavation notification requirement, pipeline safety standard or regulation, or order. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil penalty on a person who obstructs or prevents an inspection or investigation of a gas pipeline or hazardous liquid pipeline. Prescribes a maximum civil penalty of $2.5 million for a related series of major consequence violations. Prohibits a state one-call notification program from exempting municipalities, state agencies, or their contractors from its one-call notification system requirements. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations subjecting offshore hazardous liquid gathering pipelines (except low-stress distribution pipelines) as well as those located within Gulf of Mexico inlets to the same standards and regulations as other hazardous liquid pipelines. Directs the Secretary to prescribe a regulation to require the use of automatic or remote-controlled shut-off valves (or equivalent technology) on pipelines. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations to require the use of excess flow valves on new or entirely replaced distribution branch services, multi-family facilities, and small commercial facilities located in high-density population areas and environmentally sensitive areas. Directs the Secretary to evaluate specified questions with respect to integrity management safety system requirements. Requires the Secretary to maintain: (1) a monthly updated summary of all completed and final natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline inspections conducted by or reported to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), (2) an updated list of each gas and hazardous liquid pipeline operator's facility response plan, and (3) an updated map of all pipelines located in high consequence areas that are required to meet integrity management safety regulations. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the safety risks from both onshore and offshore pipelines to which federal pipeline safety requirements do not apply, including gathering lines. Directs the Secretary to update a report to Congress on leak detection systems used by operators of hazardous liquid pipelines and transportation-related flow lines. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prescribe regulations to establish time limits for accident and incident (i.e., spill or rupture) telephonic or electronic notification by pipeline operators to state and local government officials and emergency responders, and (2) review procedures for pipeline operators and the National Response Center to provide coordinated notification to all relevant emergency response officials and revise such procedures as appropriate. Revises national pipeline mapping system requirements to require each pipeline operator to provide the Secretary certain geospatial, technical, or other related pipeline data, including design and material specifications. Authorizes the Secretary to engage in activities supporting the exchange of information with domestic and international organizations about the public and environmental risks from pipelines. Directs the Secretary to review and report to Congress on all exemptions for gas and hazardous liquid gathering lines. Authorizes the Secretary to collect geospatial, technical, or other pipeline data on transportation-related oil flow lines (pipelines transporting oil off the grounds of the well across areas not owned by the producer). Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to Alaska to achieve coordinated oversight of the construction, expansion, or operation of Alaskan pipeline systems. Authorizes the Secretary to require persons proposing the construction, expansion, or operation of certain new gas or hazardous liquid pipelines (including construction inspections and oversight) to pay the costs of pipeline design safety reviews the Secretary conducts. Establishes in the Treasury the Pipeline Safety Design Review Fund. Sets forth certain factors the Secretary shall consider in granting a pipeline operator's application for a waiver (for up to five years, reviewable) of any pipeline standard. Treats as a hazardous liquid any non-petroleum fuels, including biofuels that are flammable, toxic, or corrosive or would be harmful to the environment if released in significant quantities. Directs the Secretary to prescribe minimum safety standards for the pipeline transportation of carbon dioxide in gaseous form. Directs the Secretary to study whether hazardous liquid pipeline regulations are sufficient to regulate the transportation of tar sands crude oil by pipeline, including whether any increase in risk of release exists for pipelines transporting such oil. Directs the Secretary to study the transportation of non-petroleum hazardous liquids by pipeline, including the extent to which the safety of such lines is unregulated by states. Directs the Secretary to increase the number of PHMSA personnel by a total of 39 full-time employees to carry out the pipeline safety program.
Bill· SS. 273 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2011
Drunk Driving Repeat Offender Prevention Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to withhold specified graduated percentages of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway funds for FY2014-FY2016 if the state has not enacted and is not enforcing a law requiring the installation of an ignition interlock device for a minimum of 180 days on each motor vehicle operated by an individual convicted of driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence (having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater).
