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Bill· SS. 565 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005
Traffic Safety Law Enforcement Campaign Act - Directs the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to: (1) establish a program to conduct at least three high-visibility traffic safety law enforcement campaigns each year focusing on reducing alcohol-impaired driving and increasing seat belt use; and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of the campaigns at the end of each year.
Bill· SS. 562 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005
Safe Streets and Highways Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a highway safety improvement program to achieve a significant reduction in traffic fatalities and serious injuries on public roads. Requires a State, to obligate Federal funds apportioned to it, to have in effect a highway safety improvement program under which the State: (1) develops and implements a strategic highway safety plan that identifies and analyzes highway safety problems and opportunities; (2) produces a program of projects or strategies to reduce identified safety problems; (3) evaluates the plan regularly to ensure the accuracy of the data and priority of proposed improvements; and (4) submits to the Secretary an annual report describing not less than 25 percent of the locations exhibiting the most severe safety needs. Includes among eligible projects any highway safety improvement project on a public road or publicly owned bicycle or pedestrian pathway or trail. Authorizes a State to use up to 25 percent of funding under this Act to carry out safety projects under other Federal highway provisions as provided in the State strategic highway safety plan. Requires a State to allocate a certain amount of funds for bicycle and pedestrian improvements based on a specified formula. Authorizes appropriations to States to improve traffic signs and pavement markings for older drivers and pedestrians. Specifies the apportionment formula for the program. Makes at least $200 million available for each fiscal year for the elimination of hazards and the installation of protective devices at railway-highway crossings.
Bill· SS. 563 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005
Driver Licensing and Education Improvement Act of 2005 - Amends Federal transportation law to establish the National Driver Licensing and Education Improvement Program in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Requires the Program, among other things, to provide States with services for coordinating State motor vehicle driver education and licensing programs. Amends Federal highway law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to States to: (1) improve motor vehicle driver education programs; and (2) establish and improve the administration of graduated licensing systems. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine whether the establishment and imposition of nationwide minimum standards of motor vehicle driver education would improve national highway traffic safety or the performance and legal compliance of novice drivers. Modifies eligibility requirements for grants for support of alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures to require a multiple-stage graduated licensing system for young drivers that: (1) authorizes the issuance of an initial license or learner's permit to a driver on or after the driver's 16th birthday; (2) prohibits a person under age 21 with a blood alcohol concentration of .02 percent or greater from operating a motor vehicle; (3) provides for a learning stage and an intermediate stage of at least six months each; (4) limits the numbers of passengers under the age of 18 years old; (5) limits nighttime driving, and (6) applies special penalties for violations of system restrictions and of other State motor vehicle laws.
Bill· SS. 553 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005
Amends Federal highway law to authorize a State to permit a low-emission vehicle or hybrid vehicle with fewer than two occupants to operate in high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.
Bill· SS. 549 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005
Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to designate Heartland Expressway from Denver, Colorado, through Wyoming and Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to Rapid City, South Dakota, as a high priority corridor on the National Highway System.
Bill· HRH.R. 1174 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005
Sand Conservation and Taxpayer Savings Act of 2005 - Amends the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1992 to replace provisions regarding beneficial uses of dredged material with provisions regarding regional sediment management. Directs the Secretary of the Army, in connection with sediment obtained in connection with an authorized Federal water resources project and acting through the Chief of Engineers, to develop regional sediment management plans and carry out projects for: (1) the protection of property; (2) the protection, restoration, and creation of aquatic and ecologically related habitats; and (3) the transport and placement of suitable sediment at specified locations. Authorizes projects to be undertaken where the Secretary finds that: (1) the environmental, economic, and social benefits of the project justify the cost; and (2) the project would not result in environmental degradation. Makes operation, maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation costs associated with a project a non-Federal sponsor responsibility. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Chief, to develop at Federal expense plans and projects for regional management of sediment obtained in conjunction with projects, subject to specified limitations. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Chief, to cooperate with any State in preparing a comprehensive State or regional coastal sediment management plan within the State's boundaries and to encourage State participation in implementing it. Repeals provisions of the WRDA of 1976 regarding the placement on State beaches of sand dredged in constructing and maintaining navigation inlets and channels adjacent to such beaches.
