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Bill· HRH.R. 1941 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009
Allows certain air carriers that hold or operate air carrier slots at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which are used for scheduled air service between that airport and a large hub airport, to use such slots also to provide nonstop air transportation service between Reagan National Airport and another airport more than 1,250 statute miles away (perimeter rule limit).
Bill· HRH.R. 1895 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009
Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act of 2009 or the STANDUP Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to award incentive grants to states with graduated driver licensing laws that include, for novice drivers under age 21, a two-stage licensing process before the grant of an unrestricted driver's license. Requires such laws, at a minimum, to include: (1) a learner's permit stage that commences at age 16 or older, lasts at least six months, prohibits the use of a cellular phone or other communications device in non-emergency situations, prohibits nighttime driving, and is in effect until commencement of the intermediate stage or when the driver attains age 18 or older; (2) an intermediate stage in effect until the driver attains age 18 or older that commences after expiration of the learner's permit stage, lasts at least six months, prohibits more than one non-familial passenger under age of 21 if there is no licensed driver age 21 or older present in the vehicle, prohibits nighttime driving, and prohibits the use of a cellular phone or other communications device in non-emergency situations; and (3) any other requirement that the Secretary may require. Directs the Secretary to withhold a certain percentage of federal-aid highway funds from states that do not comply with the requirements of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1910 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009
Chief Technology Officer Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President an Office of the Federal Chief Technology Officer (FCTO). Includes among the functions of the FCTO to: (1) analyze and advise the President and agency officials regarding the government's information technology infrastructures, strategy, and use; (2) ensure the security and privacy of the federal information technology infrastructure and networks; (3) promote technological innovation in the federal government; (4) establish public-private sector partnership initiatives; and (5) lead specified interagency efforts, including a planning process to ensure the use of best-in-class technologies, the sharing of best practices, and improvement in the use of technology in support of government requirements. Requires the Office to serve as a source of analysis and advice for the President and agency heads regarding major government policies, plans, and programs associated with information technology. Requires the FCTO to: (1) be a member of the Domestic Policy Council; and (2) publish an annual report on programs to promote technological innovations, recommendations for policies to encourage the generation of such innovations, and information on the Office's activities and accomplishments.
Bill· SS. 773 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009
Cybersecurity Act of 2009 - Directs the President to establish or designate a Cybersecurity Advisory Panel to advise the President. Defines "cyber" as: (1) any process, program, or protocol relating to the use of the Internet or an intranet, automatic data processing or transmission, or telecommunication via the Internet or an intranet; and (2) any matter relating to, or involving the use of, computers or computer networks. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) develop and implement a system to provide cybersecurity status and vulnerability information regarding all federal information systems and networks managed by the Department of Commerce; and (2) provide financial assistance for the creation and support of Regional Cybersecurity Centers for small and medium sized U.S. businesses. Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish cybersecurity standards for all federal government, government contractor, or grantee critical infrastructure information systems and networks. Makes NIST responsible for U.S. representation in all international cybersecurity standards development. Directs the Secretary to develop or coordinate a national licensing, certification, and recertification program for cybersecurity professionals and makes it unlawful to provide certain cybersecurity services without being licensed and certified. Requires Advisory Panel approval for renewal or modification of a contract related to the operation of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. Requires development of a strategy to implement a secure domain name addressing system. Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support specified types of research and to establish a program of grants to higher education institutions to establish cybersecurity testbeds. Amends the Cybersecurity Research and Development Act to expand the purposes of an existing program of computer and network security research grants. Requires the NSF to establish a Federal Cyber Scholarship-for-Service program. Requires NIST to establish cybersecurity competitions and challenges to recruit talented individuals for the federal information technology workforce and stimulate innovation. Requires the Department of Commerce to serve as the clearinghouse of cybersecurity threat and vulnerability information. Grants the Secretary access to all relevant data concerning such networks notwithstanding any law or policy restricting access. Directs the President to: (1) develop and implement a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy; (2) on a quadrennial basis, complete a review of the cyber posture of the United States; and (3) work with representatives of foreign governments to develop norms, organizations, and other cooperative activities for international engagement to improve cybersecurity. Requires the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of Commerce to submit to Congress an annual report on cybersecurity threats to and vulnerabilities of critical national information, communication, and data network infrastructure. Establishes a Secure Products and Services Acquisitions Board to review and approve high value products and services acquisition and establish validation standards for software to be acquired by the federal government.
