Transport

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 This bill provides FY2024 appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy (DOE), and several independent agencies. The bill provides appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, including for Investigations, Construction, Mississippi River and Tributaries, Operation and Maintenance, the Regulatory Program, the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program, Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies, Expenses, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of the Interior for the Central Utah Project and the Bureau of Reclamation. The bill provides appropriations to DOE for energy programs, including Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response; Electricity; Nuclear Energy; Fossil Energy and Carbon Management; Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves; the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve; the Energy Information Administration; Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup; the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund; Science; Nuclear Waste Disposal; Technology Transitions; Clean Energy Demonstrations; the Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy; the Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program; the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program; the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program; Indian Energy Policy and Programs; Departmental Administration; and the Office of the Inspector General. The bill also provides appropriations to DOE for Atomic Energy Defense Activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration, Environmental and Other Defense Activities, and the Power Marketing Administrations. The bill provides appropriations to several independent agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The bill includes provisions that address the operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP), which is a federal water project in California owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, and the California State Water Project (SWP), which is operated jointly with the CVP. In addition, the bill makes the Bureau of Reclamation the lead agency for the purpose of coordinating all permitting and related activities required to construct certain new surface water storage projects. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

Community Facilities Program for Rural Clean School Bus Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

Community Facilities Program for Rural Clean School Bus Infrastructure Act This bill expands the essential community facilities direct loan and grant program of the Department of Agriculture to allow loans or grants to be used for deploying clean school buses and related infrastructure. Specifically, loans or grants may be used for (1) acquisition and labor costs for charging or other infrastructure needed to charge or maintain clean school buses, or (2) planning and technical activities to support the adoption and deployment of clean school buses. 

To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study to evaluate any adverse effects of electric vehicles on United States infrastructure, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

This bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate any adverse effects of electric vehicles, such as effects on infrastructure, the security of the electric grid, or the labor market. After the GAO completes the evaluation, Congress must include in any legislation that addresses the use of electric vehicles a provision describing how the evaluation's findings are taken into consideration in such legislation.

Store On-Board Wheelchairs in Cabin Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

Store On-Board Wheelchairs in Cabin Act of 2023 This bill requires an air carrier (including a foreign air carrier) to provide information and training on requirements for onboard wheelchairs. Specifically, in the case of an aircraft that is required to be equipped with an onboard wheelchair, an air carrier must provide information on its website (and in any place where a passenger can make a reservation) on the rights and responsibilities of both passengers and air carriers. This information must include the requirement that aircraft with more than 60 passenger seats and an accessible lavatory must be equipped with an onboard wheelchair. An air carrier must also require that all personnel who regularly interact with the traveling public, including contractors, complete annual training regarding assisting a qualified individual with a disability. The training must include information on the availability of accessible lavatories and onboard wheelchairs and the right to request an onboard wheelchair. The Department of Transportation must conduct a public awareness campaign on the rights of qualified individuals with a disability. The bill provides for increased civil penalties against an air carrier for failure to equip an aircraft with an onboard wheelchair.

Red Light Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

Red Light Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation to withhold all of a state's share of certain federal highway funds (specifically, funds for the National Highway Performance Program, the Highway Safety Improvement Program, and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program) in FY2023 and thereafter if such state enacts a law to provide driver's licenses or other identification cards to aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States.

Expressing support for the designation of the week of June 26 through July 2, 2023, as "National Tire Safety Week" in the United States, and supporting the goals and ideals of "National Tire Safety Week" to educate American motorists about the importance of proper tire care and maintenance.

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

This resolution supports the designation of National Tire Safety Week; expresses strong support for the efforts to reduce tire-related accidents, fatalities, and injuries; and encourages the people of the United States to educate themselves and others on the importance of regularly inspecting and maintaining a vehicle's tires.

