Transport

AIRWAYS Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023

Advancing Inclusion and Representation in the Workforce of Aviation and Transportation Systems Act or the AIRWAYS Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a program to provide grants to support the education and recruitment of an aviation workforce (i.e., aircraft pilots, aviation maintenance technical workers, and aviation manufacturing technical workers). Eligible applicants include certain educational institutions (e.g., an institution of higher education, a postsecondary vocational institution, and a local educational agency), state or local governments, and nonprofit organizations. In addition, air carriers in a partnership with certain educational institutions are eligible for aircraft pilot workforce grants. Among other things, DOT must give priority to applicants that assure that grant funds will be used to encourage the participation of populations that are underrepresented in the aviation industry, including women, minorities, and individuals in economically disadvantaged geographic areas and rural communities.

Dependable Classification of Airports Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023

Dependable Classification of Airports Act This bill allows the owner or operator of a small hub airport that is designated as a medium hub airport to be treated as a small hub airport for a limited period with respect to laws and regulations. (A small hub airport handles 0.05% to 0.25% of the annual U.S. commercial passenger boardings; a medium hub airport handles 0.25% to 1%. Funding opportunities and legal requirements may vary depending on an airport's hub designation.) Specifically, beginning with the fiscal year in which a small hub airport is designated as a medium hub airport, the owner or operator may elect to continue to be treated as a small hub airport for any period of up to five consecutive fiscal years. The bill applies to any small hub airport designated as a medium hub airport in FY2021 or later.

AAERO Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023

To amend the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act to make the District of Columbia eligible for certain wastewater infrastructure grants, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023

No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023

No Dollars To Uyghur Forced Labor Act This bill prohibits the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development from spending funds on a policy, program, or contract that uses goods associated with forced labor in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). This prohibition includes goods from (1) the XUAR; (2) entities that source materials from the XUAR; or (3) entities involved with forced labor from the XUAR, such as entities in the XUAR that manufacture goods with forced labor or entities working with the XUAR government to transport forced laborers. The State Department may waive this prohibition after notifying Congress that there is clear and convincing evidence that forced labor was not used in making particular goods.

Conservation Reserve Program Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023

Conservation Reserve Program Improvement Act of 202 3 This bill revises the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) of the Farm Service Agency. CRP is a land conservation program that provides an annual rental payment to farmers in exchange for farmers removing environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and planting species that will improve environmental health and quality. Specifically, the bill permanently establishes a continuous enrollment procedure for land that will be enrolled under the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Initiative. Additionally, the bill provides federal cost sharing payments for the establishment of grazing infrastructure on all CRP contracts and practices, if grazing is included in the conservation plan and addresses a resource concern. It also provides federal cost sharing payments under CRP for management activities to implement the conservation plan that are not related to haying or grazing. Further, the bill increases the CRP annual rental payment limitation from $50,000 to $125,000.

Access and Dignity for All People Who Travel Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023

Access and Dignity for All People Who Travel Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule regarding flight seating accommodations for qualified individuals with a disability. The bill also requires DOT to establish a pilot program for known service animal users. In carrying out the flight seat accommodations rulemaking, items DOT must consider include the scope and anticipated number of individuals with a disability who (1) may need to be seated with a companion to receive assistance during a flight, and (2) should be afforded bulkhead seats or other seating considerations. DOT must also establish a pilot program to exempt certain known service animal users from current documentation requirements for air travel with a service animal. An individual with a disability may participate in the voluntary program if the individual (1) requires the use of a service animal because of a disability, and (2) submits an application to DOT. In establishing the pilot program, DOT must consult with disability advocacy entities, air carriers, and accredited service animal training programs. DOT may award a grant or enter into a contract or cooperative agreement to carry out the program.  Further, DOT must maintain and publish a list of accredited service animal training programs and authorized registrars that evaluate service animals. Finally, in consultation with the Air Carrier Access Act Advisory Committee, DOT must issue guidance on how to improve training for airline personnel (including contractors) in recognizing when an individual with a disability is traveling with a service animal. 

Fair and Open Skies Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023

Fair and Open Skies Act This bill amends the policy considerations the Department of Transportation (DOT) must take into account when issuing a foreign air carrier permit. (This allows foreign air carriers to operate in U.S. air space.) DOT must consider preventing the undermining of labor standards when determining whether the foreign air transportation will be in the public interest. Further, the bill amends the requirements for the Department of State and DOT in formulating U.S. international air transportation policy. Under current law, the State Department and DOT must develop a negotiating policy emphasizing the greatest degree of competition compatible with a well-functioning international air transportation system and include specific considerations; this is amended to also include preventing the undermining of labor standards.