Bill· SS. 779 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009
Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act - Prohibits a state from prescribing or enforcing any regulation that allows a restricted property-carrying unit (any trailer, semi-trailer, container, or other property-carrying unit longer than 53 feet, except for a fire-fighting unit) to operate on the National Highway System (NHS) (including the Interstate System), unless the operation of such unit is authorized by the state on June 1, 2008, and in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including seasonal operations) on or before that date. Prohibits a state from allowing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle combination on the NHS (except a vehicle or load that cannot be dismantled or divided easily, and that has been issued a special permit under state law) with more than one property-carrying unit (excluding the truck tractor) whose property-carrying units are more than: (1) the maximum combination trailer, semi-trailer, or other type of length limitation allowed by state law on June 1, 2008; or (2) the length of the property-carrying units of those commercial motor vehicle combinations, by specific configuration, in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including continual seasonal operation) in such state on or before June 1, 2008. Prohibits a state from allowing the operation of a vehicle or combination (other than a longer combination vehicle) exceeding Interstate weight limits on the Interstate System unless its operation was lawful: (1) on July 1, 1956; (2) in the case of the overall gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive axles, on January 4, 1975; or (3) under a special permit pursuant to state (grandfather) law. Declares that Interstate weight limitations on vehicles and combinations (other than longer combination vehicles) that operate on the Interstate System shall also apply to such vehicles and combinations that operate on non-Interstate segments of the NHS, unless: (1) such segments are subject to lower state weight limits; or (2) a state allows the operation of any vehicle or combination on an existing non-Interstate segment of the NHS that could be so operated lawfully on June 1, 2008.
Bill· SS. 774 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009
National Energy Security Act of 2009 or the NESA of 2009 - Amends the Federal Power Act to revise requirements concerning the siting of interstate electric transmission facilities, including requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to oversee planning for the development of a Clean Energy Superhighway. Sets forth provisions concerning plug-in electric drive vehicles, including requiring: (1) a specified percentage of vehicles acquired for the federal fleet to be such vehicles; and (2) the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to provide grants and loans to local governments for the installation of recharging facilities for such vehicles. Amends the Energy and Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the DOE Secretary to guarantee loans for the aggregate purchase of at least 5,000 batteries that use advanced battery technology within a year. Requires the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to investigate whether oil savings goals can be achieved in the trucking industry without adverse safety consequences by determining the safety impacts and other effects of increasing the maximum allowable gross weight for vehicles using the Interstate System to allow for larger, more fuel-efficient tractor-trailers. Requires each automobile manufacturer to ensure that a specified percentage of the automobiles it manufactures are flexible fuel automobiles. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise credits concerning renewable energy, alternative fuels, and electric and hybrid vehicles. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expand the list of innovative technology projects that are eligible for loan guarantees to include low-carbon technology projects. Authorizes appropriations for advanced biofuels research, development, and demonstration that will create fuels that are fungible in existing infrastructure. Sets forth provisions concerning the production of offshore oil or gas resources, including authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to make potential producing areas in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) available for oil and gas leasing. Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to revise a moratorium on oil and gas leasing by changing the areas in the Gulf of Mexico affected by the prohibition on leasing. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to: (1) require the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to review whether areas of the OCS should be restricted from exploration and operation and to offer for lease those areas that shouldn't remain under restriction; and (2) establish the Renewable Energy Reserve Account, which shall receive amounts from bonus bids, royalties, or rentals from any qualified lease on submerged land and which shall be used for the cost of carrying out this Act. Authorizes U.S. persons to: (1) engage in transactions necessary for the exploration for and extraction of hydrocarbon resources from portions of foreign exclusive economic zones that are contiguous to the U.S. exclusive economic zone; and (2) export, without license authority, equipment necessary for such exploration and extraction. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to require the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize under a general license specified travel-related transactions for travel to, from, or within Cuba in connection with such exploration and extraction. Provides for the establishment of a regional joint OCS lease and permit processing office for the Alaska OCS region. Amends the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act to raise the limitation on the amount of loans and other debt obligations guaranteed for such pipeline. Authorizes the DOE Secretary to: (1) award grants for the establishment of training and education programs for vocational workforce development through centers of excellence for a broad range of clean energy sector needs; (2) establish a national merit scholarship program for training and education for a clean energy workforce; and (3) study the impact of foreign fuel subsidies on global energy supplies, global energy demand, and the global economy.
