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Bill· SS. 1034 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
Great Lakes Ecology Protection Act - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate and review regulations to prevent, to the maximum extent practicable, the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species in the Great Lakes. Calls upon such regulations to require, among other things, that: (1) requirements on new vessel construction be included to ensure that vessels entering service after January 1, 2005, minimize the transfer of organisms; and (2) technologies and practices implemented under this Act are environmentally sound treatment methods for ballast water and ballast sediments that prevent and control infestations of aquatic nuisance species. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to award Invasive Species and Ballast Water Technologies Research Grants to U.S. post-secondary educational institutions to study the impact of invasive species on the environment of the Great Lakes region, and to develop technologies and treatment methods, including ballast water tank technology, designed to destroy or remove such species.
Bill· SS. 1031 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
Authorizes additional appropriations to the United States Customs Service for salaries, expenses, and equipment to enhance investigative resources on the Southwest border, intensify efforts against drug smuggling and money laundering organizations, process cargo, reduce commercial and passenger traffic waiting times, and open all primary lanes during peak hours at ports on such border. Earmarks amounts for: (1) acquisition and other expenses associated with deployment of narcotics enforcement, cargo processing, and counterterrorism technology along the Southwest border; (2) maintenance and support of the equipment and training of personnel to maintain such equipment; (3) new technological equipment; (4) an increase in inspectors, special agents, canine enforcement officers, and general support positions during peak hours for the Southwest border; and (5) construction, improvement, and expansion of Customs Service facilities at Ports of Entry on such border.
Bill· SS. 1030 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
Rural Health Care Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) payment adjustment for low-volume hospitals; (2) revision in the Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payment adjustment for rural hospitals equalizing DSH payment amounts; (3) a single, standardized amount under the Medicare inpatient hospital prospective payment system (PPS); (4) treatment of certain physician pathology services; and (5) one-time opportunity of critical access hospitals to return to the Medicare inpatient hospital PPS. Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to establish: (1) a capital infrastructure revolving loan program under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services may make described loans to any rural entity for projects for capital improvements from the loan and loan guarantee fund under PHSA; (2) a high technology acquisition grant and loan program under which the Secretary may award grants and make loans to any eligible entity for any costs incurred by the entity in acquiring eligible equipment and services for improving the quality of health care in rural areas; and (3) a program of grants to eligible entities under which the Secretary shall award such grants to public or nonprofit private entities to establish telehealth resource centers for the health care needs of individuals in rural areas. Amends SSA title XVIII concerning: (1) rural health clinics and Medicare reimbursement; and (2) exclusion of certain rural health clinic services and federally qualified health center services from the Medicare PPS for skilled nursing facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 2157 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
Rural Health Care Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) revision in the Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payment adjustment for rural hospitals equalizing DSH payment amounts; (2) a single, standardized amount under the Medicare inpatient hospital prospective payment system (PPS); (3) treatment of certain physician pathology services; (4) elimination of the 15 percent reduction in payment rates under the Medicare PPS for home health services; (5) a permanent increase in the Medicare payment amount for home health services furnished in a rural area; and (6) exclusion of certain rural health clinic services and federally qualified health center services from the PPS for covered skilled nursing facility services. Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to establish: (1) a capital infrastructure revolving loan program under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services may make described loans to any rural entity for projects for capital improvements from the loan and loan guarantee fund under PHSA; (2) a high technology acquisition grant and loan program under which the Secretary may award grants and make loans to any eligible entity for any costs incurred by the eligible entity in acquiring eligible equipment and services for improving the quality of health care in rural areas; and (3) a program of grants to eligible entities under which the Secretary shall award such grants to public or nonprofit private entities to establish telehealth resource centers for the health care needs of individuals in rural areas. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income for income tax purposes any payments received under the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.
Bill· HRH.R. 2161 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
Motor Carrier Fuel Cost Equity Act of 2001 - Amends Federal transportation law to require any contract or agreement for truckload transportation or service regularly provided by a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder subject to the Secretary of Transportation and the Surface Transportation Board to include a requirement to assess a payer of transportation charges a minimum surcharge for fuel when the current price of fuel surpasses the $1.10 per gallon benchmark price by $0.05 per gallon. Requires the surcharge to be the amount necessary to compensate the person responsible for paying for fuel for the amount of increase in its cost. Allows any motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to include in any transportation contract or agreement a privately negotiated fuel cost adjustment provision designed to compensate the person responsible for paying for fuel for the increase in its cost. Requires any motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder providing transportation or service using motor vehicles not owned by it and using fuel not paid for by it to pass any fuel surcharge through to the person responsible for paying for fuel. Prohibits any reduction in compensatory transportation costs (other than the fuel surcharge) to, or the imposition of a fuel cost adjustment on, the payer of fuel for the purpose of adjusting for or avoiding the pass through or the payment of the fuel surcharge.
