Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
Records
Bill· HRH.R. 7166 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2020 This bill allows tax-exempt charitable or educational organizations to make collegiate housing and infrastructure grants to certain tax-exempt social clubs (e.g., college fraternities and sororities) that apply such grants to their collegiate housing property. A collegiate housing and infrastructure grant is a grant to provide, improve, operate, or maintain collegiate housing property that may involve more than incidental social, recreational, or private purposes. The grant must be for purposes that would be permissible for a dormitory or other residential facility of the college or university with which the collegiate housing property is associated. The grant may not be used to provide physical fitness facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 7151 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
Ports-to-Plains Highway Act of 2020 This bill expands and designates certain route segments on the National Highway System. Specifically, the bill (1) designates the portion of the Heartland Expressway (relating solely to the portion from Limon, Colorado to Interstate Route I-76 in the vicinity of Brush, Colorado) and the Ports-to-Plains Corridor as future parts of the Interstate System; and (2) permits the continued operation of vehicles on any segment of the Heartland Expressway (relating solely to the portion from Limon, Colorado to I-76 in the vicinity of Brush, Colorado) and the Ports-to-Plains Corridor that is designated as a route on the Interstate System in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico, without regard to vehicle weight limitation requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 7172 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
Electric Power Infrastructure Improvement Act This bill allows a tax credit for investment in a qualifying electric power transmission line property. The bill defines qualifying electric power transmission line property as (1) any overhead, submarine, or underground transmission facility that is capable of transmitting electricity at a voltage of not less than 345 kilovolts, has a transmission capacity of not less than 1,000 megawatts, is an alternating current or direct transmission line, and delivers power produced in either a rural area or offshore; and (2) conductors or cables, or other specified equipment, necessary for the proper operation of the facility.
Bill· HRH.R. 2 (116th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America Act or the INVEST in America Act This bill addresses provisions related to federal-aid highway, transit, highway safety, motor carrier, research, hazardous materials, and rail programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Among other provisions, the bill extends FY2020 enacted levels through FY2021 for federal-aid highway, transit, and safety programs; reauthorizes for FY2022-FY2025 several surface transportation programs, including the federal-aid highway program, transit programs, highway safety, motor carrier safety, and rail programs; addresses climate change, including strategies to reduce the climate change impacts of the surface transportation system and conduct a vulnerability assessment to identify opportunities to enhance the resilience of the surface transportation system and ensure the efficient use of federal resources; revises Buy America procurement requirements for highways, mass transit, and rail; establishes a rebuild rural grant program to improve the safety, state of good repair, and connectivity of transportation infrastructure in rural communities; implements new safety requirements across all transportation modes; and directs DOT to establish a pilot program to demonstrate a national motor vehicle per-mile user fee to restore and maintain the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund and achieve and maintain a state of good repair in the surface transportation system.
Bill· SS. 3930 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2020
Maritime Administration Authorization and Improvement Act This bill revises provisions related to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps. The bill addresses several aspects of MARAD, including reauthorizing MARAD programs, including programs associated with maintaining the U.S. Merchant Marine; establishing a tanker security fleet of active, commercially viable, militarily useful, privately owned product tank vessels to meet national defense and other security requirements and maintain a United States presence in international commercial shipping; authorizing a grant program to award maritime career training grants to community and technical colleges for the purpose of developing, offering, or improving educational or career training programs for American workers related to the maritime workforce; assessing foreign subsidies to international shipping; and establishing a standing committee of experts to explore and advise on supply chain transportation system vulnerabilities and disruptions and how to minimize them in the event of emergencies and disasters such as the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. Additionally, among other provisions, the bill sets forth new requirements for the corps concerning commissioned grades and operational strength numbers, obligated service requirements, training and physical fitness, education loan assistance, recruitment, hiring and promotions, separation and retirement, and other workforce issues.