Bill· SS. 759 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009
Indian School Bus Route Safety Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to authorize appropriations for FY2010-FY2015 for allocations to states for Indian reservation roads.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 97 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009
Designates June 1, 2009, as Collector Car Appreciation Day.
Bill· HRH.R. 1854 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009
Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to provide specified funding for water supply infrastructure improvements for Big Bear Lake, California (in lieu of funding for water reclamation and distribution infrastructure for the Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency).
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 313 (111th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week.
Bill· HRH.R. 1827 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2009
Flexibility Incentive Grant Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a flexibility incentive grant pilot program to encourage states to establish new sources of revenue for public transportation projects and services and to reward states for creating more flexibility in the use of their existing transportation funds. Requires the Secretary to make a grant for FY2010-FY2013 to: (1) each state whose increase in expenditures for public transportation projects and services over the preceding fiscal year was 10% or more and aggregate expenditures for such projects and services was $1 billion or less; (2) each large state whose increase in expenditures for such projects and services over the preceding fiscal year was 1% or more and aggregate expenditures for such projects and services was more than $1 billion; (3) each state that established in the first preceding fiscal year a dedicated source of revenue (i.e., state motor fuels tax, sales tax, or other specified sources of revenue) for carrying out public transportation projects and services that was not in effect in the second preceding fiscal year and which will result in a 10% increase of state funds expended for such projects and services within two years after such implementation; and (4) each state that in the preceding fiscal year amended state law or the state constitution to allow restricted highway funds to also be used for public transportation projects and services. Sets forth certain grant eligibility requirements. Directs the Secretary to conduct, and report to Congress on, a study to evaluate the pilot program.
Bill· HRH.R. 1806 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2009
Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax credit for 25% of the cost of new qualified freight rail infrastructure property and qualified locomotive property; and (2) a taxpayer election to expense the cost of qualified freight rail infrastructure property (i.e., deduct all costs in the current taxable year). Terminates such credit and expensing election after 2015. Requires compliance with federal wage rate requirements under the Davis-Bacon Act as a condition of eligibility for the tax credit and expensing allowance provided by this Act.
Bill· SS. 737 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2009
Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the program of research, development, and demonstration relating to existing transportation fuel distribution infrastructure and new alternative distribution infrastructure to address: (1) the effects of such infrastructure on small engines; and (2) efforts to prevent or mitigate against adverse impacts of the use of biofuels in small nonroad engines.
Bill· SS. 743 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2009
Airline Personnel Training Enhancement Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations that require air carriers to provide initial and annual recurring training for flight attendants and gate attendants (including contracted attendants) regarding serving passengers alcohol, recognizing intoxicated passengers, and dealing with disruptive passengers.