Bill· SS. 252 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2011
Highway Fairness and Reform Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT), beginning with FY2011, to carry out a direct federal-aid highway program to permit a state governor or chief executive officer, at least 90 days before the beginning of a fiscal year, to elect to: (1) waive the state's right to receive apportioned or allocated funds under the federal-aid highway program, and (2) receive instead a prorated amount of the taxes appropriated to the Highway Trust Fund (other than from the Mass Transit Account) which are attributable to highway users in the state. Requires a pro rata reduction of such tax-equivalent amount in order to fund contract authority for programs of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Requires the Secretary to accept a state's election if: (1) the state has an interstate maintenance program; (2) it submits a plan describing the purposes, projects, and uses to which such amounts will be put and the federal-aid highway programmatic requirements the state elects to continue; (3) the state agrees to obligate program amounts exclusively for projects that would be eligible for surface transportation program funding; and (4) it continues to suballocate surface transportation program funds to urbanized and other areas using certain formulae and rules.
Bill· SS. 240 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2011
Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to: (1) conduct a study on the ability of the major air test and training range infrastructure to support the full spectrum of Air Force operations; (2) develop a master plan for requirements and proposed investments to meet Air Force training and test needs through 2025; and (3) submit to the congressional defense and appropriations committees interim reports and a final report on the master plan.
Bill· SS. 234 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2011
Strengthening Pipeline Safety and Enforcement Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to increase the number of Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) personnel by at least 100 full-time employees to carry out the pipeline safety program. Defines the term "major consequence violation" to mean a violation that contributed to any incident resulting in: (1) one or more deaths or injuries or illnesses requiring hospitalization; (2) environmental harm exceeding $250,000 in damage, including property loss; or (3) a pipeline release of gas or hazardous liquid that ignites or presents a safety threat to the public or the environment in a high consequence area. Subjects to a civil penalty of $250,000 any person who has committed a major consequence violation of a pipeline marking or excavation notification requirement, pipeline safety standard or regulation, or order. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil penalty on a person who obstructs or prevents an inspection or investigation of a gas pipeline or hazardous liquid pipeline. Prescribes a maximum civil penalty of $2.5 million for a related series of major consequence violations. Authorizes the Secretary to collect geospatial, technical, or other pipeline data on transportation-related oil flow lines (pipelines transporting oil off production grounds across areas not owned by the producer). Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations requiring the installation in pipelines of remotely or automatically controlled valves capable of shutting of the flow of gas in the event of an accident. Requires the Secretary to establish standards for natural gas pipeline leak detection equipment and methods. Directs the Secretary to require pipeline operators to: (1) submit a traceable, verifiable, and complete record of all interstate and intrastate natural gas transmission lines in class 3 and class 4 locations and class 1 and class 2 high consequence areas that have not had a maximum allowable operating pressure established through prior, verifiable pressure hydrostatic testing or an equivalent pressure testing method; and (2) determine through use of the record the maximum allowable operating pressure for a transmission line. Directs the Secretary, in cases where a record is not available or a valid maximum allowable operating pressure is not established, to require a transmission line operator to: (1) conduct a pressure test and a pressure spike test, or replace the transmission line segment; and (2) establish an interim maximum allowable operating pressure for the transmission line that does not exceed 80% of the highest pressure the transmission line segment has previously operated, until such time as the pressure tests are completed. Repeals the exemption from federal pipeline safety standards of the movement of gas and hazardous liquid through unregulated gathering lines in rural areas. Revises the definition of "hazardous liquid" to include non-petroleum fuels and biofuels. Directs the Secretary to prescribe additional standards to require, at least once every five years, the inspection by an instrumented internal device ("smart pig") of each gas and hazardous liquid pipeline located in a high-density population area or an environmentally sensitive area. Requires such standards to require the use of another inspection method meeting specified criteria where "smart pigs" cannot be used in a segment of a pipeline. Directs the Secretary to prescribe