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024 This bill provides FY2024 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Specifically, the bill provides appropriations to DHS for Departmental Management, Intelligence, Situational Awareness, and Oversight, including the Office of the Secretary and Executive Management; the Management Directorate; Intelligence, Analysis, and Situational Awareness; and the Office of the Inspector General. In addition, the bill provides appropriations for Security, Enforcement, and Investigations, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Secret Service. The bill provides appropriations for Protection, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The bill provides appropriations for Research, Development, Training, and Services, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, the Science and Technology Directorate, and the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

Brianna Lieneck Boating Safety Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023

Brianna Lieneck Boating Safety Act of 2023 This bill requires the Coast Guard to study and report to Congress on recreational vessel operator training. The study must include a review of Coast Guard Auxiliary and Power Squadron training programs, existing state boating education programs, and other recreational vessel operator training programs. The report must analyze, among other topics, minimum standards for education of recreational vessel operators; how a federal training and testing program can be harmonized with state programs; how the Coast Guard would administer a federal boating education, training, and testing program; and the extent to which a federal boating education, training, and testing program should be required for all waters of a state.

Expanding Access to Family Planning Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023

Expanding Access to Family Planning Act This bill provides, subject to specified conditions, funding through FY2033 for federally funded family planning services and clinics. In particular, the funds must be used for (1) grants and contracts that support the provision of family planning services, and (2) clinic infrastructure (e.g., construction and renovation of clinics). Clinics that receive funding to provide family planning services must offer each patient with a positive pregnancy test the opportunity for nondirective counseling on (1) prenatal care and delivery; (2) infant care, foster care, and adoption; and (3) pregnancy termination. This counseling must include referrals if requested by a patient. Additionally, if a funding recipient makes subawards for the provision of family planning services, the recipient may not prohibit an entity from participating in a subaward program for reasons other than the entity's inability to provide family planning services.

Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023

Saving Organs One Flight at a Time Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023

Saving Organs One Flight at a Time Act This bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to jointly issue regulations, as necessary, to enable air carriers to transport human organs for transplant above wing (i.e., in the cabin of an aircraft). Among other things, the regulations must include consideration of protocols for air control outages; a requirement that air carriers implement a protocol for a person to accompany organs to and from the aircraft and between connecting flights; and a standardized process for commercial air carriers to accept, handle, and manage organs in transit. The TSA and the FAA must also consult with the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to identify metrics for the handling of organs and organ-related tissue by air carriers.

Urban Canal Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

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

Acequia Communities Empowered by Qualifying Upgrades for Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Acequia Communities Empowered by Qualifying Upgrades for Infrastructure Act This bill specifies that agricultural producers who rely on acequia systems are eligible to receive assistance under the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for all losses suffered as a result of drought, flood, or other natural disasters. Acequias, or community ditches, are community-operated and -organized water irrigation systems.  The bill also provides that a special use permit shall not be required on Department of Agriculture (USDA) or Department of the Interior land for the (1) presence or use of water from an acequia, or (2) routine maintenance and minor improvements conducted by a community user or governing body of an acequia. Further, USDA must submit a report to Congress on agricultural producers who rely on acequia systems.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives to reduce traffic fatalities to zero by 2050.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

This resolution (1) commits to advancing policies that will end roadway fatalities by 2050, and (2) calls on Congress and the Department of Transportation to commit to working together to achieve zero roadway fatalities by the year 2050.

JETSET Costs Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Justification and Examination of Transportation Staff's Executive Travel Costs Act of 2023 or the JETSET Costs Act of 2023 This bill restricts the use of Department of Transportation (DOT) aircraft by the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary's executive staff.  Specifically, the bill prohibits the Secretary and the Secretary's executive staff from traveling on a DOT aircraft unless it is determined that the cost of the flight is at least 5% less than the cost of a flight on a commercial airline. A DOT aircraft is any aircraft owned, operated, or maintained by DOT. This restriction does not apply when emergency travel is required and commercial service is unavailable. The DOT Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Congress must be notified in writing within seven days after such emergency travel is completed. Further, the Federal Aviation Administration must revise Order 2500.36N ( Application of Flight Hour Rates ) to reflect the true cost of flight operations. When calculating per-seat costs of a flight, DOT (1) may not charge different rates to non-DOT officials, and (2) must use the actual and full cost of a flight on a DOT aircraft when comparing such flight to any commercial alternative.  DOT's OIG must submit an annual report to Congress that includes an itemization and justification of each trip and flight in which the Secretary or the Secretary's executive staff traveled on a DOT aircraft.  The bill also prohibits the Secretary or the Secretary's executive staff from traveling on a DOT aircraft for any trip that involves personal or political activities. 