Bill· HRH.R. 2151 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
Commercial Truck Safety Pilot Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a three-year pilot program to improve commercial motor vehicle safety in the State of Maine. Requires the Secretary, during such period, to waive certain Federal vehicle weight limitations on certain combination vehicles weighing over 80,000 pounds using the Interstate System within Maine. Permits such vehicles that were permitted to use noninterstate Maine State highways under Maine vehicle weight laws as of the initiation date of the pilot program to use highways on the Interstate System in Maine even though they were not exempt from Federal vehicle weight limitations. Continues in effect certain Maine vehicle weight limitations with respect to certain vehicles that travel a specified section of the Maine Turnpike. Provides for the waiver to become permanent unless the Secretary determines it has resulted in an adverse impact on highway safety.
Bill· HRH.R. 2158 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001
Aircraft Clean Air Act of 2001 - Authorizes crew members or passengers that experience an aircraft air quality incident which results in their reporting a symptom consistent with exposure to neurotoxins or asphyxiants to file a request with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for: (1) the aircraft's mechanical and maintenance records; (2) the filtration media used in the aircraft's air supply system; and (3) the chemical constituents of products used in the maintenance, operation, or treatment of such aircraft to which a crew member or passenger may have been directly exposed. Sets forth a civil penalty for the failure of an air carrier to produce such records, media, or information. Directs the Administrator of the FAA to award a grant for an aeromedical research study to determine what cabin altitude must be maintained to provide sufficient oxygen to ensure that the short- and long-term health of 95 percent of a representative sample of cabin crew and passengers is not adversely affected.
Bill· SS. 1019 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2001
Aircraft Clean Air Act of 2001 - Authorizes crew members or passengers that experience an aircraft air quality incident which results in their reporting a symptom consistent with exposure to neurotoxins or asphyxiants to file a request with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for: (1) the aircraft's mechanical and maintenance records; (2) the filtration media used in the aircraft's air supply system; and (3) the chemical constituents of products used in the maintenance, operation, or treatment of such aircraft to which a crew member or passenger may have been directly exposed. Sets forth a civil penalty for the failure of an air carrier to produce such records, media, or information. Directs the Administrator of the FAA to award a grant for an aeromedical research study to determine what cabin altitude must be maintained to provide sufficient oxygen to ensure that the short- and long-term health of 95 percent of a representative sample of cabin crew and passengers is not adversely affected.
Bill· SS. 1015 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2001
Railroad Crossing Delay Reduction Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to address safety concerns and to minimize delays encountered by motorists that are caused by trains that block traffic at railroad grade crossings.
Bill· HRH.R. 2126 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2001
Department of Energy University Nuclear Science and Engineering Act - Instructs the Secretary of Energy, acting through the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, to support a program to maintain the nation's human resource investment and infrastructure in nuclear sciences and engineering. Directs the Secretary to: (1) promote interactions between university and Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories; and (2) provide student fellowships at DOE nuclear science laboratories. Authorizes appropriations through FY2006 that target: (1) graduate and undergraduate fellowships; (2) junior faculty research initiation grant programs; (3) nuclear engineering and education research programs; (4) communication and outreach related to nuclear science and engineering; (5) refueling research reactors and instrumentation upgrades; (6) re-licensing assistance; (7) reactor research and training award program; and (8) university-DOE laboratory interactions.
Bill· HRH.R. 2107 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2001
End Gridlock at Our Nation's Critical Airports Act of 2001 - Amends Federal aviation law to prohibit a State, local government, or political authority of at least two States from enacting or enforcing a law that: (1) requires a certificate of approval before the construction or operation of an airport development project at a covered airport (an airport that each year has at least .25 percent of the total annual boardings in the United States) if the project meets certain standards established by the Secretary of Transportation, whether or not such project is the subject of an approved airport improvement grant; or (2) prohibits, conditions, or otherwise regulates the direct application for, or receipt or expenditure of, an airport improvement grant or other funds by the sponsor of a covered airport for an airport development project at such airport if the project meets such standards.