Bill· SS. 3934 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2020
Equitable Nutrition Assistance for the Territories Act of 2020 This bill allows Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) after submitting a plan of operation that is approved by the Department of Agriculture (USDA). (Under current law, the three territories receive block grants instead of participating in SNAP.) Such territories may request from USDA a one-time grant to pay the cost of the technology infrastructure necessary to implement SNAP, including the cost of information technology, information technology personnel, and training relating to program implementation.
Bill· SS. 3927 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2020
This bill modifies the time limit from 150 days to 90 days to file a petition for judicial review of a permit, license, or approval for a highway or public transportation capital project.
Bill· SS. 3926 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2020
Federal Permitting Modernization Act of 2020 This bill revises environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) for certain infrastructure projects. Specifically, this bill establishes deadlines for federal agencies to complete the environmental review of such projects. A court may not issue a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction against an agency or a project sponsor in connection with the review or authorization of an infrastructure project unless the court determines that (1) the environmental review has failed substantially and materially to comply with the requirements of NEPA, and (2) the failure cannot be cured by supplementing the environmental document or other mitigation and monitoring measures.
Bill· HRH.R. 7128 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2020
Air Travel Public Health Emergency Protection Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to authorize states, territories of the United States, and Indian Tribes to implement reasonable guidelines and restrictions to ensure the public health and safety of air passengers and the public. During a public health emergency such as COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), the FAA must allow these governmental entities to enforce the reasonable restrictions on the boarding of any air passengers, including pre-board tests (e.g., temperature or other rapid check for any communicable disease which is the subject of the public health emergency) and related denial of boarding. The reasonable restrictions must be implemented at the expense of the air carriers. Additionally, during a public health emergency, the Department of Transportation must waive any grant assurance that conflicts with a reasonable restriction implemented by a state, territory, or Indian Tribe without an airport owner or operator submitting a request for such a waiver.
Bill· HRH.R. 7130 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2020
One Federal Decision Act of 2020 This bill provides statutory authority for the policy that requires federal agencies to coordinate environmental reviews and authorization decisions for major infrastructure projects. It also sets a goal for completing environmental reviews within two years. The Department of Transportation (DOT) must review existing practices, procedures, programmatic agreements, and applicable laws to identify potential changes that would facilitate an efficient environmental review process for projects. All authorization decisions for construction of a major project must be completed within 90 days of the issuance of a record of decision for the project, although the lead agency could extend the deadline in some cases. The lead agency must develop an environmental review schedule with the project sponsor that is consistent with an agency average of not more than two years for the completion of the environmental review process for major projects. DOT must also (1) establish a performance accountability system to track each major project, and (2) provide other relevant federal agencies with a list of categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act that are applicable to highway projects and that would accelerate project delivery.
Bill· HRH.R. 7110 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
Warren Cowles Grade Crossing Safety Act This bill authorizes appropriations for FY2021 to carry out highway-rail grade crossing improvement projects, specifically projects for commuter rail and operators in high-ridership corridors. The authorization level shall be adjusted for FY2022 and each subsequent fiscal year to account for changes in the Consumer Price Index.
Bill· HRH.R. 7102 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
Fixing America's Regulatory Mess To Facilitate Agricultural Byproducts and Livestock Expedited Delivery Act or the FARM to TABLE Delivery Act This bill revises exemptions with respect to commercial motor vehicle safety regulations involving the transportation of agricultural commodities and farm supplies. The bill allows the federal hours-of-service rules exemption regarding maximum driving and on-duty time for drivers transporting agricultural commodities and farm supplies to apply year-round. Current law provides an exception from the federal hours-of-service rules for the transportation of agricultural commodities within a 150 air-mile radius of the normal work reporting location only during planting and harvest periods which are determined by each state. Additionally, the Department of Transportation must issue regulations to amend the definition of agricultural commodity to include specific commodities that are covered by the federal hours-of-service rules exception.
Bill· HRH.R. 7097 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
Stop Swaps, Protect Local Jobs Act This bill authorizes states to implement a program under which subrecipients of federal-aid highway funding have the option to exchange allocated federal funds for state or local funds if prevailing wage and Buy America requirements are met.
