Transport

Rural Outdoor Investment Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Highway Administration relating to "Waiver of Buy America Requirements for Electric Vehicle Chargers".

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) titled Waiver of Buy America Requirements for Electric Vehicle Chargers and published on February 21, 2023. The rule temporarily waives the Buy America requirements for steel, iron, manufactured products, and construction materials in electric vehicle (EV) chargers. FHWA defines an EV charger to mean the EV charger unit itself and the equipment contained inside it. EV charger housing components that are predominantly steel and iron are excluded from the waiver and must meet current FHWA Buy America requirements. The FHWA final rule waives Buy America requirements for all EV chargers and components that are manufactured from the effective date of this waiver until June 30, 2024. Further, the final assembly must occur in the United States and the installation must begin by October 1, 2024. Beginning with EV chargers manufactured on July 1, 2024, the FHWA phases out waiver coverage for those previously covered EV chargers where the cost of U.S. manufactured components does not exceed 55% of the total components cost. (Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, more than 55% of the components of manufactured goods must be obtained from U.S. manufacturers and sources.) This waiver remains in place until terminated by the FHWA.

HOV Lanes for Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

HOV Lanes for Heroes Act This bill provides authority for a public authority to allow a disabled veteran to use a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) facility if such veteran has a license plate that clearly identifies the vehicle, a registered transponder, or other method of qualifying identification. The public authority may not charge a toll to the veteran for use of the HOV facility.

Expedited Federal Permitting for California Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

Expedited Federal Permitting for California Act This bill expands a Department of Transportation (DOT) program that allows up to two states to approve environmental reviews for certain transportation projects under state laws and regulations instead of under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).  Specifically, the bill makes permanent a pilot program that allows DOT to approve a state to participate in a program to conduct environmental reviews and approve permits for certain transportation projects if DOT (with the concurrence of the Council on Environmental Quality) determines that the state laws and regulations are at least as stringent as the federal NEPA requirements. The bill also expands project eligibility for the program to include certain federally funded airport and port development projects.

To authorize livestock producers and their employees to take crested caracaras in order to prevent the death of or injury or destruction to livestock, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

This bill allows livestock producers and their employees to take certain actions against crested caracaras to protect livestock. (Crested caracaras are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.) Specifically, livestock producers and their employees may (1) take (i.e., capture, kill, disperse, or transport) a crested caracara that they reasonably believe will cause death, injury, or destruction to livestock; or (2) in the course of taking or attempting to take the crested caracara, cause injury to the bird. Livestock producers and their employees must submit an annual report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on crested caracaras taken under this bill. The FWS must make this reporting form available on its website. Currently, the FWS has a special permit process under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for the taking of crested caracaras. 

Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund Act of 2023 This bill establishes the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to fund the procurement, test, deployment, and post-deployment enhancements of aviation security checkpoint technology. The TSA must fund this program using airport passenger security fees that are currently collected by the TSA.

A resolution recognizing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for 50 years of safety education.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

This resolution recognizes the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for 50 years of safety education and improving the ride for motorcycle riders across the United States.

Equitable Transit Oriented Development Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023 This bill defines the standards that apply to sustainable aviation fuel at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA must issue or revise regulations as necessary to provide that the bill's definition of sustainable aviation fuel applies to (1) all aircraft flown to, from, or within the United States; and (2) all programs established, administered, or overseen by the FAA. Under the bill, sustainable aviation fuel means liquid fuel, the portion of which is not kerosene, which (1) meets specific international standards, (2) is not derived from coprocessing specific materials (e.g., triglycerides) with a non-biomass feedstock, (3) is not derived from palm fatty acid distillates or petroleum, and (4) is certified as having a lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reduction percentage of at least 50% compared with petroleum-based jet fuel (based on specific standards and agreements).

Food Supply Chain Capacity and Resiliency Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

Food Supply Chain Capacity and Resiliency Act This bill allows the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand the Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program. The program may guarantee loans to support new investments in the start-up or expansion of projects in the United States that will increase U.S. food supply chain capacity to aggregate, process, manufacture, store, transport, wholesale, or distribute food. In awarding loan guarantees under this bill, USDA must give preference to loans for projects that create jobs in economically distressed communities or to help create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain. USDA must prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this program. The bill specifies that USDA must use the amounts made available to carry out this bill to supplement, and not supplant, funds provided under other federal, state, or local law. 