Bill· HRH.R. 2101 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2001
Declares that it is U.S. policy that public lands be used for the siting of electric utility transmission facilities and other utility infrastructure before private property is acquired by condemnation for such purposes.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 158 (107th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2001
Designates majority membership on the House Committees on Government Reform; on Science; on Small Business; and on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Bill· HRH.R. 2093 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2001
Grants jurisdiction to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California to hear, determine, and render judgment on any claims of or on behalf of Rodney E. Hoover of Arroyo Grande, California, against the United States for personal injuries which he allegedly sustained in an accident on February 26, 1940, and in transport on March 4, 1940, while a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps in Beaver City, Nebraska. Deems the events giving rise to the alleged injuries to have occurred after January 1, 1945.
Bill· HRH.R. 2083 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2001
Safer Truck Act - Amends Federal highway law to authorize a State to allow a single unit truck or bus without a trailer to operate on the Interstate System while carrying up to 20 metric tons (44,080 pounds) of cargo, packaging, and load securement materials regardless of the overall weight of the vehicle, its axle weights, or weight of its safety and energy conservation devices if the cargo is evenly distributed in a compartment or combined compartments at least 40 feet long, the overall height of the vehicle and cargo does not exceed the width of the wheelbase, the axles are positioned at the extreme ends of the vehicle, the gross weight and certified empty weight of the vehicle (including detachable cargo compartments) are marked conspicuously on the front of the vehicle in contrasting three-inch or taller letters and numbers. Amends Federal transportation law to revise certain commercial motor vehicle width limitations on vehicles operating on the Interstate System and on Federal-aid highways to exclude from width calculations with respect to such limitations safety devices that reduce the possibility of death and injury if such devices fit entirely within the legal travel lanes of all roads upon which the vehicle operates.
Bill· HRH.R. 2075 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2001
National Defense Features Program Enhancement Act of 2001 - Requires the Federal Maritime Commission, in any case in which it finds that the failure of vessels built under the National Defense Features program to obtain employment in a trade route in the foreign commerce of the United States, together with long-term domination of that trade route by citizens of an allied nation, evidences the existence of restrictive trade practices, to counteract such practices utilizing all available remedies under the Foreign Shipping Practices Act of 1988.
Bill· HRH.R. 2047 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2001
Patent and Trademark Office Authorization Act of 2002 - Authorizes appropriations to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for salaries and expenses for FY 2002 in an amount equal to all patent and trademark fees collected in FY 2002. Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the Office to develop an electronic system for the filing and processing of patent and trademark applications that: (1) is user friendly; and (2) includes the necessary infrastructure to allow examiners and applicants to send all communications electronically, and to allow the Office to process, maintain, and search electronically the contents and history of each application. Requires the Director to develop and report to specified congressional committees on a five-year strategic plan to: (1) enhance patent and trademark quality; (2) reduce patent and trademark pendency; and (3) develop and implement an effective electronic system for use by the Office and the public for all aspects of the patent and trademark processes, including searching, examining, communicating, publishing, and making publicly available, patents and trademark registrations.
Bill· HRH.R. 2052 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2001
Sudan Peace Act - Declares that Congress condemns violations of human rights on all sides of the conflict in Sudan (including the Government of Sudan), the ongoing slave trade there, the Government's use and organization of "murahalliin" (or "mujahadeen"), Popular Defense Forces (PDF), and regular Sudanese Army units into raiding and slaving parties in Bahr al Ghazal, the Nuba Mountains, Upper Nile, and Blue Nile regions, and its aerial bombardment of civilian targets. Recognizes that the use of raiding and slaving parties is a tool for creating food shortages as a systematic means to destroy the societies, culture, and economies of the Dinka, Nuer, and Nuba peoples in a policy of low-intensity ethnic cleansing. Urges the President to make certain funds available for humanitarian assistance to the National Democratic Alliance. Authorizes the Secretary of State to utilize Department of State personnel for the support of ongoing negotiations, and eventual implementation of a peace settlement, between the Government of Sudan and opposition forces. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United Nations (UN) should be used as a tool to facilitate peace and recovery in Sudan. Prohibits business entities engaged in commercial activities in Sudan from trading their securities in any U.S. capital market unless they offer public disclosure of their activities in Sudan. Directs the President to develop a contingency plan to provide, outside UN auspices, the greatest amount of U.S. Government and privately donated relief to all affected areas in Sudan, including the Nuba Mountains, Upper Nile, and the Blue Nile regions, in the event the Government of Sudan imposes a ban on Operation Lifeline Sudan air transport relief flights. Directs the Secretary to collect information about possible war crimes by all parties to the conflict in Sudan, including slavery, rape, and aerial bombardment of civilian targets.