Airline Employee Assault Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023

Airline Employee Assault Prevention Act This bill modifies the requirements for the Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plans that must be submitted by air carriers. Specifically, the bill requires that, within 90 days of enactment, commercial air carriers submit an Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plan to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for review and acceptance. Currently, air carriers must submit the plan only to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (These plans must include certain protocols for reporting verbal or physical assaults and for the notification of law enforcement.) The FAA, in consultation with the TSA, must submit a report to Congress on all of the Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plans submitted by commercial air carriers. The plans must be listed by each air carrier. The bill also specifies that current protections against interference with federal, airport, or air carrier employees who have airport security duties include employees performing ticketing, check-in or baggage claim, or boarding functions. 

Hydrogen Aviation Strategy Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023

Hydrogen Aviation Strategy Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to exercise leadership in the creation of federal and international policies relating to the safe and efficient use of hydrogen to increase aviation decarbonization and reduce air and noise pollution. For example, the FAA and DOE must establish positions and goals for the use of hydrogen to increase aviation decarbonization; study (through grants, contracts, or interagency agreements) how the use of hydrogen would contribute to aviation decarbonization and air and noise pollution; study ways of accelerating the introduction of hydrogen-powered aircraft; and establish an advisory committee composed of representatives of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the aerospace industry, aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, fixed base operators, and other stakeholders to advise the Department of Transportation, the FAA, and DOE on related activities. The FAA must also exercise leadership in the creation of federal regulations, standards, and guidance relating to the safe and efficient use of hydrogen to increase aviation decarbonization and reduce air and noise pollution.

Safe Skies Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023

Safe Skies Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to modify a specified DOT final rule relating to flight crew member duty and rest requirements. Specifically, DOT must modify the rule so that the requirements apply to all-cargo flight crew members to the same extent that they apply to flight crew members in passenger operations conducted by air carriers.

Community Facilities Program for Rural Clean School Bus Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023

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

PFAS-Free Firefighting Foam Transition Reporting Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023

PFAS-Free Firefighting Foam Transition Reporting Act This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to submit regular progress reports to Congress on the development and implementation of a national transition plan related to fluorine-free firefighting foam. (Fluorine-free foams do not contain any perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS.) Specifically, the FAA report must include information on the development and implementation of a national transition plan to a fluorine-free firefighting foam that (1) meets certain performance standards for use at Part 139 airports, and (2) includes the issuance of guidance related to the use of fluorine-free firefighting foam at airports that are not Part 139 airports. (Part 139 airports include airports that serve scheduled and unscheduled air carrier operations for aircraft with more than 30 seats or serve scheduled air carrier operations for aircraft with 10-30 seats.) The report must also include a comprehensive list of the amount of rolling stock of firefighting foam at each Part 139 airport and the number of gallons regularly kept in reserve at each airport. The FAA must submit a progress report to Congress every 180 days until the FAA completes the development and implementation of the national transition plan.

UAS National Airspace Integration Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023

UAS National Airspace Integration Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to submit to Congress a comprehensive integration strategy for unmanned aircraft systems (commonly referred to as drones), including civil unmanned aircraft systems operating in controlled airspace. The FAA must brief Congress every six months on the status of the implementation of the strategy and any revisions to the strategy.

FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2023

Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act This bill reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through FY2028, including activities and programs related to airport planning and development, facilities and equipment, and operations. The National Transportation Safety Board is also reauthorized through FY2028. The bill also addresses a wide range of issues. For example, the bill directs the FAA to increase air traffic controller hiring targets; extends the authorizations for aviation workforce development programs for pilots and mechanics; establishes a workforce development program to support the education, recruitment, and retention of aviation professionals; establishes an FAA Ombudsman to coordinate the response to submissions of inquiries or objections relating to issues such as aircraft certifications and registrations, certificates (e.g., pilot and medical), and operational approvals, waivers, or exemptions; requires air carriers to operate aircraft with cockpit voice recorders and cockpit video recorders; prohibits aircraft dispatchers from working remotely, with limited exceptions for emergencies; requires air carriers to offer a refund to an air passenger with a disability whose wheelchair cannot be physically accommodated in the cargo hold; requires the Department of Transportation to establish a policy directing certain air carriers to seat a young child next to an accompanying adult if adjacent seats are available without charging an additional fee; requires the FAA to issue rules to update the requirements for testing and operating unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones), including for drones operating beyond the visual line of sight; and requires the FAA to issue rules for certifying pilots for powered-lift aircraft (i.e., capable of vertical takeoff and landing) and operational rules for powered-lift aircraft providing commercial service.