Bill· HRH.R. 1143 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005
Prohibits U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority (PA) unless the President certifies to the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate that: (1) the PA leadership is not tainted by violence, has publicly rebuked Palestinian violence, has ended incitement, and has taken all actions within its capacity to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure; and (2) the violence in the West Bank and Gaza has subsided.
Bill· HRH.R. 1173 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005
State and Local Predatory Towing Enforcement Act - Amends Federal transportation law to allow States or local governments to regulate tow truck operations performed without the prior consent of the owner or operator of a motor vehicle. (Currently State and local governments are allowed to regulate only the price of for-hire motor vehicle transportation by a tow truck performed without the prior consent or authorization of the motor vehicle's owner or operator.)
Bill· HRH.R. 1165 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005
Abandoned Mine Land Area Redevelopment Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in abandoned mine land area redevelopment bonds. Sets forth rules and formulae for the tax credit relating to the applicable credit rate, bond issuance and redemption, the amount of bonds designated, and a national volume cap. Specifies the purposes for such bonds, including: (1) the purchase, restoration, and redevelopment of abandoned mine land areas; (2) the cleanup of waterways on abandoned mine land areas from acid mine drainage and other pollution: (3) the provision of financial and technical assistance for infrastructure construction and upgrades on abandoned mine land areas; (4) research and development; and (5) other environmental and economic development relating to abandoned mine land areas.
Bill· SS. 514 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005
Appalachian Development Highway System Completion Act of 2005 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for the Appalachian development highway system program for each of FY 2005 through 2010. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion such funds among the States based on the latest available cost-to-complete estimate for the system, prepared by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Authorizes a State, upon notice to the Secretary, to lend any amount of contract or obligation authority available to it pursuant to the apportionment to any other State that is eligible for such an apportionment for use for eligible activities with respect to the system. Provides that whenever an apportionment is mad e , the Secretary shall deduct an amount (not to exceed two-fifths of one percent of the sums made available) determined to be appropriate to administer provisions concerning the program and to make transfers to the Commission to pay the costs of administrative activities associated with the system. Removes the system from minimum guarantee provisions under Federal highway law.
Bill· HRH.R. 1116 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005
Public Transportation Systems Vulnerability Assessment and Reduction Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to: (1) review all government assessments conducted after September 11, 2001, of terrorist-related threats to all forms of public transportation, including related public gathering areas; (2) ensure that the assessments identify the critical assets of the system, including threats, and identify the extent to which backup systems ensure continued operation of the system in the event of an attack and the extent frontline transit employees have received training in security awareness, emergency preparedness, and response procedures; and (3) conduct, as necessary, additional assessments of vulnerabilities associated with any public transportation system. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible transportation agencies for: (1) the training of frontline transit employees in emergency preparedness and response activities; and (2) the acquisition of approved equipment and technologies to assist in carrying them out. Requires allocation of grant amounts among eligible transportation agencies based on need for emergency preparedness and response training and equipment, earmarking at least ten percent of such amounts to eligible transportation agencies in non-urban areas.
Bill· HRH.R. 1111 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005
Design-Build Flexibility Act - Amends Federal highway law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations authorizing a State transportation department or local transportation agency to award a design-build contract (for both design and construction) for a Federal-aid highway project using a procurement process permitted under applicable State and local law if certain environmental requirements are met.
Bill· HRH.R. 1110 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005
Amends Federal highway law with respect to the toll credit a State may use toward the non-Federal share of costs for certain federally-funded highway and transit projects to reduce such credit by a percentage equal to the percentage of the total cost of such project that was derived from Federal funds (not including loans).
Bill· HRH.R. 1112 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005
Amends Federal highway law to authorize a State to obligate surface transportation program funds for: (1) the acquisition by the State department or local transportation agency of passenger or freight rail facilities to improve such facilities and provide congestion relief and improved safety on highways located near them; and (2) the relocation of passenger and freight rail lines that provide a public benefit.
Bill· HRH.R. 1085 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005
Reforming, Accelerating, and Protection Interstate Design Act - Amends Federal highway law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations authorizing a State transportation department or local transportation agency to award a design-build contract (for both design and construction) for a Federal-aid highway project using a procurement process permitted under applicable State and local law if certain environmental requirements are met.