Bill· HRH.R. 1799 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2009
Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009 - Allows a state to authorize the operation of a vehicle with a maximum gross weight (including enforcement tolerances) in excess of certain federal weight limitations on Interstate Highway System (IHS) routes in the state if: (1) the vehicle is equipped with at least six axles; (2) the weight of any single axle does not exceed 20,000 pounds; (3) the weight of any tandem axle does not exceed 34,000 pounds; (4) the weight of any group of three or more axles does not exceed 51,000 pounds; and (5) the gross weight of the vehicle does not exceed 97,000 pounds. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a safe and efficient vehicle bridge infrastructure improvement program. Requires the Secretary to apportion amounts from the Safe and Efficient Vehicle Trust Fund to states for eligible bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose an overweight vehicle tax on any vehicles that exceed federal weight limitations operating on the IHS; and (2) establish the Safe and Efficient Vehicle Trust Fund.
Bill· HRH.R. 1789 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2009
Comprehensive Rail Infrastructure Investment Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit through 2012 for 25% of the cost of new qualified freight rail infrastructure property and qualified locomotive property; (2) allow a taxpayer election through 2012 to expense the acquisition, construction, or erection costs of qualified freight rail infrastructure property; and (3) extend through 2012 the tax credit for qualified railroad track maintenance expenditures and modify requirements applicable to such expenditures.
Bill· HRH.R. 1780 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2009
Smart Planning for Smart Growth Act of 2009 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require states and metropolitan planning organizations in areas with a population exceeding 200,000 to submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Secretary of Transportation goals for reducing transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions and plans to achieve such reductions. Requires such states and organizations to establish goals on a statewide basis and to consider specified transportation and land use planning strategies, including increasing public transportation systems and supporting land use regulation that coordinates transportation and land use planning and uses existing infrastructure. Authorizes the Administrator to award competitive grants to metropolitan planning organizations to develop or implement emission reduction plans.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 13 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2009
Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2010, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2009 and FY2011-FY2014. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts for FY2009-FY2014 with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) public debt; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security, U.S. Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses, and specified major functional categories for FY2009-FY2014. Provides for certain deficit-neutral reserve funds for legislation for: (1) transforming and modernizing America's health care system; (2) investing in clean energy and preserving the environment; (3) higher education; (4) child nutrition programs and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); (5) investing in America's infrastructure; (6) promoting economic stabilization and growth; (7) America's veterans and wounded servicemembers; (8) revising judicial pay, judgeships, and postal retiree health coverage; (9) defense acquisition and contracting reform; (10) investing in the nation's counties and schools; (11) the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); (12) a Bipartisan Congressional Sunset Commission; (13) revising domestic fuels security; (14) a comprehensive investigation into the current financial crisis; and (15) increased transparency at the Federal Reserve. Establishes specified discretionary spending limits in the Senate. Provides for adjustments to discretionary spending limits, budgetary aggregates, and allocations for: (1) continuing disability reviews and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) redeterminations for the Social Security Administration (SSA); (2) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax enforcement; (3) health care fraud and abuse control; (4) unemployment insurance improper payments reviews; (5) reducing waste in defense contracting; (6) adjustments to support ongoing overseas contingency operations; and (7) revised appropriations for FY2010 if the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) re-estimates the President's request for discretionary spending in FY2010 at an aggregate level different from the CBO preliminary estimate dated March 20, 2009. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would: (1) require advanced appropriations, with specified exceptions; or (2) cause a net increase in the deficit in excess of $10 billion in any fiscal year provided for in the most recently adopted budget resolution unless it is fully offset over all such fiscal years, except for measures within the Committee on Appropriations' jurisdiction. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any appropriations legislation that includes any provision affecting the Crime Victims Fund which constitutes a change in a mandatory program that would have been estimated as affecting direct spending or receipts under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) were they included in legislation other than appropriations legislation. Makes it out of order to consider a budget resolution in the Senate unless it contains a specified debt disclosure section.