LIFT Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Local Infrastructure Funding & Technical Assistance Act or the LIFT Act This bill authorizes the Department of Commerce to provide grants under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 for predevelopment projects—measures required to be completed before construction of resilient climate infrastructure occurs—and related technical assistance. Grants may be provided to economic development districts, states, Indian tribes, local governments, institutions of higher education, individuals, and other organizations as specified by the bill.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate to reduce traffic fatalities to zero by 2050.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

This resolution (1) commits to advancing policies that will end roadway fatalities by 2050, and (2) calls on Congress and the Department of Transportation to commit to working together to achieve zero roadway fatalities by the year 2050.

Expanding Access to Family Planning Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Expanding Access to Family Planning Act This bill provides, subject to specified conditions, funding through FY2033 for federally funded family planning services and clinics. In particular, the funds must be used for (1) grants and contracts that support the provision of family planning services, and (2) clinic infrastructure (e.g., construction and renovation of clinics). Clinics that receive funding to provide family planning services must offer each patient with a positive pregnancy test the opportunity for nondirective counseling on (1) prenatal care and delivery; (2) infant care, foster care, and adoption; and (3) pregnancy termination. This counseling must include referrals if requested by a patient. Additionally, if a funding recipient makes subawards for the provision of family planning services, the recipient may not prohibit an entity from participating in a subaward program for reasons other than the entity's inability to provide family planning services.

Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2023 This bill prohibits a person from transporting a horse in interstate commerce in a motor vehicle that contains two or more levels stacked on top of one another. Vehicles operated exclusively on a rail or rails are excluded from the prohibition. The bill prescribes civil penalties for knowing violations of such prohibition.

Shovel-Ready Streets Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

Shovel-Ready Streets Act This bill revises a funding limitation for the Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program, which supports local initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets. Specifically, the bill reduces from 40% to 20% the proportion of grant funds which must be allocated to developing comprehensive safety action plans. 

Supporting Mental Health for Military Children Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

Supporting Mental Health for Military Children Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish and implement a four-year pilot program to provide routine mental health checkups for students in 10 selected elementary or secondary schools that are operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA). Such schools must be DODEA schools within or outside the United States that DOD determines have adequate mental health infrastructure in place to provide mental health checkups under the program.

Acequia Communities Empowered by Qualifying Upgrades for Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

Acequia Communities Empowered by Qualifying Upgrades for Infrastructure Act This bill specifies that agricultural producers who rely on acequia systems are eligible to receive assistance under the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for all losses suffered as a result of drought, flood, or other natural disasters. Acequias, or community ditches, are community-operated and -organized water irrigation systems.  The bill also provides that a special use permit shall not be required on Department of Agriculture (USDA) or Department of the Interior land for the (1) presence or use of an acequia or the use of the acequia's water, or (2) routine maintenance and minor improvements conducted by a community user or governing body of an acequia. Further, USDA must submit a report to Congress on agricultural producers who rely on acequia systems. 

Reliable Rail Service Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

Reliable Rail Service Act This bill revises freight rail transportation policy to require rail carriers to provide transportation or service in a manner that meets the shipper's need for timely, efficient, and reliable rail service and fulfills the shipper's reasonable service requirements. (Current policy requires rail carriers to provide the transportation or service on reasonable request.) It also establishes specific criteria for the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to consider when determining whether a rail carrier has violated its obligations under the policy. The STB must expedite any proceedings to consider a rail carrier's alleged violation of the policy. The bill also specifies that information a rail carrier must provide on the carrier's rates and other service terms includes information on reasonable transit or cycle times consistent with the requestor's needs and requirements for the efficient and reliable receipt, transportation, and delivery of property.

Balloon Location and Identification Pronouncement Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2023

Balloon Location and Identification Pronouncement Study Act or the BLIPS Act This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to study the effects on aviation safety of domestically launched unmanned free balloons that do not emit a trackable electronic or radio signal. DOD and the FAA must submit a report to Congress on the study. The report must include a discussion and recommendations on the efficacy, feasibility, technical specifications, and potential civil and military impacts of mandating that domestically launched unmanned free balloons be equipped with an electronic or radio emitter that can be tracked with near real-time, geolocational, and altitudinal precision, and which can transmit identifying information of the balloon or its owner; and how DOD and the FAA can collect the data and integrate it into a real-time or near real-time digital system that supports the operations of DOD and the FAA.