Bill· HRH.R. 1117 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005
Amends Federal aviation law with respect to the written assurances required for approval of an airport development project grant application. Revises the requirement that an airport owner or operator, who has come to an agreement with a person who owns an aircraft that a hangar is to be constructed at the airport for the aircraft at the aircraft owner's expense, will grant to the aircraft owner a long-term lease for the hangar. Adds a requirement that such a lease be for a term of not less than 75 years (currently, there is no minimum). Requires further that the airport owner or operator will compensate the lessee for the costs of, and associated loss of income from, relocation, replacement, or removal of the hangar (in whole or in part) during the lease term whenever such relocation, replacement, or removal is the result of a change in the airport development plan or at the airport owner's or operator's reqeust.
Bill· HRH.R. 1109 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005
Rail Transit Security and Safety Act of 2005 - Directs the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security (Under Secretary) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to complete a vulnerability assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation. Requires the Under Secretary, based on the assessment, to develop specific prioritized recommendations for improving rail security. Directs the Under Secretary to establish the position of Federal Rail Security Manager to: (1) serve as regional coordinator of the Under Secretary's response to terrorist incidents and threats to rail assets; and (2) coordinate efforts related to rail security with State and local law enforcement. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the rail passenger transportation security programs in Japan, member nations of the European Union (EU), and other foreign countries in order to identify effective rail transportation security measures. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to Amtrak for certain fire and life-safety improvements and infrastructure upgrades to tunnels on the Northeast Corridor. Directs the DHS Secretary to award grants directly to public transportation agencies for allowable capital and operational security improvements. Establishes a research and development (R&D) program to improve freight and intercity passenger rail security. Sets forth certain whistleblower protections for rail employees or other persons who have provided information or otherwise assisted in any investigation regarding certain conduct, or who have refused to violate or assist in the violation of any regulation related to public transportation security.
Bill· HRH.R. 1086 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop and implement a process for the expedited environmental review and approval of safety emergency highway construction or maintenance projects that correct or improve hazardous locations on a highway. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations that: (1) allow the use of the process for any project correcting or improving hazardous locations on a highway within a State where the motor vehicle accident rate is at least 50 percent higher than the statewide average for similar classes of highways, if the project only includes roadway safety improvements that have a high potential to reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents; and (2) establish criteria for approving deviations from procedures established in regulations issued by the Secretary implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Requires each Federal agency that has jurisdiction over environmental issues that may be affected by such a project and the analysis of which would be part of any environmental document required by NEPA, or that may be required by Federal law to independently conduct an environmental review or analysis for such project, determine whether to issue a permit, license, or approval of the project, or render an opinion or recommendation on the project's environmental impact, to issue regulations providing for the expedited processing of, and approval of deviations for, the project. Exempts a Federal agency approving such a deviation from the requirement to consult with the Council on Environmental Quality.
Bill· HRH.R. 1119 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005
Essential Air Service Preservation Act of 2005 - Amends Federal transportation law to repeal the mandate for the Essential Air Service local participation program (a pilot program under which up to ten designated essential air service communities located near hub airports shall assume ten percent of their essential air service subsidy costs for a four-year period).
Bill· SS. 494 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005
Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act - Includes as a protected disclosure by a Federal employee: (1) any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure; and (2) the disclosure of information required to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs that the employee or applicant reasonably believes is direct evidence of waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement if such disclosure is made to a Member or employee of Congress who is authorized to receive information of the type disclosed. Sets forth provisions concerning review and appeal of actions concerning such disclosures. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide that, for purposes of provisions regarding the protection of voluntarily shared critical infrastructure information, a permissible use of independently obtained critical infrastructure information includes any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, fraud, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure. Requires agencies to inform employees on how to make a lawful disclosure of information.