minimum safety standards for the pipeline transportation of carbon dioxide in gaseous form. (Under current law, the Secretary is required to prescribe minimum standards for the pipeline transportation of carbon dioxide in liquefied form.) Prescribes requirements to authorize the Secretary to require persons proposing the construction, expansion, or operation of a gas or hazardous liquid pipeline (including construction inspections and oversight) to pay the costs of pipeline design safety reviews the Secretary conducts. Requires the Secretary to prescribe a fee structure, assessment methodology, and collection procedures with respect to the costs of providing such reviews. Establishes in the Treasury the Pipeline Safety Design Review Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to engage in activities supporting the exchange of information with domestic and international organizations about the public and environmental risks from pipelines, as well as efforts to develop and improve safety standards and requirements for pipeline transportation in interstate or foreign commerce. Sets forth certain factors the Secretary shall consider in granting a pipeline operator's application for a waiver of pipeline standards in nonemergency situations. Limits the waiver of one or more pipeline standards to no more than five years, renewable for successive five year periods. Requires the Secretary to establish reasonable fees for processing waiver applications. Establishes in the Treasury the Pipeline Safety Special Permit Fund. Revises national pipeline mapping system requirements to require each pipeline operator to provide the Secretary certain geospatial, technical, or other pipeline data, including preconstruction design reviews and compliance inspection prioritization. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the transportation of non-petroleum hazardous liquids by pipeline, including the extent to which the safety of such lines is unregulated by states, as well as whether the pipeline transportation of such chemicals across public areas would present significant risks to public safety, property, or the environment in the absence of regulation.
Bill· SS. 220 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2011
Oregon Eastside Forests Restoration, Old Growth Protection, and Jobs Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), through the Chief of the Forest Service, in a covered area of Oregon to seek to: (1) conserve and restore forest and watershed health and other ecosystems; (2) reduce the risk of, and increase the resistance and resiliency of the land to, uncharacteristic disturbances; (3) allow for characteristic natural disturbances; and (4) harvest wood to maintain adequate levels of industry infrastructure to accomplish such goals. Defines "covered area" as area selected by the Secretary that is within Oregon and that is not within the area covered by the Record of Decision for Amendments to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl, dated April 1994. Requires the Secretary to: (1) implement covered area ecological restoration projects to help achieve the above goals, and (2) offer, and promptly implement, covered area mechanical treatment projects emphasizing sawtimber as a byproduct. Requires each vegetation management project to protect and restore aquatic and riparian-dependent resources. Establishes the Eastside Forest Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel to advise the Secretary, collaborative groups, and the public about the development and implementation of goals to improve forest and watershed health and related social and economic goals. Requires the Secretary to develop a strategy to assist in the implementation of projects needed to accomplish the purposes of this Act.
Bill· SS. 223 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2011
FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act - Reduces the authorization of appropriations for FY2010 for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations. Increases the authorization of appropriations for FY2010 for: (1) FAA air navigation facilities and equipment, (2) civil aviation research and development, and (3) airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning and programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY2011 for: (1) FAA operations, (2) FAA air navigation facilities and equipment, (3) civil aviation research and development, (4) airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning and programs, and (5) certain other aviation programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2011 for administrative expenses for certain airport programs. Revises procedural requirements for imposition of aircraft passenger facility charges (PFCs). Establishes an alternative PFC collection pilot program. Revises the federal share of costs for certain airport improvement projects. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish a pilot program for up to three states to participate in the airport improvement program (AIP) state block grant program. Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program to carry out up to six environmental mitigation demonstration projects at public-use airports. Directs the FAA Administrator to establish an airport sustainability working group. Establishes: (1) an Air Traffic Control Modernization Oversight Board, and (2) the position of Chief NextGen Officer who shall implement all Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Requires the FAA Administrator to: (1) consider whether the provision of NextGen air traffic services by nongovernment providers would promote safety and improve efficiency of the National Airspace System, and (2) make recommendations for the realignment of FAA services and facilities to assist in the transition to next generation facilities. Revises FAA personnel management system requirements with respect to the mediation, alternative resolution, and binding arbitration of disputes between the FAA Administrator and FAA employees about implementation of proposed changes to the system. Requires the FAA Administrator to report on navigation performance and area navigation operations and procedures required to maximize the efficiency and capacity of NextGen commercial operations at 35 Operational Evolution Partnership airports. Requires the FAA Administrator to report to Congress on the program and schedule for integrating automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) technology into the National Airspace System. Requires the FAA Administrator to: (1) establish and track National Airspace System performance metrics, and (2) report to Congress on financing proposals to fully fund the development and implementation of the NextGen system in a manner that does not increase the federal deficit. Requires the FAA Administrator to develop a plan to accelerate the integration of unmanned aerial systems into the National Airspace System. Directs the Air Traffic Organization evaluate the Airport Surface Detection Equipment-Model X program and airport surveillance technologies and associated collaborative surface management software for potential contributions to the NextGen initiative and surface management. Requires the FAA Administrator to establish a process for including FAA employees who are likely to be affected by the deployment of air traffic control modernization projects (including NextGen) in the planning, development, and deployment of such projects. Establishes the FAA Task Force on Air Traffic Control Facility Conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with up to five states to establish state ADS-B equipage banks. Directs the FAA Administrator to: (1) provide specified California air traffic control facilities with new air traffic controller training staff and equipment, and (2) report to Congress on the strategy for accelerated implementation of the NextGen operational capabilities produced by the Greener Skies project. Authorizes the FAA Administrator to enter agreements to fund the costs of equipping aircraft for NextGen air traffic control capabilities. Requires air carriers and airport operators to propose for the Secretary's approval contingency plans for passenger service during grounded aircraft flight delays. Directs the Secretary to establish in the DOT: (1) a consumer hotline telephone number for air passenger complaints, and (2) an advisory committee for aviation consumer protection. Prescribes disclosure requirements for sellers of airline tickets. Revises requirements and increases additional funding for the Essential Air Service program. Extends the small community air service development program through FY2011. Establishes an Office of Rural Aviation within the Office of the Secretary. Repeals the Essential Air Service Local Participation Program. Authorizes the use of certain lands in the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport Environs Overlay District for transient lodging and associated facilities. Directs the FAA Administrator to issue a plan to develop a schedule for installation of systems to alert controllers and flight crews to potential runway incursions. Authorizes the FAA Administrator to access the criminal history records or databases systems of specified federal law enforcement agencies. Directs the FAA Administrator to issue regulations limiting the hours of flight and duty time for pilots to address pilot fatigue. Requires helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft certificate holders providing emergency medical services to comply with federal safety operating requirements if there is a medical crew on board, without regard to whether patients are also on board. Directs the FAA Administrator to: (1) establish within the FAA a national review team to conduct periodic, unannounced, random reviews of FAA's oversight of air carriers; (2) conduct a review and evaluation of the FAA's Academy and facility training programs; and (3) develop a plan for the reduction of runway incursions. Establishes in the FAA an Aviation Safety Whistleblower Investigation Office. Directs the FAA Administrator to establish and implement a safety assessment system for foreign repair stations that perform maintenance on U.S. aircraft. Directs the FAA Administrator to establish an electronic pilot records database of pertinent information in FAA, air carrier, and other records (including the National Driver Register) that an air carrier shall access and evaluate before allowing an individual to begin service as a pilot. Requires the FAA Administrator to: (1) develop and implement a plan for reevaluation of flight crew training, testing, and certification regulations; (2) initiate rulemaking proceedings to require part 121 air carriers to establish remedial training programs for certain deficient flightcrew members, flightcrew member mentoring and leadership development programs, and