Connect Our Parks Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023

Connect Our Parks Act This bill requires the National Park Service (NPS) to assess locations within the National Park System with the greatest need for broadband internet or cellular service, and to develop a plan for the placement of broadband and cellular infrastructure in parks.  In assessing where broadband service is most needed, the NPS must consider the current availability of broadband in housing, lodging, administrative facilities, developed campgrounds, and other areas within each park. In assessing where cellular service is most needed, the NPS must consider locations where the availability of cellular service in a developed area of a park would increase public access to emergency services and traveler information or the communications capabilities of NPS employees. The NPS must complete the assessment within one year of the bill’s enactment.  Further, within three years of the bill's enactment, the NPS must develop a plan based on the results of the assessment to install broadband and cellular service infrastructure at locations within the National Park System. In developing the plan, the NPS must consult with affected tribes and local stakeholders.  The plan must (1) be technology neutral; (2) provide for infrastructure to be located in previously developed areas or areas zoned for uses that would support infrastructure; and (3) avoid or minimize impacts to cultural and natural resources, the visitor experience, and park viewsheds. The plan must also provide for the use of public-private partnerships for the installation of equipment and provision of broadband or cellular service.

Pre-Pilot Pathway Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023

Pre-Pilot Pathway Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish an apprenticeship program with flight schools in order to establish a commercial pilot pipeline; DOT must issue any necessary regulations to implement the program within one year of the bill's enactment. Each flight school participating in the program may select up to eight applicants per academic year to serve as apprentices. DOT must take appropriate actions to develop methods to incentivize pilots, including retired pilots, to become flight school instructors. This includes developing pathway programs for pilots to gain initial qualification or concurrent qualification as certified flight instructors.

Driving Veterans Success Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023

Driving Veterans Success Act This bill requires that at least 10% of the funds under specified infrastructure programs are expended through veteran-owned small businesses.

Fly Together Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023

Fly Together Act This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a policy on seating a young child (i.e., under the age of 14) next to an accompanying adult on a flight. Specifically, DOT must direct air carriers that assign seats or allow individuals to select seats in advance of the date of departure to seat a young child next to an accompanying adult, to the greatest extent practicable, if adjacent seat assignments are available. An air carrier must do this without charging a fee or an additional cost beyond the ticket price of the additional seat.

Federal Labs Modernization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023

Federal Labs Modernization Act of 2023 This bill requires certain agencies to report on the state of research infrastructure at federal laboratories and other facilities. Specifically, the bill requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy to include in a report to Congress a description of the deficiencies in funding for research infrastructure in research facilities and major instrumentation located at federal laboratories and certain facilities of academic institutions. In addition, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress on the research infrastructure of federal facilities, including the current state of facilities and equipment and any needed repairs and associated costs.

Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023

Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill makes changes to the authorities and programs of regional economic and infrastructure development commissions. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) and establishes and expands NBRC grant programs. Regional commissions may make grants for the planning, construction, equipment, and operation of health, nutrition, and child care projects. The bill also authorizes these regional commissions (as part of economic and infrastructure development grants) to promote the production of housing to meet economic development and workforce needs. Each commission may accept transfers of funds from other federal agencies. Discretionary grants made by a commission to implement significant regional initiatives, to take advantage of special development opportunities, or to respond to emergency economic distress may be made without regard to specified percentage limitations. The bill limits the aggregate amount of discretionary grants.

Ensuring Fee-Free Benefit Transactions Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

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

No Electric Ferries Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

No Electric Ferries Act This bill prohibits the Department of Transportation from providing passenger ferry grants for zero-emission or electric ferry projects under the Urbanized Area Formula Funding program.

No Desire for Streetcars Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

No Desire for Streetcars Act This bill prohibits funds provided under certain Department of Transportation programs from being used for the procurement, operation, or maintenance of a streetcar, including the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program and the Fixed Guideway Capital Investment Grants Program.