Bill· SS. 492 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005
Safe Water: Currency for Peace Act of 2005 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide: (1) assistance, including health information and education, to advance good health and promote economic development by improving the safety of water supplies, expanding access to safe water and sanitation, promoting sound water management, and promoting better hygiene; and (2) such assistance (including well drilling and maintenance) using local currency payments under title I of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Authorizes the President to establish a five-year clean water infrastructure development program. Provides for: (1) congressional consultation; (2) partial loan guarantee assistance; and (3) priority to projects sponsored by or significantly involving U.S. small businesses or cooperatives. Directs the Secretary of State to implement a foreign assistance strategy to promote economic development by expanding access to safe water and sanitation, promoting sound water management, and improving hygiene.
Bill· HRH.R. 1044 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005
Amends Federal highway law to authorize the State of West Virginia to allow, by special permit, the operation of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 126,000 pounds for the hauling of coal and coal by-products on Interstate Route 77 in Kanawha County, West Virginia, between Exits 85 and 97.
Bill· SS. 488 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2005
Commercial Truck Highway Safety Demonstration Program Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a program to demonstrate the effects on the safety of the highway network in Maine of permitting operation on the Interstate System highways within the State of a vehicle that weighs over 80,000 pounds, that consists of a three-axle tractor unit hauling a single trailer or semitrailer, and that does not exceed any vehicle weight limitation applicable under Maine law. Waives highway funding reduction relating to weight of vehicles using Interstate System highways with respect to vehicles allowed pursuant to this program. Provides for program termination and for the responsibilities of the State of Maine, including: (1) submitting a plan to the Secretary of Transportation; (2) establishing a highway safety committee; and (3) collecting data on the net effects of the operation of such vehicles on safety.
Bill· SS. 482 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2005
Water Infrastructure Revitalization Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to establish a program to provide environmental assistance to non-Federal interests in North Dakota, which may be provided in the form of design and construction assistance for water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development projects. Requires projects to be publicly owned as a prerequisite for assistance. Directs the Secretary to enter into local cooperation agreements with non-Federal interests for project design and construction. Sets the Federal share of project costs under local cooperation agreements at 75 percent. Requires a reduction in the non-Federal share of the cost of constructing projects under this Act, using a Federal formula for water rate affordability, where the rate for affordability relating to the project area exceeds the average State-wide rate by a specified percentage. Sets the non-Federal share of operation and maintenance costs for projects constructed with assistance under this Act at 100 percent.
Bill· HRH.R. 1012 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2005
Commercial Truck Highway Safety Demonstration Program Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a program to demonstrate the effects on the safety of the highway network in Maine of permitting operation on the Interstate System highways within the State of a vehicle that weighs over 80,000 pounds, that consists of a three-axle tractor unit hauling a single trailer or semitrailer, and that does not exceed any vehicle weight limitation applicable under Maine law. Waives highway funding reduction relating to weight of vehicles using Interstate System highways with respect to vehicles allowed pursuant to this program. Provides for program termination and for the responsibilities of the State of Maine, including: (1) submitting a plan to the Secretary of Transportation; (2) establishing a highway safety committee; and (3) collecting data on the net effects of the operation of such vehicles on safety.
Bill· SS. 459 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2005
Interstate 3/3rd Infantry Division Highway Initiation Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a new interstate highway designated as "United States Interstate Route 3" should be constructed between Savannah, Georgia, and Knoxville, Tennessee; and (2) such highway should be known and designated as the "3rd Infantry Division Highway", in honor of the professionalism, heroism, and sacrifice of the men and women of the U.S. Army 3rd Division in defending the freedom of the United States. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on the steps and estimated funding necessary to designate and construct a new interstate route for the 3rd Infantry Division Highway, between Savannah, Georgia, and Knoxville, Tennessee (formerly the Savannah River Parkway in the State of Georgia).
Bill· SS. 432 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2005 - Establishes within the National Science Foundation (NSF) an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions. Requires the NSF Director to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities and for reviewing and evaluating submitted proposals. Requires the council to include members from minority serving institutions. Makes the following institutions eligible for such assistance: (1) a historically Black college or university; (2) a Hispanic-, Alaska Native-, or Native Hawaiian-serving institution; (3) a tribally controlled college or university; or (4) an institution determined to have enrolled a substantial number of minority, low-income students who received assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Provides a matching funds requirement.