Bill· SS. 980 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2001
Child Passenger Protection Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to establish a safety standard for booster seats used in passenger motor vehicles as a form of child restraint. Directs the Secretary to complete a rulemaking proceeding to amend certain Code of Federal Regulations motor vehicle safety standards in order to: (1) require each seat belt assembly in the rear seats of a passenger motor vehicle to be a lap and shoulder belt assembly; and (2) apply such requirement to passenger motor vehicles beginning after the production year in which such regulations are prescribed in compliance with the implementation of a certain phase-in schedule. Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to extend the occupant protection incentive grants program for a two-year period. Amends Federal transportation law to authorize the Secretary to make: (1) a basic grant to any State that enacts a child restraint law by October 1, 2003; and (2) a supplemental grant to any such State if the child restraint law is an enhanced child restraint law. Sets forth certain grant requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 2046 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2001
Coastal Shipping Competition Act - Amends Federal shipping law to define "coastwise trade" to mean the transportation by water of merchandise or passengers, or the towing of a vessel between points, or dredging operations (except on navigable waters included in the inland waterways trade unless they occur on mixed waters) in the United States, on the Great Lakes, on the subjacent waters of the Outer Continental Shelf, and in the noncontiguous trade. Revises certain eligibility requirements for the documentation of a vessel to engage in U.S. coastwise trade to make certain vessels that are not titled in a State eligible for documentation. Authorizes a foreign qualified vessel, or a vessel of foreign registry that engages irregularly in U.S. coastwise trade, to be issued a U.S. coastwise certificate if the governments involved extend reciprocal privileges to U.S. vessels to engage in their coastwise trades. Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) certificate of documentation for inland waterways endorsement of vessels in U.S. coastwise trade; (2) transportation of merchandise in inland waterways trades; (3) penalties for transportation of passengers in vessels nondocumented with an inland waterways endorsement; (4) the towing of vessels (other than one in distress), and salvaging and dredging operations performed, by foreign registered vessels (in which the foreign country extends such reciprocal privileges to U.S. vessels) and vessels documented with an inland waterways endorsement; (5) penalties for the placing of a documented vessel, or operation of such vessel, under foreign registry; (6) district court jurisdiction over nonresident defendant employers that make use of U.S. ports with respect to personal injury and death actions by seamen; (7) application of international labor laws and environmental and certain other standards to all vessels operating in U.S. coastwise trade pursuant to international agreements; and (8) certain noncitizens irregularly engaging in U.S. coastwise trade.
Bill· SS. 965 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2001
Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from approving any application of a Mexico-domiciled motor carrier to transport cargo in foreign commerce across the U.S.-Mexico border until 30 days after the President certifies to Congress that: (1) such application shall not be approved unless such carrier demonstrates awareness of, and compliance with, U.S. requirements relating to drivers and motor carriers including safety, environmental, weight, insurance, and hazardous materials; (2) a full-time enforcement program with respect to such requirements, fully implementing certain recommendations, is in place, including the ability to enforce them at the U.S.-Mexico border and in each State; and (3) the cumulative impact of the approval of such application shall not endanger the health, safety, and welfare of U.S. citizens. Declares that the requirements of this Act shall not apply to an application with respect to operations by such carrier to provide service solely in a commercial zone along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Bill· HRH.R. 2029 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2001
Community Rail Line Relocation Assistance Act of 2001 - Amends Federal highway law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a grant program to provide financial assistance to States for up to 90 percent of the cost of local rail line relocation projects.
