Transport

MARINA Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2023

Business Uninterrupted Monetary Program Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2023

Honoring and remembering the victims of the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 in Rockaway Queens, New York, on November 12, 2001, and extending the sincerest condolences of the citizens of the United States to the families and friends of those individuals.

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023

This resolution honors and remembers the victims of the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 in Rockaway Queens, New York. It also (1) honors and thanks the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the crash; (2) conveys the most sincere condolences of U.S. citizens to the families, friends, and communities of the victims; and (3) solemnly marks the 21st anniversary of the crash.

STAR Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023

To amend title 40, United States Code, to establish an expiration date of certain committee resolutions with respect to leases or projects, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2023

This bill establishes a period after which congressional approval of certain proposed projects and leases for public buildings expires. Specifically, approval resolutions expire unless a lease is awarded or a construction project is initiated within five years after adoption by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Expressing support for the recognition of the week of November 5 through November 11, 2023, as "Drowsy Driving Prevention Week".

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2023

This resolution (1) supports the designation of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week to raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving, and (2) encourages people across the United States to take preventable steps against drowsy driving.

Smart Border Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2023

Smart Border Protection Act This bill authorizes additional appropriations for U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the General Services Administration (GSA) for operations and infrastructure at ports of entry. Specifically, the bill authorizes additional appropriations for (1) hiring personnel for CBP operations at ports of entry; and (2) procuring, deploying, installing, maintaining, and operating screening technology at CBP ports of entry. The bill also authorizes additional appropriations to GSA for port of entry infrastructure, including building infrastructure improvements, vehicle inspection lane expansion or improvements, pedestrian pathway and lane expansion or improvements, and modernization within ports of entry.

Building Safer Streets Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2023

Think Differently Transportation Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2023

Think Differently Transportation Act This bill requires the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to include information on compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) in a required annual report to Congress. Specifically, Amtrak must incorporate into the annual report an action plan for bringing Amtrak rail cars and stations into compliance with the ADA as required by a 2020 settlement agreement entered into between Amtrak and the Department of Justice. (Under the agreement, Amtrak committed to complying with the ADA and making intercity rail stations accessible.) Amtrak must also include a status report on ADA compliance at Amtrak-served stations (based on an assessment by Amtrak). For those Amtrak-served stations where Amtrak is not responsible for ADA compliance, Amtrak must include in the report information on the responsible entity. 

To modify a certain commercial zone in Texas to include Zapata County, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2023

To require the Secretary of Transportation and the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to develop an alternative platform to LOGINK, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2023

FAST PASS Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2023 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a pilot grant program for improving recycling accessibility in communities. The EPA may award grants to states, local governments, Indian tribes, or public-private partnerships.

Cybersecurity Skills Integration Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2023

Cybersecurity Skills Integration Act This bill requires the Department of Education to establish a pilot program in order to award grants to partnerships between postsecondary educational institutions and employers in critical infrastructure sectors for cybersecurity education programs.  

Urban Canal Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Urban Canal Modernization Act This bill expands the Bureau of Reclamation's responsibility under the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to address aging irrigation and water resources infrastructure in western states to include additional work for urban canals of concern. Specifically, the bill directs Reclamation or the operating entity of a transferred work (i.e., infrastructure owned by Reclamation, but maintained by a nonfederal entity) to carry out any necessary extraordinary operation and maintenance work for urban canals of concern, which are certain transferred works the failure of which would result in loss of life and property in the vicinity of the canal. Reclamation must also provide federal funds to transferred works on a nonreimbursable basis sufficient to cover 35% of the cost of extraordinary operation and maintenance work for (1) urban canals of concern, and (2) certain project facilities which are in proximity to urbanized areas and which could pose a risk to public safety or property if the facilities failed. The bill further specifies that any reimbursable funds provided under the bill must be considered a nonfederal source of funds for purposes of federal grant cost-sharing requirements. 

Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2023 or the Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes, revises, and establishes several programs related to weather forecasting, monitoring, and research.  For example, the bill reauthorizes through FY2028 programs that are administered by the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including the U.S. Weather Research Program. It also provides statutory authority for NOAA's Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (known as VORTEX-USA). The bill also requires NOAA to establish programs that support weather forecasting technology, including improvements to radar accuracy, weather forecasting in underserved areas, and coastal flooding forecasting. NOAA must also contract with the private sector to obtain weather-related data and establish a pilot program to test the compatibility of this data with NOAA infrastructure.  In addition, NOAA must improve weather-related communication systems, including those related to hazardous weather events, through system upgrades that use more modern technology (e.g., cloud-based services) and that allow for expanded coverage (e.g., in rural areas). Finally, NOAA must administer programs that support weather forecasting for agricultural and water management, including pilot programs to improve precipitation forecasts in the western and central states and a soil moisture monitoring network. 