Bill· SS. 428 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Build America Bonds Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit to a taxpayer holding a Build America bond on one of its credit allowance dates. Defines a Build America bond as any bond issued by the Transportation Finance Corporation as part of an issue if the net spendable proceeds from the sale of such issue are to be used for expenditures incurred for any qualified project, or for deposit in the Build America Trust Account for repayment of Build America bonds at maturity. Defines: (1) qualified project as any qualified highway project and qualified public transportation project proposed by one or more States and approved by the Transportation Finance Corporation; and (2) qualified highway project as any project of regional or national significance, freight intermodal connector project, multistate corridor program, and border planning and capacity improvement program. Establishes the nonprofit Transportation Finance Corporation to: (1) issue Build America bonds for the financing of qualified projects; (2) establish and operate the Build America Trust Account; (3) leverage resources and stimulate public and private investment in transportation infrastructure; and (4) perform any other function the sole purpose of which is to carry out the financing of qualified projects through Build America bonds.
Bill· SS. 452 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Tsunami Early Warning and Relief Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Global Tsunami Disaster Reduction Program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to protect vulnerable areas around the world, including Atlantic Ocean, Carribean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and European areas. Directs the Secretary of State to work with foreign countries that would benefit from tsunami warnings and through international organizations to: (1) share costs, data, and evacuation plan technical advice; and (2) ensure that the Global Earth Observation System of Systems program has access to and shares relevant information worldwide. Directs NOAA to: (1) expand the U.S. Tsunami Ready program; and (2) work with other countries to enhance Global Seismic Network (GSN) monitoring activities. Authorizes the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide assistance for: (1) individual victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami; and (2) infrastructure reconstruction of countries affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Maldives, Seychelles, Bangladesh, Burma, Malaysia, Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Bill· SS. 433 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Reopen Reagan National to General Aviation Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to implement regulations permitting the resumption of non-scheduled, commercial air carrier (air charter) and general aviation operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Allows such regulations to provide reasonable requirements to ensure the security of airport operations.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 61 (109th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Congratulates the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association for its 75-year history and its contributions to the construction of the infrastructure of the United States, including homes, buildings, bridges, and highways. Recognizes the Association as an invaluable asset in developing the history and character of the United States. Directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Association as an expression of public appreciation and for public display at the Association's 2005 national convention.
Bill· HRH.R. 954 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Rural Transportation Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish and implement a rural road safety program under which funds shall be apportioned to each State to: (1) improve horizontal and vertical alignment, signage and pavement markings, and sight distances; (2) eliminate wheel lane rutting, increase skid resistance, and smooth roadways; (3) widen lanes and shoulders; (4) install dedicated turn lanes and traffic and safety lights; and (5) install and upgrade guardrails, traffic barriers, crash cushions, protective devices, and rumblestrips. Requires States to: (1) conduct and maintain an engineering survey of all two-lane rural roads classified as minor and major collectors and minor arterials to identify dangerous locations and to assign priorities and establish a schedule for improvements; and (2) establish a process to analyze and assess results achieved. Increases certain apportionments for: (1) Federal highway aid to rural areas for roads functionally classified as minor arterials and major and minor collectors; (2) highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation; and (3) State planning and research programs. Authorizes appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund for the Appalachian development highway system program.
Bill· HRH.R. 911 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Reopen Reagan National to General Aviation Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to implement regulations permitting the resumption of non-scheduled, commercial air carrier (air charter) and general aviation operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Allows such regulations to provide reasonable requirements to ensure the security of airport operations.
Bill· HRH.R. 940 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Recreational Marine Employment Act of 2005 - Amends the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to revise certain exclusions from coverage by the Act. Excludes from the definition of covered employees any individuals employed by or at, or engaged in the construction or maintenance of, a recreational marine facility or structure, if the employer is in compliance with a state workers' compensation law. Defines recreational marine facility or structure as a place used primarily to build, repair, test, maintain, accommodate, buy, sell, store, restore, or dismantle recreational vessels (vessels manufactured primarily for pleasure use). Excludes from coverage individuals employed primarily to build, repair, test, maintain, accommodate, buy, sell, store, restore, transport by land, or dismantle a recreational vessel (regardless of length), if the employer is in compliance with a state workers' compensation law. Limits to a person in maritime employment who does not qualify as a seaman (currently, to any person covered by the Act), or anyone otherwise entitled to recover damages (as under current law), the entitlement to recover damages and bring an action against a vessel as a third party in the event of injury caused by the vessel's negligence. (Continues to protect the employer from liability to the vessel for such damages directly or indirectly, voiding any agreements or warranties to the contrary.)