Hydrogen Aviation Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2023

Hydrogen Aviation Development Act This bill expands certain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants and programs to include research and projects to increase the use of hydrogen in the aviation sector. Specifically, the bill expands eligible airport development activities under the FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to include acquiring land for, or work necessary for, constructing or improving an airport, airport facilities, or property in the vicinity of an airport to store and distribute hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, or electrification to power aircraft. The bill also expands the Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) Program (a public-private partnership program between the FAA and the aviation industry to develop and test certifiable aircraft, engine technologies, and jet fuels with less noise, fewer emissions, and improved fuel efficiency) to include the development and testing of hydrogen and batteries for aircraft. In addition, the Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment (ASCENT) must conduct research on hydrogen to increase aviation decarbonization. Such research must be in addition to any other research authorized to be carried out by the center, including other hydrogen-related research. (ASCENT is a cooperative aviation research organization co-led by Washington State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in collaboration with the FAA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA], the Department of Defense, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Transport Canada.)

Brian McDaniel Flight Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2023

Brian McDaniel Flight Safety Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue a final rule on safety management systems (SMS) for certain certificate holders and operators. (An SMS is a formal, organization-wide approach to safety risk that includes systematic procedures, practices, and policies.) The FAA issued an SMS notice of proposed rulemaking on January 11, 2023. Specifically, the bill requires the FAA to ensure the final SMS rule applies to all specified certificate holders and operators, including commuter and on-demand operators and commercial air tour operators.

Drone Safety and Efficiency Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2023

Drone Safety and Efficiency Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to adopt a performance-based and risk-based approach in reviewing specific waiver requests for the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones. (A small unmanned aircraft weighs less than 55 pounds on takeoff.) The FAA must improve the current established process to submit small UAS waiver requests. The bill prohibits the FAA from requiring the use of open-ended descriptive prompts that must be filled out by an applicant, with exceptions. Further, the FAA must leverage data gathered from previous waiver requests. If the FAA determines that a waiver application is substantially similar to a previously approved application, the FAA may streamline approval of the waiver application; the new waiver application and the previously approved application must include substantially similar conditions and limitations. In determining whether to issue a waiver certificate, the FAA must (1) consider whether the waiver applicant has control over access to all real property on the ground within the area of the UAS's operation, and (2) account for the safety enhancements of such access. The FAA must also establish an expedited review process for a request to modify or renew a waiver. The FAA must publish all issued waivers on the FAA website. 

To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to publish guidance and implementation procedures for unmanned aircraft systems with respect to environmental reviews, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2023

This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to publish guidance and implementation procedures for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, that specifically address environmental assessments and reviews. For instance, the FAA guidance and implementation procedures must provide guidance for nationwide programmatic approaches for large-scale distributed UAS operations to leverage environmental assessments or environmental impact statements for subsequent related actions, contain intra-agency process improvements to avoid providing conflicting safety and environmental feedback to operators, and prioritize proposed projects or activities that can be shown to contain specific factors that benefit the environment (e.g., offsets or limits the impacts of non-zero emission activities). The bill also directs the FAA, to the maximum extent practicable, to concurrently conduct reviews and analyses for an environmental assessment required as part of the review of a UAS's design, construction, maintenance and operational sustainability, airworthiness approval, or operational approval. Further, the FAA must develop and establish substantive criteria and standards metrics to determine the airworthiness of an unmanned aircraft based on specific noise standards.

Jackie Walorski Enhancing Necessary Data on Illegal School Bus Passing Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2023

Jackie Walorski Enhancing Necessary Data on Illegal School Bus Passing Act This bill addresses various issues related to illegal passing of stopped school buses. For example, the bill requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to  establish a grant program for demonstration projects to monitor and collect data on illegal passing of stopped school buses, produce and distribute a national public safety messaging campaign concerning the dangers of illegal passing of stopped school buses, and modify certain educational materials to include more information on the dangers of illegal passing of stopped school buses and the importance of enforcing laws against it. The bill also requires the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the National Conference of State Legislatures, to develop model legislation to address incidents of illegal passing of stopped school buses.  