Bill· HRH.R. 7095 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America Act or the INVEST in America Act This bill addresses provisions related to federal-aid highway, transit, highway safety, motor carrier, research, hazardous materials, and rail programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Among other provisions, the bill extends FY2020 enacted levels through FY2021 for federal-aid highway, transit, and safety programs; reauthorizes for FY2022-FY2025 several surface transportation programs, including the federal-aid highway program, transit programs, highway safety, motor carrier safety, and rail programs; addresses climate change, including strategies to reduce the climate change impacts of the surface transportation system and conduct a vulnerability assessment to identify opportunities to enhance the resilience of the surface transportation system and ensure the efficient use of federal resources; revises Buy America procurement requirements for highways, mass transit, and rail; establishes a rebuild rural grant program to improve the safety, state of good repair, and connectivity of transportation infrastructure in rural communities; implements new safety requirements across all transportation modes; and directs DOT to establish a pilot program to demonstrate a national motor vehicle per-mile user fee to restore and maintain the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund and achieve and maintain a state of good repair in the surface transportation system.
Bill· SS. 3901 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
AI Scholarship-for-Service Act This bill establishes a federal artificial intelligence (AI) scholarship-for-service program to recruit and train AI professionals to lead and support AI in federal, state, local, and tribal governments. Specifically, the National Science Foundation must establish criteria to designate qualified institutions of higher education (IHEs) as eligible to participate in the program. Such criteria must include (1) measures of an IHE's demonstrated excellence in the education of students in AI; and (2) measures of an IHE's ability to attract and retain a diverse and nontraditional student population in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Further, the program must (1) provide scholarships through qualified IHEs to students who are enrolled in programs of study related to AI, (2) provide scholarship recipients with internship opportunities, (3) prioritize the employment placement of scholarship recipients in executive agencies, (4) identify opportunities to promote multidisciplinary programs of study that integrate basic or advanced AI training with other fields of study, and (5) support education research programs to train AI researchers and practitioners. Additionally, the post-award employment obligations of a scholarship recipient must include three years of work for an executive agency; Congress; an interstate agency; a state, local, or tribal government; or a government-affiliated nonprofit that is considered to be critical infrastructure. A scholarship recipient who completes less than the required three years of service must repay the scholarship, or the scholarship must be treated as a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan that is subject to repayment.
Bill· SS. 3884 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2020
Essential Transportation Employee Safety Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to support the efforts of state and local governments to provide for priority COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) testing of transportation workers who are categorized as essential critical infrastructure workers. ( Essential critical infrastructure employees include, but are not limited to, medical and health care, telecommunications, information technology systems, defense, food and agriculture, transportation and logistics, energy, water and wastewater, law enforcement, and public works.) Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, DOT must require (1) the owners and operators of equipment or facilities used by passenger or freight transportation employers implement personal protective equipment and disinfection and sanitization procedures; and (2) an air carrier to submit to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) a proposal to permit pilots to wear masks or protective face coverings in the flight deck, including a safety risk assessment with respect to such proposal. The bill sets forth requirements for owners or operators who cannot acquire necessary personal protective equipment due to market unavailability. For the duration of the COVID-19 national emergency, the FAA must (1) provide certain employees, including any air traffic controller and airway transportation systems specialist, with personal protective and sanitizing equipment; (2) ensure that each air traffic control facility is cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized frequently; and (3) ensure its contractors provide their employees with personal protective equipment.
