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Bill· SS. 2563 (115th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2018
Water Supply Infrastructure and Drought Resilience Act of 2018 This bill establishes a pilot project to adjust flood control rule curves at Bureau of Reclamation facilities. The bill amends the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to increase access to Reclamation's WaterSMART program by including within the definition of "eligible applicant" any state, regional, or local authority the members of which include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority. The bill provides Reclamation with increased flexibility to recharge aquifers. The conveyance of water through a project facility that crosses Bureau of Land Management land for the purpose of aquifer recharge shall not require a new or additional permit or authorization if: (1) the existing project facility has a valid agreement that allows conveyance of water for a purpose other than aquifer recharge, (2) that conveyance does not result in a substantial change to the operation of the project facility, and (3) the entity operating the facility consents to such conveyance. In developing any rule, policy, directive, management plan, or similar federal action relating to the issuance, renewal, amendment, or extension of any permit, right-of-way, or other land use or occupancy agreement, Reclamation shall: (1) recognize the longstanding authority of the states relating to evaluating, protecting, allocating, regulating, permitting, and adjudicating water use; and (2) coordinate with the states to ensure that any such action is consistent with, and imposes no greater restriction or regulatory requirement, than applicable state water law.
Bill· HRH.R. 5315 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2018
Planes Ensuring Total Safety Act or the PETS Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to promulgate regulations: (1) prohibiting the storage of a live animal in an overhead compartment of a flight in air transportation, and (2) establishing fines for a violation of such prohibition.
Bill· HRH.R. 5318 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2018
Investing for Tomorrow's Schools Act This bill provides for the establishment of state infrastructure banks for the purpose of funding education infrastructure projects. The bill sets forth requirements for the banks, including requirements related to funding, qualifying projects, building standards, and loan terms.
Bill· SS. 2556 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2018
Welfare Of Our Furry Friends (WOOFF) Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to promulgate regulations: (1) prohibiting the storage of a live animal in an overhead compartment of a flight in air transportation, and (2) establishing fines for a violation of such prohibition.
Bill· HRH.R. 5268 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2018
Safe Schools Act This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make grants to eligible local education agencies to provide improved security measures at schools and on school grounds. Such grants shall be distributed directly to such agencies and used to improve security through one or more of the following: employment of additional school resource officers not already employed by the agency; entering into a contract or a memorandum of understanding with a local law enforcement agency, private entity, or nonprofit corporation for the services of school resource officers; increasing coordination with local law enforcement; and purchasing equipment, technology, or infrastructure improvements to control access to school campus, buildings, and classrooms, expedite notification of first responders, or stop weapons from entering a school building. In awarding grants, FEMA shall give preference to local education agencies that demonstrate that the grants will be used efficiently and effectively to secure school buildings or grounds.
Bill· HRH.R. 5218 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2018
DUI Reporting Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to withhold national priority safety program grant funds from a state that does not appear on the most recent list provided to DOT by the Department of Justice identifying states that are appropriately reporting arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 55 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2018
This joint resolution requires the Department of State, by 30, 180, and 360 days after this bill's enactment, to submit to Congress certifications of whether the government of Saudi Arabia is undertaking: (1) a good faith effort to conduct diplomatic negotiations to end the civil war in Yemen, and (2) appropriate measures to increase access for all Yemenis to food, fuel, and medicine. If the State Department is unable to certify that such government is taking such action, no federal funds may be obligated or expended for U.S. air refueling of Saudi-led coalition non-U.S. aircraft conducting missions in Yemen other than missions related to: al Qaeda, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, and the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria; Iranian terrorist activities in Yemen; countering the transport, assembly, or employment of Iranian ballistic missiles or components in Yemen; helping coalition aircraft return safely to base in emergency situations; or force protection of U.S. aircraft or personnel.
Law· SS. 2511 (115th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018
Commercial Engagement Through Ocean Technology Act of 2018 or the CENOTE Act of 2018 This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a joint program office within the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations to coordinate the acquisition and assessment of unmanned maritime systems. NOAA must coordinate with the Department of the Navy to leverage expertise in the development and operational transition of unmanned maritime systems. It may also coordinate with other federal agencies, the academic sector, and the private sector to maximize research opportunities and to support commercialization of unmanned maritime systems. NOAA must make publicly available all data it collects using unmanned maritime systems.