PHASE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Pedestrian Hazard, Awareness, and Safety Expansion Act of 2023 or the PHASE Act of 2023 This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to take certain actions to improve road safety for pedestrians and vulnerable road users. Specifically, the bill directs NIST to transmit to DOT potential solutions to improve and enhance traffic control devices using innovative technologies in order to better equip vehicle operators (including bicycles) and protect pedestrians and vulnerable road users.  In addition, DOT must establish a grant program to provide grants to cities, Indian tribes, and municipalities to implement infrastructure that improves pedestrian safety (e.g., innovative technology for crosswalks, expanded buffer zones, and upgraded highway traffic signals). DOT must also carry out a study on developing physical alternatives to better protect pedestrians and vulnerable road users from traffic incidents.

Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2023 This bill modifies Department of Agriculture (USDA) watershed programs. The bill modifies the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program to allow USDA to undertake certain measures that go beyond addressing the immediate impairment of the watershed. Specifically, USDA may undertake measures that increase the level of protection of the watershed if USDA determines that the restoration is in the best interest of the long-term health and the protection of the watershed from repetitive impairments. (The EWP Program assists sponsors, landowners, and operators in implementing emergency recovery measures for runoff retardation and erosion prevention to relieve imminent hazards to life and property created by natural disasters.)  In addition, for Watershed Rehabilitation Program (REHAB) projects that serve a limited resource area, the bill increases the federal cost-share to up to 90% of the total rehabilitation costs. Currently, the federal cost-share for all projects is 65% of the total rehabilitation costs. (REHAB assists project sponsors in rehabilitating aging watershed dams that are reaching the end of their design life or no longer meet certain federal or state standards.) Further, the purpose of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is amended to include the prevention and mitigation of the effects of flooding and drought and the improvement or expansion of flood resiliency. (Under the RCPP, USDA enters into agreements with eligible partners to deliver conservation projects in specific geographical areas. Within an RCPP project, producers enter into contracts and agreements with USDA to carry out eligible conservation activities.)

BUILDS Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

Building U.S. Infrastructure by Leveraging Demands for Skills or the BUILDS Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to award implementation or renewal grants to eligible industry or sector partnerships to achieve certain job training and employment objectives with respect to targeted infrastructure industries (e.g., transportation, construction, energy, information technology, or utilities industries). Partnerships may include representatives of businesses, labor organizations, and education or training institutions. Eligible grant activities include evaluating workforce needs in a local area, developing work-based learning programs, recruiting individuals with barriers to employment for such programs, and providing employment support services.

Don’t Develop Obstructive Infrastructure on our Terrain Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

Restoring American Energy Dominance Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2023

Restoring American Energy Dominance Act This bill requires the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw a proposed rule titled Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process . The rule would make various changes to oil and gas leasing on public lands, including to implement provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.

Close Agency Loopholes to the Jones Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act of 2023 This bill establishes positions within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to review inspection images of vehicles and cargo entering or exiting the United States. Specifically, the bill establishes the position of image technician within the CBP Office of Field Operations. An image technician must (1) review nonintrusive inspection images of vehicles and cargo entering or exiting the United States; (2) assess whether there are indications that such vehicles and cargo contain contraband, illicitly concealed merchandise (e.g., drugs and weapons), or persons seeking to unlawfully enter the United States; and (3) recommend suspicious vehicles and cargo for further inspection by a CBP officer. The bill also establishes the position of supervisory image technician with additional responsibilities, including receiving and reporting intelligence to the National Targeting Center about techniques used by malign actors to transport contraband, illicitly concealed merchandise, and persons seeking to unlawfully enter the United States. A CBP officer shall retain the discretion and final decision-making authority on whether to release a vehicle or cargo or refer the vehicle or cargo for further inspection. The bill establishes annual training requirements for both image technician and supervisory image technician positions, including training on privacy and civil liberties and how to analyze inspection images. Within a year of this bill's enactment, CBP must develop a workforce staffing model for these positions. The Government Accountability Office must validate the model within six months of the model's completion.

