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Bill· SS. 2571 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2016
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Mission Protection Act of 2016 This bill bars the Department of Transportation from disapproving an airport development project grant application just because the airport enters into or renews a lease for the use, at a nominal rate, of airport property by a regular or reserve component of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard, without regard to whether that component operates aircraft at the airport.
Bill· HRH.R. 4573 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2016
Lap Children Safety Research Act This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure that research on child restraint devices for use during critical phases of flight on commercial passenger aircraft encourages the assessment and development of new and innovative technologies and devices that improve safety for children, parents, and other passengers. The FAA shall require the Civil Aeromedical Institute to initiate a research program focused on improving the safety of such devices and report to Congress on the results, including recommended changes to federal laws and regulations to allow additional devices to be used to keep children, their parents, and other passengers safe.
Bill· HRH.R. 4578 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2016
Underground Gas Storage Safety Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to prescribe minimum safety standards, meeting specified requirements, for underground gas storage facilities. A state authority may, however, adopt additional or more stringent safety standards for intrastate underground gas storage facilities. Until final standards are prescribed, all underground natural gas storage facilities shall comply with certain minimum requirements, including those in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs and aquifer reservoirs and those in solution-mined salt caverns. DOT shall make grants for research and development activities relating to: (1) improved underground gas storage safety, or (2) an odorant additive for gas that is both detectable and nontoxic. A user fee shall be imposed on each operator of an underground gas storage facility to which specified safety requirements apply.
Bill· HRH.R. 4574 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2016
Helicopter Fuel System Safety Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration, in accordance with the safety recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board (A-15-12), to issue regulations to ensure that certain fuel system crash resistance requirements are met by requiring that all newly manufactured helicopters, regardless of the design's original certification date, have fuel systems that meet such crash-worthiness requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 4575 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2016
This bill amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to authorize Federal Home Loan Banks to make investments related to rural infrastructure development. Federal Home Loan Banks may purchase investment-grade securities from nonmember lenders that are organized as cooperatives, have received financing from the Federal Financing Bank, and have experience providing loans to cooperatives eligible to receive loans from the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service.
Bill· SS. 2555 (114th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016
Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless Act or the MOBILE NOW Act This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), by December 31, 2020, to make available at least 255 megahertz of federal and nonfederal spectrum below the frequency of 6000 megahertz for mobile and fixed wireless broadband use. The spectrum must be made available on a licensed or unlicensed basis for shared use by nonfederal and federal users to enable the deployment of wireless broadband services. The NTIA must assess the feasibility of authorizing mobile or fixed terrestrial wireless operations, including for advanced mobile service operations, on federal entities and operations in specified bands between 24250 and 86000 megahertz. The FCC must then publish a notice of proposed rulemaking within two years after enactment of this Act to consider service rules authorizing such operations. The Department of Commerce and the FCC must submit reports evaluating the feasibility of allowing commercial wireless services to share use of specified frequencies between 3100 and 4200 megahertz. The FCC must include in its proposals for the assignment of new licenses for nonfederal use under Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2015 any spectrum within those frequencies identified as most suitable for sharing with commercial wireless services if the frequencies are suitable for allocation by competitive bidding. Before 2017, the FCC must take action in its Program Alternatives for Small Wireless Communications Facility Deployments proceeding. The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 is amended to require executive agencies, within a reasonable period of time, to grant or deny applications for easements or rights-of-way to, in, over, or on federal property to install, construct, modify, or maintain a communications facility installation. Executive agencies must: (1) notify applicants of the reasons for denials, (2) explain delays if a decision is not made within 150 days after receiving an application, and (3) designate an agency point of contact for applicants. The bill expands the categories of infrastructure, antennas, wiring, and wireless transmission equipment for which applicants may seek such easements or rights-of-way. The bill expresses the sense of Congress that federal agencies should: (1) include conduit installation in federally funded highway construction projects, and (2) ensure that communications providers may access such conduit on a nondiscriminatory basis. The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) must establish a single database of real property owned, leased, or managed by executive agencies that is capable of supporting a communications facility installation. The OSTP must make the database available to: (1) entities that construct or operate communications facility installations or provide communications service, and (2) state and local governments so that they may provide information regarding state and local properties to include in the database. Commerce must submit recommendations to incentivize federal entities to relinquish, or share with federal or nonfederal users, federal spectrum for commercial wireless broadband services. The Office of Management and Budget may provide pre-auction funding to federal agencies for auctions intended to occur within eight years (currently, five years) after the transfer of funds. Federal entities may request an immediate transfer of funds to pay for relocation or sharing costs after the frequencies are reallocated by competitive bidding.