Bill· SS. 951 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2001 - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition and construction; (3) research and development; (4) retired pay; (5) environmental compliance; and (6) bridge alteration or removal. Authorizes: (1) the Coast Guard end-of-year strength for active duty personnel and its average military training student loads; (2) appropriations for Coast Guard operation of the LORAN-C system; (3) the Secretary of Transportation to accept for Coast Guard drug interdiction activities up to seven PC-170 patrol craft from the Department of Defense; (4) suspension of retired pay of a service member or former member who willfully remains outside the United States to avoid criminal prosecution or civil liability; (5) compensatory absence from duty for military Coast Guard personnel serving at isolated duty stations in certain circumstances; (6) the Coast Guard to provide fishing vessel safety training; (7) conveyance and 30-year lease-back of the Naval Reserve Pier property in Portland, Maine, to the Gulf of Maine Aquarium Development Corporation; and (8) a student pre-commissioning assistance program. Adds the Secretary of Transportation (when the Coast Guard is not operating under the Department of the Navy) to the required members of the Board of Governors of the United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO). Extends specified Coast Guard housing authorities. Allows a promotion selection board to recommend officers of particular merit for placement at the top of the list of selectees. Amends the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act to revise requirements regarding the waters on which vessels, dredges, and floating plants must carry a radiotelephone. Prohibits the Coast Guard from planning or implementing decommissioning of icebreaking vessels until replacements have been procured. Exempts certain passenger vessel service personnel from a requirement that a vessel employee have a merchant mariner's document. Extends time for recreational vessel and associated equipment recalls. Renames and extends the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Advisory Committee. Extends: (1) the Houston-Galveston Navigation Safety Advisory Committee; (2) the Lower Mississippi River Waterway Advisory Committee; (3) the Navigation Safety Advisory Council; (4) the Towing Safety Advisory Committee; and (5) the National Boating Safety Advisory Council. Requires the Coast Guard to: (1) study existing local harbor safety coordinating committees regarding cooperation with interested groups, organizational models, technological assistance, and recurring resources; and (2) test the feasibility of expanding the harbor safety committee concept to ceratin small and medium-sized ports. States that Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service pilots shall not be liable for damages related to their official assistance unless such assistance constitutes gross negligence or willful misconduct. Amends the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 to repeal certain endorsement revocation authority.
Bill· SS. 948 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001
Community Rail Line Relocation Assistance Act of 2001 - Amends Federal highway law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a grant program to provide financial assistance to States for up to 90 percent of the cost of local rail line relocation projects.
Bill· SS. 956 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001
Child Passenger Safety Act - Requires the Secretary of Transportation, if by October 1 of years beginning in 2004 a State has not enacted a child safety restraint law, to transfer specified percentages of Federal-aid highway funds from specified State apportionments to the apportionment for highway safety, to be used to implement a statewide comprehensive child and other passenger protection education program. Requires such a program to include instruction concerning proper seating positions for children in air bag equipped motor vehicles and instruction designed to increase the proper use of child restraint systems. Defines a "child safety restraint law" as one that prohibits driving a motor vehicle if a passenger under age 16 is not properly secured by a safety belt, unless the passenger is under age nine and is properly secured in a child safety seat.
Bill· SS. 959 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2001
Montana Rural Aviation Improvement Act - Amends Federal aviation law to require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in amending certain Federal aviation regulations in a manner affecting intrastate aviation in Montana, to consider the impact of severe weather conditions on Montana's aviation public and, on the basis of such considerations, establish regulatory distinctions consistent with those applied to the State of Alaska for mike-in-hand weather observation. Requires on-site weather observers who are employees of the FAA, the National Weather Service, the Federal Government, or the State to use a mike-in-hand weather observation and reporting technique (a routine practice by which a weather observer uses radio communication to report information on weather observations directly to a pilot requesting information, ensuring the pilot nearly real-time access to such information) to correct and supplement weather information derived from Automated Surface Observation Sensors (ASOS) at Service Level D sites in Montana.
Bill· HRH.R. 1979 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2001
Amends Federal aviation law with respect to the air traffic control contract program to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to an airport sponsor for: (1) the construction or improvement of a nonapproach control tower (effectively eliminating eligibility of Level I air traffic control towers for such grants); and (2) the acquisition and installation of air traffic control equipment to be used in a nonapproach control tower to assist in sustaining or improving the safe and efficient movement of air traffic. Revises eligibility requirements with respect to such grants.
Bill· HRH.R. 1976 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2001
International Environmental Defense Act of 2001 - Mandates that the authority of the Secretary of Defense to transport humanitarian relief supplies shall include the authority to transport supplies intended for responding to, or mitigating the effects of, an event or condition, such as an oil spill, that threatens serious harm to the environment.
Bill· SS. 927 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2001
Mobile Telephone Driving Safety Act of 2001 - Amends Federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to withhold five percent of specified FY 2004 highway funds from any State that has not enacted or is not enforcing a law that prohibits the use of a mobile telephone while operating a motor vehicle, except in case of an emergency or other exceptional circumstance. Increases the withheld amount to ten percent after FY 2004. Allows such a State law to permit the use of a mobile telephone with a device that permits hands-free operation of the telephone if the State determines that such use does not pose a threat to public safety.
Bill· HRH.R. 1942 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2001
Fatal Grade Crossing Accident Investigations Act - Amends Federal transportation law to require the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate all railroad grade crossing accidents that involve a fatality or substantial property damage.