Bill· HRH.R. 945 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
New Partnership for Haiti Act of 2005 - Directs the President to work with the Government of Haiti and international organizations to establish a comprehensive and integrated strategy to combat infectious diseases in Haiti, including HIV/AIDS, and to establish a comprehensive health infrastructure in Haiti. Authorizes the President: (1) acting through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), to provide assistance to Haiti to develop its health sector, including by supporting infrastructure and education and prevention activities; and (2) acting through the Secretary of State and the Corps of Engineers, to provide assistance to develop Haiti's basic sanitation and transportation infrastructure. Directs the President to establish a program to recruit U.S. health care professionals and engineers to rebuild the health care and physical infrastructures of Haiti. Authorizes the President to provide financial incentives to encourage program participation. Conditions assistance upon a presidential submission to the appropriate congressional committees that Haiti has a democratically elected government.
Bill· HRH.R. 890 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Tsunami Early Warning and Relief Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Global Tsunami Disaster Reduction Program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to protect vulnerable areas around the world, including Atlantic Ocean, Carribean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and European areas. Directs the Secretary of State to work with foreign countries that would benefit from tsunami warnings and through international organizations to: (1) share costs, data, and evacuation plan technical advice; and (2) ensure that the Global Earth Observation System of Systems program has access to and shares relevant information worldwide. Directs NOAA to: (1) expand the U.S. Tsunami Ready program; and (2) work with other countries to enhance Global Seismic Network (GSN) monitoring activities. Authorizes the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide assistance for: (1) individual victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami; and (2) infrastructure reconstruction of countries affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Maldives, Seychelles, Bangladesh, Burma, Malaysia, Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Bill· HRH.R. 909 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Hazardous Materials Cooperative Research Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to obligate for each fiscal year certain hazardous materials transportation funds to develop and administer a hazardous materials cooperative research program. Directs the Secretary to establish an independent governing board to select cooperative research projects and studies of hazardous materials transportation to be carried out under the program that will yield results immediately applicable to risk analysis and mitigation or that will strengthen the ability of first responders to respond to accidents involving the transportation of hazardous materials.
Bill· HRH.R. 942 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Safety, Accountability, and Funding Efficiency for Transportation Act of 2005 - Requires government agencies to prepare cost benefit analyses before entering any private contract of $100,000 or more to procure private sector architectural, engineering, and related services for a surface transportation project. Prescribes components of such cost benefit analysis, as well as accompanying materials including the performance history and political contribution history of the private contractor. Prescribes procedural guidelines for mandatory public disclosure of the results of such cost-benefit analysis.
Bill· HRH.R. 959 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Transit System Flexibility Protection Act of 2005 - Permits the Secretary of Transportation to make mass transportation formula grants for an urbanized area with a population of more than 200,000 if the transit system operates fewer than 100 buses on fixed route service during peak hours.
Bill· HRH.R. 929 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Designates a certain segment of Pennsylvania State Route 60 and a segment of U.S. Routes 22 and 30 as part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways as Interstate Route 376. Redesignates Interstate Route 279 from Interstate Route 79 east to Interstate Route 376 at Point State Park, Pennsylvania, as Interstate Route 376/279.
Law· HRH.R. 889 (109th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2005
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2005 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2006 for the Coast Guard (CG). Sets forth authorized FY 2005 and 2006 levels of CG active duty military personnel and average military training student loads.