Bill· HRH.R. 5196 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018
Commercial Engagement Through Ocean Technology Act of 2018 or the CENOTE Act of 2018 This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a joint program office within the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations to coordinate the acquisition and assessment of unmanned maritime systems. NOAA must coordinate with the Department of the Navy to leverage expertise in the development and operational transition of unmanned maritime systems. It may also coordinate with other federal agencies, the academic sector, and the private sector to maximize research opportunities and to support commercialization of unmanned maritime systems. NOAA must make publicly available all data it collects using unmanned maritime systems.
Bill· HRH.R. 5210 (115th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018
National Park Restoration Act This bill establishes the National Park Restoration Fund in the Treasury to be made available to the Department of the Interior for priority deferred maintenance needs that support critical infrastructure and visitor services of the National Park Service. Funds deposited through FY2027 are calculated according to a formula that uses as a factor the total amount of energy development revenues due and payable to the federal government. Interior may not use amounts in the fund to acquire lands. Interior shall submit to Congress a list of the projects for which amounts from the fund are allocated, including a summary of each project.
Bill· HRH.R. 5198 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018
Restoring Local Control Act This bill modifies representational and structural requirements for metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) under the federal-aid highways and public transportation programs. MPOs are policy-making organizations designated to carry out the transportation planning process for each urban area with a population of at least 50,000.
Bill· SS. 2513 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018
School Safety and Mental Health Services Improvement Act of 2018 This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow state and local educational agencies to use certain federal funds for activities related to school safety, including: (1) infrastructure improvements to prevent, mitigate, or respond to incidents of school violence; and (2) professional development for school personnel in mental-health awareness, crisis response, and other programs designed to reduce and prevent school violence. The bill also amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the programs for which the Department of Health and Human Services may provide financial support to assist local communities in helping children deal with violence. Such programs may include those designed to provide mental-health and substance-use disorder assessments, crisis-intervention training, counseling, treatment, and referral. The President must convene an interagency task force to address school safety.
Bill· SS. 2509 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018
National Park Restoration Act This bill establishes the National Park Restoration Fund in the Treasury to be made available to the Department of the Interior for priority deferred maintenance needs that support critical infrastructure and visitor services of the National Park Service. Funds deposited through FY2027 are calculated according to a formula that uses as a factor the total amount of energy development revenues due and payable to the federal government. Interior may not use amounts in the fund to acquire lands. Interior shall submit to Congress a list of the projects for which amounts from the fund are allocated, including a summary of each project.
Bill· SS. 2508 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018
Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2018 This bill reauthorizes through FY2023 each of the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, the Southwest Border Regional Commission, and the Northern Border Regional Commission. The bill revises the process for determining the share of the commissions' administrative expenses payable by each state. A commission may make economic and infrastructure development grants to states and local governments, Indian tribes, and public nonprofit organizations for projects to grow the capacity for successful community economic development in its region. A commission must include the development of renewable and alternative energy sources in the categories to which at least 40% of economic and infrastructure development grant amounts are allocated. Such grants may be used to attract businesses to a region from outside of the United States. The Northern Border Regional Commission shall establish a state capacity building grant program to furnish grants to Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont for specified efforts that include support of business retention and expansion in eligible counties and establishment of programs to encourage job creation and workforce development. The bill adds to such commission: Belknap and Cheshire Counties in New Hampshire; and Addison, Bennington, Chittenden, Orange, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor Counties in Vermont.
Bill· SS. 2506 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018
This bill authorizes the Federal Aviation Administration to carry out a pilot program to provide grants to support the education and recruitment of aviation maintenance technical workers and the development of the aviation maintenance industry workforce.