Bill· HRH.R. 4549 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016
Treating Small Airports with Fairness Act of 2016 This bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to conduct, and provide all necessary staff and equipment for, security screening at any airport that lost commercial air service on or after January 1, 2013, if the airport operator submits: (1) a request for the TSA to conduct such screening, and (2) written confirmation of a commitment from a commercial air carrier that it intends to resume service at the airport within one year. The TSA shall ensure that the process of implementing security screening at such an airport is complete by the later of: (1) 90 days after the operator of the airport submits a request, or (2) the date on which the carrier intends to resume service.
Bill· SS. 2549 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016
Treating Small Airports with Fairness Act of 2016 This bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to conduct, and provide all necessary staff and equipment for, security screening at any airport that lost commercial air service on or after January 1, 2013, if the airport operator submits: (1) a request for the TSA to conduct such screening, and (2) written confirmation of a commitment from a commercial air carrier that it desires to resume service at the airport within one year. The TSA shall ensure that the process of implementing security screening at such an airport is complete by the later of: (1) 90 days after the operator of the airport submits a request, or (2) the date on which the carrier intends to resume service.
Bill· SS. 2547 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016
Real Transparency in Airfares Act of 2016 This bill sets at $55,000, or $2,500 for an individual or small business, the maximum civil penalty assessed on a person for an unfair or deceptive practice relating to unfair methods of competition in air transportation, the sale of air transportation, or specified regulations relating to price advertising and opt-out requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 4531 (114th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2016
This bill approves, with specified exceptions, the agreement and appendices signed by the United States and the Republic of Palau on September 3, 2010, in connection with the Compact of Free Association between the United States and Palau. If Palau withdraws more than $5 million from the trust fund set up by the Compact in FY2015, certain amounts will be withheld from Palau until it reimburses the fund for the total amounts withdrawn that exceeded $5 million in FY2015. Certain funds may be released to replenish that trust fund, however, if the United States and Palau have arranged to advance funds during FY2015 from the trust fund for specified allowable purposes. The bill authorizes appropriations to: (1) subsidize postal services to Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia for FY2016-FY2024; and (2) carry out specified federal responsibilities under the Compact. The bill also repeals specified offset requirements. FY2016 funding is provided to reduce government arrears of Palau. FY2016-FY2023 additional economic assistance, and FY2016 funding for infrastructure projects, are provided. Specified passport requirements are revised.
Bill· SS. 2533 (114th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2016
California Long-Term Provisions for Water Supply and Short-Term Provisions for Emergency Drought Relief Act TITLE I--LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS FOR WESTERN STATES SUBJECT TO DROUGHT This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior, within California and other states served by the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), and also within Alaska and Hawaii, to provide: (1) cost-shared financial assistance and other long-term agreements to nonfederal participants to advance the planning, design, and construction of nonfederal permanent water storage and conveyance facilities, projects for the reclamation and reuse of municipal, industrial, domestic, and agricultural wastewater, naturally impaired ground and surface waters, groundwater recharge, and other water management improvement projects; and (2) grants for projects in disadvantaged communities that are unable to meet primary water quality standards or whose local private or public water supply has been lost or severely diminished due to drought conditions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for five years after enactment of this Act, must require California to prioritize state revolving funds allocated under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or the Safe Drinking Water Act to projects that will: (1) provide additional water supplies to areas at risk of having inadequate supplies for public health and safety purposes, or (2) improve resiliency to drought. At California's request, the EPA must authorize 40-year financing for assistance in the case of state loan funds used to buy or refinance the debt obligation of municipalities and intermunicipal and interstate agencies at or below market rates. In Reclamation-served states, Interior may participate in up to: (1) 50% of the total cost of a federally owned surface water storage project upon the request of a state or public agency, or (2) 25% of the total cost of a state-led project involving a groundwater or surface water storage facility upon a governor's request. The Department of the Army must carry out up to 15 pilot projects, including at least 6 nonfederal projects, to implement revisions of reservoir water operations manuals and flood control rule curves in states under a gubernatorial drought declaration during water year 2015. Interior must award funding on a competitive basis to water recycling and desalination projects sponsored by certain cities, districts, regional commissions, and facilities. The Water Desalination Act of 1996 is amended to reauthorize through FY2020 water desalination research grants and demonstration programs. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy must develop a strategic plan for future federal investments in desalination. The Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act is amended to establish a process for Interior to award grants to nonfederal sponsors for projects that reclaim and reuse: (1) municipal, industrial, domestic, or agricultural wastewater; or (2) impaired ground or surface waters. The EPA may continue the WaterSense Program for the voluntary labeling of products, buildings, landscapes, facilities, processes, and services that meet EPA water efficiency criteria. Interior may provide secured loans or loan guarantees to private entities, state or local governments, irrigation districts, water users' associations, or other entities that contract with the United States under federal reclamation law to carry out water projects within the 17 western states served by Reclamation, other states where Reclamation is authorized to provide project assistance, Alaska, and Hawaii. Interior may enter a memorandum of understanding with California and up to four additional states to establish a pilot program that designates a state as lead agency for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). TITLE II--LISTED SPECIES AND WILDLIFE This title authorizes appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for: (1) gravel and rearing area additions and habitat restoration to the Sacramento River to benefit Chinook salmon and steelhead