Expressing opposition to Central Business District Tolling Program of New York City.

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2023

This resolution disapproves of the Central Business District Tolling Program of New York City and strongly recommends that (1) New York conduct an economic impact report on the program, and (2) relevant federal agencies and New York halt the program's implementation. The tolling program, also known as congestion pricing, will charge drivers a toll to enter an area designated as Manhattan's central business district.

To amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the non-premium war risk insurance program.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

This bill extends the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Non-premium War Risk Insurance Program through FY2025. This program provides aviation insurance without a premium to eligible air carriers at the request of the Department of Defense or another federal agency, provided that the agency agrees to indemnify the FAA from all losses covered under the insurance. Eligible air carriers include those whose operations are under a federal contract and are necessary for national security or to carry out U.S. foreign policy.   

Recognizing that the United States needs to support and strengthen mothers in the workforce by investing in the Mom Economy.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

This resolution express support for policies and infrastructure to adequately support mothers in the workforce.

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 This bill provides FY2024 appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy (DOE), and several independent agencies. The bill provides appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, including for Investigations; Planning, Engineering, and Design; Construction; Mississippi River and Tributaries; Operation and Maintenance; the Regulatory Program; the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program; Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies; Expenses; the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works; and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of the Interior for the Central Utah Project and the Bureau of Reclamation. The bill provides appropriations to DOE for energy programs, including Industrial Emissions and Technology Coordination; Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response; Electricity; Grid Development; Nuclear Energy; Fossil Energy and Carbon Management; Energy Projects; Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves; the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve; the Energy Information Administration; Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup; the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund; Science; Nuclear Waste Disposal; Technology Transitions; Clean Energy Demonstrations; the Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy; the Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program; the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program; the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program; Indian Energy Policy and Programs; Departmental Administration; and the Office of the Inspector General. The bill also provides appropriations to DOE for Atomic Energy Defense Activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration, Environmental and Other Defense Activities, and the Power Marketing Administrations. The bill provides appropriations to several independent agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

A resolution recognizing that the United States needs to support and empower mothers in the workforce by investing in the Mom Economy.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

This resolution express support for policies and infrastructure to adequately support mothers in the workforce.

Ensuring Fee-Free Benefit Transactions Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Ensuring Fee-Free Benefit Transactions Act of 2023 This bill makes permanent the prohibition on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit transaction fees. The current prohibition expires at the end of FY2023. The bill also specifies that the prohibition applies to states (and any agent, contractor, or subcontractor of a state who facilitates the provision of SNAP benefits) for costs for fraud prevention tools, coverage of infrastructure costs, and other costs associated with updating the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) processing infrastructure. 

Securing American Future from Exploitative Communist Autonomous Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Securing American Future from Exploitative Communist Autonomous Research Act or the SAFE CAR Act This bill prohibits certain Chinese-manufactured motor vehicles and equipment (or those of a foreign adversary) that do not meet U.S. safety standards from being imported into or sold in the United States.   Specifically, a person domiciled in China or a manufacturer who is under the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or the Chinese government may not import into or sell in the United States any motor vehicle or equipment that the Department of Transportation (DOT) determines poses a U.S. security risk.  Further, a motor vehicle may not be granted an exemption from certain safety standards (e.g., for autonomous driving technology testing) if the vehicle manufacturer is under the control of or shares information with the CCP or the Chinese government. DOT may revoke the existing registration for an exemption for a low-volume manufacturer if the manufacturer is determined to be a U.S. security risk and is owned by, or located in, a country that is classified as a foreign adversary. An intermediate or final stage manufacturer must also certify (for vehicle safety standard compliance requirements) that (1) DOT has determined that the manufacturer is not a threat to security, and (2) it is not under the control of and does not share information with the CCP or the Chinese government. 

Securing Global Telecommunications Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Securing Global Telecommunications Act This bill requires the Department of State develop and submit to Congress a strategy to promote the use of secure telecommunication infrastructure in countries other than the United States. The State Department must also report to Congress on (1) efforts by China and Russia to advance authoritarian interests or oppose fair, industry-led processes at the International Telecommunication Union, the U.N. agency involved with setting telecommunications standards and related regulatory activities; and (2) opportunities for greater collaboration with allies and partners to promote secure information and communications technology infrastructure in countries other than the United States.