Bill· SS. 2503 (115th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2018
Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act Laboratory Modernization and Technology Transfer Act This bill instructs the Department of Energy (DOE) to permit its National Laboratories to use funds authorized to support technology transfer within DOE to carry out early stage and precommercial technology demonstration activities so as to remove technology barriers limiting private sector interest and to demonstrate potential commercial applications of any research and technologies arising from activities of the national laboratories. DOE shall carry out its Agreements for Commercializing Technology pilot program, as announced on December 8, 2011, in accordance with this bill. Department of Energy Research Coordination Act DOE shall identify strategic opportunities for collaborative research and development of innovative science and technologies. DOE shall carry out a program to enhance economic, environmental, and energy security by making awards for the establishment of Energy Innovation Hubs to conduct and support research and development of advanced energy technologies. Department of Energy Office of Science Policy Act The bill states that the mission of the Office of Science shall be the delivery of scientific discoveries, capabilities, and major scientific tools to transform the understanding of nature and to advance energy, economic, and national security. The Office of Science shall: (1) carry out specified research programs; (2) assess the potential for any fusion energy project supported by the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E); (3) carry out a program for improving the safety, efficiency, and mission readiness of infrastructure at its laboratories; and (4) ensure the access of researchers to the most advanced accelerator facilities and research capabilities, including the Large Hadron Collider DOE shall carry out Solar Fuels Research and Electricity Storage Research Initiatives. The Office of Science may carry out a program for the production of isotopes that are needed for research, medical, industrial, or related purposes. Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act By December 31, 2017, DOE shall determine mission need for a versatile reactor-based fast neutron source to operate as a national user facility. DOE shall: (1) carry out a program for enhancing the nation's capabilities to develop new reactor technologies through high-performance computation modeling and simulation techniques, and (2) submit budget plans for civilian nuclear energy research and development.
Bill· HRH.R. 5174 (115th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2018
Energy Emergency Leadership Act This bill amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to require the Secretary of the Department of Energy to assign energy emergency and energy security functions to an Assistant Secretary, including responsibilities with respect to infrastructure and cybersecurity.
Bill· HRH.R. 5158 (115th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2018
This bill requires the Department of Transportation to make available on its website and cause to be published in the Federal Register a request for nominations with respect to roads to be designated under the national scenic byways program and a list specifying the roads designated.
Bill· HRH.R. 5170 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2018
Federal Lands Infrastructure Partnership Act or the FLIP Act This bill extends through FY2022, and revises allocations from, the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The bill makes allocations available from the fund for the Payment In-Lieu of Taxes Program. This program compensates local governments for tax revenue lost due to tax-exempt federal lands within their boundaries. Allocations shall be made available from the fund through FY2024 to promote offshore energy exploration, innovation, and education. The Department of the Interior shall carry out a federal energy permit streamlining pilot program for the outer Continental Shelf. The bill directs Interior to: (1) establish an Offshore Energy Innovation Hub; (2) award offshore energy innovation grants to institutions of higher education; and (3) prepare a list of the science, technology, engineering, and math-related academic fields that address current and future workforce needs for offshore energy-related activities.
Bill· HRH.R. 5156 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2018
Protect Public Trees Act of 2018 This bill prohibits the modification, removal, or piling of materials about any tree, plant, or other vegetation on public highways to erect, maintain, repair, or improve the visibility of, commercial advertising. This prohibition does not apply if the purpose of the modification, removal, or piling of materials is to improve or maintain safety.
Bill· HRH.R. 5137 (115th)open
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2018
Buy America 2.0 Act This bill prohibits federal funding of a transportation or infrastructure project unless the steel, iron, and manufactured goods used for the project are produced in the United States, except where: (1) inconsistent with the public interest; (2) iron, steel, and the relevant manufactured goods are not produced in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities and of a satisfactory quality; or (3) inclusion of iron, steel, and manufactured goods produced in the United States will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25%. The bill revises and expands Buy America provisions pertaining to public transportation, rail loan and loan guarantees, and aviation. The bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to apply in all fiscal years (currently, FY2017) the prohibition on the use of funds for a public water system project that does not use iron and steel products produced in the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 5131 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2018
Surface Transportation Security Improvement Act of 2018 This bill establishes programs and reporting requirements to identify risks to facilities, equipment, or systems used to provide surface transportation. It requires the Department of Homeland Security to: develop risk-based priorities informed by an analysis of terrorist and cyber attack scenarios, submit to Congress a feasibility assessment of employing new technologies to enhance surface transportation security, disseminate best practices to protect against the threat of a vehicle-based terrorist attack, and report on threats to transportation security posed by the use of security technologies developed or produced by firms owned or closely linked to foreign governments known to pose a threat. The Government Accountability Office must evaluate the extent to which the 2016 Biennial National Strategy for Transportation Security is reflected in federal transportation security programs. The bill authorizes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to establish a task force to identify and develop an innovative technology to enhance transportation security. The TSA must also submit to Congress a strategy to guide operations of surface transportation security inspectors.