methods for screening flightcrew members for qualifications and experience; (3) issue a final rule to establish safety standards for training programs for flight crew members and aircraft dispatchers; and (4) establish research grant programs to reduce civilian aircraft energy use, emissions, and noise and to develop jet fuel from natural gas, biomass, and other renewable sources, as well as clean coal. Prohibits flightcrew members from using a personal wireless communications device or laptop computer while at a duty station on a flight deck while an aircraft is being operated. Requires air carriers to provide recurring training for flight attendants and gate agents. Directs the FAA Administrator to study air quality in aircraft cabins. Establishes an Advisory Committee on the Future of Aeronautics. Reauthorizes through FY2012 the FAA Center for Excellence for Applied Research and Training in the Use of Advanced Materials in Transport Aircraft. Directs the Secretary to establish a zero emission airport vehicles and infrastructure pilot program. Directs the FAA Administrator to implement a program for research and development of equipment to clean and monitor the engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) bleed air supplied on pressurized aircraft. Extends the Secretary's authority to provide insurance and reinsurance against loss or damage arising out of any risk from the operation of a domestic or foreign aircraft. Prohibits operating certain aircraft weighing 75,000 pounds or less that do not comply with stage 3 noise levels. Directs the FAA Administrator to: (1) establish a pilot program for redevelopment of airport properties; and (2) initiate a study on front line manager staffing requirements for FAA air traffic control facilities. Directs the Comptroller General to study the helicopter and fixed-wing air ambulance industry. Repeals the prohibition against approval of any Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority : (1) for an airport development project grant; or (2) to impose a passenger facility fee. Directs the FAA Administrator to study: (1) aeronautical mobile telemetry services; and (2) aviation industry best practices for flightcrew member pairing, crew resource management techniques, and pilot commuting. Directs the Comptroller General to study airline and intercity passenger rail codeshare arrangements and aviation fuel prices. Directs the Secretary to convey to Clark County, Nevada, all right, title, and interest of specified U.S. public land for development of flood mitigation infrastructure for the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through FY2013: (1) excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property; and (2) authority for expenditures from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Revises the excise tax on kerosene used in aviation. Establishes within the Airport and Airway Trust Fund a separate Air Traffic Control System Modernization Account, with deposits derived from taxes on aviation-grade kerosene, which shall be available for expenditures relating to the modernization of the air traffic control system. Imposes a surtax on fuel used in aircraft which are part of a fractional ownership program. Prescribes requirements for passenger tax disclosures on airline tickets. Rescinds DOT earmarks, except in certain circumstances, when 90% of an earmark remains available for obligation at the end of the ninth fiscal year after it was first made available.
Bill· SS. 205 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011
Alaska Adjacent Zone Safe Oil Transport and Revenue Sharing Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) require oil produced from federal leases in certain Arctic waters, except in preproduction phases (including explorations), to be transported by pipeline to onshore facilities; and (2) provide for, and issue appropriate permits for, the transportation of oil from such leases in preproduction phases (including exploration) by means other than pipeline. Requires that the state of Alaska receive 37.5% of: (1) any bonus bid paid for leasing rights for any area in the Alaska Adjacent Zone; and (2) specified post-leasing revenues including lease rental payments and lease royalty payments, as well as royalty proceeds from a sale of royalties taken in kind. Sets forth an allocation scheme under which the Secretary of the Interior is directed to pay: (1) 20% of any allocable state share directly to coastal political subdivisions, (2) 33% of any allocable state share to certain Regional Corporations, and (3) 7% of any allocable state share directly to Indian tribes. Instructs the Secretary to distribute 6.25% of certain federal royalty revenues into: (1) a specified land and water conservation fund to provide financial assistance to states, and (2) direct federal deficit reduction.
Bill· SS. 199 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011
Use It or Lose It Act of 2011 - Requires highway project amounts made available from the Highway Trust Fund through an earmark to be obligated within three years after the date such earmarked amounts are first made available. Requires amounts not obligated within three years of the earmark to be: (1) released to the transportation department of the state with jurisdiction over the original recipient of the earmark, and (2) redistributed by the state for expeditious use for other federally-approved state transportation projects.