trout; (2) real-time operations of Shasta and related Central Valley facilities, temperature modeling, and forecasting to predict impacts to salmon and salmon habitat as a result of water management at Shasta; and (3) salvage systems for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the Suisun Marsh (the Delta). It also authorizes appropriations for Interior to conduct a Delta smelt distribution study. The Department of Commerce must implement a pilot program to test an experimental trap and barge program to improve survival of juvenile salmonids emigrating from the San Joaquin watershed though the Delta. Interior and Commerce must expand conservation hatchery programs to enhance, supplement, and rebuild Delta smelt and Endangered Species Act-listed fish species under the smelt biological opinion dated December 15, 2008, and the salmonid biological opinion dated June 4, 2009, for California's Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP). A federal cost share of up to 50% is authorized for the acceleration and completion of water infrastructure and conveyance facilities necessary to achieve full water deliveries to Central Valley wildlife refuges and habitat areas. The National Marine Fisheries Service and California's Oakdale and South San Joaquin irrigation districts must conduct a nonnative predator research and pilot fish removal program to study the effects of removing certain nonnative bass and predator fish from the Stanislaus River. Interior must establish pilot projects to implement the Calfed Bay-Delta invasive species control program. TITLE III--CALIFORNIA EMERGENCY DROUGHT RELIEF AND OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must use the best scientific and commercial data available to implement, continuously evaluate, and make appropriate amendments to the reasonable and prudent alternative described in the smelt biological opinion. Interior must collaborate with stakeholders to conduct annual surveys on the science of the Delta to enhance real-time decisionmaking. By not later than March 15, 2021, Interior must complete studies to determine the abundance and distribution of Delta smelt. Interior must: (1) determine potential methods to minimize the effects of CVP and SWP operations on Delta smelt, (2) implement new targeted sampling and monitoring of Delta smelt or provide an explanation if such new sampling and monitoring is not warranted, and (3) use new tracking technologies. Until the California governor declares an end to its drought emergency or September 30, 2017, whichever is later, Interior and Commerce must conduct real-time monitoring of fish species relative to Delta conditions to identify: (1) opportunities to increase water pumping without violating environmental or endangered species laws or biological opinions; and (2) circumstances where it is necessary to decrease water pumping to protect natural origin steelhead, natural origin genetic spring run Chinook, genetic winter run Chinook salmon, or Delta smelt. Temporary procedures are set forth for management of: the Old and Middle River (OMR) to maximize water supplies for the CVP and the SWP, OMR reverse flow rates, and the C.W. "Bill" Jones and the Harvey O. Banks pumping plants. To address emergency drought conditions, Interior and Commerce must approve operations or temporary projects to provide the maximum quantity of water supplies to CVP agricultural, municipal, and industrial contractors, water service or repayment contractors, water rights settlement contractors, exchange and refuge contractors, and SWP contractors. Consistent with biological opinions and subject to environmental law restrictions, Interior and Commerce must: implement a pilot project to test the ability to open the Delta cross-channel gates to the maximum extent practicable; install a deflection barrier at Georgiana Slough and the Delta cross-channel gate; implement turbidity control strategies; adopt inflow-to-export ratios for the increment of increased flow in April and May; issue permits for temporary barriers, operable gates, and water transfer requests; enter an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to study saltcedar biological control efforts to increase water supplies and improve riparian habitats of the Colorado River; and vary averaging periods for Delta export-inflow ratios. During the period when emergency procedures are in effect, federal agencies must: (1) expedite final decisions for newly proposed federal water projects or operations upon the California governor's request, and (2) develop alternative arrangements to comply with NEPA. Interior and Commerce may, during that temporary period, authorize CVP and SWP operations at levels that capture peak flows during storm-related events. TITLE IV--WATER RIGHTS This title sets forth temporary procedures for Interior to confer with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regarding the implementation of this Act and any changes to the smelt or salmonid biological opinions. If the CDFW determines that SWP operations are inconsistent with California law, or requires take authorization in a manner that reduces water supply to the SWP as compared to the supply available under the biological opinions, and as a result the CVP yield is greater than it otherwise would have been, then that additional yield must be made available to SWP contractors to offset the reduced water supply. In cases where it is necessary to reduce CVP water supplies to make additional yield available to the SWP, such reductions must be applied proportionately to uses or contractors benefiting from that increased yield. For existing CVP agricultural water service contractors within the Sacramento River Watershed, this title sets forth temporary water allocation percentages for irrigation purposes in wet, dry, and above or below normal water years. TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS The CVP's service area is expanded to include the Kettleman City Community Services District. Interior shall enter a contract to deliver CVP water to that Kettleman City district for municipal and industrial uses if local supplies or SWP allocations are insufficient. Reclamation must coordinate implementation of projects for additional water storage at the New Melones Reservoir. The U.S. Geological Survey must establish an open water data system to promote voluntary sharing of water data among state, local, and tribal governments, communities, educational institutions, and the private sector. TITLE VI--OFFSETS This title establishes a process for Interior to identify, solicit public comment on, and submit to Congress a list of Reclamation projects to be deauthorized because they are no longer feasible. Reclamation projects that would yield an average of more than 200,000 acre-feet of water per year are exempt from this process. Accelerated Revenue, Repayment, and Surface Water Storage Enhancement Act This Act requires Interior, upon request from a water users association, to convert certain water service contracts between the United States and the water users association to allow for prepayment of repayment contracts. A percentage of the receipts generated from such prepayments is to be deposited in a Reclamation Surface Storage Account established to fund the construction of surface water storage. TITLE VII--DURATION AND EFFECT ON EXISTING OBLIGATIONS This title identifies the temporary provisions of titles III and IV that will expire when the California governor declares an end to its drought emergency or on September 30, 2017, whichever is later.