Bill· HRH.R. 5115 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2018
Rare disease Advancement, Research, and Education Act of 2018 or the RARE Act of 2018 This bill reauthorizes through FY2023 the Office of Rare Diseases in the National Institutes of Health. The bill requires (1) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand infrastructure and activities to track the epidemiology of rare diseases and conditions and to incorporate this information into a National Rare Disease or Condition Surveillance System, and (2) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to expand its activities to increase providers' awareness of rare diseases and conditions.
Bill· HRH.R. 5111 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2018
Transit Bus Procurement Act This bill directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide access to GSA sources of supply (schedules) for buses to recipients or subrecipients of federal public transportation grant assistance to purchase buses for public transportation. The Department of Transportation shall restrict schedule access to recipients or subrecipients in areas with a population of: less than 200,000, and 200,000 or more with 100 or fewer buses in fixed route service during peak service hours.
Bill· SS. 2455 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2018
Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act of 2018 This bill states that it is U.S. policy to: (1) reaffirm the United States-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership, which highlights the bilateral relationship's importance and outlines enhanced cooperation in defense, security, economics and trade, energy security, democracy, and cultural exchanges; (2) support continued cooperation between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Ukraine; (3) support Ukraine's political and economic reforms; (4) reaffirm the commitment of the United States to the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances; (5) assist Ukraine's efforts to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities; and (6) improve Ukraine's ability to respond to Russian-supported disinformation and propaganda efforts in cyberspace, including through social media. It is the sense of Congress that the Department of State should take the following actions, commensurate with U.S. interests, to help Ukraine improve its cybersecurity: (1) provide Ukraine necessary support to secure government computer networks from cyber intrusions, particularly networks that defend critical infrastructure; (2) provide Ukraine support to reduce reliance on Russian information and communications technology; and (3) help Ukraine build capacity, expand cybersecurity information sharing, and cooperate on international cyberspace efforts. The State Department shall report to Congress on the status of U.S.-Ukraine cybersecurity cooperation.
Bill· HRH.R. 5089 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2018
Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act of 2018 This bill sets forth provisions to improve information sharing, promote coordination, and enhance capabilities of law enforcement agencies in responding to terrorism and other serious incidents at transportation facilities, such as bus terminals or rail stations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5093 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2018
Measuring the Economic Impact of Broadband Act of 2018 This bill requires the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) of the Department of Commerce to assess, and submit a report regarding, the effects on the U.S. economy of the deployment and adoption of broadband Internet Protocol-based transmission services that enable users to send and receive voice, video, data, or graphics. In conducting the assessment, the BEA must: (1) consider employment, job creation, business headcount, online commerce, income, education and distance learning, telehealth, telework, agriculture, population growth and density, broadband speed, and geography; and (2) consult with other government agencies, businesses, rural and urban Internet service and telecommunications infrastructure providers, and consumer and community organizations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5081 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2018
Surface Transportation Security and Technology Accountability Act of 2018 This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to: (1) direct the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to establish within itself the the Surface Transportation Security Advisory Committee to advise the TSA on surface transportation security, and (2) require the TSA to consult with the advisory committee when preparing updates to the five-year technology investment plan and to include a classified addendum to report sensitive transportation security risks and associated capability gaps.
Bill· HRH.R. 5061 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018
Shellfish Aquaculture Improvement Act of 2018 This bill limits recovery for certain injuries sustained by an aquaculture worker if state workers' compensation is available to such individual. (An aquaculture worker is an individual employed by commercial enterprises involved in the controlled cultivation and harvest of aquatic plants and animals, including the cleaning, processing or canning of fish and fish products, the cultivation and harvesting of shellfish, and the controlled growing and harvesting of other aquatic species.)
Bill· HRH.R. 5039 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018
National Airmail Museum Act This bill designates the airmail museum located at Smith Field in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as the "National Airmail Museum."