Bill· SS. 198 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011
Redistribution of Unspent Earmarks Act of 2011 - Requires unobligated highway project amounts made available from the Highway Trust Fund through an earmark for FY2008 or a preceding fiscal year to be: (1) returned to the transportation department of the state in which such earmarks were directed to be used, and (2) redistributed by the state for expeditious use for other federally-approved state transportation projects.
Bill· SS. 190 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011
Freedom from Tolls Act of 2011 - Prohibits the use of highway funds to impose a toll on any segment of a federal-aid system highway that as of enactment of this Act: (1) has had its construction completed, (2) is not tolled, (3) was constructed with federal assistance, and (4) is in actual operation. Excepts from this prohibition, thus allowing tolls on, high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes as well as any highway segment that, as of the date on which a toll is imposed on it, will have the same number of non-toll lanes as were in existence before that date. Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to decrease from three to two the number of facilities a state may establish on a highway, bridge, or tunnel on the Interstate System to collect tolls for reconstructing and rehabilitating Interstate highway corridors under the Interstate System reconstruction and rehabilitation pilot program.
Bill· HRH.R. 483 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011
Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification and Illegal Immigration Control Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a toll-free telephone- or electronic media-based employment eligibility verification system. Requires such system to: (1) provide verification or tentative non-verification of an individual's identity and employment eligibility within three days of an inquiry, and (2) provide, in the case of tentative non-verification, a secondary process for final verification or non-verification within 10 days. Requires: (1) the Commissioner of Social Security to develop a process for comparing names and social security numbers against appropriate databases in response to employer inquiries, and (2) the Secretary to develop a process for comparing names and alien identification or authorization numbers and to investigate uses of the same social security number that suggest fraud. Limits verification system-related individual relief to procedures under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Prohibits class actions. Immunizes from civil or criminal liability a person or entity who takes action in good faith reliance on verification system information. Sets forth employer verification requirements with respect to an affirmative defense to liability for employment of unauthorized workers, including revision of attestation and retention of verification form provisions. Places limits on the collection and use of data from the verification system. Expands the employment eligibility verification system to include: (1) previously hired individuals, and (2) recruitment and referral. Provides for: (1) voluntary employer verification utilizing such system two years after enactment of this Act for previously hired individuals, (2) mandatory employer verification three years after enactment of this Act by federal, state, and local governments, and the military for employees not verified under such system working at federal, state or local government buildings, military bases, nuclear energy sites, weapons sites, airports, or critical infrastructure sites, and (3) mandatory employer verification six years after enactment of this Act for all employees not previously verified under such system. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to extend the E-Verify program (formerly the basic pilot program) until two years after enactment of this Act. Applies employment eligibility verification requirements to labor service agencies. Revises civil and criminal penalty provisions. Establishes in the Treasury the Employment Verification Compensation Fund. Directs the Secretary to establish a publicly available contractor database. Authorizes the Commissioner to carry out verification responsibilities under this Act. Prohibits funds from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund or the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund from being used to carry out such responsibilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 502 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2011
Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish a Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Fund, to be administered through the International Trade Administration, to ensure that U.S. clean energy technology firms have the information and assistance they need to be competitive and to create clean energy technology sector jobs; and (2) administer the Fund to promote policies that will reduce production costs and encourage innovation, investment, and productivity in the clean energy technology sector, and implement a national clean energy technology export strategy. Defines "clean energy technology" to mean a technology related to the production, use, transmission, storage, control, or conservation of energy that will contribute to a stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations through reduction, avoidance, or sequestration of energy-related emissions and: (1) reduce the need for additional energy supplies by using existing supplies with greater efficiency or by transmitting, distributing, or transporting energy with greater effectiveness through U.S. infrastructure, or (2) diversify the sources of the energy supply to strengthen energy security and to increase supplies with a favorable balance of environmental effects if the entire technology system is considered. Directs the Secretary, consistent with the National Export Initiative, to provide