Bill· SS. 2536 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2016
Airplane Kids In Transit Safety Act of 2016 or the Airplane KITS Act of 201 6 This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to require aircraft medical kits to include medications and equipment to meet the emergency medical needs of children, such as an epinephrine auto-injector.
Bill· SS. 2528 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2016
Lithium Battery Safety Act of 2016 This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to repeal the prohibition against new Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for the transportation by aircraft of lithium metal cells or batteries or lithium ion cells or batteries that are more stringent than the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, as amended. DOT shall: initiate a comprehensive review of existing and any other applicable regulations regarding the air transportation, including passenger-carrying and cargo aircraft, of lithium batteries and cells; and take any additional action appropriate to mitigate sufficiently the risks posed by lithium batteries and cells to safe air transport. The President shall establish a lithium battery safety working group to promote and coordinate efforts related to the promotion of the safe manufacture, use, and transportation of lithium batteries and cells. The working group shall research: additional ways to decrease the risk of fires and explosions from lithium batteries and cells, additional ways to ensure uniform transportation requirements for both bulk and individual batteries, and new or existing technologies that could reduce the fire and explosion risk of lithium batteries and cells.
Bill· SS. 2526 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016
Made in America Manufacturing Communities Act of 2016 This bill establishes a program to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing by designating consortiums as manufacturing communities and authorizing federal agencies to provide them with financial and technical assistance. The Department of Commerce must designate consortiums as manufacturing communities using a competitive process and specified criteria. An eligible consortium must: represent a region that is large enough to contain critical elements of the key technologies or supply chain prioritized by the consortium and small enough to enable close collaboration among the consortium's members; include at least one institution of higher education, a private sector entity, and a government entity; and have a lead applicant that is a district organization, an Indian tribe, a state or political subdivision of a state, an institution of higher education, or a nonprofit organization or association cooperating with a political subdivision of a state. Specified federal agencies may support the manufacturing communities by awarding them financial or technical assistance, providing preferential consideration when members of the consortium apply for assistance, or providing a federal point of contact to help members access assistance. Recipients of the financial or technical assistance may use the funds to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing with investments that may include infrastructure, access to capital, promotion of exports and foreign direct investment, equipment upgrades, workforce training, energy or process efficiency, and other specified purposes.
Bill· SS. 2523 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016
Fort Knox Energy Security Act This bill authorizes the Department of the Army, effective as of August 2, 2007, to provide by contract or otherwise for the production, treatment, management, and use of natural gas located under Fort Knox, Kentucky. Such natural gas may only be used to support activities and operations at Fort Knox and may not be sold for use elsewhere. The Army may take ownership of any gas production and treatment equipment and facilities and associated infrastructure from a contractor in accordance with the terms of a contract or other agreement. The authority provided by this bill applies only to Fort Knox, Kentucky, and nothing in this bill authorizes the production, treatment, management, or use of natural gas resources underlying any other Department of Defense installation.