Bill· SS. 3866 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2020
Aircraft Safety Improvement Act of 2020 This bill addresses the aircraft certification process of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Among other requirements, the FAA must conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require aircraft manufacturers that hold both a type certificate and a production certificate, where the United States is the State of Design and State of Manufacture, to have in place a safety management system that is consistent with the standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization for such systems; develop best practices for Organization Designation Authorizations (ODA's), including requiring such practices to be incorporated into each ODA holder's approved procedures manual; initiate a review of its existing regulations and policies to integrate and emphasize human factors and human system integration, particularly those related to pilot and aircraft interfaces; develop a research plan to address the integration of human factors in the design and certification of transport category aircraft; revise existing policies for manufacturers of large transport category airplanes that are expected to be operated for passenger air transportation to ensure that pilot operational evaluations for airplanes that are in the process of being certified use pilots from foreign and domestic air carriers; and review its own aircraft certification expertise to determine whether it has the expertise and capability to adequately understand the safety implications of, and oversee the adoption of, new or innovative technologies, materials, and procedures that designers and manufacturers of aircraft may adopt or introduce.
Bill· HRH.R. 7074 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2020
Promoting Equitable Transit-Oriented Development and Mobility Corridors Act This bill addresses equitable transit-oriented development designed to create and support communities of opportunity that enable all residents regardless of income, race, age, and ethnicity to benefit from living in connected, healthy, vibrant places connected by public transportation. Additionally, such development is designed to promote a mixture of housing (including a significant level of affordable housing), office, retail, and other amenities as part of a walkable neighborhood generally located within a half mile of quality public transportation. The Department of Transportation must establish an Office of Equitable Transit-Oriented Development and Mobility to carry out an equitable transit-oriented development and mobility competitive grant program to provide technical assistance grants for states carrying out equitable transit-oriented development and mobility projects. To be eligible for assistance states must develop a plan for equitable transit-oriented development and mobility corridors that includes identifying priority investment areas with a need for a comprehensive investment strategy to keep and revitalize existing neighborhoods and corridors while maintaining and enhancing housing and transportation affordability and creating equal opportunity for existing residents and businesses. The bill also modifies provisions relating to the rehabilitation tax credit, including allowing a 15% credit for non-historic buildings within a half-mile of public transportation facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 7050 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2020
Transportation Workforce Modernization Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) and other entities to develop a curriculum for and establish transportation worker training programs in urban and rural areas for workers whose jobs may be changed or worsened, or who may have been separated from their jobs as a result of being replaced by the adoption of automated driving systems. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must study and report on the impact of driverless vehicle adoption on specified sectors of the economy. Additionally, DOT must seek to enter into an agreement with an IHE or nonprofit organization to conduct research on such impacts for inclusion in the GAO study.
Bill· HRH.R. 7038 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2020
Captive Commuter Toll Relief Act This bill modifies the limitations on the use of highway toll revenues to include toll discounts or rebates for use of a toll facility that has no reasonable alternative transportation method.
Bill· HRH.R. 6965 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2020
Cash Refunds for Coronavirus Cancellations Act of 2020 This bill requires air carriers and ticket agents to offer full cash refunds for all cancelled tickets during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period, regardless of whether the air carrier cancelled an entire flight or the passengers cancelled their individual tickets. The bill permits air carriers and tickets agents to offer alternative forms of compensation, including credit, or vouchers, provided that such offer is valid indefinitely and the offer includes a clear and conspicuous notice of the passenger's right to a cash refund. Additionally, the bill provides that passengers who received an alternative form of compensation prior to the enactment of this bill, but have not used it, may request a cash refund to replace the alternative compensation.
Bill· HRH.R. 6989 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2020
Pandemic Anti-Monopoly Act of 2020 This bill places a moratorium on certain mergers and acquisitions during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. Specifically, the bill prohibits certain transactions such as acquisitions (1) by firms with over $100 million in revenue; (2) by financial institutions or equity funds with over $100 million in capitalization; and (3) involving firms with exclusive patents pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic-related production, manufacturing, distribution, or infrastructure. However, a waiver may be granted if the participating firms demonstrate that the transaction will advance critical national security, economic, or public health interests during the emergency. Further, the bill establishes a legal presumption against a transaction that may pose a risk to the government's ability to respond to the national emergency declared due to COVID-19.