Bill· SS. 733 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2009
National Trauma Center Stabilization Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace the trauma center grant program that provided for operating expenses for trauma centers incurring substantial uncompensated costs due to violence from illicit trafficking in drugs with a program to provide grants to public, nonprofit, Indian Health Service, Indian tribal, and urban Indian trauma centers to assist in defraying substantial uncompensated care costs, further the core mission of such trauma centers, and provide emergency relief to trauma centers at risk of closing or centers operating in an area where a closing has occurred within their primary service area. Sets forth qualifications for grantees and provisions governing the amount of the grant award. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide funding to states for grants to eligible entities to: (1) improve the availability of trauma services in underserved areas; (2) address trauma center overcrowding; (3) enhance trauma surge capacity; (4) address shortages of trauma surgeons and certain other trauma-related physician subspecialties; and (5) improve trauma service coordination and the appropriate transport of trauma patients to trauma centers. Requires the Secretary to distribute amounts based on a state's population.
Bill· HRH.R. 1747 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2009
Great Lakes Icebreaker Replacement Act - Authorizes appropriations for the design, acquisition, and construction of a combined buoy tender-icebreaker to replace icebreaking capacity on the Great Lakes.
Bill· HRH.R. 1730 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2009
Vehicles for the Future Act - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish standards for electric utilities regarding electric vehicle infrastructure. Requires electric utilities to develop a plan to support the use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles that provides for the deployment of electrical charging stations and charging infrastructure. Directs each state regulatory authority (in the case of each electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority) and each utility (in the case of a nonregulated utility) to: (1) require that infrastructure deployed is interoperable with products of all manufactures; (2) establish protocols and standards for integrating plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles into an electrical distribution system, including smart grid systems and devices; (3) include the ability of each vehicle to be identified individually and to be associated with its owner's electric utility account; and (4) review their determinations on time-based metering and communications. Sets forth provisions concerning compliance with such standards.
Bill· HRH.R. 1742 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2009
Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to deploy and integrate plug-in electric drive vehicles in multiple regions. Lists as program goals: (1) to demonstrate the viability of a vehicle-based transportation system that is not overly dependent on petroleum as a fuel and contributes to lower carbon emissions than a system based on conventional vehicles; (2) to facilitate the integration of advanced vehicle technologies into electricity distribution areas to improve system performance and reliability; (3) to demonstrate the potential benefits of coordinated investments in vehicle electrification on personal mobility and a regional grid; (4) to demonstrate protocols and standards that facilitate vehicle integration into the grid; and (5) to investigate differences in each region and regulatory environment regarding best practices in implementing vehicle electrification. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance for: (1) assisting persons in the purchase of new plug-in electric drive vehicles by offsetting the incremental cost of such vehicles above the cost of comparable conventionally fueled vehicles; (2) supporting electrical charging stations for plug-in electric drive vehicles and smart grid equipment and infrastructure to facilitate the charging and integration of such vehicles; and (3) other projects to support the large-scale deployment of such vehicles in regional deployment areas. Directs the Secretary to collect and make available to the public information regarding the cost, performance, and other technical data regarding the deployment and integration of plug-in electric drive vehicles.
Bill· SS. 685 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2009
Oil Spill Prevention Act of 2009 - Requires double hull protection of oil fuel tanks on certain vessels with a tank capacity of at least 600 cubic meters. Provides steps to be taken by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating regarding maritime emergency prevention, including: (1) authorizing ordering the vessel to operate or anchor in a specified manner (including the power to order a change of direction or speed); (2) requiring port and waterway safety assessments; and (3) requiring a review and validation of the recruiting, retention, training, and expansion of vessel traffic service personnel. Establishes the Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee. Requires establishment of medical standards and periodic physical examinations for merchant mariners. Requires that at least one trained and experienced pollution investigator be on duty or on call at all times for each Coast Guard Sector Command. Modifies requirements regarding the duration of merchant mariner's documents and certificates of registry. Authorizes the extending of licenses, certificates of registry, and merchant mariner's documents in specified circumstances. Terminates that authorization on December 31, 2011. Establishes the Support of Seafarers Fund to: (1) pay support for a seafarer in the United States who is involved in any matter related to the Coast Guard's administration or enforcement of any treaty, law, or regulation; or (2) pay support for any seafarer abandoned in the United States. Requires a shipowner to reimburse the Fund, plus a surcharge, in certain circumstances. Authorizes the requiring of a related bond or surety.