Bill· HRH.R. 4505 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016
Make It In America Manufacturing Communities Act This bill establishes a program to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing by designating consortiums as manufacturing communities and authorizing federal agencies to provide them with financial and technical assistance. The Department of Commerce must designate consortiums as manufacturing communities using a competitive process and specified criteria. An eligible consortium must: represent a region that is large enough to contain critical elements of the key technologies or supply chain prioritized by the consortium and small enough to enable close collaboration among the consortium's members; include at least one institution of higher education, a private sector entity, and a government entity; and have a lead applicant that is a district organization, an Indian tribe, a state or political subdivision of a state, an institution of higher education, or a nonprofit organization or association cooperating with a political subdivision of a state. Specified federal agencies may support the manufacturing communities by awarding them financial or technical assistance, providing preferential consideration when members of the consortium apply for assistance, or providing a federal point of contact to help members access assistance. Recipients of the financial or technical assistance may use the funds to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing with investments that may include infrastructure, access to capital, promotion of exports and foreign direct investment, equipment upgrades, workforce training, energy or process efficiency, and other specified purposes.
Bill· HRH.R. 4487 (114th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2016
Public Buildings Reform and Savings Act of 2016 This bill: (1) directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to establish and conduct a pilot program through 2021 to execute lease agreements using alternative procedures to reduce costs of leased space and significantly reduce or eliminate the backlog of expiring leases over the next five years, and (2) authorizes the GSA to submit consolidated prospectuses for leases and projects to Congress for approval. The bill requires approval by congressional resolution of any costs and expenses associated with administering an acquisition by exchange involving real property or in-kind consideration, including services, with a fair market value of $2.85 million or more. The bill authorizes: (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to authorize contract security personnel to carry firearms, and (2) such personnel to detain individuals without a warrant. DHS must establish minimum and uniform training standards for security personnel. DHS must report on: (1) the personnel needs of the Federal Protective Service (FPS), including recommendations on the numbers of FPS law enforcement officers needed to carry out the mission of FPS during the 10-year period after the enactment of this Act; and (2) the best method of funding for the FPS. The GSA must: (1) justify any need for new or replacement building space, including an explanation of why such space could not be consolidated or colocated into other owned or leased space; (2) notify the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works if the cost, scope, or size of any project changes by 5% or more; and (3) report to such committees on the justification for using three lease rental caps per fiscal year and their impacts in the National Capital Region. The bill directs the GSA to: (1) sell a portion of the Forrestal Complex in Washington, D.C. to generate funds necessary to construct a new Department of Energy headquarters on government-owned land in a manner consistent with the SW Ecodistrict Plan of the National Capital Planning Commission if the GSA determines that such headquarters can be constructed with no net costs to the government; and (2) consider the direct purchase of energy and other utilities in bulk or otherwise for leased facilities when cost-effective. The bill exempts an individual acquisition for commercial leasing services from enhanced competition requirements for the purchase of property and services by executive agencies if such individual acquisition is made on a no cost basis and pursuant to a multiple award contract in accordance with requirements for full and open competition. The Government Accountability Office must conduct biennial audits of the GSA National Broker Contract, conduct a review of the application of enhanced competition requirements, and report on such audits and reviews. The bill amends the Economic Development Administration Reform Act of 1965 to authorize the Department of Commerce to release the federal government's interest in economic adjustment grants not less than seven years after the final disbursement of the grant.
Bill· HRH.R. 4488 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2016
Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act of 2016 This bill repeals: (1) provisions authorizing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a human resources management system for some or all of its organizational units, and (2) the authority granted to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to establish or modify a personnel management system for TSA employees engaged in airport security screening. Within 60 days after the enactment date of this bill: (1) any such human resources management system and all TSA personnel management policies, directives, letters, and guidelines shall cease to be effective, and (2) all TSA positions and DHS positions that provide transportation security in furtherance of the purposes of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act shall become subject to general civil service provisions. This bill sets forth transition rules that protect the pay rates and other rights of such employees. DHS shall consult with the labor organization certified by the Federal Labor Relations Authority to carry out the conversion of such positions. The provisions of this bill do not affect the prohibitions against disloyalty and asserting the right to strike against the federal government.
Bill· HRH.R. 4489 (114th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2016
FAA Leadership in Groundbreaking High-Tech Research and Development Act or the FLIGHT R&D Act This bill reauthorizes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) research and development (R&D) programs for FY2016-FY2019. The FAA shall appoint an Associate Administrator for Research and Development. The FAA shall develop a plan in the event of the transition of FAA R&D activities to a non-federal entity. The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 is amended to revise requirements with respect to the FAA's five-year roadmap for the introduction of civil unmanned aircraft systems (drones) into the national airspace system. The roadmap shall include, at a minimum, a description of how the FAA plans to use R&D to integrate drones into the system. The FAA shall coordinate with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to research the collision of drones with manned aircraft. The FAA shall establish R&D programs: to improve the cybersecurity of civil aircraft and the system, on civilian air traffic surveillance over oceans and other remote locations, and in support of single-piloted cargo aircraft with remote piloting and computer piloting. The FAA shall submit to Congress a research plan for certification and implementation of new technologies (including Next Generation) into the system.