Bill· HRH.R. 7004 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2020
Save Our Rural Health Providers Act This bill requires a specific portion of the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund to be allocated to rural health care providers responding to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill requires that at least 20% of future appropriations and the unobligated balance of prior appropriations to the fund relating to COVID-19 provider assistance be reserved for rural health care providers, with priority given to providers serving a high number of Medicare or Medicaid enrollees, elderly or other high-risk individuals, uninsured individuals, or areas with limited health infrastructure.
Bill· SS. 3842 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2020
Rural Infrastructure Advancement Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish within the Build America Bureau a five-year rural assistance pilot program to provide assistance and information to eligible entities in rural communities. An eligible entity is an entity located outside of an urbanized area with a population greater than 150,000 or one that may pursue a project located in such an area. DOT may retain the services of expert firms, including counsel, in the field of municipal and project finance to assist in providing financial, technical, and legal assistance to such entities. DOT must make publicly available on its website a description of the rural assistance pilot program, including the resources available to eligible entities. Additionally, DOT must develop and make available to the public an online portal through which it may receive program applications on a rolling basis.
Bill· SS. 3823 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2020
Save Our Rural Health Providers Act This bill requires a specific portion of the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund to be allocated to rural health care providers responding to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill requires that at least 20% of future appropriations and the unobligated balance of prior appropriations to the fund relating to COVID-19 provider assistance be reserved for rural health care providers, with priority given to providers serving a high number of Medicare or Medicaid enrollees, elderly or other high-risk individuals, uninsured individuals, or areas with limited health infrastructure.
Bill· SS. 3794 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2020
Railroad Rehabilitation and Financing Innovation Act This bill revises and reauthorizes through FY2025 the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loan program of the Department of Transportation (DOT). The bill revises the program to direct DOT to provide direct loans and loan guarantees to private entities with controlling ownership in one or more freight railroads other than Class 1 carriers. The bill provides DOT with flexibility in evaluating the types of collateral an applicant or infrastructure partner may propose under the program. The bill also establishes an expedited application review process under the program for loans meeting certain financial and operational criteria. DOT must provide applicants with regular updates on the status of their applications.
Bill· SS. 3837 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2020
COVID-19 Vaccine Protection Act This bill requires enhanced vetting of Chinese nationals in the United States on student or exchange visitor visas and temporarily stops the issuance of such visas to Chinese nationals. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall conduct comprehensive background checks on any Chinese national (unless the individual is enrolled in elementary or secondary school) residing in the United States on an F, M, or J visa to determine if the individual is a national security threat or attempting to illegally obtain COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) vaccine research. When performing such background checks, DHS shall consult with the Department of State, the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Department of Health and Human Services. DHS shall complete all such background checks within 120 days of this bill's enactment and may extend the deadline by 60 days if necessary. The State Department may not issue F, M, or J visas to Chinese nationals until DHS has reported to Congress the completed results of the background checks. DHS shall continuously vet any Chinese national holding an F, M, or J visa who has access to any COVID-19-related research, unless the individual is enrolled in elementary or secondary school.
Bill· HRH.R. 6955 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
Essential Worker Pandemic Compensation Act of 2020 This bill compensates specified essential workers who die or are hospitalized as a result of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) or related complications. Specifically, the bill provides death benefits to survivors of essential workers equal to the amount available under the public safety officer benefits program. Essential workers include those identified in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency guidance or by a Special Master appointed by the Department of Health and Human Services. Such death benefits include additional payments to a surviving spouse or child enrolled in qualified postsecondary education. Further, essential workers who are hospitalized as a result of COVID-19 receive one half of the base death benefit amount.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 586 (116th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
This resolution designates the week of May 17-May 23, 2020, as National Public Works Week and recognizes the contributions of public works professionals.
Bill· HRH.R. 6917 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2020
Airport Infrastructure Resources Security Act of 2020 or the AIR Security Act This bill prohibits airport improvement project grant amounts from being used to enter into a contract for the procurement of infrastructure or equipment for a passenger boarding bridge at an airport with any entity that has violated the intellectual property rights of U.S. entities.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 969 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2020
This resolution expresses support for National Public Works Week.