Bill· HRH.R. 1697 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2009
Tribal Government Homeland Security Coordination and Integration Act - Establishes the Office of Tribal Government Homeland Security (Office) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to appoint a Director to head the Office. Prescribes the Secretary's and the Director's duties of coordination, infrastructure and equipment readiness, training, and inclusion of Indian tribes in homeland security preparedness. Requires the Secretary to treat Indian tribes as states, as appropriate, for the purpose of homeland security. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate to Indian tribes primary responsibility for homeland security activities within their respective jurisdictions. Requires the Secretary to integrate the roles of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Services with regard to homeland security. Requires the Secretary to provide assistance to enhance information technology capabilities of tribes and ensure the participation of Indian tribes in the coordination with governments and the private sector as related to homeland security activities. Makes Indian tribes eligible to apply for, receive, direct, and supervise any homeland security-related federal grant program. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to Indian tribes for specified homeland security purposes. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide Indian tribes with technical assistance in developing, implementing, and managing emergency response plans; (2) ensure that DHS expertise and legal, financial, or technical assistance programs are made available to Indian tribes; and (3) facilitate cooperation with the heads of appropriate federal agencies working on homeland security initiatives.
Bill· HRH.R. 1684 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2009
Preservation of the Second Amendment in National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges Act - Allows, except as provided under federal criminal law relating to the possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons in federal facilities, a person to possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within a national park area or national wildlife refuge area in accordance with the laws of the state in which such area is located.
Bill· HRH.R. 1682 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2009
Bridge Life Extension Act of 2009 - Requires a state, as a condition of receiving federal-aid highway funding, to develop and implement a highway bridge management system that meets certain requirements. Requires a state, in developing and implementing such a system, to: (1) identify corrosion mitigation and prevention methods to preserve its highway bridges; (2) establish a project maintenance program to extend the life of such bridges; (3) ensure that all highway bridge designers, inspectors, and maintenance workers implementing the system are trained and certified in corrosion mitigation and prevention techniques; and (4) research current inspection technologies and techniques for highway bridges.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 279 (111th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2009
Sets forth the levels of payment for 111th Congress expenses (including staff salaries) for the Committees on Agriculture, Armed Services, the Budget, Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, House Administration, the Judiciary, Natural Resources, Oversight and Government Reform, Rules, Science and Technology, Small Business, Standards of Official Conduct, Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans' Affairs, Ways and Means, as well as the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Prescribes limitations to such expenses for the 1st and 2nd sessions of the 111th Congress.
Bill· SS. 669 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2009
Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act - Prohibits, in any case arising out of the administration of laws and benefits by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, considering any person who is mentally incapacitated, deemed mentally incompetent, or experiencing an extended loss of consciousness from being considered adjudicated as a mental defective for purposes of the right to receive or transport firearms without the order or finding of a judge, magistrate, or other judicial authority of competent jurisdiction that such person is a danger to himself or herself or others.