Collision Avoidance Systems Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

Collision Avoidance Systems Act of 2023 This bill allows for the use of a pulsating light system for vehicle braking. Specifically, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108 (Standard 108) must be deemed to allow for the use of a pulsating light system on covered vehicles (i.e., passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, trailers, and motorcycles). The Department of Transportation must issue regulations to update Standard 108 to (1) include performance-based standards for pulsating light systems, and (2) allow for the use of the systems on motor vehicles. As background, Standard 108 regulates all automotive lighting, signaling, and reflective devices. Under the bill, a pulsating light system includes a system for a high-mounted stop lamp in which the lamp pulses rapidly no more than four times and for no more than 1.2 seconds when the brake of the vehicle is applied and then converts to a continuous light (as a normal stop lamp) until the brake is released.

Resilient Transit Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023

Resilient Transit Act of 2023 This bill authorizes the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide grants under the State of Good Repair Grants Program to assist states and local governments in financing public transportation resilience improvement projects that increase the resilience of public transportation systems from the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise, flooding, wildfires, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters. Under the program, grants may be used for (1) standalone projects, and (2) components of capital projects. DOT must submit an annual report to Congress on the program and publish the report on DOT's website.

Resilient Transit Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023

Resilient Transit Act of 2023 This bill authorizes the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide grants under the State of Good Repair Grants Program to assist states and local governments in financing public transportation resilience improvement projects that increase the resilience of public transportation systems from the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise, flooding, wildfires, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters. Under the program, grants may be used for (1) standalone projects, and (2) components of capital projects. DOT must submit an annual report to Congress on the program and publish the report on DOT's website. 

Transit Emergency Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023

Improving Travel for Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023

Improving Travel for Families Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to allow a child who is age 10 or under to accompany their parent (or legal guardian) in the Global Entry lane when arriving at a U.S. international airport if the parent or guardian is a Global Entry member but the child is not. (Global Entry is a trusted traveler program that allows for the expedited processing of preapproved, low-risk travelers at certain ports of entry.) If a parent is applying for Global Entry on behalf of such children (i.e., children authorized by this bill to travel under the parent's Global Entry membership), DHS must allow that parent to schedule a single interview relating to the parent's relationship with up to four such children.

American Offshore Worker Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2023

Drone Research and Innovation for Law Enforcement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2023

Drone Research and Innovation for Law Enforcement Act of 2023 This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to study, and create an approval process for, nonlethal de-escalation unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones). Under the bill,  nonlethal de-escalation unmanned aircraft  means an unmanned aircraft that is equipped with one or more nonlethal weapons or devices and is used by law enforcement personnel in scenarios (1) that present significant risk to human life, and (2) in which the suspected criminal is in a position to potentially escalate the situation and expose human life to a high level of risk. Specifically, the FAA must initiate a pilot research program to study the potential use of nonlethal de-escalation unmanned aircraft by law enforcement agencies. As part of the study, the FAA must enter into interagency agreements with various federal, state, and local agencies. The FAA must submit a report on the results of the research program to Congress. The report must include a plan outlining a proposed FAA application process for law enforcement to seek permission to operate nonlethal de-escalation unmanned aircraft. Within 90 days of submitting the report, the FAA must initiate rulemaking to create a process through which the FAA may provide approval to operate these unmanned aircraft. 

Rail Worker and Community Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2023

Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023

Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to streamline the process for individuals applying for or renewing enrollment in multiple security threat assessment (STA) programs, in particular the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and the Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) programs. Among other things, the TSA must permit an individual to enroll at a TSA-authorized enrollment center once and use the application, as well as information generated by TSA’s vetting, to enroll in any other programs; permit an individual to enroll in more than one STA program at the same time for a single fee that is less than the combined fee for applying to the same programs separately; provide for a streamlined and expeditious renewal process; and provide states the expiration dates for each individual’s STA to ensure commercial driver's licenses include an individual's current HME status. Additionally, the TSA must publish on its website information relating to the streamlining of the enrollment system. If the TSA determines it is necessary to implement these changes through rulemaking, the bill provides for an expedited rulemaking process.

Transportation Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023

Transportation Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a grant program for protection and advocacy (P&A) systems to advocate for individuals with disabilities to access transportation. (Each state has a designated P&A system that protects and advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities.)  The bill directs DOT to select 10 P&A systems to receive five-year grants. Grant recipients must submit an annual report documenting the work they have done to address the barriers to accessing transportation for individuals with disabilities. Further, DOT must award one grant annually to a national organization with extensive knowledge of P&A systems to provide training and technical assistance to the systems.

To amend title 40, United States Code, to increase the mileage of the Appalachian Development Highway System to provide for improvements to and expansion of Corridor K in North Carolina, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023

This bill increases the mileage of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) from 3,090 miles to 3,105 miles to provide for improvements to and expansion of Corridor K in North Carolina. (The ADHS is a system of designated corridors and roadways within the 13 states that make up the Appalachian Region which is eligible for federal highway funds and intended to contribute to the region's economic development. Corridor K is one of the designated corridors in the ADHS.)