Bill· HRH.R. 6898 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2020
Innovative Materials for America's Growth and Infrastructure Newly Expanded Act of 2020 or the IMAGINE Act This bill encourages the use of innovative construction materials and techniques to accelerate the deployment, extend the service life, improve the performance, and reduce the cost of domestic transportation and water infrastructure projects. Among other things, the bill establishes an Interagency Innovative Materials Standards Task Force to assess existing standards and test methods for the use of innovative materials in infrastructure, identify key barriers in the standards area that inhibit broader market adoption, and develop new methods and protocols, as necessary, to better evaluate innovative materials; requires the Department of Transportation to enhance the development of innovative materials in the United States by providing awards to entities for establishing and operating new innovative material innovation hubs; directs the Federal Highway Administration to provide grants to states departments of transportation, tribal governments, or units of local governments for coastal and rural infrastructure bridge projects; and provides grants for the design and installation of water infrastructure projects.
Bill· SS. 3735 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020
Securing America's Clean Fuels Infrastructure This bill extends the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property through 2028. It also increases the allowable amount of such credit from $30,000 to $200,000 for any single item of refueling property.
Bill· SS. 3729 (116th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
Motor Carrier Safety Grant Relief Act of 2020 This bill provides relief for recipients of financial assistance awards for FY2019 and FY2020 from the Department of Transportation (DOT). The bill expands the period of availability during which grant recipients may spend funds awarded through the (1) motor carrier safety assistance program, (2) commercial motor vehicle operators grant program, and (3) commercial driver's license program implementation grant program. DOT may keep and redistribute funds that were not allocated for FY2019 or FY2020.
Bill· SS. 3730 (116th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
Registered Traveler Act of 2020 This bill provides statutory authority for a registered traveler program of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). (The registered traveler program authorizes an airport operator, with TSA approval, to enter into a contract with certain private entities to provide registered traveler services to program participants.) Registered traveler services include (1) identity verification, (2) traveler vetting status authentication, (3) access to physical screening, and (4) other additional services at the airport security checkpoint as the TSA may approve. The TSA must (1) develop policies, procedures, and capabilities that allow registered traveler services providers to provide program participants the full extent of registered traveler services; and (2) conduct audits of the performance of the providers, and allow the providers to correct any deficiencies identified during such audits. The TSA must also provide registered traveler services providers access to technology and information that are available to airport operators, air carriers, or private screening companies, including the TSA advanced passenger prescreening system.
Bill· SS. 3717 (116th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
Spectrum IT Modernization Act of 2020 This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and certain other federal agencies to outline plans for modernizing the information technology infrastructure used for the management of federal spectrum. Specifically, the NTIA shall identify a process to establish goals, including parameters to measure the achievement of those goals, for the modernization of such infrastructure and submit to Congress a modernization plan. The bill requires each agency to submit to the NTIA and the Policy and Plans Steering Group a report that describes the agency's plan to modernize its federal spectrum infrastructure so that such infrastructure is interoperable with that of the NTIA. The Government Accountability Office shall review the federal spectrum infrastructure of agencies and oversee the implementation of the modernization plans.
Bill· SS. 3728 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
Critical Infrastructure Employee Protection Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Transportation to support state, local, tribal, and territorial jurisdictions in providing (1) priority COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) testing for essential critical infrastructure employees; and (2) priority access to personal protective equipment, sanitizers, face coverings, and health-related or protective supplies necessary to safely perform essential critical infrastructure work. ( Essential critical infrastructure employees include, but are not limited to, medical and health care, telecommunications, information technology systems, defense, food and agriculture, transportation and logistics, energy, water and wastewater, law enforcement, and public works.)