Trucking Workforce Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Trucking Workforce Improvement Act This bill repeals the final rule of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that established new minimum training standards for entry-level commercial motor vehicle operators.

Transportation for Reentry Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Transportation for Reentry Act This bill requires certain Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant recipients to provide free public transportation to returning individuals (i.e., individuals who have been incarcerated for at least one year in federal or state prison).  Specifically, the bill requires recipients of FTA financial assistance under the Urbanized Area Formula Grants Program and the Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program to carry out a reentry service program. A grantee must provide reentry service for a one-year period beginning on the returning individual's release date. The bill also establishes certain program requirements for grantees (e.g., to create an enrollment system for returning individuals). The Department of Transportation (DOT) may reimburse a grantee for the cost of providing the reentry service, including for indirect costs (e.g., the costs to develop and implement the program and operational costs). DOT must issue such regulations as necessary to carry out these requirements. This includes regulations that (1) promote the coordination of providing technical assistance to grantees, (2) promote the marketing of the reentry service, and (3) clarify the treatment of a returning individual who resides in different locations. The bill also directs the Government Accountability Office to submit a report to Congress on the implementation of the reentry service program. 

Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a cybersecurity circuit rider program to provide cybersecurity technical assistance for rural water and wastewater systems. The program must be structured similarly to the USDA Circuit Rider Program. (Under this program, USDA provides technical assistance to rural water systems that serve areas with populations of 10,000 or fewer people and are experiencing day-to-day operational, financial, or managerial issues.) Specifically, the cybersecurity circuit rider program must provide technical assistance to rural water or wastewater systems to provide rapid assessments of the system's current ability or inability to respond to cybersecurity threats and protect cyber infrastructure, develop reasonable protocols to enhance cybersecurity protection, provide assistance to address inadequate cyber protection plans, and document a system's current state of water supply cyber protection.         

Experienced Pilots Save Lives Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Jimmy Deal Trafficking Survivors Assistance Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 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. 

State and Local General Sales Tax Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

State and Local General Sales Tax Protection Act This bill specifies that certain requirements for aviation fuel tax revenue are limited to excise taxes on aviation fuel. Current law requires that an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant recipient provide assurances that the proceeds from state and local taxes on aviation fuel will be used for the capital or operating costs of the airport or local airport system. Under current Federal Aviation Administration policy, this requirement applies to any tax on aviation fuel, regardless of whether the tax is imposed only on aviation fuel or is imposed on other products as well as aviation fuel. This bill specifies that the AIP grant requirements apply only to state and local excise taxes on aviation fuel. The requirements do not apply to (1) state or local general sales taxes, or (2) state or local generally applicable sales taxes.

Provide Logistical Aid to airports via advanced Nuclear Energy Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2023

Provide Logistical Aid to airports via advanced Nuclear Energy Act or the PLANE Act This bill directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and other agencies to establish procedures to deploy microreactors at airports. A microreactor is an advanced nuclear reactor, including a portable nuclear reactor, that has an electricity generating capacity of not more than 20 megawatts of electricity and not more than 100 megawatts of thermal energy. Specifically, deployment procedures must be established to respond to a primary power source disruption event stemming from a natural disaster. The FAA, the NRC, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Energy must collaborate to establish these procedures to deploy microreactors as soon as practicable.  After these procedures are finalized, the FAA must update the agency's guidance to consider the use of microreactors in airport emergency plans. Further, the FAA must update the airport emergency plan requirements to encourage certified airports to consider utilizing microreactors to provide backup power in the case of an emergency event that results in a primary power source disruption. 

