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Bill· SS. 963 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2003
Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard, upon the decommissioning of the Coast Guard Cutter Bramble, to convey all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to such vessel to the Port Huron Museum of Arts and History (the recipient), Port Huron, Michigan, if the recipient meets specified conditions. Includes among such conditions that it: (1) use the vessel for purposes of education and historical display; and (2) hold the Government harmless for claims arising from exposure to asbestos and other hazardous materials after the conveyance.
Bill· SS. 964 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2003
Small Community and Rural Air Service Revitalization Act of 2003 - Amends Federal transportation law to reauthorize the essential air service (EAS) program through FY 2007. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a marketing incentive program for eligible EAS communities receiving assistance under which the airport sponsor in such a community may receive a grant of not more than $50,000 to develop and implement a marketing plan to increase passenger boardings and the level of passenger usage of its airport facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide up to $50,000 in technical assistance to any State within which an eligible EAS community is located to assist them to develop methods to increase passenger boardings. Directs the Secretary to establish certain pilot programs if the entire amount authorized to be appropriated for EAS pilot programs is appropriated for FY 2004 through 2007. Specifies among such pilot programs: (1) one for up to ten communities or consortia of communities under which an airport sponsor may elect to forego any EAS assistance for a ten-year period in exchange for a grant equal to twice the annual EAS assistance received for the most recently ended calendar year; and (2) one for up to ten communities or consortia under which, upon receiving the airport sponsor's petition, the Secretary shall authorize and request the EAS provider to use smaller equipment and consider increasing the frequency of service using such equipment. Requires the Secretary, subject to the same condition, to establish pilot programs under which: (1) airport sponsors share the cost of providing air transportation service greater than basic EAS; and (2) designated EAS communities located in proximity to hub airports are required to assume ten percent of their EAS subsidy costs for a three-year period. Authorizes the Secretary to increase the rates of compensation payable without regard to any agreements or requirements relating to the renegotiation of contracts, if essential air service providers are experiencing significantly increased costs of providing service (an average monthly cost increase of ten percent or more).
Bill· SS. 959 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2003
Amends Federal aviation law to prohibit the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, solely by reason of a person's age if 65 years old or younger, from: (1) refusing to issue to, or renew for, such person an airman certificate for the operation of a commercial aircraft; or (2) requiring an air carrier to terminate the employment of, or refuse to employ, such person as a pilot on such aircraft. Applies this prohibition only with respect to persons who have not reached age 64 as of the enactment of this Act.
Bill· SS. 957 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2003
Flight Attendant Certification Act - Amends Federal taransportation law to require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to prescribe standards for cabin crew training and certification. Requires all new and existing cabin crew members to be certified by the Administrator after successful completion of an air carrier's training program consisting of: (1) initial and emergency training; (2) air carrier specific training related to aircraft types and operator's certificate; and (3) submission by the air carrier to the Administrator confirming such completion. Declares that the Administrator shall be prohibited from granting an air carrier a waiver of cabin crew training requirements or an exemption from any part of such requirements. Requires a cabin crew member, to qualify for a cabin crew certificate, to successfully: (1) complete the training requirements established by the Administrator, including all initial, air-carrier specific training, emergency, transition, differences, recurrent, and requalification training; (2) complete the cabin security and self-defense training requirements established by the Transportation Security Administrator; and (3) perform the assigned duties of a cabin crew member and complete the approved proficiency check, under the supervision of a certified instructor or supervisor, for not less than five hours of initial operating experience.
Bill· SS. 14 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2003
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Energy Policy Act of 2003 - Title I: Oil And Gas - Subtitle A: Production Incentives - (Sec. 101) Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to make permanent: (1) the authority of the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary throughout this Act, unless otherwise indicated) to operate the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; and (2) standby energy authorities regarding the International Energy Program, including summer fill and fuel budgeting programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on petroleum and natural gas storage capacity and operational inventory levels, nationwide and by major geographical regions. (Sec. 103) Sets forth a program for the payment of oil and gas royalties in kind upon demand of the Secretary. Restricts such payments to a determination by the Secretary that the royalties provide benefits to the United States greater than, or equal to those likely to have been received had royalties been taken in value. Authorizes the Secretary, in disposing of gas or oil royalty taken in kind, to grant a preference to any person, including any State or Federal agency, for the purpose of providing additional resources to any Federal low-income energy assistance program. (Sec. 104) Prescribes conditions for: (1) royalty rate reductions on marginal property and the termination of such rates; and (2) royalty relief for deep water production in certain parts of the Gulf of Mexico. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary to inventory, analyze, and report to Congress on oil and natural gas resources beneath all of the waters of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. (Sec. 107) Extends royalty relief to certain Planning Areas offshore Alaska. (Sec. 108) Prescribes procedures for Federal remediation and closure for orphaned, abandoned, or idled oil and gas wells on lands administered by Federal land management agencies. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 109) Directs the Secretary to promulgate final royalty incentive regulations for natural gas produced from deep wells and ultra deep wells in certain shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. (Sec. 110) Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize easements on Federal lands on which easements are otherwise prohibited in order to support energy production, including oil and natural gas exploration and development. (Sec. 111) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to grant impact assistance payments, according to specified guidelines, to Producing Coastal States with an approved Coastal Impact Assistance Plan, and to coastal political subdivisions. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2009. (Sec. 112) National Energy Data Preservation Program Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a National Energy Data Preservation Program, including an Energy Data Archive System. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 through 2007. (Sec. 113) Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to exempt from its oil and gas lease acreage limitation any lease committed to a federally approved unit or cooperative plan, or communitization agreement, or for which royalty, including compensatory royalty or royalty-in-kind, was paid in the preceding calendar year (thus removing acreage limitations from oil and gas leases granted royalty relief under this Act). (Sec. 114) Instructs the Secretary of Energy to assess and report to Congress on the economic implication of the dependence of the State of Hawaii on oil as its principal source of energy. Subtitle B: Access to Federal Lands - (Sec. 121) Directs the President to establish the Office of Federal Energy Permit Coordination to report annually to Congress on activities to coordinate and expedite Federal decisions on energy projects. (Sec. 122) Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish a Federal Permit Streamlining Pilot Project; and (2) inventory for Congress oil and gas resources on all onshore Federal lands and restrictions or impediments to resource exploration, production, and transportation. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 123) Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in order to ensure timely action on oil and gas leases and applications for permits to drill on lands otherwise available for leasing, to: (1) ensure expeditious compliance with certain requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; (2) improve consultation and coordination with the States; (3) improve the collection, storage, and retrieval of information related to such leasing activities; and (4) improve inspection and enforcement of oil and gas activities, including enforcement of terms and conditions in permits to drill. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2007. (Sec. 125) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to review and report to Congress on the current policies and practices with respect to management of Federal subsurface oil and gas development activities and their effects on the privately owned surface. (Sec. 126) Instructs the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands, and the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest System lands, to designate and incorporate utility corridors in the eleven contiguous Western States into the relevant Federal land use and resource management plans. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to do the same with affected Federal agencies in the other States. Subtitle C: Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline - Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act - (Sec. 133) Prescribes parameters for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authorization of an Alaska natural gas transportation project other than the system authorized under the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Act of 1976, following an expedited approval process. Declares that no license, permit, lease, right-of-way, authorization, or other approval required under Federal law for the construction of any pipeline to transport natural gas from lands within the Prudhoe Bay oil and gas lease area may be granted for any pipeline that follows a route that: (1) traverses the submerged lands beneath, or the adjacent shoreline of, the Beaufort Sea; and (2) enters Canada at any point north of 68 degrees North latitude. (Sec. 135) Authorizes FERC, upon request, to order the expansion of such project if it determines that such expansion is required by the present and future public convenience and necessity. Specifies requirements FERC must meet before ordering such an expansion. (Sec. 136) Establishes the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects to: (1) coordinate the expeditious discharge of all activities by Federal agencies with respect to an Alaska natural gas transportation project; and (2) ensure Federal agency compliance. Denies any Federal officer or agency authority to include terms and conditions that are permitted, but not required by law on any authorization issued to an Alaska natural gas transportation project, if the Federal Coordinator determines that such terms and conditions would prevent or impair the expeditious construction, operation, or expansion of the project. Prohibits any Federal officer or agency from modifying or abrogating any authorization issued to an Alaska natural gas transportation project if the Federal Coordinator determines that such action would prevent or impair expeditious project construction, operation, or expansion. (Sec. 137) Grants the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia original and exclusive jurisdiction for judicial review of final orders by any Federal agency or officer relating to the project. (Sec. 138) Deems any facility receiving natural gas from the Alaska natural gas transportation project for delivery to consumers within Alaska to be a local distribution facility under the Natural Gas Act, and so not subject to FERC jurisdiction. (Sec. 139) Directs the Secretary of Energy to study and report to Congress on alternative approaches to the construction and operation of the project. (Sec. 141) Expresses the sense of Congress that an Alaska natural gas transportation project will provide significant economic benefits to the United States and Canada. Urges the sponsors of the pipeline project to make every effort to: (1) use steel manufactured or produced in North America; (2) negotiate a project labor agreement to expedite pipeline construction; and (3) maximize the participation of small business concerns in contracts and subcontracts awarded in carrying out the project. (Sec. 142) Declares the sense of Congress that an Alaska natural gas transportation project will provide significant economic benefits to the United States and Canada. Directs the Comptroller General study and report to Congress on the extent to which small business concerns participate in the construction of oil and gas pipelines in the United States. (Sec. 143) Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to award grants to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development to train adult and dislocated workers in the skills required to construct and operate an Alaska gas pipeline system. (Sec. 144) Cites conditions under which the Secretary of Energy may offer Federal loan guarantee instruments for qualified infrastructure projects(defined as pipelines and related transportation and production systems used to transport natural gas from the Alaska North Slope to the continental United States). Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 145) Expresses the sense of Congress that natural gas delivered from Alaska's North Slope will neither displace nor reduce the commercial viability of Canadian natural gas produced from the McKenzie Delta, nor production from the Lower 48. Title II: Coal - Subtitle A: Clean Coal Power Initiative - (Sec. 201) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 through 2011 for a Clean Coal Power Initiative campaign that includes grants to universities to establish Centers of Excellence for Energy Systems of the Future. Subtitle B: Federal Coal Leases - (Sec. 211) Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to: (1) repeal the 160-acre limitation for coal leases; and (2) modify mining plans and advance royalty payments. Subtitle C: Powder River Basin Shared Mineral Estates - (Sec. 221) Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) undertake a review of existing authorities to resolve conflicts between the development of Federal coal and the development of Federal and non-Federal coalbed methane in the Powder River Basin in Wyoming and Montana; and (2) report to Congress on alternatives to resolve these conflicts, and to identify any preferred alternative, including specific legislative language required to implement such alternative. Title III: Indian Energy - Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act of 2003 - (Sec. 302) Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to establish the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs to promote comprehensive Indian energy activities and tribal energy resource development through a program of grants and loans. (Sec. 303) Prescribes implementation guidelines governing leases, business agreements, and rights-of-way involving Indian energy development or transmission. Directs the Administrators of the Bonneville Power Administration and of the Western Area Power Administration to encourage Indian tribal energy development through programs within their respective Administrations, including power allocations and purchases. (Sec. 304) Declares the Dine Power Authority (an enterprise of the Navajo Nation) eligible to receive grants and other assistance for development of a transmission line from the Four Corners Area (Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona) to southern Nevada, including related power generation opportunities. (Sec. 305) Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to promote energy conservation in housing located on Indian land and assisted with Federal resources. Title IV: Nuclear Matters - Subtitle A: Price-Anderson Act Amendments - Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2003 - (Sec. 402) Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to modify and extend indemnification authority and liability limits for Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensees, Department of Energy (DOE) contractors, and for nonprofit educational institutions. Subtitle B: Deployment of New Nuclear Plants - Nuclear Energy Finance Act of 2003 - (Sec. 421) Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide financial assistance to supplement private-sector financing projects needed for energy security, fuel, technology diversity, or clean air attainment goals. Subtitle C: Advanced Reactor Hydrogen Co-Generation Project - (Sec. 431) Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish an Advanced Reactor Hydrogen Co-Generation Project managed by the Office of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology. (Sec. 433) Designates the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory as the lead laboratory for the Program, providing the site for the reactor construction. (Sec. 435) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2008 and beyond. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Matters - (Sec. 441) Amends the USEC Privatization Act to revise requirements governing aggregate annual uranium sales and transfers by the Federal government for commercial nuclear power end uses. Sets increasing ceilings on aggregate annual deliveries of uranium in any form, from 3 million pounds U3O8 equivalent per year through calendar 2009 to 10 million pounds in calendar 2013 and thereafter. Makes the recovery and extraction of the uranium component from contaminated uranium bearing materials from U.S. Government sites by commercial entities the preferred method of making uranium available under this subtitle. Exempts from the uranium sale or transfer limits of this subtitle certain sales or transfers: (1) provided for under existing law for use by the Tennessee Valley Authority in relation to DOE high-enriched uranium or tritium programs; (2) to the DOE research reactor sales program; (3) of up to 3,293 metric tons of uranium to the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) to replace uranium that the Secretary transferred to it (before its privatization in July 1998) on or about June 30, 1993, April 20, 1998, and May 18, 1998, and that does not meet commercial specifications; (4) of any uranium for emergency purposes in the event of a disruption in supply to end users in the United States; (5) of any uranium in fulfillment of the U.S. Government's obligations to provide security of supply with respect to implementation of the Russian HEU Agreement; and (6) of any enriched uranium for use in an advanced commercial nuclear power plant in the United States with nonstandard fuel requirements. (Sec. 442) Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program to decommission and decontaminate the sodium-cooled fast breeder experimental test-site reactor in northwest Arkansas in accordance with an August 31,1998, DOE report. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Renewable Energy - Subtitle A: General Provisions - (Sec. 501) Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) publish annual reports based upon assessments of renewable domestic energy resources, including solar, wind, biomass, ocean (tidal and thermal), geothermal, and hydroelectric energy; and (2) undertake new assessments as necessary, taking into account changes in market conditions, available technologies, and other relevant factors. (Sec. 502) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to prescribe incentive payments for renewable energy production facilities. Instructs the Secretary to assign 60 percent of appropriated funds for any given year to facilities that use solar, wind, geothermal, or closed-loop ( defined as dedicated energy crops) biomass technologies to generate electricity if there are insufficient appropriations to make full payments for electric production from all qualified renewable energy facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to alter such percentage requirements after transmitting to Congress the reasons to do so. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 through 2023. (Sec. 503) Instructs the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to recommend to Congress any opportunities to develop renewable energy on public lands within their respective jurisdictions. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to: (1) study the potential for the development of wind, solar, and ocean (tidal and thermal) energy on the Outer Continental Shelf; (2) assess existing Federal authorities for the development of such resources; and (3) recommend statutory and regulatory mechanisms for such development. (Sec. 504) Requires Federal purchases of renewable energy to escalate in accordance with certain percentage guidelines. (Sec. 505) Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) update energy surveys, estimates, and assessments for certain insular areas; and (2) revise the comprehensive energy plan for such insular areas in order to reduce reliance on energy imports and to increase use of renewable energy resources and energy efficiency opportunities. Subtitle B: Hydroelectric Licensing - (Sec. 511) Amends the Federal Power Act to prescribe guidelines for hydroelectric licensing applicants to propose alternative conditions and requirements for project works, including fishways, within a Federal reservation. Prescribes procedures for acceptance or rejection of such alternative proposals. Subtitle C: Geothermal Energy - (Sec. 521) Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to revise guidelines governing leasing and permitting for geothermal development of public and National Forest System lands, including those withdrawn for military purposes. Repeals the current limitation of competitive bidding to leases of lands within known geothermal resources areas, and of noncompetitive bidding to leases of lands outside such areas. Requires the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary for this subtitle) to accept nominations at any time from companies and individuals of lands to be leased under such Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) hold a competitive lease sale at least once every two years for lands in a State in which there are nominations pending where such lands are otherwise available for leasing; and (2) make available for a two-year period for noncompetitive leasing any tract for which a competitive lease sale is held, but for which the Secretary does not receive any bids in the competitive lease sale. (Sec. 522) Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to submit to Congress a joint memorandum of understanding regarding leasing and permitting for geothermal development of public and National Forest System lands under their respective jurisdictions. Prescribes memorandum details. (Sec. 523) Instructs the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to report jointly Congress on leasing and permitting activities for geothermal energy on Federal lands withdrawn for military purposes. (Sec. 524) Authorizes the Secretary to reinstate a lease terminated for failure to pay rent timely if the failure was inadvertent. (Sec. 525) Directs the Secretary to: (1) promulgate a final regulation providing a simplified methodology for determining the amount or value of the steam for purposes of calculating the royalty due on geothermal production; and (2) establish a schedule of fees and collect fees in lieu of royalties with respect to the direct use of low temperature geothermal resources for purposes other than the generation of electricity. Subtitle D: Biomass Energy - (Sec. 532) Prescribes implementation guidelines for a biomass commercial utilization grant program to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior with respect to public and Indian lands and by the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to the National Forest System. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. Title VI: Energy Efficiency - Subtitle A: Federal Programs - (Sec. 601) Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to revise energy reduction goals and performance requirements for Federal buildings, including: (1) a timetable for reduced energy consumption; (2) metering of energy use; (3) revised Federal building energy efficiency performance standards; (4) permanent authority to enter into energy savings performance contracts; and (5) Federal procurement guidelines for energy efficient products. (Sec. 606) Directs the Architect of the Capitol to develop and implement a cost-effective energy conservation and management plan for all facilities administered by Congress. (Sec. 607) Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to set forth implementation guidelines for increased use of recovered mineral component in federally funded projects involving procurement of cement or concrete. (Sec. 608) Authorizes Federal agencies to participate in programs, including utility energy services contracts, conducted by gas, water and electric utilities and generally available to their customers, to increase energy efficiency, water conservation, or the management of electricity demand. (Sec. 609) Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to examine and report to Congress on whether the goals of energy efficiency standards are best served by measurement of energy consumed, and efficiency improvements, at the actual site of energy consumption, or through the full fuel cycle, beginning at the source of energy production. Subtitle B: State and Local Programs - (Sec. 611) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to local governments, private non-profit community development organizations, and Indian economic development organizations for: (1) a low-income community energy efficiency pilot program; and (2) State energy offices to improve energy efficient public buildings and facilities. (Sec. 612) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to the appropriate State agency to assist local government units to improve the energy efficiency of public buildings and facilities through construction and renovation projects. (Sec. 613) Creates a Federal fund allocation program to implement a State energy efficient appliance rebate program. Subtitle C: Consumer Products - (Sec. 621) Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to revise energy conservation standards for specified additional consumer and commercial electrical products. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to initiate a rulemaking to consider the effectiveness of the current consumer products labeling program. Authorizes the Secretary or the FTC, as appropriate, to prescribe labeling requirements for certain additional products. (Sec. 623) Establishes a voluntary program at the DOE and at the Environmental Protection Agency to identify and promote energy-efficient products and buildings (Energy Star Program). (Sec. 624) Instructs the Secretary of Energy to implement a consumer education program that also targets small businesses owners regarding energy savings resulting from properly conducted maintenance of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Subtitle D: Public Housing - (Sec. 631) Amends the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993 and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, respectively, to: (1) authorize within Federal assistance for low-income public housing programs: (1) energy efficient, affordable housing and residential energy conservation measures; and (2) increase the amount of financial assistance for public services for energy conservation and efficiency. (Sec. 633) Amends the National Housing Act to revise Federal Housing Administration mortgage insurance incentives for energy efficient housing. (Sec. 635) Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to include within the scope of grants for energy-conserving improvements in assisted housing the installation of energy and water conserving fixtures and fittings that conform to specified standards. (Sec. 637) Requires a public housing agency to purchase energy-efficient appliances that are Energy Star products or FEMP-designated products. (Sec. 638) Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to substitute the "2000 International Energy Conservation Code" for the current statutory energy efficiency standard known as the "CABO Model Energy Code, 1992." (Sec. 639) Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to develop and implement an integrated strategy to reduce utility expenses through cost-effective energy conservation and efficiency measures and energy efficient design and construction of public and assisted housing. Title VII: Transportation Fuels - Subtitle A: Alternative Fuel Programs - (Sec. 701) Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to cite circumstances that permit an agency to qualify for a waiver of the alternative fuel use requirement applicable to Federal light duty vehicles. (Sec. 702) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to drop the 20 percent biodiesel fuel volume requirement applicable to the allocation of biodiesel fuel use credits. (Sec. 703) Redefines alternative fueled vehicle to include a neighborhood electric vehicle. (Sec. 704) Prescribes guidelines for the allocation of Federal credits for: (1) the purchase of medium and heavy duty dedicated vehicles; (2) alternative fuel infrastructure investments. (Sec. 707) Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the effect that titles III, IV and V of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 have had on the development of alternative fueled vehicle technology, its market availability, and the cost of alternative fueled light duty motor vehicles. (Sec. 708) Authorizes the States to permit a vehicle with fewer than two occupants to operate in high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes if it is a dedicated vehicle. (Sec. 709) Prescribes alternative compliance guidelines for waivers of statutory requirements governing petroleum fuel reduction and clean air requirements for alternative fueled vehicles and for the fleets of new light duty motor vehicles. Prescribes requirements for issuance of credits for the acquisition and use of dedicated vehicles (new qualified hybrid motor vehicles, light, medium, or heavy duty vehicles, and neighborhood electric vehicles). Subtitle B: Automobile Fuel Economy - (Sec. 711) Amends Federal transportation law to expand the considerations affecting decisions by the Secretary of Transportation concerning maximum feasible average fuel economy, and to direct such Secretary to issue an environmental assessment of the effects of the increased standards upon the environment. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 713) Raises the mandatory standard for average fuel economy of new executive agency (Federal fleet) automobiles. (Sec. 714) Directs the Secretary of Energy, in cooperation with the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to establish a cost-shared, public-private research partnership to develop and demonstrate railroad locomotive technologies that increase fuel economy, reduce emissions, and lower costs of operation. (Sec. 715) Directs the Secretary to analyze the potential fuel savings and emissions reductions resulting from use of idling reduction technologies as they are applied to heavy-duty vehicles. Declares that, in order to promote reduction of fuel use and emissions due to engine idling, the maximum gross vehicle weight limit and the axle weight limit for any motor vehicle equipped with an idling reduction technology certified by DOE will be increased by an amount (up to 400 pounds) necessary to compensate for the additional weight of the idling reduction system. Title VIII: Hydrogen - Subtitle A: Basic Research Programs - George E. Brown, Jr. and Robert S. Walker Hydrogen Future Act of 2003 - (Sec. 802) Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to revamp guidelines governing hydrogen research, development, and demonstration. Renames the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Committee the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 803) Instructs the Secretary to: (1) implement a research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program on advanced hydrogen-powered vehicle technologies (authorizing appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008); (2) establish an interagency task force to coordinate Federal hydrogen and fuel cell energy activities; and (3) contract with the National Academies to review and report to Congress on the status of Federal hydrogen and fuel cell energy activities. Subtitle B: Demonstration Programs - Directs the Secretary to establish a program for demonstration and commercial application of: (1) hydrogen-powered vehicles and associated hydrogen fueling infrastructure in a variety of transportation-related applications (authorizing appropriations for FY 2006 through 2010); (2) hydrogen fuel cells in stationary applications (authorizing appropriations for FY 2006 through 2010); (3) fuel cells and associated hydrogen fueling infrastructure in countries where an energy infrastructure is not already well developed (authorizing appropriations for FY 2006 through 2010); (4) hybrid distributed power systems on certain Indian lands (authorizing appropriations for FY 2005 through 2008); and (5) distributed generation systems to significantly reduce the cost of producing hydrogen from renewable energy for use in fuel cells (authorizing appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008). (Sec. 814) Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior to study and report jointly to Congress on energy needs and uses at National Parks, and the potential for fuel cell and other hydrogen-based technologies to meet them. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to fund at least three pilot projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 and 2005. Subtitle C: Federal Programs - (Sec. 821) Directs the Secretary to conduct a public education program designed to increase public interest and acceptance of hydrogen energy and fuel cell technologies. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 822) Requires Federal agencies with annual outlays of over $20 million to submit a comprehensive hydrogen transition strategic plan to Congress. (Sec. 823) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to establish minimum Federal fleet purchase requirements for hydrogen vehicles. (Sec. 824) Directs the President to seek to ensure that the total amount of electric energy consumed by the Federal Government during any fiscal year shall be generated by stationary fuel cells in accordance with prescribed percentages and timetable. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 and following years. (Sec. 825) Directs the Secretary to publish and transmit to Congress a plan identifying critical technologies, enabling strategies and applications, technical targets, and associated timeframes for the commercialization of hydrogen-fueled fuel cell vehicles. Title IX: Research and Development - Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2003 - (Sec. 902) Directs the Secretary to conduct energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application programs that target: (1) energy efficiency; (2) diversity of energy supply; (3) decreasing dependence on foreign energy; (4) energy security; and (5) decreasing environmental impact of energy-related activities. Subtitle A: Energy Efficiency - (Sec. 911) Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement initiatives that target research, development, and commercial application (R&D) in the following areas: (1) energy efficiency; (2) Next Generation Lighting Initiative; (3) a National Building Performance Initiative; (4) secondary electric vehicle battery use; and (5) energy efficiency science initiative. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. Subtitle B: Distributed Energy and Electric Energy Systems - (Sec. 921) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008 for distributed energy and electric energy systems, including micro-cogeneration energy technology. (Sec. 922) Directs the Secretary to: (1) transmit to Congress a strategy for a comprehensive R&D program for certain hybrid distributed power systems; (2) establish a comprehensive research, demonstration, and commercial application program to improve energy efficiency of high power density facilities; and (3) make competitive, merit-based grants to consortia for the development of micro-cogeneration energy technology. (Sec. 935) Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to coordinating consortia of interdisciplinary participants for demonstrations designed to accelerate the utilization of distributed energy technologies, such as fuel cells, microturbines, reciprocating engines, thermally activated technologies, and combined heat and power systems, in highly energy intensive commercial applications. (Sec. 926) Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish the Office of Electric Transmission and Distribution to implement a comprehensive R&D program to ensure the reliability, efficiency, and environmental integrity of electrical transmission and distribution systems. Subtitle C: Renewable Energy - (Sec. 931) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008 for renewable energy R&D activities. (Sec. 932) Instructs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a bioenergy R&D program; (2) initiate a partnership encompassing diesel engine, diesel fuel injection system, and diesel vehicle manufacturers, including diesel and biodiesel fuel providers, in order to include biodiesel testing in advanced diesel engine and fuel system technology; and (3) conduct a R&D program for concentrating solar power for hydrogen production, including co-generation approaches for hydrogen and electricity. (Sec. 935) Directs the Secretary to conduct R&D programs for: (1) ocean energy, including wave energy; (2) the combined use of renewable energy technologies with one another and with other energy technologies, including the combined use of wind power and coal gasification technologies; and (3) renewable energy technologies for cogeneration of hydrogen and electricity. Subtitle D: Nuclear Energy - (Sec. 941) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008 for core nuclear energy R&D programs. (Sec. 942) Instructs the Secretary to conduct a nuclear energy research initiative that encompasses: (1) a Nuclear Energy Plant Optimization Program; (2) Nuclear Power 2010 Program; (3) Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems Initiative; (4) reactor production of hydrogen; (5) nuclear infrastructure support; and (6) advanced fuel recycling technology R&D. (Sec. 944) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish fellowship and faculty assistance programs, including support for fundamental research and for collaborative research among industry, national laboratories, and universities through the Nuclear Energy Research Initiative; (2) conduct a R&D program on cost-effective technologies for increasing the safety of nuclear facilities; and (3) furnish Congress with results of a survey regarding industrial applications of large radioactive sources. Subtitle E: Fossil Energy - (Sec. 951) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008 for fossil energy R&D activities. (Sec. 952) Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct R&D programs pertaining to specified oil and gas applications, including fuel cells; (2) establish a national center or consortium of excellence in clean energy and power generation; (3) conduct an R&D program on coal mining technologies; (4) conduct a coal and related technologies research program; and (4) establish a Complex Well Technology Testing Facility at the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center to increase the range of extended drilling technologies. Subtitle F: Science - (Sec. 961) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008 for R&D activities of the Office of Science. (Sec. 962) Prescribes guidelines for United States participation in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project (ITER). (Sec. 963) Directs the Secretary to report on the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) as part of the DOE annual budget submission, including a description of the achievement of milestones, a comparison of actual costs to estimated costs, and any changes in estimated project costs or schedule. Specifies maximum DOE obligations for the SNS. (Sec. 964) Instructs the Secretary to develop and implement a strategy for science and energy facilities and infrastructure at all national laboratories and single-purpose research facilities. (Sec. 965) Directs the Secretary to support research programs that target the following areas: (1) catalysis research; (2) nanoscale science and engineering; (3) advanced scientific computing for energy missions; (4) the Genomes to Life Program; (5) fission and fusion energy materials; and (6) energy-related issues regarding water resources and municipal waterworks, including water supply issues related to energy production. Subtitle G: Energy and Environment - (Sec. 971) Directs the Secretary to establish a United States-Mexico Energy Technology Cooperation Program to promote energy efficient, environmentally sound economic development along the United States-Mexico border which minimizes public health risks from industrial activities in the border region. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 972) Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary to provide a $125 million loan to the owner of the experimental plant constructed under DOE cooperative agreement number DE-FC-22-91PC90544 on such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines, including interest rates and upfront payments. Subtitle H: Management - (Sec. 982) Directs the Secretary to require a non-Federal source commitment of at least: (1) 20 percent of R&D project costs; and (2) 50 percent of direct costs of any demonstration or commercial application project. (Sec. 984) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish National Energy R&D Advisory Boards to review DOE programs in energy efficiency, renewable energy, nuclear energy, and fossil energy; (2) designate a Technology Transfer Coordinator to perform oversight of and policy development for technology transfer activities at the Department; (3) establish a Technology Transfer Working Group and a Technology Infrastructure Program; and (4) require the Director of each National Laboratory to establish a small business advocacy and assistance program. (Sec. 988) Requires the Secretary to report to Congress identifying any policies or procedures of a contractor operating a National Laboratory or single-purpose research facility that create disincentives to the temporary transfer of scientific and technical personnel among the contractor-operated National Laboratories or contractor-operated single-purpose research facilities and provide suggestions for improving inter-laboratory exchange of scientific and technical personnel. (Sec. 989) Directs the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to Congress on: (1) the obstacles to accelerating the R&D cycle for energy technology; and (2) the adequacy of DOE policies and procedures pertaining to technology transfer-related disputes between DOE contractors and the private sector. (Sec. 994) Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to: (1) rename the Under Secretary of Energy the Under Secretary for Energy and Science, who shall serve as the Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary; and (2) replace the Director of the Office of Science with an Assistant Secretary for Science. Declares the sense of Congress that the leadership for departmental missions in nuclear energy should be at the Assistant Secretary level. Increases from six to seven the number of Assistant Secretaries in the DOE. (Sec. 995) Amends the Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act to authorize appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 996) Grants the Secretary additional authority to enter into transactions on such terms as the Secretary may deem appropriate in furtherance of R&D functions. Exempts such transactions from certain provisions of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974. (Sec. 997) Directs the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to investigate and report (ultimately to Congress) on the scientific and technical merits of any evaluation methodology currently in use or proposed for use in relation to DOE scientific and technical programs by the Secretary or other Federal official. Title X: Personnel and Training - (Sec. 1001) Directs the Secretary to monitor trends in the workforce of skilled technical personnel supporting energy technology industries, including renewable energy industries, companies developing and commercializing devices to increase energy efficiency, the oil and gas industry, the nuclear power industry, and the coal industry. Authorizes traineeship grants for skilled technical personnel for whom a national shortfall of skilled technical personnel is determined. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 1002) Directs the Secretary to establish postdoctoral and distinguished senior energy research fellowships. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008. (Sec. 1003) Instructs the Secretary of Labor, jointly with the electric industry and with recognized employee representatives, to develop training guidelines for electric energy industry personnel. (Sec. 1004) Directs the Secretary to support the establishment of a National Center on Energy Management and Building Technologies to facilitate improved energy efficiency and indoor air quality in industrial, commercial, and residential buildings. (Sec. 1005) Amends the Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act to direct the Secretary to: (1) give priority to activities designed to encourage students from under-represented groups to pursue scientific and technical careers; and (2) instruct the Director of each National Laboratory to enter into partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and Indian tribal colleges to train personnel in science or engineering. (Sec. 1006) Directs the Secretary to support establishment of a National Power Plant Operations Technology and Education Center to train certified operators for electric power generation plants. (Sec. 1007) Instructs the Secretary of Labor to hire, train, and deploy additional skilled Federal mine inspectors to ensure the availability of skilled and experienced individuals and to maintain the number of Federal mine inspectors at or above authorized levels. Title XI: Electricity - Subtitle A: Reliability - (Sec. 1111) Amends the Federal Power Act to grant FERC, for purposes of approving reliability standards and enforcing compliance, jurisdiction over the Electric Reliability Organization, over regional entities, and over all users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system. Prescribes implementation guidelines. Exempts Alaska and Hawaii from such provisions. Subtitle B: Regional Markets - (Sec. 1121) Remands for reconsideration by FERC a certain proposed rulemaking on standard market design. Prohibits issuance of any final rule thereon before July 1, 2005. (Sec. 1122) Expresses the sense of Congress that all transmitting utilities in interstate commerce should voluntarily become members of independently administered Regional Transmission Organizations (RTO's) that have operational or functional control of facilities used for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce and do not own or control generation facilities used to supply electric energy for sale at wholesale. (Sec. 1123) Prescribes guidelines under which the appropriate Federal regulatory authority may arrange to transfer control and use of all or part of the Federal utility's transmission system to an RTO. (Sec. 1124) Directs FERC to: (1) convene regional discussions with State regulatory commissions to address whether wholesale electric markets in each region are working effectively to provide reliable service to electric consumers at the lowest reasonable cost; and (2) give priority to discussions in regions that do not have an RTO. Subtitle C: Improving Transmission Access and Protecting Service Obligations - (Sec. 1131) Requires FERC to: (1) ensure that certain load-serving entities (defined as a distribution utility or an electric utility that has a service obligation to end-users or a distribution utility) are entitled to use firm transmission rights in order to deliver energy to meet service obligations; and (2) facilitate the planning and expansion of transmission facilities to meet the needs of load-serving entities to satisfy their service obligations. (Sec. 1132) Prescribes implementation guidelines under which FERC may require an unregulated transmitting utility to provide transmission services: (1) at rates comparable to those that it charges itself; and (2) on terms and conditions comparable to those under which it provides transmission services to itself and that are not unduly discriminatory or preferential. (Sec. 1133) Instructs FERC to issue a final rule establishing transmission pricing policies that promote investment in transmission infrastructure. Subtitle D: Amendments to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 - (Sec. 1141) Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require each electric utility to: (1) make available upon request net metering and time-based metering service; and (2) provide competitive pricing and access to the local distribution grid to distributed generation, combined heat and power, and district heating and cooling systems. (Sec. 1145) Declares that no electric utility shall be required to enter into a new contract or obligation to purchase electric energy from a qualifying cogeneration facility or a qualifying small power production facility (qualifying facility) if FERC finds that the qualifying facility has access to an independently administered, auction-based day ahead and real time wholesale market for the sale of electric energy. Declares that no electric utility shall be required to enter into a new contract or obligation to sell electric energy to a qualifying facility if competing retail electric suppliers are able to provide electric energy to the facility. Grandfathers existing contracts. Eliminates ownership limitations for such facilities. (Sec. 1146) Instructs FERC to promulgate regulations to ensure recovery by any electric utility of all costs associated with the purchases of electricity or capacity from a qualifying facility before the date of enactment of this Act. Subtitle E: Provisions Regarding the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 - (Sec. 1152) Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. (Sec. 1153) Mandates Federal and State access to books and records of each holding company and its affiliates. Subtitle F: Market Transparency, Anti-Manipulation and Enforcement - (Sec. 1171) Amends the Federal Power Act to require FERC to issue rules establishing an electronic information system for public access to information that facilitates price transparency and participation in markets subject to FERC jurisdiction, including information about the availability and market price of wholesale electric energy and transmission services. Prohibits the filing of false information regarding the wholesale price of electricity, and round trip trading. (Sec. 1173) Increases civil and criminal penalties for violations of the Act. Subtitle G: Consumer Protections - (Sec. 1181) Instructs the Federal Trade Commission to issue rules: (1) protecting the privacy of electric consumers from the disclosure of consumer information in connection with the sale or delivery of electric energy to a retail electric consumer; (2) prohibiting the change of selection of an electric utility without the electric consumer's informed consent (slamming); and (3) prohibiting the sale of goods and services to an electric consumer without express authorization by law or the electric consumer (cramming). Subtitle H: Technical Amendments - (Sec. 1191) Amends the Federal Power Act to make technical amendments to reflect the changes made by this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1889 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2003
Flight Attendant Certification Act - Amends Federal taransportation law to require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to prescribe standards for cabin crew training and certification for individuals working in an aircraft cabin on board a transport category aircraft with twenty or more seats. Requires all new and existing cabin crew members to be certified by the Administrator after successful completion of an air carrier's training program consisting of: (1) initial, indoctrination, and emergency training; (2) air carrier specific training related to aircraft types and operator's certificate; and (3) submission by the air carrier to the Administrator confirming such completion. Declares that the Administrator shall be prohibited from granting an air carrier a waiver of cabin crew training requirements or an exemption from any part of such requirements. Requires a cabin crew member, to qualify for a cabin crew certificate, to successfully: (1) complete the training requirements established by the Administrator, including all initial, indoctrination, emergency, transition, differences, recurrent, and requalification training; (2) complete the cabin security and self-defense training requirements established by the Transportation Security Administrator; and (3) perform the assigned duties of a cabin crew member and complete the approved proficiency check, under the supervision of a certified instructor or supervisor, for not less than five hours of initial operating experience. Requires air carrier training programs to receive the Administrator's approval.
Bill· HRH.R. 1879 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2003
Directs the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to issue standards for the use of motorized skate boards.
Bill· HRH.R. 1888 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2003
Requires the head of a U.S. executive agency that enters into a contract for the repair, maintenance, or construction of infrastructure in Iraq without full and open competition to publish in the Federal Register or Commerce Business Daily and otherwise make available to the public within 30 days after the contract is entered into: (1) the amount of the contract; (2) a brief description of its scope; (3) a discussion of how the agency identified, and solicited offers from, potential contractors to perform the contract, together with a list of the potential contractors that were issued solicitations for the offers; and (4) the justification and approval documents on which was based the determination to use procedures other than procedures that provide for full and open competition. Authorizes an agency head to: (1) withhold from such publication and disclosure any document classified for restricted access in accordance with an Executive order in the interest of national defense or foreign policy; and (2) redact any part so classified in a document not so classified before publication and disclosure of the document. Requires the agency head to make available an unredacted version of such a document to the chairman and ranking member of specified congressional committees.
Bill· HRH.R. 1901 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2003
Sunshine in Iraq Reconstruction Contracting Act of 2003 - Directs the head of an executive agency that enters into a contract for the repair, maintenance, or construction of infrastructure in Iraq without full and open competition to publish in the Federal Register or Commerce Business Daily and otherwise make available to the public: (1) the amount of the contract and a brief description of its scope; (2) a discussion of how the agency identified, and solicited offers from, contractors, together with a list of the contractors solicited; and (3) the justification for using procedures other than those that provide for full and open competition. Allows an agency head to withhold from publication and disclosure certain classified documents and to redact classified parts of a document before publication and disclosure, but requires the full information to be made available to specified congressional committees.