Bill· SS. 3705 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
Private-Public Partnership to Preserve Jobs in the Aviation Manufacturing Industry Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of the Treasury, coordinating with the Department of Transportation, to partner with employers to supplement compensation of employees financially impacted by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency and to facilitate the effective economic recovery of the aviation manufacturing industry. Additionally, Treasury may partner with an aviation manufacturing company to provide to the employer a public-partner contribution, that together with the private-partner contribution, shall constitute an amount sufficient to maintain the total compensation level of the at-risk employee group for a period not to exceed one year.. Any authority established by this bill and any agreement entered into by Treasury under this bill shall end on April 30, 2021.
Bill· SS. 3727 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
Cash Refunds for Coronavirus Cancellations Act of 2020 This bill requires air carriers and ticket agents to offer full cash refunds for all cancelled tickets during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period, regardless of whether the air carrier cancelled an entire flight or the passengers cancelled their individual tickets. The bill permits air carriers and tickets agents to offer alternative forms of compensation, including credit, or vouchers, provided that such offer is valid indefinitely and the offer includes a clear and conspicuous notice of the passenger's right to a cash refund. Additionally, the bill provides that passengers who received an alternative form of compensation prior to the enactment of this bill, but have not used it, may request a cash refund to replace the alternative compensation.
Bill· HRH.R. 6846 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Equitable Nutrition Assistance for the Territories Act of 2020 This bill allows Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) after submitting a plan of operation that is approved by the Department of Agriculture (USDA). (Under current law, the three territories receive block grants instead of participating in SNAP.) Such territories may request from USDA a one-time grant to pay the cost of the technology infrastructure necessary to implement SNAP, including the cost of information technology, information technology personnel, and training relating to program implementation.
Bill· HRH.R. 6842 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Modernization Act This bill revises the apportionment formula used to distribute funds under the federal-aid highway system for the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program to include population data and recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air pollution data for ozone and fine particulate matter. The bill also provides a state flexibility to use apportioned funds if such state does not have, and never has had, a nonattainment area designation under the Clean Air Act. ( A nonattainment area is one that does not meet the national primary or secondary ambient air quality standards established by the EPA.)
Bill· HRH.R. 6819 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
COVID-19 Designation of Immediate Special Authority of Spectrum for Tribes' Emergency Response in Indian Country Act or the COVID-19 DISASTER in Indian Country Act This bill grants emergency special temporary authority and provides funds to deploy wireless broadband service on tribal lands and Hawaiian home lands. Specifically, the bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant emergency special temporary authority to Indian tribes, certain tribal entities, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands if they request such authority to use electromagnetic spectrum to provide wireless broadband service over tribal lands or Hawaiian home lands. The FCC must grant such emergency authority within 10 days of receiving a request. In addition, the bill provides funds to specified Department of Agriculture grant programs for (1) immediate deployment of wireless broadband service on tribal lands and Hawaiian home lands, including repairs to damaged infrastructure and backhaul costs; and (2) technical assistance and training.
Bill· SS. 3688 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Energy Infrastructure Protection Act of 2020 This bill revises provisions related to protecting energy infrastructure (including critical electric infrastructure), including by authorizing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to provide assistance to certain entities relating to methods and tools that owners and operators of energy infrastructure may use to defend assets against threats.
Bill· SS. 3681 (116th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2020
Restoring Safety in the Skies Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Transportation to form a joint task force on the operation of air travel during and after the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. The task force must develop plans, guidelines, and recommended requirements to address the logistical, health, safety, and security issues relating to the continued operation of air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the resumption of full operations at airports and increased passenger air travel after the COVID-19 pandemic ends.
Bill· HRH.R. 6747 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Rural Transportation Improvement Act This bill authorizes funding through FY2025 from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund to provide formula grants for rural areas. Additionally, the bill increases the percentage of funds available from 2% to 3% for the Department of Transportation to provide grants and contracts for transportation research, technical assistance, training, and related support services in rural areas.