Bill· HRH.R. 4490 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2016
Safe Egress in Air Travel Act of 2016 or the SEAT Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Transportation to issue regulations: (1) to establish minimum dimensions (including width, length, and seat pitch) for passenger seats on aircraft operated by any air carrier providing interstate or intrastate air transportation; and (2) for the safety and health of passengers.
Bill· HRH.R. 4464 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016
Federal Aviation R&D Reauthorization Act of 2016 This bill reauthorizes the civil aviation research and development (R&D) program of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through FY2018. Department of Transportation (DOT) shall: arrange with the National Academies for a comprehensive research survey and strategy over the next decade for FAA civil aviation activities, and develop a Strategic and Integrated Research Plan for an R&D program reflecting survey results. DOT shall also: ensure that FAA cybersecurity R&D is constantly updated to reflect the evolving nature of cyber risks and threats, and develop an agencywide threat model. The GAO shall review: the effectiveness of the six FAA unmanned aircraft (drone) system test sites and the opportunities for coordinating and integrating the research at them with research by the Center of Excellence on Unmanned Aircraft Systems; and federal government research on aircraft noise levels and its use to inform the DOT noise evaluation processes, adjustments to noise metrics, and development of noise abatement procedures. DOT shall: develop an R&D strategy to inform any potential regulatory action regarding the safe integration of evolving drone systems into the National Airspace System, hold at least one workshop to discuss the status of R&D on enhancing general aviation safety, develop a research plan on safety risk assessment methods for development of airport design standards, and develop a plan to implement standards for aircraft cabin air contaminants. The GAO shall review the role of FAA's Research, Engineering, and Development Advisory Committee in advising about: the organization, management, and budgetary structure of R&D programs across FAA, and both near-term budget planning and long-term strategic planning for the comprehensive FAA R&D portfolio. DOT shall also arrange for an independent external study to identify the implications that a potential nongovernment U.S. air traffic control system could have on FAA's R&D activities.
Bill· HRH.R. 4468 (114th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016
Water Infrastructure Trust Fund Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury a Water Infrastructure Investment Trust Fund and appropriates to it amounts equivalent to the fees received in the Treasury before January 1, 2022, under this Act. The bill requires 85% of amounts in the Fund to be available to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for capitalization grants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act or CWA) and 15% to be available for capitalization grants under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Amounts in the Fund may not be made available for a fiscal year unless the amount of funds appropriated to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund through annual capitalization grants is not less than the average of the annual amounts provided in capitalization grants under the CWA for the immediately preceding five-fiscal-year period. The Department of the Treasury shall: (1) implement a program under which it provides a label suitable for placement on products (for a fee of three cents per unit) to inform consumers that the manufacturer, producer, or importer of the product and other stakeholders participate in the Fund and are contributing to America's clean water; and (2) deposit amounts received in the Treasury. The EPA, with participation by the states, shall conduct a study to: (1) assess the affordability gap faced by low-income populations located in urban and rural areas in obtaining services from clean water and drinking water systems; and (2) analyze options for programs to provide incentives for rate adjustments at the local level to achieve full cost or true value pricing for such services, while protecting low-income ratepayers from undue burden.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 602 (114th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016
Elects specified Members to the following House Committees: (1) the Budget, and (2) Transportation and Infrastructure.
Bill· HRH.R. 4441 (114th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016
Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization Act of 2016 This bill reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through FY2019 and specified FAA programs for FY2016-FY2022. The bill revises requirements for the pilot program for passenger facility charges at nonhub airports and airport improvement program. The bill establishes: the ATC Corporation as a federally-chartered, not-for-profit corporation; and an Advisory Board of the Corporation. The Department of Transportation (DOT) shall transfer to the Corporation: by a certain deadline FAA employees, property, and facilities; and on October 1, 2019, operational control of FAA air traffic services. DOT shall establish a Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory Committee. The FAA shall issue a notice of a proposed rule reorganizing the certification of, and streamlining the approval of safety advancements for, small airplanes. The FAA shall establish: the FAA Task Force on Flight Standards Reform, and a Regional Consistency Communications Board. The FAA shall establish a safety workforce training strategy. DOT shall take appropriate actions to promote U.S. aerospace standards, products, and services abroad. The FAA shall appoint a Designated Agency Safety and Health Officer. DOT shall develop a comprehensive plan to accelerate the integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems (drones) into the national airspace system. The bill establishes in the FAA an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Office. DOT shall establish a UAS detection systems pilot program. The bill prescribes certain requirements with respect to improving passenger air service. The bill also reauthorizes for FY2016-FY2022 the essential air service program and the small community air service development program. The FAA shall submit to Congress a strategic cybersecurity plan. DOT shall establish a remote air traffic control tower pilot program for rural or small communities.
Bill· HRH.R. 4455 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016
This bill permits foreign aircraft to provide and sustain air commerce in American Samoa between the islands of Tutuila and Manu'a.