NO TOD Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

Future of Aviation Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

Future of Aviation Act This bill expands the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to include grant coverage for current and future electric power requirements of public-use airports. Specifically, this bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a program and provide airport sponsors grants to conduct airport development to increase energy efficiency or meet future electrical power demands. The bill also expands two definitions under the AIP to specify that (1) airport development includes an on-airport project to meet current and future electrical power demand, and (2) airport planning includes assessing current and future electrical power demand. The FAA may also establish an AIP pilot program to provide funding for electric aircraft infrastructure. Up to 10 public-use airports may be eligible for grants to carry out (1) the acquisition, operation, and installation of equipment to support electric aircraft operations; and (2) the construction or modification of infrastructure for power delivery or services for electric aircraft. 

Volunteer Pilot Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

SPACEPORT Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

Spaceport Project Opportunities for Resilient Transportation Act or the SPACEPORT Act This bill modifies requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants Program. The program supported the development of spaceports (e.g., testing and launching stations for spacecraft) and other space-related infrastructure. Under current law, a grant may cover a maximum of 50% of the total cost of a project; at least 10% must be paid for by the private sector. The bill removes the requirement of private sector contributions and increases the maximum amount that the grant may cover to 90% of a project's total cost. The bill also allows the FAA to waive the maximum cost limitations if it deems it to be in the national interest. Additionally, under the bill, in selecting grant recipients, the FAA may consider a project's contribution towards meeting the civil, national security, and commercial space transportation needs of the United States (rather than only the needs of the U.S. government). The bill also limits funding for the grant program to congressional appropriations; other funding sources, such as user fees, may not be used.

AIR Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023

FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through FY2028, including activities and programs related to airport planning and development, facilities and equipment, and operations. The bill also addresses a wide range of issues, including by expanding air traffic controller training capacity and requiring the FAA to update the training process for air traffic controllers and the FAA Contract Tower Program; prohibiting aircraft dispatchers from working remotely, with limited exceptions for emergencies; requiring the FAA to operationalize key programs under the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) by December 31, 2025; requiring air carriers to provide a full refund, upon request, to passengers who hold a nonrefundable ticket for a cancelled or significantly delayed flight; requiring the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a policy directing certain air carriers to seat a young child next to an accompanying adult if adjacent seats are available without charging an additional fee; requiring DOT to issue rules on minimum training standards for airline personnel who assist wheelchair users; requiring air carriers to publish information related to the stowage of powered wheelchairs, including cargo hold dimensions; establishing a new DOT grant program for airports to dispose of products that contain per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), such as certain firefighting equipment, and purchase fluorine-free firefighting alternatives; requiring the FAA to update safety standards for commercial air tour operators (i.e., sightseeing airplane and helicopter flights); and requiring the FAA to establish a regulatory pathway for the certification or approval of commercial unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) to operate beyond the visual line of sight.

National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023

National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2023 This bill creates the National Infrastructure Bank to facilitate the long-term financing of infrastructure projects. Specifically, the bank must provide loans to entities—including states, public utilities, and public-private partnerships—for financing, developing, or operating eligible infrastructure projects. An eligible project must have a public sponsor as well as local, regional, or national significance. The bill treats the bank as a government corporation exempt from tax and treats contributions to the bank as charitable contributions. The bill also provides for criteria and preferences for deciding whether to provide a loan, such as whether a project promotes job creation or provides environmental benefits. The bank shall issue stock and may also issue bonds and maintain a discount line of credit with the Federal Reserve System. The bank must apply for a national bank charter and, once chartered, accept deposits from individuals, corporations, public entities, or any other source and pay interest on those deposits. The bill imposes requirements related to the bank's operation, such as minimum reserve requirements and requirements for handling loan losses. In addition, the bank must facilitate the organization of at least seven regional economic accelerator planning groups to, among other activities, identify infrastructure needs and priorities. Within five years, the Government Accountability Office must report on the bank's activities.

Protecting Coasts and Cities from Severe Weather Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023

Protecting Coasts and Cities from Severe Weather Act  This bill establishes certain programs and requirements to support weather forecasting with respect to coastal flooding, storm surges, and underserved areas. Specifically, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must establish a program that improves coastal flooding and storm surge forecasts, such as improvements to real-time predictions of ocean activity. NOAA must evaluate and incorporate innovative observation methods and emerging technologies into the program. NOAA must also improve weather observation in underserved areas, including by identifying challenges to weather observation in these areas and utilizing advanced technology to make changes.  In addition, the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency must establish a partnership to implement pilot projects that support the use of localized weather data in infrastructure and emergency management decisions at the federal, state, and local levels.