Bill· SS. 394 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2005
Openess Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2005 or OPEN Government Act of 2005 - Amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to prohibit a Federal agency from denying the present fee status for a news media representative solely on the absence of institutional associations of the requester and requires consideration of the requester's prior publication history. Requires an agency, if a requester has no prior publication history or current affiliation, to consider the requester's stated intent at the time the request is made to distribute information to a reasonably broad audience. Provides that, for purposes of recovery of attorney fees and other litigation costs, a complainant has substantially prevailed if : (1) the complainant has obtained a substantial part of its requested relief through a judicial or administrative order or an enforceable written agreement; or (2) the complainant's pursuit of a nonfrivolous claim or defense has been a catalyst for a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the opposing party that provides a substantial part of the requested relief. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) notify the Special Counsel of civil actions taken for arbitrary and capricious rejections of requests for agency records; and (2) annually submit reports on the number of such actions taken. Provides for the commencement of the 20-day time limit within which agencies shall determine whether to comply with a request for agency records on the day in which the request is first received. Requires agencies to establish: (1) a system to assign tracking numbers for requests for information; and (2) telephone or Internet service that provides the status of requests. Prohibits applying FOIA section 552 provisions to matters that are specifically exempted from disclosure by a statute (other than open meetings under the Government in the Sunshine Act) that specifically cites this Act. Establishes the Office of Government Information Services within the U.S. Administrative Conference to review section 552 policies and procedures by administrative agencies. Requires the: (1) Comptroller General to annually report on implementation of provisions for the protection of voluntarily shared critical infrastructure information; and (2) Office of Personnel Management to report on personnel policies related to FOIA.
Bill· HRH.R. 867 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2005
Openess Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2005 or OPEN Government Act of 2005 - Amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to prohibit a Federal agency from denying the present fee status for a news media representative solely on the absence of institutional associations of the requester and requires consideration of the requester's prior publication history. Requires an agency, if a requester has no prior publication history or current affiliation, to consider the requester's stated intent at the time the request is made to distribute information to a reasonably broad audience. Provides that, for purposes of recovery of attorney fees and other litigation costs, a complainant has substantially prevailed if : (1) the complainant has obtained a substantial part of its requested relief through a judicial or administrative order or an enforceable written agreement; or (2) the complainant's pursuit of a nonfrivolous claim or defense has been a catalyst for a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the opposing party that provides a substantial part of the requested relief. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) notify the Special Counsel of civil actions taken for arbitrary and capricious rejections of requests for agency records; and (2) annually submit reports on the number of such actions taken. Provides for the commencement of the 20-day time limit within which agencies shall determine whether to comply with a request for agency records on the day in which the request is first received. Requires agencies to establish: (1) a system to assign tracking numbers for requests for information; and (2) telephone or Internet service that provides the status of requests. Prohibits applying FOIA section 552 provisions to matters that are specifically exempted from disclosure by a statute (other than open meetings under the Government in the Sunshine Act) that specifically cites this Act. Establishes the Office of Government Information Services within the U.S. Administrative Conference to review section 552 policies and procedures by administrative agencies. Requires the: (1) Comptroller General to annually report on implementation of provisions for the protection of voluntarily shared critical infrastructure information; and (2) Office of Personnel Management to report on personnel policies related to FOIA.
Bill· SS. 388 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2005
Climate Change Technology Deployment and Infrastructure Credit Act of 2005 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to instruct the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a national strategy to promote greenhouse gas intensity reducing technologies and practices through research and development programs conducted by National Laboratories, other Federal research facilities, universities, and the private sector. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish: (1) an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Climate Change Technology to coordinate Federal climate change activities and programs to promote such strategy; and (2) a permanent Climate Change Technology Program to assist the Committee in the interagency coordination of climate change technology research, development, and demonstration, and deployment to reduce greenhouse gas intensity. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish the Climate Change Science Program to assist the Committee in the interagency coordination of climate change science research. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) conduct an inventory and evaluation of greenhouse gas intensity reducing technologies to determine suitable commercialization and deployment technologies; (2) use inventory results for guidance in such commercialization; (3) establish a Climate Change Technology Working Group to identify major statutory, regulatory, and economic barriers to such commercialization; and (4) establish within the Department of Energy a Climate Credit Board to implement the greenhouse gas intensity reducing technology deployment program, using energy credit financial support for eligible projects. Requires the President to establish a national greenhouse gas registry to serve as the depository for data on greenhouse gas emissions and emission reductions.