Bill· HRH.R. 4453 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016
This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to extend through FY2016 and periodically thereafter the requirement that the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation report annually to Congress on the number of new small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including those owned by veterans, that participated in the programs and activities of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The list of the top 25 and bottom 25 large and medium hub airports giving disadvantaged small business concerns opportunities to participate in FAA programs and activities, which each such report must contain, shall be drawn only from large and medium hub airports with a disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) program. Beginning in FY2016, the FAA shall require airports to report annually on the number of new DBEs that were awarded a contract or concession. The FAA shall update annually DBE-connect (or any other successor online reporting system) to include information on the number of new DBE and Airport Concession DBEs awarded a contract or concession for the first time at large and medium hub airports with a DBE program.
Bill· HRH.R. 4449 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016
This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT), by six months after completion of a safety risk management panel conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration for the Leesburg, Virginia, project, to establish a pilot program under which DOT shall install, operate, and assess the benefits of the technology of up to six remote air traffic control towers. DOT must complete a safety risk management process for a participating airport before air traffic is actively controlled by a remote air traffic control tower at such airport. An operator of a public-use airport may apply to participate in the pilot program. DOT: (1) shall establish a list of benefits of remote tower technology to the National Airspace System and criteria that facilities should meet in order to best achieve those benefits; and (2) may select for the pilot program, based on such criteria, one nonhub primary airport, two reliever airports without existing air traffic control towers, one primary airport for the purpose of augmenting the capabilities of an existing air traffic control tower, and two airports classified as local or basic in the national plan of integrated airport systems. A selected airport shall be eligible for participation in, and funding from, the control tower contract program. A remote air traffic control tower and ancillary equipment installed with federal funds under this bill shall be considered an air navigation facility. The pilot program shall terminate five years after this bill's enactment.
Bill· SS. 2495 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016
Social Security Beneficiary 2nd Amendment Rights Protection Act This bill amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to prohibit any determination by the Commissioner of Social Security with respect to an individual, including one that OASDI and SSI benefits to which that individual is entitled shall be paid to a representative payee, from being considered to be a determination that the individual has been adjudicated as a mental defective to make it unlawful for the individual to engage in the shipment or transport of firearms or ammunition or receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Bill· HRH.R. 4432 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2016
Commercial UAS Modernization Act This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to permit an individual to operate a small commercial unmanned aircraft without an airworthiness certificate within the United States until the effective date of a final rule based on the notice of proposed rulemaking "Operation and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems" issued on February 23, 2015, subject to the following requirements: the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive an attestation that the aircraft owner has liability insurance covering its operation; the owner must register the aircraft; the operator must pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test developed by the FAA and a proficiency test administered by a test site for such aircraft; the aircraft may be operated for commercial purposes only in daylight conditions, under visual line of sight rules, lower than 500 feet above ground level, and only after a preflight inspection; and the aircraft shall yield right of way to all other users of the National Airspace System. Such an aircraft may not be operated: (1) until the operator of a test site certifies that it meets the requirements in the rulemaking notice and can operate within such restrictions; (2) unless the operator has prior authorization from the air traffic control facility having jurisdiction over the Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport; and (3) by any individual with any physical or mental condition that would interfere with safe operation of the aircraft. The operator of a such an aircraft involved in an accident causing personal injury or property damage must report it to the FAA within two days. The FAA shall provide for a micro UAS classification of unmanned aircraft systems, the aircraft component of which may not weigh more than 4.4 pounds, including payload. The operation of such a micro shall be subject to specified restrictions. The bill directs the FAA to: appoint a Deputy Associate Administrator for Unmanned Aircraft who shall create a research and development plan for the safe integration of unmanned aircraft into the National Airspace System; establish a joint aircraft system research and development data collection and analysis program at the William J. Hughes Technical Center; and implement an air traffic management pilot program to research and test a new regulatory structure for operations of such aircraft in airspace below 1,200 feet.
Bill· HRH.R. 4429 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2016
Natural Gas Leak Prevention Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue minimum uniform safety standards for the operation, environmental protection, and integrity management of underground natural gas storage facilities. The bill defines an "underground natural gas storage facility" as a gas pipeline facility that stores gas in an underground facility, including: a depleted hydrocarbon reservoir, an aquifer reservoir, or a solution mined salt cavern reservoir. DOT, in developing such standards, shall: consider the economic impacts of the regulations on individual gas customers, ensure that the regulations do not have a significant economic impact on end users, and consider existing consensus standards. A user fee shall be imposed on an entity operating an underground natural gas storage facility. Collected fees shall be deposited in an underground natural gas storage facility safety account, which shall be established in the Pipeline Safety Fund and which shall be made available only for activities related to natural gas storage safety.