Rail Inspector Safety Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023

Rail Inspector Safety Act of 2023 This bill authorizes the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to increase the number of railroad, pipeline, and hazardous materials investigators within the NTSB.

FAA Severe Turbulence Research and Development Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023

FAA Severe Turbulence Research and Development Act of 2023 This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to carry out applied research and development on severe air turbulence. Specifically, the FAA, in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and in consultation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, must carry out applied research and development to enhance the monitoring and understanding of severe turbulence, including clear air turbulence (i.e., sudden severe turbulence occurring in cloudless regions that causes violent buffeting of aircraft); and inform the development of measures to mitigate safety impacts on crew and the flying public that may result from severe turbulence. The FAA may enter into agreements with commercial providers to purchase turbulence data and place instruments on aircraft in order to understand and monitor turbulence. Data collected pursuant to this bill must be widely available and accessible to scientific research, user, and stakeholder communities. Further, the FAA, in collaboration with NOAA, must submit a report to Congress on the research. The report must identify future research and development needed to predict and mitigate the safety impacts that may result from severe turbulence, including clear air turbulence.

Methane Emissions Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023

Methane Emissions Research Act This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a methane research pilot study to quantify methane emissions from infrastructure used for the production, gathering and boosting, processing, transmission, and storage of oil and natural gas in the United States.

Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023

Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act of 2023 This bill establishes certain requirements to address corrosion control in bridge and railroad-bridge projects that receive federal assistance. Specifically, certified contractors must employ a substantial number of individuals who are certified by a qualified training program in corrosion control, mitigation, and prevention in order to work on certain aspects of bridge project activities. A certified contractor must also provide training for any non-certified coating applicators employed by the contractor to work on certain aspects of a project. The bill further requires bridge projects to implement a corrosion management system that utilizes industry-recognized standards and corrosion mitigation and prevention methods for construction, repair, and maintenance projects. In addition, the bill expands the scope of the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program to include corrosion control work on rail bridges. (This program provides direct loans and loan guarantees for the development of railroad infrastructure.) The bill also requires the Department of Transportation to study and report on best practices for inspecting and addressing corrosion on weathering steel bridges. This report must be made available to state and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and regional organizations.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023

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

DCA Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023

Direct Capital Access Act or the DCA Act This bill increases the number of daily round-trip flights allowed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Specifically, this bill adds 56 new slots at DCA to allow for 28 additional daily round-trip flights. (Airlines flying to and from DCA are subject to slot and perimeter rules set by federal law and regulation. The slot rules determine the total number of flight slots that can be handled in a given time period. In addition, a statutory perimeter rule limits nonstop flights to a 1,250-mile radius unless they are granted an exemption in law.) Current law limits DCA to a maximum of 67 hourly slots for flights both within- and beyond-perimeter; a round-trip flight serving DCA requires two slots (or a slot pair). Of those slots, 40 daily slots are exempt from the perimeter rule. Under the bill's slot increase, operations at DCA may not increase by more than eight flights per hour.

Methane Emissions Research Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023

Methane Emissions Research Act of 2023 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a methane research pilot study to quantify methane emissions from infrastructure used for the production, gathering and boosting, processing, transmission, and storage of oil and natural gas in the United States.

Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023

Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act of 2023 This bill establishes certain requirements to address corrosion control in bridge and railroad-bridge projects that receive federal assistance. Specifically, certified contractors must employ a substantial number of individuals who are certified by a qualified training program in corrosion control, mitigation, and prevention in order to work on certain aspects of bridge project activities. A certified contractor must also provide training for any non-certified coating applicators employed by the contractor to work on certain aspects of a project. The bill further requires bridge projects to implement a corrosion management system that utilizes industry-recognized standards and corrosion mitigation and prevention methods for construction, repair, and maintenance projects. In addition, the bill expands the scope of the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program to include corrosion control work on rail bridges. (This program provides direct loans and loan guarantees for the development of railroad infrastructure.) The bill also requires the Department of Transportation to study and report on best practices for inspecting and addressing corrosion on weathering steel bridges. This report must be made available to state and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and regional organizations.