information, tools, and other assistance to U.S. businesses to promote clean energy technology manufacturing and facilitate the export of clean energy technology products and services. Requires such assistance to include: (1) developing critical analysis of policies to reduce production costs and promote innovation, investment, and productivity in the clean energy technology sector; (2) helping educate companies about how to tailor their activities to specific markets with respect to their product slate, financing, marketing, assembly, and logistics; and (3) helping U.S. companies learn about the export process and export opportunities in foreign markets, navigate foreign markets, and provide input regarding clean energy technology manufacturing and trade policy developments and trade promotion. Requires the Secretary to report on how funds will be used to: (1) focus on small and medium-sized U.S. businesses, (2) encourage the creation and maintenance of the greatest number of clean energy technology jobs in the United States, and (3) encourage the domestic production of clean energy technology products and services. Requires the Secretary to report t on whether the assistance program should be continued and an assessment of the extent to which it has been successful in: (1) developing critical analysis of policies to reduce production costs and promote innovation, investment, and productivity in the clean energy technology sector; (2) assisting businesses with exporting clean energy technology products and services; (3) creating jobs directly related to the clean energy technology sector; and (4) helping companies provide input regarding clean energy technology manufacturing and trade policy developments and trade promotion.
Bill· SS. 183 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
Deepwater Horizon Survivors' Fairness Act - Amends federal maritime law formerly known as the Shipowners' Liability Act of 1851 to exclude a claim for personal injury or wrongful death arising from the blowout and explosion of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon that occurred on April 20, 2010 (the Deepwater Horizon incident), from provisions limiting a vessel owner's liability in specified instances to the value of the vessel and its pending freight. Amends the Death on the High Seas Act to allow a civil action in law or in admiralty against the person or vessel responsible for a Deepwater Horizon incident death. (Current law allows only a civil action in admiralty when death is caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or default.) Authorizes any related recovery to include fair compensation for nonpecuniary loss (care, comfort, companionship, and society) plus a fair compensation for the decedent's pain and suffering. (Current law allows only fair compensation for pecuniary loss sustained by the individuals for whose benefit the action is brought.) Amends the Jones Act to authorize any recovery in a civil action at law against the employer of a seaman who dies from the Deepwater Horizon incident to include fair compensation for nonpecuniary loss, plus a fair compensation for the decedent's pain and suffering. (Current law allows only certain wrongful death and survival claims as is available to railway employees.) Permits a plaintiff in certain civil actions for damages for personal injury or wrongful death arising from the Deepwater Horizon incident to: (1) sever such claims from other claims in the action, and (2) prohibit the transfer of such claims for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings.
Bill· SS. 187 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
Biofuels Market Expansion Act of 2011 - Requires automobile manufacturers to ensure that at least 50% of 2014 and 2015 model year automobiles and light duty trucks manufactured for sale in the United States are dual fueled. Increases the minimum to 90% for 2016 and subsequent model years. (Excludes automobiles and light duty trucks that operate only on electricity.) Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to make grants to eligible facilities to pay the federal share of: (1) installing blender pump fuel infrastructure, including infrastructure necessary for the direct retail sale of ethanol fuel blends (including E-85 fuel); and (2) providing subgrants to direct retailers of such fuels for the installation of such infrastructure. Prohibits a major fuel distributor (any person that owns a refinery or that directly markets the output of a refinery through at least 50 retail fueling stations) from being eligible for such grants or subgrants. Amends the Clean Air Act to revise the renewable fuel program to require the Secretary to promulgate regulations to ensure that each major fuel distributor that sells or introduces gasoline into commerce in the United States through majority-owned stations or branded stations installs one or more blender pumps that dispense E-85 fuel and ethanol fuel blends at: (1) an overall percentage of such stations increasing from 10% in 2014 to 50% in 2020, and (2) a specified minimum percentage of such stations in each state. Allows such distributors to earn credits if they exceed such percentages and to sell such credits to other distributors, except for use to fulfill the state distribution requirement. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to make renewable fuel pipelines eligible for loan guarantees for projects that avoid, reduce, or sequester air pollutants or anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases and employ new or significantly improved technologies as compared to commercial technologies in service in the United States at the time the guarantee is issued. Amends the temporary program for rapid deployment of renewable energy and electric power transmission projects to make eligible for loan guarantees projects for the installation of sufficient infrastructure to allow for the cost-effective deployment of clean energy technologies appropriate to each region of the United States.