Bill· HRH.R. 1889 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2001
Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), in cooperation with the Secretary of Education and the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to provide assistance for the creation and support of regional centers for the utilization of educational technologies (ETU Centers). Allows ETU Centers to be established at any intermediate school district, regional education service agency, institution of higher education, or consortium of such entities, and to include the participation of non-profit entities. Requires ETU Centers to enhance the use of educational technologies in elementary and secondary education through: (1) advice to school administrators, school boards, and teachers on adopting and using new educational technologies and the usefulness of local schools' existing educational technology assets and infrastructure; (2) participation of individuals from the private sector, universities, State and local governments, and other Federal agencies; (3) active dissemination of technical and management information about the use of educational technologies; and (4) appropriate use of the expertise and capabilities that exist in Federal laboratories and Federal agencies. Requires ETU Centers' activities to include: (1) active transfer and dissemination of research findings and ETU Center expertise to local school authorities; (2) training of teachers in integrating schools' existing educational technology infrastructure into their instructional design; (3) training and advising of teachers, administrators, and school board members in acquiring, using, and supporting educational technologies; (4) support services to teachers, administrators, and school board members; and (5) advising of teachers, administrators, and school board members on current skill set standards employed by private industry.
Bill· HRH.R. 1907 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2001
Racial Profiling Prohibition Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to withhold specified apportionments of Federal-aid highway funds for a State that has failed to: (1) adopt and enforce standards that prohibit the use of racial profiling; and (2) maintain and allow public inspection of specified statistical information on each motor vehicle stop made by a law enforcement officer on a Federal-aid highway in the State.
Bill· SS. 884 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2001
Southwest Border Port-of-Entry Infrastructure Improvement Act - Directs the Commissioner of Customs to update the Ports of Entry Infrastructure Assessment Study and develop priorities for port-of-entry infrastructure improvement projects in the United States (which may include port-to-Federal-highway connections) along the Southwest border. Establishes in the Department of Transportation the Southwest Border Infrastructure Fund. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants from the Fund to an eligible applicant through the North American Development Bank to pay the U.S. contribution of costs for projects to develop the physical port-of-entry infrastructure along the Southwest border in order to reduce the negative environmental impact, particularly with respect to air, soil, and water quality, associated with cross-border transportation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a site to carry out a port-of-entry technology demonstration program to test and evaluate new port-of-entry technologies, refine them as well as operational concepts, and train personnel under realistic conditions.
Bill· HRH.R. 1851 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2001
State Infrastructure Banks for Schools Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into cooperative agreements with States for the establishment of State infrastructure banks and multistate infrastructure banks to make loans to: (1) local educational agencies for building or repairing elementary or secondary schools which provide free public education; and (2) public libraries for building or repairing library facilities. Grants consent of Congress to the States to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Secretary, as well as an interstate compact, to establish a multistate infrastructure bank. Prescribes infrastructure bank requirements. Emphasizes that: (1) any infrastructure bank loan shall be used to supplement, not supplant other Federal, State, and local funds; and (2) the contribution of Federal funds into such infrastructure banks shall not be construed as a Federal commitment, guarantee, or obligation to any third party. Mandates review by the Secretary of the financial condition of each infrastructure bank.
Bill· HRH.R. 1831 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2001
Small Business Liability Protection Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to provide (with exceptions) that persons shall be liable for response costs at a National Priorities List (NPL) facility as non-owners or operators only if the total of material containing a hazardous substance that the business arranged for disposal, transport, or treatment of, or accepted for transport, was greater than 110 gallons of liquid material or 200 pounds of solid material. Applies this exemption only to activities taking place before April 1, 2001. Exempts a person from liability for response costs (with exceptions) at a NPL facility for municipal solid waste (MSW) as a non-owner or operator if the person is an owner, operator, or lessee of residential property from which all of the person's MSW was generated, or a certain small business or small charitable tax-exempt organization that generated all its MSW, with respect to the facility concerned. Makes nongovernmental entities that commence a contribution action liable to the defendant for all reasonable costs of defending the action if the defendant is not liable based on the above-described exemptions. Adds to the list of parties eligible for de minimis final settlements certain persons and businesses that demonstrate an inability or limited ability to pay response costs. Revises conditions of eligibility for such settlements for de minimis parties.
Bill· HRH.R. 1837 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2001
Call Responsibly and Stay Healthy Act 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to withhold five percent of specified Federal-aid highway funds from any State that has not enacted and is not enforcing a law that prohibits the use of a hand-held mobile telephone while operating a motor vehicle. Increases the amount to be withheld to ten percent after FY 2004. Permits such a State law to provide for an exemption to permit use of a hand-held telephone in the case of an emergency or with a device that permits hands-free operation of the telephone.