To provide for a rulemaking on operation of unmanned aircraft beyond visual line of sight, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2023

This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue rules to update the airworthiness and operating requirements for unmanned aircraft, also known as drones, operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and intended to operate primarily at or below 400 feet above ground level. Specifically, the FAA must establish a means to accept certain proposed standards (e.g., airworthiness standards for unmanned aircraft), enable the ability to operate unmanned aircraft for agricultural purposes, establish a process by which the FAA may approve or accept third-party compliance services, establish protocols for a networked information exchange, and establish qualifications and standards for remote pilots operating an unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The bill also transfers to the FAA from the Department of Transportation special authority to use a risk-based approach to determine how UAS may operate safely in the national airspace system. The FAA must use this process to authorize BVLOS UAS operations until it publishes the final rules required under this bill. The FAA must also establish requirements, or a process to accept proposed requirements, for the safe operation of UAS, including for the testing and evaluation of proprietary systems. Further, a UAS operation conducted exclusively within Mode C veil airspace (the airspace within 30 nautical miles of certain airports, from the surface upward to 10,000 feet mean sea level) and that employs specific mitigation measures must be treated as satisfying certain safe operation requirements.

Air Traffic Control Workforce Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2023

Air Traffic Control Workforce Transparency Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide Congress with information on specific air traffic controller staffing standards and data. Currently, the FAA must submit an annual report to Congress that contains the staffing standards used to determine the number of air traffic controllers needed to operate the U.S. air traffic control system. The bill requires the FAA report to specifically contain the Collaborative Resource Workgroup (CRWG) staffing standards used to determine the number of fully certified air traffic controllers needed. (The CRWG consists of participants from the FAA Air Traffic Organization who work with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association to survey facilities to support validation of or changes to the staffing targets for certified professional controllers.)  The bill also directs the FAA to provide Congress with specific information for each FAA-operated air traffic control facility. For example, the FAA must provide information on the current certified professional controllers' staffing levels and the CRWG operational staffing targets for certified professional controllers. 

Hydrogen Aviation Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2023

Hydrogen Aviation Development Act This bill expands certain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants and programs to include research and projects to increase the use of hydrogen in the aviation sector. Specifically, the bill expands eligible airport development activities under the FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to include acquiring land for, or work necessary for, constructing or improving an airport, airport facilities, or property in the vicinity of an airport to store and distribute hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, or electrification to power aircraft. The bill also expands the Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) Program (a public-private partnership program between the FAA and the aviation industry to develop and test certifiable aircraft, engine technologies, and jet fuels with less noise, fewer emissions, and improved fuel efficiency) to include the development and testing of hydrogen and batteries for aircraft. In addition, the Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment (ASCENT) must conduct research on hydrogen to increase aviation decarbonization. Such research must be in addition to any other research authorized to be carried out by the center, including other hydrogen-related research. (ASCENT is a cooperative aviation research organization co-led by Washington State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in collaboration with the FAA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA], the Department of Defense, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Transport Canada.)

Aviation Workforce Development and Recruitment Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2023

ONSHORE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2023

Opportunities for Non-developed Sites to Have Opportunities to be Rehabilitated for Economic Development Act of 2023 or the ONSHORE Act of 2023 This bill establishes the Critical Supply Chain Site Development grant program within the Department of Commerce to develop or expand industrial sites and promote foreign direct investments in industries of strategic importance, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. Grants may be used for construction of on-site utility infrastructure, investments in site readiness such as zoning and environmental reviews, and job training and retraining programs.

International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2023

International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act of 2023 This bill establishes requirements and incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the marine shipping industry. Specifically, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must assess fees on certain cargo vessels for emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter from fuel consumed during voyages. The fees apply to certain large vessels that are off-loading cargo or freight at U.S. ports. However, the fees do not apply to (1) certain vessels already regulated under the Clean Air Act; or (2) vessels transporting military cargo, food aid, or supplies for disaster or emergency relief. The amount of the fee must be based on the amount of fuel consumed and the quantity of emissions. The EPA must also assess alternative fees on certain cargo vessels that off-load cargo or freight at foreign ports if the cargo or freight is ultimately intended to be transported to the United States. The Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection must penalize vessels that do not pay fees by deadlines. The bill also creates incentives related to decreasing greenhouse gas emission from vessels, port equipment, maritime technologies, and harbor crafts. A portion of the revenue generated from the fees must be provided to the EPA, the Maritime Administration, and the Department of Energy to carry out new programs that award such incentives. A portion of such revenue must also be used for certain existing programs related to clean ports, port infrastructure, ocean and coastal security, and marine debris.