Coast Guard Sustained Funding Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023

Coast Guard Sustained Funding Act of 2023 This bill provides continuing appropriations to the Coast Guard for pay and benefits when there is a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse. Under the bill, a  Coast Guard-specific funding lapse occurs when a bill providing appropriations for the Coast Guard for a fiscal year has not been enacted before the beginning of that fiscal year, and no joint resolution providing continuing appropriations for the Coast Guard is in effect. If a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse occurs, the bill provides appropriations to the Coast Guard for (1) pay and allowances for military members of the Coast Guard, including reserve components, who perform active service or inactive-duty training; and (2) pay and benefits for certain civilian and contract employees who are providing support to members of the Coast Guard or another Armed Force and are working during the funding lapse. 

A bill to amend title 40, United States Code, to increase the mileage of the Appalachian Development Highway System to provide for improvements to and expansion of Corridor K in North Carolina, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023

This bill increases the mileage of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) from 3,090 miles to 3,105 miles to provide for improvements to and expansion of Corridor K in North Carolina. (The ADHS is a system of designated corridors and roadways within the 13 states that make up the Appalachian Region which is eligible for federal highway funds and intended to contribute to the region's economic development. Corridor K is one of the designated corridors in the ADHS.)

Mental Health Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

To provide for continued operation of the Federal Aviation Administration in the event of a lapse in appropriation.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

This bill provides appropriations for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if there is a lapse in appropriations for the FAA. Specifically, the bill provides the appropriations that are necessary for the operation of the FAA for the lesser of (1) 30 days, or (2) the duration of the lapse in appropriations. 

To provide for continued operation of the Coast Guard in the event of a lapse in appropriation.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

This bill provides appropriations for the Coast Guard if there is a lapse in appropriations for the Coast Guard. Specifically, the bill provides the appropriations that are necessary for the operation of the Coast Guard for the lesser of (1) 30 days, or (2) the duration of the lapse in appropriations.

Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2023 This bill provides environmental and educational resources to public elementary and secondary schools and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to provide climate capital facilities grants to eligible entities (e.g., public schools and BIE schools). Grant recipients must use these funds to construct new, or convert existing facilities into, healthy zero-carbon schools. Healthy zero-carbon school refers to a school with highly energy-efficient facilities that produce or procure sufficient carbon-free and pollution-free renewable energy to meet the school's needs. The bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award resource block grants to qualified local educational agencies (LEAs) to hire and retain educators and staff in high-need schools. ED must award grants to eligible consortia of LEAs for educational equity planning and implementation. ED must establish the Climate Change Resiliency Program to increase the resiliency of public and BIE schools during climate change-related events, natural disasters, and public health crises. Further, ED must establish a related grant program for state educational agencies. Grant recipients must use these funds for certain activities (e.g., green infrastructure projects). The bill establishes the Office of Sustainable Schools within ED to (1) administer the resource block grant and educational equity grant programs, and (2) coordinate with specified agencies and the White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy on climate capital facilities grants and the Climate Change Resiliency Program.

PIPE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2023 This bill establishes a new investment tax credit in the amount of 30% of the basis of any hydropower improvement property. The bill defines hydropower improvement property as property that adds or improves fish passage at a qualified dam; maintains or improves the quality of the water retained or released by a qualified dam; promotes downstream sediment transport and habitat maintenance; upgrades, repairs, or reconstructs a qualified dam to meet safety and security standards; improves public uses of, and access to, public waterways impacted by a qualified dam; removes an obsolete river obstruction; or places into service an approved remote dam. Further, written approval for hydropower improvement property must be obtained from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or state or local officials prior to January 1, 2032. The bill also allows an election to claim the investment tax credit for qualified progress expenses for some types of hydropower improvement property in advance of such property being placed into service. Any investment tax credit amount claimed for qualified progress expenses reduces the amount of the investment tax credit that may be claimed once the hydropower improvement property is placed into service.  The bill authorizes certain entities, including tax-exempt and governmental entities, to treat the investment tax credit for hydropower improvement property as a payment of tax and receive a refund of any overpayment (also known as elective pay).  Finally, the investment tax credit for hydropower improvement property may be transferred (i.e., sold).  

Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2023 This bill provides funding for environmental and educational resources for public elementary and secondary schools and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to provide climate capital facilities grants to eligible entities (e.g., public schools and BIE schools). Grant recipients must use these funds to construct new, or convert existing facilities into, healthy zero-carbon schools. Healthy zero-carbon school refers to a school with highly energy-efficient facilities that produce or procure sufficient carbon-free and pollution-free renewable energy to meet the school's needs. The bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award resource block grants to qualified local educational agencies (LEAs) to hire and retain educators and staff in high-need schools. ED must award grants to eligible consortia of LEAs for educational equity planning and implementation. ED must establish the Climate Change Resiliency Program to increase the resiliency of public and BIE schools during climate change-related events, natural disasters, and public health crises. Further, ED must establish a related grant program for state educational agencies. Grant recipients must use these funds for certain activities (e.g., green infrastructure projects). The bill establishes the Office of Sustainable Schools within ED to (1) administer the resource block grant and educational equity grant programs, and (2) coordinate with specified agencies and the White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy on climate capital facilities grants and the Climate Change Resiliency Program.

Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023

Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2023 This bill temporarily extends specific Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs and activities through December 31, 2023. For example, the bill extends the FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilot programs (e.g., the UAS Test Site Program and the UAS remote detection and identification pilot program), weather reporting programs, Remote Tower Pilot Program, and Essential Air Service Program. The bill also extends the authorization for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). (This program provides grants for planning, development, and noise compatibility projects at or associated with certain public-use airports.) Further, the bill extends through December 31, 2023, the FAA's authority for expenditures from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF) and to collect various taxes and fees to fund the AATF, including taxes on aviation fuel and airline tickets. (The AATF is the primary funding source for all major FAA accounts that fund federal aviation programs, with the remainder coming from general fund appropriations.)

Abbey Gate Gold Star Families Dignified Transport Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023

Jimmy Deal Trafficking Survivors Assistance Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023

Jimmy Deal Trafficking Survivors Assistance Act of 2023 This bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide air travel assistance for survivors of human trafficking who do not have the identification documents necessary for air travel. Specifically, the TSA must establish the position of Trafficking Survivor Point of Contact (TSPoC) at every TSA screening airport. The TSPoC must liaise and establish relationships with service providers and provide air travel assistance for survivors of human trafficking. The TSPoC must provide information to an eligible service provider and assist the provider or the individual (who does not have the identification documents necessary for air travel) throughout the vetting process, travel, and arrival at the destination airport. The bill directs a TSPoC to follow specific procedures. Under the bill, a service provider is a nonprofit organization that provides services to individuals who are victims of human trafficking, including (1) emergency services, such as shelter, food, clothing, and transportation; (2) case management or wraparound services; (3) mental health care or other medical services; and (4) legal services.

Water Infrastructure Subcontractor and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023

A resolution designating September 2023 as "School Bus Safety Month".

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023

This resolution designates September 2023 as School Bus Safety Month.

Indian Buffalo Management Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023

Indian Buffalo Management Act This bill establishes a permanent program within the Department of the Interior to develop and promote tribal ownership and management of buffalo and buffalo habitat on Indian lands. Specifically, the bill requires Interior to (1) enter into contracts, award grants, and provide technical assistance to Indian tribes and tribal organizations for activities related to buffalo restoration or management; (2) consult with tribes and tribal organizations on initiatives that affect buffalo or buffalo habitat, including efforts to contain or eradicate diseased buffalo; and (3) develop a policy relating to buffalo and buffalo habitat management activities on Indian land. Additionally, Interior may enter into agreements with tribes or tribal organizations to transport surplus buffalo from federal land onto Indian land.

NO TIME TO Waste Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023

New Opportunities for Technological Innovation, Mitigation, and Education To Overcome Waste Act or the NO TIME TO Waste Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take several actions to reduce U.S. food loss and waste (FLW). Under the bill, food loss means the food that does not reach a consumer as a result of an issue in the production, storage, processing, or distribution phase. Food waste means that food intended for human consumption is unconsumed for any reason at the retail or consumption phase. The bill requires USDA to collaborate with the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out a December, 17, 2020, agreement to coordinate federal efforts to cut FLW. Further, USDA must establish an Office of Food Loss and Waste to support the existing role of the Food Loss and Waste Liaison. The office must also, among other things, establish a grant program to support collecting data on existing state and local FLW policies (and the office must use the data to establish model policies for state and local governments); a block grant program for states and Indian tribes to develop and support food recovery infrastructure and innovative food distribution models; and a grant program to incentivize state, municipal, local, and tribal governments to establish public-private partnerships that commit to reducing FLW by 50% by 2030. The Office of Food Loss and Waste must also initiate a national FLW education and public awareness campaign.