Bill· HRH.R. 1840 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2003
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish a new title X, School Facilities Infrastructure Improvement program of grants for repair, renovation, alteration, and construction of public elementary and secondary school facilities. Directs the Secretary of Education to allocate such grant funds as follows: (1) one-third among States; (2) one-third among largest local educational agencies (LEAs); and (3) one-third among high-growth LEAs. Makes any public charter school that constitutes an LEA under State law eligible for such assistance under the same terms and conditions as any other LEA. Provides for prompt payment of contractors performing federally-assisted work under this new title IX of ESEA.
Bill· SS. 929 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2003
Over-the-Road Bus Security and Safety Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to private operators of over-the-road buses for specified system-wide security improvements to their operations, including the reimbursement of extraordinary security-related costs incurred since September 11, 2001. Requires: (1) an applicant private operator of over-the-road buses to submit to the Secretary a security improvements plan; and (2) an applicant for a grant for security improvements within a terminal owned and operated by an entity other than the applicant to demonstrate to the Secretary that the applicant has coordinated such improvements for the terminal with the entity. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees an assessment of the over-the-road bus security grant program.
Bill· SS. 919 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003
Railroad Competition Act of 2003 - Amends Federal transportation law to specify the primary objectives of U.S. rail transportation policy. Requires submission to arbitration of certain rail rate, service, and other disputes. Prohibits the Surface Transportation Board (STB) from issuing a certificate authorizing construction and operation of railroad lines, or exempt from such certificate requirement any related activity, that involves a transfer of interest in a line of railroad, from a Class I rail carrier to a Class II or III rail carrier, if the activity directly or indirectly would result in a restriction of: (1) the ability of the Class II or Class III rail carrier to interchange traffic with other carriers; or (2) competition between or among rail carriers in the region affected by the activity in a manner or to an extent that would violate Federal antitrust laws. Prescribes a procedure for shipper petition and STB review of any activity alleged to have resulted in a restricition of competition for at least ten years. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the STB to require: (1) a rail carrier's terminal facilities to be used by another rail carrier subject to certain conditions; and (2) rail carriers to enter into reciprocal switching agreements. Prohibits the STB, in either instance, from requiring evidence of anticompetitive conduct by a rail carrier from which such access is sought. Requires a rail carrier, upon shipper request, to establish a rate for transportation and provide requested service between any two points on the carrier's system where traffic originates, terminates, or may reasonably be interchanged. Specifies matters the carrier must disregard when establishing such rate. Specifies matters the STB must disregard when determining the reasonableness of a shipper-challenged rate established by a rail carrier with market dominance. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct comprehensive triennial studies on rail carrier competition and STB processes. Requires to STB to designate any State or part of a State as an area of inadequate rail competition after finding that: (1) it encompasses a significant number of rail shipping origins and destinations served exclusively by only one Class I railroad; or (2) a significant number of the persons that ship by rail or receive rail shipments in it usually find it necessary to pay rates exceeding a certain mark, or have experienced competitive disadvantage in the marketplace or other economic adversity because of high cost or poor rail service quality. Specifies actions the STB may take to resolve such anti-competitive conditions. Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish within the Department of Agriculture an Office of Rail Customer Advocacy, headed by a Rail Customer Advocate who shall: (1) collect information on the cost and efficiency of rail transportation of agricultural and forestry commodities or products; (2) perform related studies; and (3) participate as a party in STB proceedings regarding regulation of such transportation, as well as to initiate any petitions for STB action.
Bill· SS. 917 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to annually estimate revenues to the Highway Trust Fund derived from fuel purchased in each State for use in a snowmachine (defined as a motorized off-road vehicle intended to operate on snow, propelled by means of a revolving track or tracks), using information submitted by the Departments of Commerce and Treasury, and the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association. Requires not less than the amount of such estimated revenues for a State to made available to that State for motorized access under the recreational trails program for activities that enhance winter motorized recreational trails. Sets forth permissible uses of such funds. Directs that $50,000 of the sums available to the Secretary for the administration of and research and technical assistance under the recreational trails program and for administration of the National Recreational Trails Advisory Committee be used each fiscal year for public information campaigns educating the public about, and encouraging, the safe use of snowmachines.
Bill· HRH.R. 1800 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003
Makes it unlawful to: (1) import, export, or transport in interstate commerce conventional steel jawed leghold traps and articles of fur derived from animals trapped in such traps; or (2) sell or acquire such a trap transported in violation of such provision. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reward persons (other than Government employees performing official duties) for information leading to a conviction under this Act. Empowers enforcement officials to detain, search, and seize suspected containers or merchandise and any accompanying documents, to make arrests without warrants with probable cause, and to execute warrants. Subjects seized merchandise to forfeiture.
Bill· HRH.R. 1774 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003
FreedomCAR and Hydrogen Fuel Act of 2003, or Freedom Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a program in partnership with the private sector to facilitate: (1) production and conservation of energy; and (2) deployment of hydrogen energy and energy infrastructure, fuel cells, advanced vehicle technologies, clean fuels in addition to hydrogen, and codes, standards, and safety protocols (FreedomCAR and Hydrogen Fuel Program). Directs the President to establish an interagency task force chaired by the Secretary to coordinate implementation of the comprehensive interagency plan for the FreedomCAR and Hydrogen Fuel Program. Establishes the Hydrogen Technical and Fuel Cell Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on the FreedomCAR and Hydrogen Fuel programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 1773 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003
George E. Brown, Jr. and Robert S. Walker Hydrogen Future Act of 2003 - Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary of Energy to conduct a research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program on: (1) accelerated uses of hydrogen and related technologies in stationary and transportation applications; and (2) advanced vehicle technologies (FreedomCAR program). Requires the FreedomCAR program to address: (1) engine and emission control systems; (2) energy storage, electric propulsion, and hybrid systems; (3) automotive materials; (4) clean fuels in addition to hydrogen; and (5) other advanced vehicle technologies. Requires the Secretary to transmit to Congress a coordinated plan for such programs and any other DOE programs directly related to fuel cells or hydrogen. Authorizes the Secretary to implement programs for: (1) interagency, intergovernmental, and international education, information exchange, and cooperation concerning hydrogen and hydrogen-related products; and (2) a technology transfer to the private sector to foster the exchange of generic, nonproprietary information and technology developed under this Act. Directs the President to establish an interagency task force to work toward development of: (1) a safe, economical, and environmentally sound hydrogen infrastructure; (2) uniform hydrogen codes, standards, and safety protocols; (3) fuel cells in government applications; and (4) vehicle hydrogen fuel system integrity safety performance. Replaces the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel with the Hydrogen Technical and Fuel Cell Advisory Committee. Authorizes DOE to represent U.S. interests regarding activities and programs under this Act before governmental and nongovernmental organizations, including: (1) other Federal, State, regional, and local governments; (2) industry representatives, including the energy and transportation industries; and (3) in consultation with the Department of State, foreign governments and international organizations. Repeals the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996.
Bill· HRH.R. 1777 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003
Instructs the Secretary of Energy to transmit to Congress a coordinated plan for a program conducted in partnership with the private sector that addresses: (1) hydrogen production from diverse energy sources, including fossil fuels; (2) safe delivery and storage of hydrogen or hydrogen-carrier fuels (including ethanol and methanol); (3) advanced vehicle technologies; (4) development of fuel cells and fuel-flexible fuel cell power systems; and (5) development of necessary codes and standards and safety practices for the production, distribution, storage, and use of hydrogen, hydrogen-carrier fuels, and related products. Directs the Secretary, in partnership with the private sector, to facilitate the deployment of: (1) hydrogen energy and energy infrastructure; (2) fuel cells; (3) advanced vehicle technologies; and (4) clean fuels in addition to hydrogen. Directs the President to establish an interagency task force chaired by the Secretary to work toward the specified goals of this Act. Establishes the Hydrogen Technical and Fuel Cell Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on programs and activities. Mandates review of the implementation plan by a competitively selected nongovernmental entity, such as the National Academy of Sciences.
Bill· HRH.R. 1817 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to carry out the navigation project for the Menominee Harbor and River in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Bill· HRH.R. 1767 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003
Freeing Alternatives for Speedy Transportation (FAST) Act - Amends Federal highway law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish and implement an Interstate System FAST Lanes program under which the Secretary shall permit a State, or a public or private entity designated by the State, to collect fees to finance the expansion of a highway by constructing additional lanes on the Interstate System for the purpose of reducing traffic congestion. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study for a project with an estimated total cost of $50 million or more to determine: (1) if a toll facility for such project is feasible; and (2) if privatizing the construction, operation, and maintenance of the facility is financially advisable (while retaining legal and administrative control of the portion of the Interstate route).
Bill· HRH.R. 1815 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2003
Rail Line Relocation Act of 2003 - Amends Federal highway law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a capital grant program to provide financial assistance to States for up to 80 percent of the cost of local rail line relocation projects.
Bill· SS. 876 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003
Sunshine in Iraq Reconstruction Contracting Act of 2003 - Directs the head of an executive agency that enters into a contract for the repair, maintenance, or construction of infrastructure in Iraq without full and open competition to publish in the Federal Register or Commerce Business Daily and otherwise make available to the public: (1) the amount of the contract and a brief description of its scope; (2) a discussion of how the agency identified, and solicited offers from, contractors, together with a list of the contractors solicited; and (3) the justification for using procedures other than those that provide for full and open competition. Allows an agency head to withhold from publication and disclosure certain classified documents and to redact classified parts of a document before publication and disclosure, but requires the full information to be made available to specified congressional committees.
Bill· HRH.R. 1738 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to States and local governments to coordinate their budget-related actions with Federal Government efforts to stimulate the economy. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 for such payments in an amount equal to the total amount appropriated for for FY 2003 for the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund in the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003, and subsequent appropriations Acts.Requires not less than one-third of such amount to be made available to local governments. Requires the Secretary to establish a formula for determining the allocation of payments, with priority consideration to the relative unemployment rate, median income, population, and poverty rate. Permits the use of funds received by States and local governments only for: (1) ordinary and necessary maintenance and operating expenses for education; public safety; public health; social services; roads, transportation, and water infrastructure; and housing; and (2) ordinary and necessary capital expenditures authorized by law.