Bill· SS. 870 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2001
Multimodal Transportation Financing Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide for the treatment of qualified highway infrastructure project bonds as exempt facility bonds; (2) exclude mass commuting facilities from the definition of "private activity bond"; (3) modify the definition of high-speed intercity rail facilities; and (4) provide for the treatment of intermodal transfer facilities bonds as exempt facility bonds.
Bill· HRH.R. 1815 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2001
Automobile Fuel Economy Act of 2001 - Sets forth certain increased average fuel economy standards for certain light trucks, automobiles (up to 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight), and certain classes of vehicles in the Federal fleet that are manufactured or purchased after specified dates.
Bill· HRH.R. 1820 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2001
Military Infrastructure Transformation Act of 2001 - Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to authorize the President to elect to commence an additional round of military base closures and realignments by transmitting to the Senate nominations for the appointment of new members to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission. Allows the Secretary of Defense, as part of such submission, to explain to Congress the military necessity for further base closures and realignments. Requires the Secretary to amend the criteria to be used in making recommendations to develop a list of those installations to be excluded from the closure and realignment process. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary and the Commission should consider military force jointness when performing their base closure and realignment duties. Requires the Secretary, before preparing a list of recommended closures or realignments, to submit a list of core military installations considered absolutely essential to the national defense that should not be considered for closure which shall contain not more than 50 percent of the military installations inside the United States. Requires the Commission to consider such list, to determine whether there exists a military necessity for further base closures, and to submit its recommendations to the President for approval. Requires the Secretary to publish and transmit to the congressional defense committees and the Commission a final list of installations recommended for closure or realignment. Provides for presidential approval or disapproval, and eventual implementation, of such list. Directs the Commission to serve as an ombudsman during implementation.
Bill· HRH.R. 1792 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2001
Airline Customer Service Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to increase Department of Transportation (DOT) resources allocated to providing: (1) airline passenger consumer protection and related services; and (2) oversight and enforcement of laws and regulations that provide protection for air travelers. Amends Federal aviation law to require each large air carrier to incorporate in its contract of carriage: (1) the provisions of the Airline Customer Service Commitment executed by the Air Transport Association on June 17, 1999; and (2) its customer service plan developed in accordance with the Commitment. Requires each large air carrier to institute specified practices with respect to flight information disclosure, lowest fares, the on-time performance and cancellation rate for chronically-delayed or canceled flights, a customer service quality assurance and performance measurement system, realistic performance goals for reducing the number of mishandled bags, and comprehensive reports of frequent flyer redemption information. Requires the Secretary to initiate a rulemaking to amend DOT regulations to: (1) consider establishing a uniform check-in deadline and to require air carriers to disclose their policies on how such deadlines apply to passengers making connections; and (2) increase the maximum amount of denied boarding compensation for passengers denied boarding involuntarily (bumped). Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to establish minimum standards for resuscitation, emergency medical, and first-aid equipment and supplies to be carried on board an aircraft operated by an air carrier that is capable of carrying at least 30 passengers.
Bill· HRH.R. 1751 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2001
Water Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to remove restrictions on grants for construction of publicly owned treatment works that limit: (1) use for secondary or more stringent treatment only; and (2) the amount that may be obligated for implementation of nonpoint source management programs and groundwater protection activities that will advance implementation of nonpoint source pollution control programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2002 through 2006 for such grants and provides allotment rules regarding the grant formula, minimum percentage, the innovative projects set-aside, the reservation for bays and estuaries, and discretionary deposits in State water pollution control revolving funds.
Bill· HRH.R. 1704 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2001
Auto Choice Reform Act of 2001 - Authorizes motor vehicle insurers to offer a choice between the personal injury protection and tort maintenance systems prescribed by this Act. Deems persons who fail to select a type of insurance to have elected insurance under the tort maintenance system. Authorizes the appropriate State official to establish a consumer notification program regarding: (1) the comparative cost of insurance under the personal injury protection and tort maintenance systems; and (2) the benefits, rights, and obligations of the insurers and insureds under such systems. Requires insurers to provide such information to a consumer before the consumer chooses insurance. Prescribes minimum requirements for the personal injury protection system and the tort maintenance system. Exempts a State from application of this Act if the State: (1) declares by statute by a specified date that this Act shall not apply; or (2) finds that average premiums will not be reduced by an average of at least 30 percent for persons choosing the personal injury protection system.
Bill· HRH.R. 1741 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2001
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prohibit the commercial operation of civil supersonic transport aircraft that do not comply with stage 3 noise levels to or from a U.S. airport.