Bill· HRH.R. 5033 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018
Expanding Resources to Establish Rail Quiet Zones Act of 2018 This bill requires a set aside of 10% of the funding under the consolidated rail infrastructure and safety improvements grant program for supplementary and alternative safety measures (i.e., substitutes for the locomotive horn at railway-highway grade crossings). The bill also includes such measures as projects eligible for funding under the surface transportation block grant program.
Bill· HRH.R. 5032 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018
Toll Credit Marketplace Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation to establish and implement a pilot program to develop a toll credit marketplace for states to buy and sell toll credits. States may use funds from the sale of toll credits to offset the nonfederal share of the cost of any transportation project. The Government Accountability Office shall study and report on the performance of the toll credit marketplace.
Bill· SS. 2444 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018
Energy Cybersecurity Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop advanced cybersecurity applications and technologies for the energy sector. DOE shall: advance the security of field devices and third-party control systems; leverage electric grid architecture as a means to assess risks to the energy sector, including by implementing an all-hazards approach to communications infrastructure, control systems architecture, and power systems architecture; perform pilot demonstration projects with the energy sector to gain experience with new technologies; and develop workforce development curricula for energy sector-related cybersecurity. DOE may also implement within the energy sector cybertesting and cyberresilience programs that target: DOE emergency response capabilities, cooperation with the intelligence communities for energy sector-related threat collection and analysis, enhancing the tools of DOE and the Electricity Sector Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ES-ISAC) for monitoring the status of the energy sector, expanding industry participation in ES-ISAC, and technical assistance to small electric utilities to assess cybermaturity posture. DOE must develop an advanced energy security program that secures diverse energy networks in order to increase the functional preservation of the electric grid operations or natural gas and oil operations in the face of natural and human-made threats and hazards, including electric magnetic pulse and geomagnetic disturbances. DOE shall study alternative management structures and funding mechanisms to expand industry membership and participation in ES-ISAC.
Bill· SS. 2439 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018
Toll Credit Marketplace Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation to establish and implement a pilot program to develop a toll credit marketplace for states to buy and sell toll credits. States may use funds from the sale of toll credits to offset the nonfederal share of the cost of any transportation project. The Government Accountability Office shall study and report on the performance of the toll credit marketplace.
Bill· HRH.R. 5011 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2018
Election Security Act This bill directs the Election Assistance Commission to establish grant programs to support (1) states' compliance with certain voting system security requirements, including the use of voting systems that require individual paper ballots marked by hand; (2) states' audits of federal election results (i.e., manual counts of paper ballots); and (3) research and development directed at improving the security and reliability of election infrastructure. The bill also (1) requires the President to develop a national strategy to protect against attacks on U.S. democratic institutions, and (2) establishes the National Commission to Protect U.S. Democratic Institutions.
Bill· HRH.R. 5016 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2018
Revitalize Rural America Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Transportation to establish a Revitalize Rural America Grant Program to facilitate infrastructure projects in rural areas. Priority must be given to projects for which nonfederal contributions exceed 25% of the costs of the project and projects in an area with an unemployment rate that exceeds the national average. The bill requires that the set-aside of funds for states under the surface transportation block grant program be used for the Revitalize Rural America Grant Program.
Bill· HRH.R. 5004 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2018
Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2018 This bill expands provisions prohibiting discrimination against disabled individuals by an air carrier. Specifically, it enumerates certain actions that an air carrier must take or may not take with respect to a disabled individual. It also requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that disabled individuals traveling in air transportation are able to file complaints with DOT in response to disability-related discrimination and receive assistance from DOT through a hotline or comparable electronic means. The bill authorizes an aggrieved individual and the Department of Justice to bring a civil action for discrimination. The civil penalty for damage for discrimination involving damage to a wheelchair or other mobility aid of a disabled passenger may be increased up to three times the maximum penalty otherwise allowed. The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board shall prescribe regulations for aircraft with new or existing type certificates to ensure the accessibility of individuals with disabilities. The board shall: (1) conduct a study to determine the ways in which individuals with significant disabilities who use wheelchairs can be accommodated through in-cabin wheelchair restraint systems, and (2) issue minimum guidelines for such systems. DOT shall: (1) prescribe or revise regulations to ensure that individuals with disabilities who request assistance receive timely and effective assistance at airports and on aircraft from trained personnel, (2) develop an Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, and (3) establish an advisory committee for air travel needs of passengers with disabilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 5000 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2018
Free to Fly Act The bill modifies definitions relating to aviation to permit a foreign air carrier to own U.S. domestic air routes. The foreign carrier may establish U.S.-based subsidiaries for such purpose. All foreign-owed air carriers that obtain a certificate to fly domestic routes may only hire U.S. citizens or nationals, or permanent legal residents. The Department of Transportation (DOT) may issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity to a foreign air carrier with a board of directors that is comprised of more than 49% non-U.S. citizens. The bill expands the scope of the President's review of DOT actions involving foreign air carriers. The Department of Defense may waive citizenship requirements for certain foreign air carriers participating in the civil reserve air fleet.