Bill· HRH.R. 1711 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003
Air Traffic Control System Integrity Act of 2003 - Amends Federal transportation law to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from authorizing the conversion to a private entity or a non-Federal public entity of any: (1) facility controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (except any airport traffic control tower operated under the contract tower program on the date of enactment of this Act); (2) operations performed, on the date of enactment of this Act, by Federal employees at an FAA-controlled facility (except any FAA airport traffic control tower operated under the contract tower program on the date of enactment of this Act); or (3) maintenance, engineering, or oversight functions performed, on or after the date of enactment of this Act, at an FAA-controlled facility (except with respect to renewal or replacement of a maintenance or engineering agreement in effect on the date of enactment of this Act).
Bill· HRH.R. 1745 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2003
Declares the sense of Congress that funding should be made available from the Highway Trust Fund to encourage States to require law enforcement officers to: (1) impound motor vehicles of individuals charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI); and (2) issue responsibility warnings to individuals who take custody of DWI suspects. Directs the National Transportation Safety Board to study and report to Congress on: (1) the number of States that have adopted laws to impound the motor vehicles of individuals charged with DWI; (2) the number and severity of traffic accidents caused by individuals who were released by State and local police hours after being charged with DWI; and (3) the need for States to enact vehicle impoundment laws for those charged with DWI, and the effectiveness of such laws in States which have already enacted them.
Bill· HRH.R. 1706 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2003
Cybermolesters Enforcement Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for a five-year mandatory minimum sentence for: (1) transportation of a person under age 18 with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity; and (2) travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a person under age 18. Authorizes the interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications in the investigation of crimes involving: (1) sex trafficking of children by force, fraud, or coercion; and (2) selling or buying of children, child pornography, child obscenity, production of sexually explicit depictions of a minor for importation into the United States, and transportation for illegal sexual activity and related crimes. Includes child pornography within the definition of "contraband" the transport, concealment, or possession of which is prohibited.
Bill· SS. 824 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2003
Aviation Investment and Revitalization Vision Act - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for FY 2004 through 2006 for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including the Airport Improvement Program and the Airway Facilities Improvement Program. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish an Air Traffic Services Committee to review, approve, and monitor the strategic plan for the air traffic control system. Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify certain airports with delays that significantly affect the national air transportation system; (2) designate airport development projects as national capacity projects if they will significantly enhance the national air transportation system; (3) initiate a five-year pilot program for environmental review at national capacity projects; (4) identify airport congestion-relief projects and forecast airport operations annually; and (5) provide for airport sponsors to award design-build contracts. Revises requirements for the passenger facility fee program and airport noise disclosures. Authorizes the Secretary to take certain steps regarding flight reductions at severely congested airports, including reduction of overscheduling and flight delays during hours of peak operation. Reauthorizes the essential air service program and extends for three years the small community air service development pilot program. Requires the Secretary to study competition and airline access problems at large and medium hub airports. Prescribes competition disclosure requirements for such airports. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to study the effectiveness of the aviation security system. Establishes the Aviation Security Capital Fund to provide financial assistance to airport sponsors to defray capital investment in transportation security at airport facilities. Extends the Secretary of Transportation's authority to issue war risk insurance. Makes permanent the program permitting cost-sharing of air traffic modernization projects, with a Federal cost-share of 33 percent. Directs the FAA Administrator to deny certification to any person who knowingly, and with intent to defraud, participates in an activity relating to counterfeit or fraudulently represented aviation parts or materials.
Bill· SS. 821 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2003
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Energy Act of 2003 - George E. Brown, Jr. and Robert S. Walker Hydrogen Future Act of 2003 - Reauthorizes through FY 2010 and revises the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to emphasize fuel cell research, development, and demonstration activities. Renames the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technical Advisory Panel. Directs the President shall establish an interagency task force to coordinate Federal hydrogen and fuel cell energy activities. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a public education program designed to increase public interest in and acceptance of hydrogen energy and fuel cell technologies. Mandates implementation of pilot projects to demonstrate the viability of: (1) fuel cells and associated hydrogen fueling infrastructure; (2) hydrogen-powered vehicles and hydrogen fueling infrastructure along major transportation routes or in entire regions; and (3) fuel cells and associated hydrogen fueling infrastructure in foreign countries. Requires a program of demonstration projects to test the technical and commercial viability of hydrogen production from renewable resources. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to direct the Secretary to revise Federal building energy efficiency performance standards to require the use of fuel cells as a primary power source in new Federal buildings. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to prescribe increasing percentages of zero-emission vehicles in Federal fleets from ten percent in FY 2007 up to 75 percent in FY 2013. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide as a credit against tax for: (1) acquisition of fuel cell and hydrogen motor vehicles; (2) installation of qualified hydrogen-fuel vehicle refueling property; (3) retail sale of hydrogen fuel as motor vehicle fuel; and (4) expenditures for energy-efficient building property, both business and nonbusiness.
Bill· SS. 815 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2003
Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a Center for Excellence that focuses on applied research and training regarding the durability and maintainability of advanced materials used in transport airframe structures, including the use of polymeric composites in large transport aircraft.
Bill· SS. 794 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2003
Automobile Fuel Efficiency Improvements Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal transportation code to phase in an increase in average fuel economy standards: (1) from 25 miles per gallon for passenger automobiles manufactured between model years 1984 and 2006 to 40 miles per gallon for those manufactured after model year 2014; and (2) from 17 miles per gallon for non-passenger automobiles manufactured between model years 1984 and 2006 to 27.5 miles per gallon for those manufactured after model year 2014. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe such standards for non-passenger automobiles at least 18 months before the beginning of each model year after model year 2015. Revises the definitions of automobile and passenger automobile, increasing the weight standards and seating capacity. Increases the civil penalties for violations of fuel economy standards. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) report biennially to Congress on the quality of the automobile fuel economy testing for all currently available automobile technologies; and (2) provide for the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center to study what practicable automobile fuel economy testing process provides the most accurate measures of actual automobile fuel economy in highway use, in urban use, and in combined highway and in urban use. Directs the Secretary to prescribe: (1) a revised testing procedure for accurately measuring the actual automobile fuel economy of each automobile model, based on the latter study; and (2) amended average fuel economy standards taking into account improved accuracy in their calculation resulting from use of such procedure. Amends the Federal transportation code to revise requirements for the fleet average fuel economy standards for U.S. executive agency automobiles, both passenger and non-passenger. Directs the President to prescribe regulations that require a specified minimum number of exceptionally fuel-efficient vehicles leased or bought by U.S. executive agencies.
Bill· HRH.R. 1644 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2003
Energy Policy Act of 2003 - Amends Federal energy law with respect to specified areas of Federal energy policy. Provides for private development of energy resources on previously proscribed Federal lands. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act regarding energy conservation, energy assistance, and energy efficiency programs, including the Energy Star programs. Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act of 2003 - Sets forth a statutory framework for expedited approval, construction, and operation of an Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Project as an alternative to the framework provided in the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Act of 1976. Instructs the President to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to full capacity. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to repeal the temporary funding and exercise of authorities governing the SPR (thus making permanent the authority to operate the SPR and other energy programs). Prescribes guidelines for the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to implement a program for the recovery of unproven oil and natural gas reserves. Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2003 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to: (1) extend to August 1, 2017, the authority to indemnify Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensees, Department of Energy (DOE) contractors, and nonprofit educational institutions; and (2) revise requirements concerning secure transfer of nuclear materials, contractor financial accountability, the carrying of firearms by licensee employees, sabotage of nuclear facilities or fuel, highly enriched uranium diversion, and related matters. Amends the USEC Privatization Act regarding uranium sales. FreedomCAR and Hydrogen Fuel Act of 2003, or Freedom Act - Directs the Secretary to conduct a program in partnership with the private sector to facilitate production and conservation of energy and deployment of energy infrastructure. Authorizes the Secretary to establish: (1) a fuel cell program at national parks; and (2) an advanced power system technology incentive program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a pilot grant program for the acquisition of alternative fuel school buses and ultra-low sulfur diesel school buses; (2) establish an acquisition program for fuel cell-powered school buses; and (3) provide funding for demonstration sites that address the reliability of fuel cell heavy-duty vehicles. Directs the Secretary to establish energy programs that target: (1) advanced solid-state lighting technologies; (2) secondary electric vehicle battery use; (3) hybrid distributed power systems; (4) electrical transmission systems; (5) bioenergy; (6) nuclear energy research; (7) advanced fuel recycling technology research and development; (8) university nuclear science and engineering; and (9) ultra-deepwater and unconventional natural gas and other petroleum resource exploration and production. Amends the Federal Power Act to set forth implementation guidelines for: (1) establishment by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) of incentive-based transmission rate treatments to promote capital investment in electric energy transmission facilities in interstate commerce; (2) the siting of interstate electrical transmission facilities; and (3) open access transmission by unregulated transmitting utilities. Creates a statutory mechanism for electric reliability standards incorporating Electric Reliability Organizations to establish and enforce reliability standards for the bulk-power system, subject to FERC review. Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2003 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act. Amends the Federal Power Act to: (1) direct FERC to promulgate market transparency rules governing sales of electric energy at wholesale in interstate commerce, or transmission services in interstate commerce; (2) prohibit round trip trading; and (3) extend FERC jurisdiction over certain interstate sales of electric energy that violate FERC rules. Requires the Federal Trade Commission to issue rules that prohibit in the absence of consumer consent: (1) the change of selection of an electric utility ("slamming"); and (2) the sale of goods and services to an electric consumer ("cramming"). Outlines technical and financial criteria for Federal funding of a clean coal power initiative, including establishment of Centers of Excellence. Amends the Clean Air Act to prescribe guidelines for a renewable motor vehicle fuel program based upon cellulosic biomass ethanol. Establishes a safe harbor for renewable fuels containing methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) that is used for, or intended as motor vehicle fuel. Provides Federal funding for MTBE contamination.