Bill· SS. 376 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2005
Intermodal Shipping Container Security Act - Directs the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Border and Transportation Security to take into account a certain National Maritime Transportation Security Plan to ensure that the strategy for dealing with threats to transportation security incorporates relevant aspects of the Plan and addresses all modes of commercial transportation to, from, and within the United States. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit to Congress a strategic plan for integrating security for all modes of transportation by which intermodal shipping containers arrive, depart, or move in interstate commerce. Establishes the Senior Steering Group to develop solutions to conflicts among constituent agencies regarding intermodal shipping container security. Amends Federal shipping law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to develop a system to increase the number of intermodal shipping containers physically inspected (including nonintrusive inspection by scanning technology), monitored, and tracked within the United States. Requires, beginning in 2007, no less than 50 percent of all ocean-borne shipping containers entering the United States to incorporate "Smart Box" or equivalent technology. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) report to Congress a preliminary plan for strengthening the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection's container targeting system; (2) issue regulations reducing from 60 days to 45 days after arrival at a U.S. port the time period for revisions to a container manifest that is submitted to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; (3) develop a system to share threat and vulnerability information with all of the industries in the supply chain; and (4) substantially increase under the Container Security Initiative the number of U.S. Customs Service inspectors assigned to duty outside of the United States with responsibility for inspecting intermodal shipping containers being shipped to the United States. Directs the Under Secretary to implement a plan for random inspection of shipping containers in addition to any targeted or preshipment inspection of such containers required by law. Sets forth civil penalties for discrepancies found in container manifests.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 93 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2005
Provides amounts for expenses of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for the 109th Congress.
Bill· SS. 374 (109th)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2005
Tribal Parity Act - Amends the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act to increase from $39.3 million to $186,822,140 the aggregate amount to be deposited into the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund by the Secretary of the Treasury to provide compensation to the Lower Brule Tribe of South Dakota for damage to tribal land caused by Pick-Sloan projects along the Missouri River. Amends the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act of 1996 to increase from $27.5 million to $105,917,853 the aggregate amount to be deposited into the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund by the Secretary to provide compensation to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe of South Dakota for such damage.
Law· HRH.R. 758 (109th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005
Establishes the Interagency Aerospace Revitalization Task Force to develop a strategy for the federal government for aerospace workforce development. Directs the Task Force to develop: (1) cooperation among federal agencies to provide a skilled workforce; (2) integrated federal policies to promote and monitor public and private sector education and training programs for science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and skilled trades; and (3) partnerships with industry, organized labor, academia, and state and local governments to provide occupational information and to coordinate workforce education, training, and certification resources.
Bill· HRH.R. 747 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005
National Health Information Incentive Act of 2005 - Establishes within the executive office of the President an Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to add a new part D (Standards for Building The National Health Information Infrastructure) to direct the Secretary to develop or adopt standards for transactions and data elements for such transactions to enable the creation of a national health care information infrastructure. Requires the Secretary to include additional Medicare payment incentives to assure small health care providers have the capability to move toward a national health care information infrastructure by acquiring electronic health record systems and other health information technologies that meet such standards. Provides for optional financial incentives to small health care providers and entities to implement a national health information infrastructure. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants to small health care providers and entities for expenditures relating to the implementation of a national health information infrastructure; and (2) make and guarantee loans to small health care providers for the purpose of assisting them to implement, design, test, acquire, and adopt electronic health records and other health information technologies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a refundable credit for a portion of the expenses of for establishing a health care information technology system (infrastructure).
Bill· SS. 325 (109th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005
National Highway Borders Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish and implement a coordinated border infrastructure program under which the Secretary shall make allocations to border States (i.e., States with a common boundary with Canada or Mexico) for projects within a border region (the portion of a border State located within 100 kilometers of a land border crossing with Canada or Mexico) to improve the safe movement of people and goods at or across the U.S.-Canadian and U.S.-Mexican borders. Permits allocations to States to be used in a border region only for specified: (1) improvements to transportation and supporting infrastructure that facilitate cross-border vehicle and cargo movement; (2) construction of highways and related safety and safety enforcement facilities; (3) operational improvements; (4) international coordination of planning, programming, and border operation; (5) projects in Canada or Mexico proposed by border States that directly and predominantly facilitate cross-border vehicle and commercial cargo movements; and (6) planning and environmental studies. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds among border States on the basis of a specified formula. Sets the Federal cost share of projects under this Act at 80 percent.