Bill· SS. 2422 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2018
This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration to enter into an arrangement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to examine and report on the various health impacts of air traffic noise and pollution.
Bill· HRH.R. 4986 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2018
FCC Reauthorization Act of 2018 This bill reauthorizes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for FY2019-FY2020. It amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require that FCC-collected fees be deposited and credited as offsetting collections. Regulatory and application fees must be assessed at rates to recover costs associated with such activities. The bill requires the Department of the Treasury to accept bidding deposits for spectrum auctions held by the FCC. The deposits of successful bidders must be used for deficit reduction. The bill includes requiring the FCC: to complete a rulemaking proceeding and adopt procedural changes to maximize opportunities for public participation and efficient decision-making; to amend station antenna structure regulations to prohibit certain private land use restrictions from applying to amateur radio stations; and to submit a study on the public safety benefits, technical feasibility, and cost of providing the public with access to 9-1-1 services during times of emergency when mobile service is unavailable. Specified providers that offer the capability to transmit voice communications and signaling information from one destination to another, and that charge a rate to any other entity for such a transmission, must register with the FCC and comply with service quality standards to be established by the FCC. The bill applies the prohibition against knowingly transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller identification information to text messages and persons outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States. Communications networks must be treated as critical infrastructure and protected systems under the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
Bill· SS. 2403 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2018
This bill modifies the formula that the Department of Transportation uses to apportion federal highway funds among the states for the national highway performance program, the surface transportation block grant program, the highway safety improvement program, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, the national highway freight program, and metropolitan transportation planning.
Bill· HRH.R. 4942 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018
Building U.S. Infrastructure by Leveraging Demands for Skills or the BUILDS Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to award implementation or renewal grants, for up to three years and on a competitive basis, to eligible industry or sector partnerships to achieve certain strategic objectives with respect to targeted infrastructure industries (e.g., transportation, construction, energy, information technology, or utilities industries). Such strategic objectives must include: recruiting key stakeholders in the targeted infrastructure industries; identifying the training needs of multiple businesses in such industries; facilitating actions that lead to economies of scale by aggregating multiple businesses' training and education needs; helping grant recipients who provide career and technical education and training in aligning curricula, entrance requirements, and programs to the targeted infrastructure's needs and required credentials; providing information on grant activities to state agencies to enable them to inform unemployment compensation recipients of employment and training opportunities; and helping partner businesses to attract potential workers from a diverse jobseeker base.
Bill· HRH.R. 4947 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018
Rural Infrastructure Development and Partnerships Act This bill establishes within the Department of Agriculture a Rural Partnerships Office to be headed by a director appointed by the President. The duties of the office include: establishing and running a program to provide technical assistance to improve delivery, financing, operations, and maintenance of rural infrastructure; establishing an online clearinghouse of best practices; providing grants to assist rural communities in developing cost-effective infrastructure projects; and coordinating activities of rural liaisons to develop guidelines for rural funding or financing programs at federal agencies and identify opportunities to work across agencies. The bill also requires each federal agency that provides financial assistance to a rural community for an activity related to rural infrastructure to designate a rural liaison to: review and make recommendations regarding regulations, guidance, and procedures that present hardships to rural communities; participate in reviewing applications for technical assistance; serve as an ombudsperson for rural communities; and meet regularly with other rural liaisons to coordinate efforts and identify ways to work together to support rural infrastructure needs.