Bill· SS. 788 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003
Second Century of Flight Act - Establishes in the Department of Transportation an Office of Aerospace and Aviation Liaison (OAAL) to coordinate aviation and aeronautics research programs. Establishes within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) a National Air Traffic Management System Development Office, which shall develop a next generation air traffic management system plan for the United States. Directs the OAAL to report to specified congressional committees on market developments and government policies influencing the competitiveness of the U.S. jet transport aircraft industry. Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the FAA Administrator to establish a joint aerospace workforce initiative of grants to increase the number of students in technical training and certificate programs, as well as studying for undergraduate and graduate degrees, in aerospace-related fields. Authorizes the NASA and FAA Administrators to provide loans (scholarships for service) of up to $5,000 per year to fulltime students enrolled in an undergraduate or post-graduate program leading to an advanced degree in an aerospace-related field. Directs the FAA Administrator to: (1) continue the research grant program to improve airfield pavements; (2) review whether its asphalt and concrete airfield pavement standards accord with its standard 20-year-life requirement; (3) arrange with the National Research Council (NRC) to assess the FAA wake turbulence research and development program; (4) establish a cabin air quality research program; (5) exercise leadership with its foreign counterparts in the International Civil Aviation Organization; (6) report to specified congressional committees on aviation and aeronautical safety, and research funding and technological actions in other countries; (7) conduct research to promote development of analytical tools to improve existing certification methods and reduce overall certification costs; (8) develop a Center for Excellence focused on applied research and training with respect to advanced materials in transport airframe structures; and (9) study and report to specified congressional committees on ways to reduce aircraft noise and emissions and increase aircraft fuel efficiency. Authorizes the FAA Administrator to conduct a limited pilot program of incentives to airspace users for deployment of new technologies. Amends Federal transportation law to provide for FAA issuance of design organization certificates authorizing design organizations to certify compliance with certain requirements and minimum standards for the type certification of aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, or appliances. Directs the NASA Administrator to: (1) develop a a ten-year aeronautics research plan; (2) study and report to specified congressional committees on markets enabled by environmental technologies for future aircraft; (3) convert and expand the vehicle systems program into a vehicle-enabling technologies program; (4) develop innovative software-validation technologies; (5) increase research into weather sensors and prediction; (6) develop a National Center for Advanced Materials Performance; and (7) submit unified annual program budgets to specified congressional committees.
Bill· HRH.R. 1641 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003
Passenger Van Safety Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) develop a dynamic test on rollovers by 15-passenger vans for the purposes of a consumer information program, and carry out a program of conducting such tests; and (2) require the testing of 15-passenger vans at various load condition levels as part of the rollover resistance program of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program. Directs the Secretary to test and evaluate various technological systems (including electronic stability control systems, rear-view mirror-based rollover warning systems, traction systems, lane departure systems, and antilock brakes) to determine their effectiveness in assisting drivers of 15-passenger vans to control them under conditions that cause vehicle rollover. Requires the Secretary to issue a final rule initiated pursuant to a specified proposed rulemaking on the application of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to the commercial operation of 15-passenger vans. Amends the Federal transportation code to prohibit any person from purchasing, renting, or leasing any motor vehicle designed or used to transport nine to 15 passengers that the person knows or reasonably should know will be used significantly to transport preprimary, primary, and secondary school students to or from school or an event related to school, unless the motor vehicle complies with the certain motor vehicle standards prescribed for schoolbuses. Establishes a civil penalty for violation of this prohibition, or for manufacture, sale, offer for sale, introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce, or importation, of a schoolbus or related equipment that fails to meet such standards.
Bill· HRH.R. 1617 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003
National Rail Infrastructure Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a National Rail Infrastructure Program to provide grants for projects addressing railroad infrastructure and systems deficiencies. Makes eligible for such grants projects to: (1) maintain and increase track and intermodal yard capacity; (2) acquire rights-of-way for future expansion; (3) separate railroad and road crossings and make other railroad and road interface improvements; (4) separate rail-to-rail crossings; (5) integrate railroad systems; and (6) construct, repair, and rehabilitate track and related supporting structures. Prohibits the use of grant funds for operating expenses, acquisition of rolling stock, payment of debt, or construction or repair of maintenance facilities, passenger facilities at stations, or other ancillary railroad business structures. Requires at least 20 percent of project costs to be provided by State, local, and other non-Federal public sources. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax of: (1) five percent on the sale of any specified railroad equipment by the manufacturer, producer, or importer; (2) five percent of the amount paid for taxable rail transportation of any person by commuter rail, and of ten percent in any other case; and (3) one percent of the amount paid inside or outside the United States for the taxable rail transportation of property. Establishes in the Treasury a National Rail Infrastructure Program Trust Fund, consisting of amounts equivalent to: (1) specified excise taxes received with respect to fuel used in a train, and the excise tax under this Act on railroad locomotives and rolling stock; (2) ten percent of all customs duties received after September 30, 2003; and (3) ten percent of all royalties attributable to the removal of oil or gas from Federal lands. Makes amounts in the Trust Fund available only for grants under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1591 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003
Airport Emergency Reimbursement Act of 2003 - Amends Federal aviation law to provide a credit to an owner or operator of an airport that allows the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the head of a State or local agency to utilize the airport to respond to a disaster or emergency. Allows application of such credit toward the non-Federal share of allowable project costs for projects carried out under the airport improvement program. Declares that such credit shall be in an amount equal to the revenues that the airport lost, including operational costs that were incurred by the owner or operator, during the period of such utilization.
Bill· HRH.R. 1605 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2003
Automobile Fuel Economy Act of 2003 - 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· SS. 772 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2003
Small Airport Relief Act of 2003 - Amends the Aviation and Transportation Security Act to extend through FY 2004 the part of the formula for apportionment of airport improvement program funds under which the Secretary of Transportation shall use, in lieu of passenger boardings at an airport during the prior calendar year, the greater of: (1) the number of passenger boardings at that airport during 2000; or (2) the number of passenger boardings at that airport during 2001.
Law· HRH.R. 1559 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2003
Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 - Makes emergency war-related appropriations for FY 2003 to: (1) the Department of Agriculture; (2) the Department of Justice (including the Counterterrorism Fund); (3) the Office of Inspector General; (4) the Federal Bureau of Investigation; (5) the Judiciary; and (6) the Department of State and related agencies, including the Broadcasting Board of Governors for Middle East Television Network broadcasting to the Middle East and radio broadcasting to Iraq. Makes emergency war-related appropriations for the following Department of Defense-Military items, programs, and activities: (1) Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide; (2) Operation Iraqi Freedom Response Fund (including Transfer of Funds); (3) Military Personnel, Transfer of Funds (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Reserve Personnel-Army, and National Guard Personnel-Army); (4) Operation and Maintenance, Transfer of Funds (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Defense-Wide, Army National Guard); (5) the Defense Health Program; (6) Procurement, Army, Transfer of Funds (Aircraft, Missiles, Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles, Ammunition, Other, Defense-Wide); (7) Procurement, Air Force; (8) Procurement, Defense-Wide; (9) Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Transfer of Funds (Army and Defense-Wide); (10) Combat, Stability Operations, and Air Force Reconstitution Cost (including Transfer of Funds); (11) Natural Resources Risk Remediation Fund (including Transfer of Funds); (12) Revolving and Management Funds (Defense Working Capital Funds); and (13) other specified Department of Defense Programs (Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, including Transfer of Funds). Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2003, the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002, and the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 to: (1) make available specified additional funds; and (2) provide for a specified transfer of funds by the Secretary of Defense. Makes specified amounts available for transfer by the Secretary of Defense to the Operation Iraqi Freedom Response Fund. Makes additional funds available for Bilateral Economic Assistance to: (1) the United States Agency For International Development; (2) the Child Survival and Health Programs Fund; (3) International Disaster Assistance; (4) Operating Expenses of the United States Agency for International Development; (5) the Economic Support Fund; (6) the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund (including Transfer of Funds); and (7) Loan Guarantees to Israel. Makes additional funds available to the Department of State for: (1) the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; (2) the Andean Counterdrug Initiative; (3) the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund; and (4) the Nonproliferation, Anti-Terrorism, Demining, and Related Programs. Makes additional funds available for Foreign Military Assistance Financing Program and Peacekeeping Operations. Makes additional funds available for: (1) the Department of Homeland Security; (2) Citizenship and Immigration Services; (3) United States Secret Service; (4) Border and Transportation Security; (5) Immigration and Customs Enforcement; (6) the Transportation Security Administration; (7) Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Operating Expenses; (8) the Office For Domestic Preparedness; (9) the United States Coast Guard; (10) Emergency Preparedness and Response; and (11) Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. Makes additional funds available for the Department of Health and Human Services: (1) Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (Disease Control, Research, and Training); and (2) Office of the Secretary (Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund). Makes additional Legislative Branch funds available for: (1) the House of Representatives salaries and expenses; (2) Committee Employees (Standing Committees); (3) Capitol Police; (4) the Office of Compliance; (5) the Architect of the Capitol; (6) the Library of Congress; and (7) the General Accounting Office. Makes additional Department of Defense funds available for: (1) Military Construction (Navy and Air Force); and (2) Family Housing Operation and Maintenance for the Air Force.
Bill· SS. 751 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003
American Indian Welfare Reform Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) reauthorize and extend tribal family assistance grants; (2) replace grants for Indian tribes under the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Training Program with tribal human services program infrastructure improvement and other tribal TANF improvement grants; (3) reauthorize and extend the bonus to reward high performance States; (4) reauthorize and extend the contingency fund for State Welfare Programs; and (5) provide for payments to Indian tribes with approved tribal family assistance plans that are operating in situations of increased economic hardship. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit Indian tribes to issue tax-exempt qualified Indian private activity bonds. Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to establish a set-aside for job access and reverse commute grants to Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Amends SSA title IV part A to provide for grants for: (1) improving the access of Indian families with children to dependable, affordable automobiles to improve their employment opportunities and access to training; and (2) tribal employment services program. Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 with respect to benefits of Indian children. Amends SSA title IV part A to ensure equitable State plan benefits and services access for each member of an Indian tribe or tribal organization domiciled in the State who is not eligible for tribal family assistance. Amends SSA title IV part A to provide for parity in treatment of Alaska natives with Indian tribes under the TANF program. Gives Indian tribes authority to receive funds under SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance). Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to make an Indian tribe or tribal organization that administers a social services program eligible for block grant payments. Amends SSA title IV part A to direct the Secretary to conduct research on tribal family assistance programs and on efforts to reduce poverty among Indians.