Transportation Megaprojects Accountability and Oversight Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Transportation Megaprojects Accountability and Oversight Act This bill sets forth additional requirements for certain recipients of National Highway System assistance for a megaproject. (A megaproject is a project that has an estimated total cost of $2.5 billion or more.) Specifically, the bill requires a recipient of federal financial assistance for a megaproject to  submit to the Department of Transportation (DOT) a comprehensive risk management plan that contains, among other things, a description of the process for identifying, quantifying, and monitoring the risks that might result in cost overruns, delays, reduced construction quality, or reduced megaproject benefits; establish a peer review group that consists of at least five individuals to give expert advice on the scientific, technical, and project management aspects of the megaproject; and publish specific information online, including the name, license number, and license type of each engineer supervising an aspect of the megaproject. DOT must make arrangements with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine under which the board must convene a transportation megaprojects committee. These requirements apply to projects that are authorized for construction beginning at least one year after the bill's enactment. 

Incentivizing Value Capture for Greener Transportation Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Supporting Commercial Fishing in Port Infrastructure Projects Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Supporting Commercial Fishing in Port Infrastructure Projects Act This bill modifies the Maritime Administration's (MARAD's) Port Infrastructure Development Program to allow MARAD to award grants for port infrastructure development projects that support the loading and unloading of commercially harvested fish and fish products.  

Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging Grant Program Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging Grant Program Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Transportation to establish a program that awards grants for projects to construct, install, or improve existing wireless charging infrastructure and technology for electric vehicles, including performance, safety, electromagnetic compatibility, interoperability, development, and testing of wireless charging. State and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, transit agencies, and other eligible entities may apply for the grants.

Interactive Federal Review Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Interactive Federal Review Act This bill revises the environmental review process for federal-aid highway projects. Specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must encourage recipients of federal highway funding to utilize interactive, digital, cloud-based platforms when carrying out environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA); select at least 10 federal-aid highway projects to demonstrate the use of interactive, digital, cloud-based platforms in carrying out the environmental impact analysis and community engagement processes under NEPA; and publish technology-neutral best practice guidance to encourage sponsors of projects that receive federal funds from DOT to use an interactive, digital, cloud-based platform in carrying out the environmental impact analysis and community engagement processes required under NEPA.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

FRIDGE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Fortifying Refrigeration Infrastructure and Developing Global Exports Act of 2023 or the FRIDGE Act of 2023 This bill expands the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program to include funding for technical assistance for infrastructure-related projects to ensure U.S. agricultural commodities are not damaged or lost due to infrastructure deficiencies in new and developing markets. This Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) program funds projects that address long-term opportunities to reduce foreign import constraints or expand export growth opportunities. Specifically, the bill directs FAS to enter into contracts or other agreements with trade organizations to enhance the infrastructure capabilities (including cold chain capacity and port improvements) in new and developing foreign markets through needs assessments, training, and other technical assistance.

Accelerating Small Business Growth Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Accelerating Small Business Growth Act This bill establishes a grant program within the Department of Transportation for states, local governments, tribes, and certain public transit authorities to assist small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals compete for federal contracts for infrastructure projects.

Interactive Federal Review Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Interactive Federal Review Act This bill revises the environmental review process for federal-aid highway projects. Specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must encourage recipients of federal highway funding to utilize interactive, digital, cloud-based platforms when carrying out environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA); select at least 10 federal-aid highway projects to demonstrate the use of interactive, digital, cloud-based platforms in carrying out the environmental impact analysis and community engagement processes under NEPA; and publish technology-neutral best practice guidance to encourage sponsors of projects that receive federal funds from DOT to use an interactive, digital, cloud-based platform in carrying out the environmental impact analysis and community engagement processes required under NEPA.

Driving for Opportunity Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

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

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 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 adjudicator within the CBP Office of Field Operations. An image adjudicator must (1) review nonintrusive inspection images of vehicles and cargo entering or exiting the United States; (2) assess whether such vehicles and cargo contain contraband, illicit drugs, weapons, or persons seeking to unlawfully enter the United States; and (3) refer suspicious vehicles and cargo for further inspection by a CBP officer. The bill also establishes the position of supervisory image adjudicator with additional responsibilities, including receiving and reporting intelligence to the National Targeting Center about techniques used by malign actors to transport contraband, illicit drugs, weapons, and persons seeking to unlawfully enter the United States. The bill establishes annual training requirements for both image adjudicator and supervisory image adjudicator 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.