Airline Safety Information and Entertainment Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2023

Airline Safety Information and Entertainment Access Act This bill requires air carriers (including foreign carriers) to ensure equal access to airline information and entertainment programming for all airline passengers regardless of their disabilities. Specifically, the bill requires an air carrier to provide or make available for persons with disabilities open captioning and an American Sign Language (ASL) option when the information and programming are available to passengers through shared video displays, closed captioning and an ASL option when the information and programming are available to passengers through individual video displays, and audio descriptions when the information and programming are available to passengers through individual or shared video displays. An air carrier must also provide any aural public address announcement in textual format through individual or shared video displays. Further, an air carrier must ensure all control systems for video displays, applications (apps) for personal devices, web portals, and websites for passengers have the option to allow a person with a disability to operate the item nonvisually. The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (the Access Board) must set forth the minimum technical criteria for individual video displays, apps for personal devices, web portals, and websites for airline passengers to ensure that they include a mechanism that allows persons with disabilities to operate them nonvisually. The Department of Transportation must issue any necessary regulations. A civil action may be brought by an aggrieved person or the Department of Justice in a U.S. District Court against an air carrier for violations of these requirements.

Advanced Aviation Integration Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2023

Hydrogen Aviation Strategy Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2023

Hydrogen Aviation Strategy Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to exercise leadership in the creation of federal and international policies relating to the safe and efficient use of hydrogen to increase aviation decarbonization and reduce air and noise pollution. For example, the FAA and DOE must establish positions and goals for the use of hydrogen to increase aviation decarbonization; study (through grants, contracts, or interagency agreements) how the use of hydrogen would contribute to aviation decarbonization and air and noise pollution; study ways of accelerating the introduction of hydrogen-powered aircraft; and establish an advisory committee composed of representatives of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the aerospace industry, aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, fixed base operators, and other stakeholders to advise the Department of Transportation, the FAA, and DOE on related activities. The FAA must also exercise leadership in the creation of federal regulations, standards, and guidance relating to the safe and efficient use of hydrogen to increase aviation decarbonization and reduce air and noise pollution.

DHS International Cyber Partner Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023

DHS International Cyber Partner Act of 2023 This bill provides statutory authority for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to work with international partners on cybersecurity. Specifically, DHS, with the concurrence of the Department of State, may assign personnel to a duty station located outside the United States at which it determines representation of the department is necessary to accomplish its cybersecurity and infrastructure security missions and to carry out duties and activities as assigned by DHS. The activities of DHS personnel who are assigned shall be performed with the concurrence of the chief of mission to the foreign country to which such personnel are assigned, and consistent with the duties and powers of the State Department and the chief of mission for a foreign country. Further, CISA may enter into agreements or arrangements with foreign governments and foreign owners and operators of critical infrastructure that would further the homeland security interests of the United States and enhance the ability of a foreign government or foreign owner or operator of critical infrastructure to work cooperatively with the United States to advance U.S. homeland security interests. The bill establishes provisions regarding (1) reimbursement of expenses, and (2) receipts credited as offsetting collections.

Safe Seats for All Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023

Safe Seats for All Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish minimum dimensions for seats on passenger aircraft (including dimensions for the size, width, length, and pitch of seats) to ensure the safety and health of passengers. Further, the bill prohibits air carriers and foreign air carriers from reducing the seat size, width, length, or pitch for passenger aircraft. (This includes the dimensions of seat shoulder width, elbow width, the edge of the seat base to the back of the seat in front, the edge of the seat base to the headrest of the seat in front, and foot clearance.) This moratorium remains in place until the effective date of FAA regulations establishing minimum seat dimensions.

Freights First Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023

Freights First Act This bill eliminates Amtrak's preference over freight transportation in using a rail line, junction, or crossing if such rail line, junction, or crossing is located within 50 miles of a port or rail yard. Currently, Amtrak's priority status does not apply if there is an emergency. 

Airport Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023

Airport Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Transportation to establish a pilot program to provide infrastructure grants to airport sponsors. These competitive grants seek to incentivize the planning, design, and construction of projects that improve infrastructure that is subject to current or future long-term risks with respect to changing conditions, such as sea level rise or permafrost thaw; or weather events and natural disasters, such as severe storms, flooding, drought, rockslides, extreme weather, and earthquakes. Funding may be provided for (1) new projects, (2) improvements to existing infrastructure, and (3) the purchase of monitoring equipment or services. The bill requires that a portion of the grant funds go to sponsors of regional airports (i.e., small hub, nonhub, nonprimary, and reliever airports).