Bill· HRH.R. 6796 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Nuclear Energy for the Future Act This bill addresses advanced nuclear energy research and development at the Department of Energy (DOE). DOE must carry out a program to conduct research relating to the development of advanced nuclear energy technologies that may offer improved safety, functionality, and affordability; make available nuclear energy research infrastructure to industry partners in order to achieve faster and cost-effective development of advanced nuclear energy technologies toward commercial readiness; select industry partners for awards on a competitive merit-reviewed basis; construct a versatile reactor-based fast neutron source which shall operate as a national user facility; and ensure the coordination of, and avoid unnecessary duplication of, the activities of its high-performance computation collaborative research program to develop new reactor technologies with other research entities of DOE, including the National Laboratories.
Bill· HRH.R. 6780 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Toll Credit Marketplace Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish and implement a toll credit exchange pilot program to identify the extent of the demand to purchase toll credits, identify the cash price of toll credits through bilateral transactions between states, analyze the impact of the purchase or sale of toll credits on transportation expenditures, test the feasibility of expanding the pilot program to allow all states to participate on a permanent basis, and identify any other repercussions of the toll credit exchange. In carrying out the pilot program, DOT must provide that an originating state may transfer or sell to a recipient state a credit not previously used by the originating state. DOT must also make available a public website on which originating states must post the amount of toll credits that are available for sale or transfer to a recipient state. DOT may terminate the pilot program or the participation of any state in the pilot program if the program is not serving a public benefit or it is not cost effective.
Bill· HRH.R. 6770 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Mobility Options, Resiliency, and Efficiency (MORE) through TDM Act This bill addresses supporting transportation demand management (TDM) expectations and goals that will serve the mobility needs of the people and freight, foster economic growth and development within and between states and urbanized areas. ( Transportation demand management is the use of strategies to inform and encourage travelers to maximize the efficiency of a transportation system leading to improved mobility, reduced congestion, and lower vehicle emissions.) Each state and metropolitan planning organization must include TDM targets in the development of their long-range transportation plans. The bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a program to encourage and assist the development and funding of TDM related projects. Additionally, DOT must provide grants to nonprofit institutions of higher education to establish and operate a university transportation center for research and development related to TDM and TDM strategies. ( TDM strategies means the use of planning, programs, policy, marketing, communications, incentives, pricing, and technology to shift travel mode, routes used, departure times, number of trips, and location and design work space or public attractions.) The bill establishes a National Advisory Committee under the Federal Highways Administration to strategically direct federal resources and policies toward implementation of TDM objectives. Additionally, each state must establish advisory committees focused on the development and furthering of the principles of TDM.
Bill· HRH.R. 6798 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Haitian Deportation Relief Act This bill defers the removal of any national of Haiti who is physically present in the United States on the date of the bill's enactment. The deferral period shall last until the later of (1) the end of the emergency period in the United States stemming from the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak; or (2) the end of the COVID-19 emergency in Haiti, if such removals will not overwhelm Haiti's public health infrastructure. The Department of Homeland Security shall prioritize alternatives to detention for an alien whose removal is deferred under this bill, unless the alien poses a significant public safety risk.
Bill· HRH.R. 6757 (116th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Farm to Food Bank Enhancement Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide enhanced funding to states to pay for projects to harvest, process, package, or transport donated commodities. USDA must issue guidance to states to encourage them to carry out projects that work with agricultural producers, processors, and distributors who grow or market products that have seen decreased demand due to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak and cannot easily be repackaged for grocery or retail sale. To be eligible for funding, a state must submit a plan of operation for a project that includes (1) a list of emergency feeding organizations in the state that are willing to partner with the state; (2) a list of priority agricultural products located in the state that are for donation to emergency feeding organizations and ready for transport; (3) a description of how the project will serve certain purposes, including to provide food to individuals in need; and (4) a timeline for the project. USDA may reallocate unexpended funds to other eligible states if it determines that a state will not use all of its allocated funds. The bill allows states to enter into cooperative agreements with other states to maximize the use of donated commodities. USDA must make specified documents publicly available on its website, including any guidance issued to states in accordance with the bill.