LINC VA Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Leveraging Integrated Networks in Communities for Veterans Act or the LINC VA Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a pilot program to establish community integration network infrastructure to provide services for veterans. Under the bill, community integration network infrastructure means infrastructure used to enable the coordination, alignment, and connection of specified entities for communication, service coordination, and referral management of services (e.g., transportation services). The pilot program must be conducted at not fewer than one VA facility in each Veterans Integrated Service Network (i.e., regional system of VA care). The Government Accountability Office must evaluate and report on the overall impact of the community integration network infrastructure established under the pilot program with respect to specified factors, such as the changes in access to health care or social services among veterans. The VA must collect, as part of routine screenings, information related to social determinants that may factor into the health of a veteran. The VA must consider data privacy and how to prevent data blocking and promote interoperability in the implementation of this bill.

BLUE Pacific Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Boosting Long-term U.S. Engagement in the Pacific Act or the BLUE Pacific Act This bill requires and authorizes activities related to U.S. foreign policy in the Pacific Islands, which includes the Cook Islands, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu. The bill authorizes various activities in the Pacific Islands, including to assist the Pacific Islands to improve public health outcomes and build public health capacity; assist efforts to promote the dissemination of free and accurate information; promote educational and professional development for young adult leaders and professionals; provide assistance to promote sustainable and quality basic education in the Pacific Islands; build the capacity of local civilian and national security institutions; expand trade capacity and promote regional development; help enhance preparedness for and resilience to natural disasters and other emergencies, including by improving critical infrastructure; support sustainable fisheries policies and marine biodiversity conservation; support efforts to expand access to broadband and improve telecommunications infrastructure; and help improve cybersecurity, including by providing assistance to develop and implement incident response plans and risk management frameworks. The bill also requires (1) the Department of State to help Pacific Island countries access development support from international organizations, (2) the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to seek to enter into investment incentive agreements with Pacific Islands countries, and (3) the Department of Commerce to expand the presence of the U.S. Commercial Service and increase the number foreign commercial officers in the Pacific Islands.

Vessel Tracking for Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Vehicle Innovation Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Vehicle Innovation Act of 2023 This bill authorizes through FY2028 Department of Energy (DOE) activities to support the research, development, and commercialization of innovative vehicle technologies in partnership or collaboration with industry, fuel producers and energy suppliers, electric utilities, universities, and laboratories. DOE must conduct a research and development program on materials, technologies, and processes with the potential to substantially reduce petroleum use and the emissions of U.S. passenger and commercial vehicles, including in the areas of natural gas and hydrogen vehicle technologies, electrification of vehicle systems, and hydraulic hybrid technologies. DOE must seek opportunities to leverage resources and support initiatives of state and local governments in developing and promoting advanced vehicle technologies, manufacturing, and infrastructure. The bill also requires DOE to carry out a research, development, and commercial application program for advanced vehicle manufacturing technologies and practices, including innovative processes to increase the production rate and decrease the cost of advanced battery and fuel cell manufacturing. In addition, DOE must conduct a program on advanced technologies for medium- to heavy-duty commercial, vocational, recreational, and transit vehicles; conduct a competitive grant program to demonstrate the integration of multiple advanced technologies on Class 8 trucks and trailers; and undertake a pilot program for technologies to improve total machine or system efficiency for nonroad mobile equipment (e.g., agricultural, construction, air, and seaport equipment).

Water Infrastructure Enhancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

General Aviation Airport Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

General Aviation Airport Access Act This bill requires public use airports that have received certain federal grants or property conveyances to provide transient general aviation aircraft parking on or near the existing apron in specific circumstances. A transient general aviation aircraft is an aircraft that is not owned or operated by an air carrier and is seeking to park temporarily at an airport. Specifically, transient general aviation aircraft parking must be provided on or near the existing apron when a pilot or owner of the aircraft does not need or request fuel or use other related services from the airport or a fixed-base operator at the airport. A fixed-base operator is a business that is operating on an airport or heliport and provides aeronautical services, such as fueling, rentals, and parking. A public use airport may assess a fee on a transient general aviation aircraft for using the transient apron; the fee must be fair, reasonable, transparent, and publicly available. It must also exclude any extraneous or hidden costs. A controlled access airport or a fixed-base operator at the airport may not charge a fee for a pilot or passenger to transit between their transient general aviation aircraft parked on the transient apron and a place outside the airport's perimeter fence, whether or not the individual must pass through a building.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that authorities under section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 should be allowed to expire.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

This resolution states that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the authorities under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 should be allowed to expire at the end of 2023. (Section 702 establishes procedures for collecting foreign intelligence when communications travel through the U.S. communications infrastructure.)   