Reduce Excessive Decibels and Unwanted Commotion and Emissions to Heighten Enforcement and Limitation of Intrusive Chopper Operations to Protect Towns and Enhance Residents from Noise Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023

Reduce Excessive Decibels and Unwanted Commotion and Emissions to Heighten Enforcement and Limitation of Intrusive Chopper Operations to Protect Towns and Enhance Residents from Noise Act of 2023 or the REDUCE HELICOPTER Noise Act of 2023 This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish and maintain a database for the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman to receive, collect, and provide access to information regarding helicopter noise complaints. Under the bill, an owner or operator of a helicopter that receives any complaint from an individual must submit the information to the ombudsman within 48 hours. The submission must include a description of any action the owner or operator is taking or plans to take to address the complaint (to the extent that the owner or operator is the subject of the submitted complaint). Individuals may also directly submit a helicopter noise complaint to the ombudsman. Within 48 hours of receiving a noise complaint submission, the ombudsman must (1) determine which owner or operator is the subject of the complaint, (2) determine whether the complaint is meritorious, and (3) input meritorious complaints into the database. In the case of a complaint not submitted by an owner or operator of a helicopter that is the subject of the complaint, the bill establishes requirements for FAA notification and owner or operator response. A violation of the database requirements is subject to civil penalties. The bill also requires any individual or entity that has registered a helicopter or that has at least a 10% ownership interest in a registered helicopter to submit specific information to the FAA to be verified. The bill also includes additional verification requirements for the issuance of dealers' certificates of registration. 

Cargo Flight Deck Security Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023

Cargo Flight Deck Security Act of 2023 This bill requires certain all-cargo aircraft to be equipped with intrusion-resistant cockpit doors that remain locked while the aircraft is in flight, as directed by the aircraft's pilot in command. The bill covers new aircraft that have a cockpit door, are manufactured after January 1, 2027, and are used for delivery in all-cargo air transportation with a maximum certificated payload capacity that exceeds 6,500 pounds. The requirement takes effect on January 1, 2027, regardless of whether the Federal Aviation Administration has issued regulations to implement such a requirement.

Safe Seats for All Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023

Safe Seats for All Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish minimum dimensions for seats on passenger aircraft (including dimensions for the size, width, length, and pitch of seats) to ensure the safety and health of passengers. Further, the bill prohibits air carriers and foreign air carriers from reducing the seat size, width, length, or pitch for passenger aircraft. (This includes the dimensions of seat shoulder width, elbow width, the edge of the seat base to the back of the seat in front, the edge of the seat base to the headrest of the seat in front, and foot clearance.) This moratorium remains in place until the effective date of FAA regulations establishing minimum seat dimensions.

General Aviation Airport Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023

General Aviation Airport Access Act This bill requires public use airports that have received certain federal grants or property conveyances to provide transient general aviation aircraft parking on or near the existing apron in specific circumstances. A transient general aviation aircraft is an aircraft that is not owned or operated by an air carrier and is seeking to park temporarily at an airport. Specifically, transient general aviation aircraft parking must be provided on or near the existing apron when a pilot or owner of the aircraft does not need or request fuel or use other related services from the airport or a fixed-base operator at the airport. A fixed-base operator is a business that is operating on an airport or heliport and provides aeronautical services, such as fueling, rentals, and parking. A public use airport may assess a fee on a transient general aviation aircraft for using the transient apron; the fee must be fair, reasonable, transparent, and publicly available. It must also exclude any extraneous or hidden costs. A controlled access airport or a fixed-base operator at the airport may not charge a fee for a pilot or passenger to transit between their transient general aviation aircraft parked on the transient apron and a place outside the airport's perimeter fence, whether or not the individual must pass through a building.

Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023

Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act This bill includes combatting the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) as a Department of Agriculture (USDA) high-priority research and extension area. The bill specifically allows grants for developing and disseminating research-based tools and treatments to combat the spotted lanternfly, which is an invasive species native to China that feeds on a wide range of crops and plants (e.g., grapes, apples, hops, walnuts, and hardwood trees). Further, the bill reauthorizes USDA grants to support competitive specialized research and extension activities, including high-priority areas, through FY2028. The bill also specifically reauthorizes through FY2028 the Pulse Crop Health Initiative; the Comprehensive Food Safety Training Network; pollinator protection research and extension grants; increased USDA capacity and infrastructure to address and conduct research on colony collapse disorder and other pollinator issues; and a USDA-conducted nationwide honey bee pest, pathogen, health, and population status surveillance program.