Bill· HRH.R. 4430 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2016
Secure our Skies Act of 2016 This bill requires each air carrier providing passenger air transportation to provide flight attendants, pilots, and dispatchers who are employees or contractors of the carrier with training to combat human trafficking in the course of carrying out their duties. Such training shall cover: (1) common indicators of human trafficking, and (2) best practices for reporting suspected trafficking to law enforcement officers. To assist in such training, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation shall provide information, including the Blue Campaign training module, for use by air carriers. The Federal Aviation Administration shall report recommendations for improving the identification and reporting of human trafficking by air carrier personnel while protecting the civil liberties of passengers. The bill grants immunity to an air carrier for reporting any suspicious transaction relevant to a possible violation of law or regulation relating to human trafficking.
Bill· HRH.R. 4438 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2016
Drinking Water Contamination Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2016 This bill provides $1 billion in FY2016 supplemental appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for making a grant to the state of Michigan to replace pipes, pipe fittings, and other drinking water infrastructure that are not lead-free. The funds are designated as an emergency requirement, which exempts the funds from discretionary spending limits and other budget enforcement rules. The EPA must report monthly to Congress on the use of the funds.
Bill· HRH.R. 4397 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2016
Rail Safety Act This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop and preposition caches of emergency response equipment, which may include firefighting equipment and fire suppression agents, to facilitate the rapid deployment of resources needed to reduce damage to life, property, and the environment in the event of an accident involving rail tank cars transporting hazardous material, crude oil, or flammable liquids. Such caches shall be strategically prepositioned along rail routes over which a high volume of high-hazard trains operate in a manner that lowers the response time of firefighters to fight fires involving flammable liquids and to prevent such fires from spreading. FEMA may collect fees from railroad carriers to develop and preposition the caches.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 585 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2016
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the entering into of an agreement or compact by two or more states for cooperative effort and mutual assistance would be beneficial to the development of an Interstate 73 corridor. Such an agreement may incorporate the following elements to the extent that they are consistent with federal law: the study, development, and promotion of a plan for the design, construction, financing, and operation of such corridor through South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Michigan; coordination of efforts to establish a common legal framework in all the signatory states to authorize and facilitate design, construction, financing, and operation of such corridor or through public-private partnerships; advocacy for federal funding to support the establishment of such corridor; making available to the corridor project funding and resources that are or may be appropriated by the signatory states and allocated for that purpose; and doing all things necessary or convenient to facilitate and coordinate the corridor's design, construction, financing, and operation.
Bill· HRH.R. 4369 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2016
This bill permits the Department of Transportation to authorize the use of a passenger facility charge to finance an eligible airport-related project if: (1) the eligible agency seeking to impose the new charge controls an airport where a $2 passenger facility charge became effective on January 1, 2013; and (2) such airport and the airport at which the project will be carried out were under the control of the same eligible agency on October 1, 2015. Not more than $120 million in passenger facility charges so collected may be used to carry out such a project.
Bill· HRH.R. 4373 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2016
End Drunk Driving Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Transportation to issue a final rule prescribing or amending a federal motor vehicle safety standard that would prevent operation of a motor vehicle when the operator is under the influence of alcohol. Such standard shall: prevent the operation of the motor vehicle if the operator's blood alcohol content is above the legal limit; and require the technology to be reliable and accurate, set at the legal limit, unobtrusive and fast, tamper-proof/circumvention-resistent, functionary in extreme environments, and easily maintained. To meet grant requirements, a state must enact and enforce a law that requires the installation of an ignition interlock device for a minimum of 180 days on each motor vehicle operated by an individual convicted of driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence. The bill prescribes compliance requirements and penalties for noncompliance.
Bill· SS. 2442 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2016
This bill permits the Department of Transportation to authorize the use of a passenger facility charge to finance an eligible airport-related project if: (1) the eligible agency seeking to impose the new charge controls an airport where a $2 passenger facility charge became effective on January 1, 2013; and (2) such airport and the airport at which the project will be carried out were under the control of the same eligible agency on October 1, 2015. Not more than $120 million in passenger facility charges so collected may be used to carry out such a project.
Bill· HRH.R. 4343 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2016
Bikeshare Transit Act of 2016 This bill makes a bikeshare project eligible to be an associated transit improvement project, including one carried out to facilitate a bicycle rental operation that makes bicycles available for public transportation, allows riders to pick up and drop off bicycles, serves a defined geographic area, and facilitates the transit of individuals between various points in the area. Public transportation capital projects shall include any project for the acquisition or replacement of bicycles and related equipment, including technology and vehicles needed to restock stations, and the construction of bicycle-related facilities to facilitate a bikeshare project. The bill also makes eligible for funds under the congestion mitigation air quality improvement program projects or programs that reduce demand for roads through bikesharing.