NTIA Reauthorization Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

National Telecommunications and Information Administration Reauthorization Act of 2023 or the NTIA Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) through FY2025 and modifies its structure and functions. Specifically, the bill promotes the head of the NTIA to an Under Secretary of the Department of Commerce. It also provides statutory authority for two NTIA offices focused on public safety communications and international telecommunications policy, respectively. Further, the bill provides statutory authority for the NTIA Office of Spectrum Management and otherwise revises the management of spectrum resources (electromagnetic frequencies used to transmit signals and data, including wireless internet). For example, the bill (1) sets out procedures for disclosing federal concerns and related information regarding spectrum actions, and (2) requires the NTIA to develop technologies and carry out other activities to enhance efficiency in the use of spectrum resources and facilitate sharing of the resources. In addition, the bill expands the role of the NTIA with respect to cybersecurity. This includes requiring the NTIA to carry out a cybersecurity literacy campaign, report on the information and communications technology supply chain and the cybersecurity of mobile networks, and provide technical assistance and outreach to small communications providers concerning Open RAN networks and other open network architectures. The NTIA also must (1) develop and implement a strategy to close the digital divide, and (2) establish an interagency process to consider the law enforcement and national security implications of foreign ownership interests when licensing or authorizing telecommunications systems and infrastructure.

PRIME Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

Performance, Resources, Inclusion, Matters, for Equity Act or the PRIME Act This bill requires the Department of Education to award competitive grants to covered institutions for athletic programs and facilities. Covered institution refers to an institution of higher education with an endowment fund that is less than $900,000,000 and that has an athletic program with an annual operating revenue that is less than $20,000,000. Grant recipients may use these funds to (1) develop, maintain, or enhance any facility, equipment, or infrastructure (e.g., stadiums, gyms, or fields) for any athletic program offered by the institution; or (2) purchase and maintain materials, sporting equipment, and uniforms needed to conduct or produce a live sporting event in accordance with the most recent guidelines issued by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, or the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.  

Metropolitan Planning Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2023

Aircraft Noise Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2023

Aircraft Noise Reduction Act This bill allows a general aviation airport to make reasonable adjustments to air traffic and training patterns of noncommercial charter flights for the purposes of implementing aircraft noise limitations. A general aviation airport is a public-use airport that does not have scheduled service or that has scheduled service with less than 2,500 passenger boardings per year.  Specifically, upon the request of a general aviation airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must consult with the airport and provide for reasonable adjustments to air traffic and training patterns that do not otherwise violate law. No federal funds may be withheld from, withdrawn from, or denied to a general aviation airport based solely on an activity carried out under this bill.  In the case of an emergency, the FAA may reject or temporarily restrict an accommodation to a general aviation airport to implement aircraft noise limitations. Further, the Department of Transportation must update current regulations, as necessary, to allow general aviation airports to implement effective noise abatement measures, as determined appropriate by general aviation airport owners and operators. 

Election Security Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 July 2023

Election Security Assistance Act This bill addresses security threats to federal elections. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to jointly report on foreign threats to elections in the United States, including physical and cybersecurity threats. This annual report must be submitted to Congress and chief state election officials. Additionally, the bill requires the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to jointly establish a voluntary process to test for and monitor covered voting systems for cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The EAC must also establish a process to provide for the deployment of appropriate labeling available through the EAC's website to indicate that covered voting systems passed the most recent cybersecurity testing. The bill requires federal entities to share information with DHS regarding election cybersecurity incidents. The bill also requires DHS to share information with state and local officials regarding election cybersecurity incidents.   

Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 3 July 2023

Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act of 2023 This bill allows the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to insure a mortgage taken out by a condominium association for the purpose of repairs, improvements, or alterations to any common system, infrastructure, or facility of the condominium. The bill also allows the FHA to insure a mortgage taken out by a condominium unit owner to pay for special assessments charged by the association for repairs, improvements, or alterations to any common system, infrastructure, or facility of the condominium.