National Cybersecurity Awareness Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

National Cybersecurity Awareness Act This bill requires the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) of the Department of Homeland Security to lead and coordinate federal efforts to promote national cybersecurity awareness and to establish a program for planning and coordinating federal cybersecurity awareness campaigns. CISA must also inform nonfederal entities of voluntary cyber hygiene best practices, including information on how to prevent cyberattacks and mitigate cybersecurity risks. Further, CISA shall consult with private sector entities, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, academia, and civil society to promote cyber hygiene best practices, including by focusing on tactics that are cost effective and result in significant cybersecurity improvement; promote awareness of cybersecurity risks and mitigation with respect to malicious applications on internet-connected devices; help consumers identify products that are designed to support user and product security; coordinate with other federal agencies and departments to promote relevant cybersecurity-related awareness activities and ensure the federal government is coordinated in communicating accurate and timely cybersecurity information; and expand nontraditional outreach mechanisms to ensure that entities including low-income and rural communities, small and medium- sized businesses and institutions, and state, local, tribal, and territorial partners receive cybersecurity awareness outreach in an equitable manner. CISA must (1) report within 180 days after this bill's enactment and annually thereafter regarding the campaign program; and (2) develop and maintain a central repository for its resources, tools, and public communications that promote cybersecurity awareness.

Research for Healthy Soils Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Research for Healthy Soils Act This bill includes research on the agricultural impacts of microplastics in land-applied biosolids on farmland as a Department of Agriculture (USDA) high-priority research and extension area. Microplastic is a plastic or plastic-coated particle that is less than 5 millimeters in size. The bill specifically allows grants for carrying out or enhancing research in this area (e.g., the development or analysis of wastewater treatment techniques to filter out or biodegrade microplastics from biosolids intended to be used for agricultural purposes). Further, the bill reauthorizes USDA grants to support competitive specialized research and extension activities, including high-priority areas, through FY2028. The bill also specifically reauthorizes through FY2028 the Pulse Crop Health Initiative; the Comprehensive Food Safety Training Network; pollinator protection research and extension grants; increased USDA capacity and infrastructure to address and conduct research on colony collapse disorder and other pollinator issues; and a USDA-conducted nationwide honey bee pest, pathogen, health, and population status surveillance program.

Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act This bill includes combatting the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) as a Department of Agriculture (USDA) high-priority research and extension area. The bill specifically allows grants for developing and disseminating research-based tools and treatments to combat the spotted lanternfly, which is an invasive species native to China that feeds on a wide range of crops and plants (e.g., grapes, apples, hops, walnuts, and hardwood trees). Further, the bill reauthorizes USDA grants to support competitive specialized research and extension activities, including high-priority areas, through FY2028. The bill also specifically reauthorizes through FY2028 the Pulse Crop Health Initiative; the Comprehensive Food Safety Training Network; pollinator protection research and extension grants; increased USDA capacity and infrastructure to address and conduct research on colony collapse disorder and other pollinator issues; and a USDA-conducted nationwide honey bee pest, pathogen, health, and population status surveillance program.

Disability Access to Transportation Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Disability Access to Transportation Act This bill establishes programs and requirements to expand transportation access for individuals with disabilities. The Department of Transportation (DOT) must establish a one-stop paratransit pilot program. (Paratransit is often a service for the elderly and disabled using small buses and vans.) This program must develop or expand transit agency paratransit programs carried out pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to prevent long wait times between multiple trips that unduly limit an individual's ability to complete essential tasks. In addition, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) must issue regulations to establish accessibility guidelines that set forth minimum standards for pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way, including shared use paths. DOT must also implement procedures that allow an individual who believes that they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of a disability by a public entity to submit an ADA complaint by phone, by mail-in form, and online. DOT must require each public transit provider and contractor providing paratransit services to post certain information on how an individual can file a disability-related complaint. In addition, DOT must publish yearly reports on the disposition of these accessibility complaints. Finally, DOT must create an accessibility data pilot program to provide data sets to states and metropolitan or rural planning organizations to improve their transportation planning. 

Expressing support for the designation of the week of June 4 through June 10, 2023, as "National Trailer Safety Week" in the United States, and supporting the goals and ideals of National Trailer Safety Week to educate American motorists about the importance of proper towing techniques and maintenance.

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

This resolution supports the designation of National Trailer Safety Week and expresses strong support for efforts to increase awareness of the importance of being committed to trailer safety.