Bill· SS. 158 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2015 for the Surface Transportation Board. Increases Board membership from three to five members. Removes the Board from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish it as an independent U.S. agency. Grants the DOT Inspector General authority to review only Board financial management, property management, and business operations to determine compliance with applicable federal laws and detect fraud and abuse. Revises member composition of the Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council. Revises the objectives of U.S. rail transportation policy, including protection of rail shippers. Requires the Board to: (1) maintain an Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance; and (2) appoint a rail customer advocate to resolve rail customer complaints. Authorizes the Board to investigate rail carrier and pipeline carrier violations on its own initiative as well as on complaint (as under existing law). Requires proceedings to determine the reasonableness of a rate charged by a carrier be initiated only upon complaint. Requires the Board to: (1) establish a database of rail service complaints it has received; and (2) post a quarterly report of such complaints on its website. Authorizes the Board to revoke class exemptions to rail carrier requirements to protect rail shippers from the abuse of market power. Requires Board studies on: (1) class exemptions; (2) the Uniform Railroad Costing System; (3) use of a replacement cost approach to value rail facility assets; (4) rail practices; and (5) rail interchange rules. Directs the Board to require Class I railroad carriers and other railroad carriers to report regularly on railroad service metrics and other performance data as prescribed by the Board. Delineates requirements regarding proof and admissibility of evidence of rail carrier interline rate agreements. Prohibits the Board from issuing a person (other than a rail carrier) a certificate to acquire a railroad line or extended or additional railroad line that includes interchange commitments or other mechanisms restricting the ability of the purchaser or tenant to interchange traffic with another carrier unless they are reasonable and in the public interest. Delineates a process for persons to challenge existing interchange commitments as well as certain rights and remedies with respect to them. Directs the Secretary to make grants available to assist any Class III rail carrier under Board jurisdiction with the credit risk premium of a direct loan or loan guarantee made to purchase or lease a rail line. Requires a Class I rail carrier to establish, upon rail customer request, reasonable bottleneck and terminal switching rates for single line movement or interline movement rail transportation over a bottleneck rail segment in which the carrier has market dominance. Revises criteria authorizing the Board to require a rail carrier to make its terminal available to another rail carrier. Authorizes the Board to require a Class I rail carrier (including any other rail carrier deemed appropriate) to make its terminal facilities available for use by another carrier in cases where it has market dominance in a terminal area. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Board to establish reasonable rail rate standards for terminal use. Requires the Board to establish a binding arbitration process to resolve rail rate, practice, and common carrier service disputes. Revises maximum rates of relief that the Board may provide to railroad shippers in certain rail rate reasonableness cases. Sets forth time limits for Board review of such cases. Revises requirements with respect to the approval or denial of the consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control of rail carriers to authorize the Board to take into consideration significant effects of the transaction on public health, safety, and the environment as well as intercity rail passenger transportation and commuter rail passenger transportation.
Bill· SS. 157 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a new energy tax credit for investment in equipment that: (1) uses prismatic or other lenses, glazing, reflectors, or concentrators to convey or diffuse natural light into a structure or that uses a highly reflective light pipe which has a solar collection component and a distribution lens at the ends to transport visible solar radiation from its collection point to illuminate the interior of a structure, and (2) integrates automotic lighting controls to adjust traditionally powered lighting to satisfy building lighting requirements.
Bill· SS. 131 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2011
Axe the Stimulus Plaques Act - Prohibits the use of funds made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for signage to indicate that a particular project is being carried out using such funds.
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