Bill· HRH.R. 1527 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003
National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act of 2003 - Amends Federal transportation law to extend the authorization of appropriations for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for FY 2003 through 2006, including the NTSB Academy and an emergency fund. Requires an NTSB employee, in any case in which the employee determines that an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft constitutes an accident (except when there is loss of life), to notify the owner or operator of that aircraft of the right to appeal that determination to the NTSB. Revises requirements for the Secretary of Transportation's annual report to Congress on each transportation safety recommendation of the NTSB and the Secretary's response. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress and the NTSB on the regulatory status of each significant NTSB safety recommendation. Requires the NTSB to report to Congress any failure of the Secretary to make such a report. Relieves the NTSB of the duty to render specified assistance to families of passengers involved in an aircraft accident if the NTSB has relinquished its investigative priority to investigate it and the Federal agency to which it has relinquished such priority is willing and able to provide assistance to the victims and families of the passengers. Requires the NTSB, however, even if it has relinquished such priority, to assist, to the maximum extent possible, the agency to which it has relinquished it in assisting families with respect to the accident. Directs the NTSB and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to revise their 1977 agreement on the investigation of accidents to take into account the amendments made by this Act, and to submit such revision to specified congressional committees.
Bill· HRH.R. 1532 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003
Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to increase the imprisonment penalty for animal fighting violations from one year to two years. Makes it unlawful to sell, buy, transport, or deliver in interstate or foreign commerce a knife, gaff, or other sharp instrument used in a bird-fighting venture. Revises enforcement provisions. Permits euthanasia for an animal in extreme pain. Includes the Internet or any technology as interstate instrumentality.
Bill· SS. 746 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2003
Anti-Terrorism and Port Security Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it unlawful to: (1) destroy or interfere with vessels or maritime facilities; (2) put devices in U.S. waters that can destroy a ship or cargo or interfere with safe navigation or maritime commerce; (3) use a dangerous weapon or explosive to try to kill someone on board a passenger vessel; (4) fail to heave to (that is, to slow or stop) a vessel at the direction of a Coast Guard or other authorized Federal law enforcement official seeking to board that vessel, or to interfere with boarding by such an officer; (5) destroy an aid to maritime navigation (such as a buoy or shoal/breakwater light) maintained by the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation or the Coast Guard if this would endanger the safe navigation of a vessel; or (6) knowingly discharge or release oil, a hazardous substance, a noxious liquid substance or any other substance (malicious dumping) into U.S. navigable waters or the adjoining shoreline with intent to endanger human life, health, or welfare. Revises piracy and privateering laws, increasing penalties. Requires the Attorney General to coordinate port-related crime data collection. Designates the Captain-of-the-Port as the primary authority for seaport security at each port. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to specify mandatory information in cargo manifests, which must be transmitted electronically. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of requirements, and increases civil penalties. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) develop a shipment profiling plan to track containers (including empty containers) and shipments of merchandise to be imported into the United States; (2) submit to Congress a plan for inspecting merchandise and their transportation containers at foreign facilities before importation into the United States; (3) issue final regulations prescribing seaport security requirements, including unauthorized gun and explosives prohibitions, access restrictions, and specifications for biometric ("smart") identification cards for employees and other personnel; and (4) approve minimum standards for high security container seals meeting specified criteria, and award grants to developers of such seals. Requires Captains-of-the-Port to secure and protect all sensitive information, including maps, blueprints, and information on the Internet.
Bill· HRH.R. 1523 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2003
Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable or educational purposes and which make collegiate housing and infrastructure improvement grants to continue to be treated as tax-exempt organizations so long as all of the active members of the recipient organization are full-time students at the college or university with which the recipient organization is associated.
Bill· SS. 733 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2003 - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY 2004. Amends Federal law to permit the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (Secretary) to provide bonuses to enlisted members who complete training in a critical skill. Increases the limits to the number of active duty commissioned officers (except commissioned warrant officers) and the percentages of commanders and lieutenant commanders on the active duty promotion list. States that in time of war or national emergency the Secretary shall establish the total number of active duty commissioned officers (excluding commissioned warrant officers). Authorizes the Secretary to make direct loans to eligible entities for the acquisition or construction of military housing units. Authorizes the Coast Guard Auxiliary to exercise dominion over personal property, subject to the Commandant's approval. Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act to permit the Secretary to cooperate with a public or private entity for Marine vessel traffic services. Amends Federal law to revise suspension criteria, and the bases for suspension and revocation of a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's document. Increases civil penalties for violations of bridge statutes and failure to comply with established safety standards. Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to increase the amount of funds available to the President for the removal of a discharge of oil or a hazardous substance. Amends Federal law to authorize members of the Coast Guard, subject to guidelines approved by the Secretary and the Attorney General, to carry firearms, make arrests, and seize property. Amends the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 to require the Secretary oversee the conveyances of lighthouses. Authorizes appropriations for capital expenses related to Loran-C navigation infrastructure.
Bill· SS. 728 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
Amends the Federal transportation code to change from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to provide insurance and reinsurance against loss or damage arising out of any risk from the operation of an American aircraft or foreign-flag aircraft. Requires the Secretary to extend through December 31, 2007, the termination date of certain insurance policies the Department of Transportation issued to air carriers as of a certain date on no less favorable terms to the air carrier than existed on June 19, 2002. Repeals the December 31, 2003, termination of, thus extending indefinitely, the incident coverage period (beginning on or after September 22, 2001) for which the Secretary may certify that an air carrier was a victim of an act of terrorism for purposes of limited air carrier liability for third party claims arising out of such acts. Repeals the December 31, 2004, termination date for the authority of the Secretary to provide aviation insurance and reinsurance. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to reimburse air carriers for all screening and related activities that they perform or are responsible for performing, including: (1) the screening of catering supplies; (2) checking of documents at security checkpoints; (3) screening of passengers; and (4) screening of persons with access to aircraft. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to reimburse air carriers also for: (1) the provision of space and facilities used to perform screening functions and other space used by the Transportation Security Administration; and (2) the cost of fortifying cockpit doors after that date in accordance with specified law. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to reimburse State and local law enforcement and airport police for complying with any directives to provide security for air carriers or at airports. Revises the authority of the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security to require air carriers to provide flight seating for on-duty and off-duty Federal air marshals. Repeals the authority to require the carriers to provide such seating at no cost to the marshall or the U.S. Government. Requires the Under Secretary to provide for payment at the lowest possible airfare available for the flight at the time of booking. Declares that no security service fee shall apply from one year following the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to reimburse the costs of providing civil aviation security services.
Bill· SS. 732 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
Health Care Safety Net Oversight Act of 2003 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to add a new part D to establish the Safety Net Organizations and Patient Advisory Commission to: (1) conduct an ongoing review of the health care safety net programs; and (2) report annually to Congress, the Comptroller General, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the health care needs of the uninsured and the financial and infrastructure stability of the core health care safety net of the United States based on such review.
Bill· SS. 739 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
George E. Brown, Jr. and Robert S. Walker Hydrogen Future Act of 2003 - Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to reauthorize and revise requirements for the Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration programs, and to instruct the Secretary of Energy to prepare a comprehensive coordination plan for activities under this Act and under title II of the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996. Renames the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel as the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on such programs. Requires the National Academy of Sciences to review progress under this Act every four years. Amends the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 to revise requirements for the program for integration of fuel cells with hydrogen production systems. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) solicit proposals for projects demonstrating hydrogen technologies needed to use fuel cells in Federal, State, and local government stationary and transportation applications; and (2) establish an interagency task force to develop an implementation plan for a fuel cell demonstration program that includes hydrogen-based infrastructure for fleet transportation systems and for distributed power generation. Requires the Secretary to enter into cooperative and cost-sharing agreements with Federal, State, and local agencies for participation in related demonstrations.
Bill· SS. 725 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
Tribal Transportation Program Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to authorize appropriations for Indian reservation roads under the Federal Lands Highways Program through FY 2009. Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from distributing, for years after FY 2003, any amount of obligation authority made available for Indian reservation road bridges and roads. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the planning, design, engineering, construction, and inspection of certain projects concerning deficient Indian reservation road bridges. Raises from two percent to four percent the ceiling for the amount of funds made available for Indian reservation roads for each fiscal year that may be allocated to Indian tribal governments applying for transportation planning pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. Requires the Secretary to establish a Federal lands highway program demonstration project for Indian reservation roads and highway bridges located on Indian reservations. Requires the Secretary to carry out a program to provide to eligible Indian tribes competitive grants for use in establishing tribal transportation safety programs. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue grants to Indian tribes to establish rural transit programs on reservations or other land under tribal jurisdiction. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the maintenance of roads on Indian reservations is a responsibility of the Bureau of Indian Affairs; and (2) Congress should provide annually to the Bureau funding necessary to carry out all maintenance of roads on Indian reservations.
Bill· SS. 736 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to increase the imprisonment penalty for animal fighting violations from one year to two years. Makes it unlawful to sell, buy, transport, or deliver in interstate or foreign commerce a knife, gaff, or other sharp instrument used in a bird-fighting venture. Revises enforcement provisions. Permits euthanasia for an animal in extreme pain. Includes the Internet or any technology as interstate instrumentality.
Bill· HRH.R. 1458 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
Homeland Infrastructure Power Security and Assurance Incentives Act of 2003 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish within the Department of Energy an Advanced Technology Incentives Program to provide funding to accelerate development and deployment of new advanced technologies such as fuel cells, turbines, hybrid, and storage system power technologies. Requires the use of such funding for: (1) eligible owners or operators to support efforts to reduce system costs, and improve the performance and reliability of advanced distributed power generation and energy storage systems; and (2) demonstrating the capability of new technologies to increase power generation through enhanced operational, economic, and environmental performance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) evaluate security and assurance performance improvement; (2) define locations and facilities that would benefit most from such improvements; and (3) determine the criteria for facilities that generate or store and distribute electric energy that improves the security and reliability of the nation's electricity grid and protects locations critical to its security (including military installations, financial institutions, medical and first responder facilities).
Bill· HRH.R. 1468 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify natural gas distribution, storage, and transmission infrastructure assets as ten-year depreciable property.