Bill· HRH.R. 4940 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018
Border and Port Security Act This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), every fiscal year, to hire, train, and assign at least 500 new officers above the level as of September 30 of the immediately preceding fiscal year until the total number of officers equals the requirements identified each year in the Workload Staffing Model developed by the CBP. The CBP shall, every fiscal year, hire, train, and assign specified levels of new agricultural specialists, full-time investigators within its Office of Professional Responsibility, and support staff, including technicians, to perform non-law enforcement administrative functions. In calculating the number of officers needed at each port of entry through the Workload Staffing Model, the Office of Field Operations of the CBP shall: (1) rely on data collected regarding the inspections and other activities conducted at each such port of entry; and (2) consider volume from seasonal surges, other projected changes in commercial and passenger volumes, the most current commercial forecasts, and other relevant information. The bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require CBP's annual report on staffing to include information on how many agricultural specialists are assigned to each field office and port of entry and information concerning the progress made toward meeting officer, agricultural specialist, and support staff hiring targets, while accounting for attrition. The CBP must also report on infrastructure and equipment needed to prevent the illegal transportation of opioids and other drugs through U.S. ports of entry.
Bill· HRH.R. 4953 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018
Advancing Innovation and Reinvigorating Widespread Access to Viable Electromagnetic Spectrum Act or the AIRWAVES Act This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete auctions by December 31, 2020, that will grant priority access broadcast licenses for specified frequency spectrum bands. The FCC and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration are directed to identify frequencies in specified spectrum bands that may be utilized for non-federal unlicensed use and commercial licensed use. The FCC must allocate 10% of proceeds from each of the spectrum band auctions specified in the bill to expand wireless infrastructure in rural areas that are underserved or unserved. The FCC shall conduct a study on how unlicensed frequency spectrum bands can be utilized for: (1) the provision of healthcare in rural areas, (2) distance learning, and (3) facilitating innovations in agriculture.
Bill· HRH.R. 4939 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018
This bill revises the composition of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to include the Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Bill· SS. 2381 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018
Streamlining and Investing in Broadband Infrastructure Act This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to issue best practices relating to broadband infrastructure and installation for state broadband coordination offices, with an emphasis on rural areas. The Department of Transportation (DOT) must require states to install broadband conduits, which support broadband or wireless facilities for broadband service, in certain highway construction projects. DOT must ensure that: (1) standards are established that apply to all areas, including rural and remote areas with low population density; and (2) any requesting broadband provider has access to such installed conduits on a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory basis, for a charge not to exceed a cost-based rate. The bill amends the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 to require federal agencies and other entities to grant real property interests necessary for the installation, construction, or modification of a communications facility installation, as defined by this bill.
Law· HRH.R. 4921 (115th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2018
STB Information Security Improvement Act This bill requires the Surface Transportation Board to develop a timeline and plan to implement the recommendations of the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation in Report No. FI2018002 concerning information security.
Bill· HRH.R. 4925 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2018
FRA Safety Data Improvement Act This bill directs the Federal Railroad Administration to develop a plan, and a timeline to carry out such plan, to implement the recommendations from the Inspector General Report No. ST2017045 of the Department of Transportation, issued on May 3, 2017, to improve its management and collection of railroad safety data.
Bill· HRH.R. 4902 (115th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2018
Securing Required Funding for Water Infrastructure Now Act or the SRF WIN Act This bill amends the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 (WIFIA) to allow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide additional financial assistance (e.g., low-interest loans) through FY2023 to state infrastructure financing authorities for drinking water state revolving funds (SRFs) and clean water SRFs to carry out certain water and wastewater infrastructure projects. For projects funded under this bill, the EPA: (1) must expedite their application and review process, (2) may provide up to 100% of the project costs, and (3) must provide financial assistance based on need and give equal consideration to drinking water projects and wastewater projects. Total financial assistance provided under this bill may not exceed $7 billion per state. The bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA to provide financial assistance under WIFIA to carry out projects for flood damage reduction, storm damage reduction, environmental restoration, or navigation improvement to certain waterways. Under current law, such financial assistance may be provided to only pilot projects.