Bill· HRH.R. 1734 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2001
Airline Passenger Bill of Rights Act - Amends Federal aviation law to make it an unfair or deceptive practice or an unfair method of competition for a domestic or foreign air carrier to: (1) fail to provide a consumer full access to all the carrier's fares; (2) fail to disclose, without request, the on-time performance and cancellation rate for a chronically delayed or chronically canceled flight whenever a customer makes a reservation or purchases a ticket on such a flight; and (3) prohibit a customer from only using a portion of the ticket purchased (including using it only for one-way travel instead of round-trip) or assess an additional fee on such customer or any ticket agent that sold the ticket. Makes it an unfair or deceptive practice or an unfair method of competition for an air carrier, in the case of a termination, cancellation, nonrenewal, or substantial change in the competitive circumstances of the appointment of a ticket agent, to fail: (1) to provide written notice and a full statement of reasons at least 90 days before the action; and (2) to provide the ticket agent with at least 60 days to correct any deficiency. Specifies requirements and prohibitions with respect to airline passenger protection. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to consider whether a foreign air carrier has engaged in any unfair or deceptive practice or unfair method of competition in the preceding five years before issuing the carrier a certificate. Extends certain prohibitions against unfair methods of competition to any major air carrier that: (1) restricts a code share partner from entering into a code share agreement with another air carrier; (2) fails to utilize airport assets fully; and (3) refuses or fails to provide an underutilized airport asset to another carrier on fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory terms. Prescribes a maximum civil penalty for engaging in unfair methods of competition. Authorizes an air carrier to transfer a slot (take-off and landing rights at an airport) to another air carrier only upon the Secretary's approval. Requires a major air carrier, upon application by another air carrier or on the Secretary's own motion, to make gates, facilities, and other assets available to other air carriers on fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory terms. Directs the Secretary to investigate each hub airport (that has at least .25 percent of the total annual boardings in the United States) to determine whether, in the preceding five years, a dominant air carrier (that accounts for more than 40 percent of the total annual passenger boardings) at such airport has: (1) charged higher than average fares; or (2) limited competition by, or engaged in an unfair method of competition in response to, a new entrant air carrier. Directs the Secretary to issue final regulations defining flight delay and chronically delayed flights.
Bill· HRH.R. 1699 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2001
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2001 - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY 2002 as specified. Sets active duty strength levels and military training student loads for the Coast Guard.
Bill· HRH.R. 1680 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2001
Great Lakes Ecology Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species within the Great Lakes. Calls upon such regulations to require, among other things, the use of environmentally sound treatment methods for ballast water and ballast sediments in preventing and controlling infestations of aquatic nuisance species. Sets forth provisions requiring maximum public participation in, and advance notice of, proposed rulemaking with respect to such regulations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1686 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2001
Amends Federal aviation law to revise certain requirements regarding the issuance of airman certificates to limit to certificates for commercial operations the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator's authority to examine whether a pilot is physically able to perform duties related to being a pilot. Authorizes the Administrator, in the case of noncommercial airman certificates, to investigate only whether the individual is qualified for the position.
Bill· SS. 804 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2001
Automobile Fuel Economy Act of 2001 - Sets forth certain increased average fuel economy standards for certain light trucks, automobiles (up to 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight), and certain classes of vehicles in the Federal fleet that are manufactured or purchased after specified dates.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 125 (107th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2001
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the National Capital Planning Commission should adopt, and the President should implement, a plan that: (1) permanently returns Pennsylvania Avenue to the use of residents, commuters, and visitors to the nation's capital; and (2) protects the security of the people who live and work in the White House.
Bill· SS. 761 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2001
Native American Telecommunications Improvement and Value Enhancement Act - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program to make loans to eligible Indian tribes, or tribal entities that have entered into a partnership with a telecommunications carrier, to enable such tribes to provide for the development of telecommunications infrastructure (wireline or wireless) on lands under their jurisdiction. Outlines tribal eligibility requirements, including submission of a telecommunications plan. Establishes in the Treasury the Native American Telecommunications Improvement Revolving Fund to make loans and award grants to eligible tribes. Limits loan interest rates dependent upon tribal per capita income. Directs the Secretary to award grants to enable tribes to conduct feasibility studies with respect to telecommunications projects. Limits grants to $200,000. Terminates the program on the earlier of: (1) ten years after the first loan is made; or (2) the date on which the Secretary determines that the telecommunications penetration rate is at least 90 percent of all households on reservation lands.