Trucker Bathroom Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Trucker Bathroom Access Act This bill expands access to restroom facilities for certain commercial truck drivers, including drayage truck operators. Drayage truck operator means the driver of any in-use on-road vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of greater than 33,000 pounds operating on or transgressing through port or intermodal rail yard property for the purpose of loading, unloading, or transporting cargo, including containerized, bulk, or break-bulk goods. Specifically, the bill requires certain retailers, warehouses, and other establishments to give commercial truck drivers access to existing restroom facilities when they are loading or delivering cargo, or waiting to load or transport cargo. Further, operators of marine terminals, including port authorities, must provide drayage truck operators with (1) access to existing restrooms, (2) additional restrooms if necessary, and (3) parking while accessing such restrooms. 

Office of Small Farms Establishment Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Office of Small Farms Establishment Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the Office of Small Farms within the farm production and conservation mission area. The office must coordinate, review, and implement various programs and activities related to small farms, ranches, and forest operations. Under the bill, a small farm, ranch, or forest operation (1) is less than 180 acres or meets another USDA-determined, acreage-based definition of small; and (2) has an annual gross cash farm income of less than $350,000. Activities of the office related to small farms, ranches, and forest operations must include coordinating USDA efforts to improve support for these operators; reviewing and recommending changes to USDA statutory, regulatory, and administrative provisions, guidance, and policies that disadvantage these operators; providing or coordinating technical assistance for these operators for USDA grant, cost-share, and loan programs; and providing grants of not more than $25,000 to these operators directly or through cooperative agreements with other entities for areas including equipment and infrastructure repairs and upgrades, uninsured losses, business planning, and conservation practice adoption.

Disability Access to Transportation Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Disability Access to Transportation Act This bill establishes programs and requirements to expand transportation access for individuals with disabilities. The Department of Transportation (DOT) must establish a one-stop paratransit pilot program. (Paratransit is often a service for the elderly and disabled using small buses and vans.) This program must develop or expand transit agency paratransit programs carried out pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to prevent long wait times between multiple trips that unduly limit an individual's ability to complete essential tasks. In addition, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) must issue regulations to establish accessibility guidelines that set forth minimum standards for pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way, including shared use paths. DOT must also implement procedures that allow an individual who believes that they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of a disability by a public entity to submit an ADA complaint by phone, by mail-in form, and online. DOT must require each public transit provider and contractor providing paratransit services to post certain information on how an individual can file a disability-related complaint. In addition, DOT must publish yearly reports on the disposition of these accessibility complaints. Finally, DOT must create an accessibility data pilot program to provide data sets to states and metropolitan or rural planning organizations to improve their transportation planning. 

Office of Small Farms Establishment Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Office of Small Farms Establishment Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the Office of Small Farms within the farm production and conservation mission area. The office must coordinate, review, and implement various programs and activities related to small farms, ranches, and forest operations. Under the bill, a small farm, ranch, or forest operation (1) is less than 180 acres or meets another USDA-determined, acreage-based definition of small; and (2) has an annual gross cash farm income of less than $350,000. Activities of the office related to small farms, ranches, and forest operations must include coordinating USDA efforts to improve support for these operators; reviewing and recommending changes to USDA statutory, regulatory, and administrative provisions, guidance, and policies that disadvantage these operators; providing or coordinating technical assistance for these operators for USDA grant, cost-share, and loan programs; and providing grants of not more than $25,000 to these operators directly or through cooperative agreements with other entities for areas including equipment and infrastructure repairs and upgrades, uninsured losses, business planning, and conservation practice adoption.

Safe Routes Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Safe Routes Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Transportation to waive vehicle weight limits for covered logging vehicles. The term covered logging vehicle means a vehicle that (1) is transporting raw or unfinished forest products, including logs, pulpwood, biomass, or wood chips; (2) is traveling a distance of not more than 150 air miles from origin to a storage or processing facility; and (3) meets state legal weight tolerances and vehicle configurations for transporting raw or unfinished forest products within the state boundaries in which the vehicle is operating.

STOP Illicit Drones Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Act This bill establishes programs within the Department of Transportation (DOT) to support the use of small, unmanned aircraft systems (commonly known as drones) when inspecting, operating, maintaining, repairing, modernizing, or constructing road infrastructure, electric grid infrastructure, water infrastructure, or other critical infrastructure. Specifically, DOT must award grants to state, tribal, or local governments; metropolitan planning organizations; or groups of those entities to purchase or otherwise use drones to support the inspection, operation, construction, maintenance, modernization, or repair of critical infrastructure to increase efficiency, reduce costs, improve worker and community safety, or reduce carbon emissions related to critical infrastructure projects. Grant recipients must use domestically manufactured drones that are not made by certain foreign entities, including companies subject to influence or control from China or Russia. DOT must also award grants to certain institutions of higher education for training students for careers using drones and related technologies.