Bill· HRH.R. 1665 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2009
Coast Guard Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 - Prohibits the Coast Guard's commandant from using a private sector entity as a lead systems integrator for acquisition contracts, delivery orders, or task orders, subject to stated exceptions. Requires full and open competition for any acquisition contract unless otherwise excepted under federal acquisition laws and regulations. Revises Coast Guard acquisition policy, including: (1) by prohibiting initiation of certain acquisition programs without an associated approved operational requirement; (2) by requiring certain contract terms; (3) by requiring the development and regular updating of life-cycle cost estimates for certain acquisitions; (4) by requiring a testing and evaluation master plan for certain acquisitions; (5) regarding cutter capability standards; (6) by restricting contractual actions for which the terms, specifications, or price are not set before performance is begun; (7) regarding pass-through charges; and (8) by requiring alternatives analysis for the acquisition of major capabilities. Modifies various Coast Guard personnel matters, including: (1) by establishing a Chief Acquisition Officer; (2) by requiring that program managers for certain acquisitions hold a specified acquisition certification; (3) by requiring establishment of a management information system to improve acquisition workforce management and reporting; (4) regarding acquisition career paths; (5) by requiring a program to recognize excellent performance by individuals and teams; (6) regarding selection boards; and (7) by authorizing expedited hiring of Coast Guard acquisition personnel.
Bill· HRH.R. 1668 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2009
Border Control and Contractor Accountability Act of 2009 - Requires a federal contractor who employs directly or through a subcontractor an alien who is not authorized to work to: (1) be debarred or suspended from federal contracting for three years; and (2) have the contract terminated unless the contractor or subcontractor agrees to terminate the employment of any such alien. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish the position of Small Business Administration Liaison within United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to ensure that the Small Business Administration (SBA) does not make or guarantee a loan to an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with private entities for domestic transport from Border Patrol custody to detention facilities of aliens apprehended at or along U.S. international land or maritime borders. Prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from contracting with a company that employs individuals unless the company has elected to participate in the basic pilot employment confirmation program (the E-verify program).
Bill· SS. 663 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009
Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Treasury the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund for payments by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of a monthly benefit of $1,000 to each individual who, between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, was a documented member of the U.S. merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) serving as a crewmember of a vessel that was operated in U.S. waters by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation and under contract to, or the property of, the United States. Requires such individuals to: (1) apply for such benefit before October 1, 2009; and (2) not have received benefits under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944.
Bill· SS. 639 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009
Revises the definition of "commercial motor vehicle" with respect to federal commercial motor vehicle safety laws to include a vehicle with farm-designated license plates engaged in the transportation of agricultural commodities or farm supplies, or a vehicle controlled by a farmer and used to transport such items to or from a farm, having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight the greater of which exceeds the minimum weight of a commercial motor vehicle as established by the state. (Current law applies to vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 10,001 pounds, whichever is greater.) Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from withholding commercial motor vehicle safety improvement grants from a state solely because it authorizes drivers of farm vehicles having a gross vehicle weight of between 10,000 and 26,001 pounds to operate without complying with federal commercial motor vehicle safety laws.
Bill· HRH.R. 1653 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009
Nuclear Disarmament and Economic Conversion Act of 2009 - Requires the U.S. Government to: (1) disable and dismantle all its nuclear weapons and refrain from replacing them at any time with weapons of mass destruction; (2) undertake vigorous good faith efforts to eliminate war, armed conflict, and all military operations; (3) actively promote policies to induce all other countries to join in these commitments for world peace and security; and (4) redirect resources that are currently being used for nuclear weapons programs to constructive, ecologically beneficial peacetime activities and to address human and infrastructure needs such as housing, health care, education, agriculture, and environmental restoration. Makes this Act effective when the President certifies to Congress that all foreign countries possessing nuclear weapons have established legal requirements comparable to those set forth in this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1655 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009
Putting Our Resources Towards Security (PORTS) Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, between FY2010-FY2014, to increase the number of full-time Customs and Border Protection officers, agriculture specialists, and border security support personnel for U.S. ports of entry by not fewer than 5,000, 1,200, and 350, respectively, above the number of such personnel for which funds were made available during FY2009. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) for each of FY2010-FY2014 to make improvements to existing U.S. ports of entry to improve border security. Directs the Administrator to give priority to ports determined to be in most need of repair in accordance with required infrastructure assessment studies.
Bill· HRH.R. 1606 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009
New Automobile Voucher Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the New Automobile Voucher Program. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) authorize the issuance of a redeemable voucher to a dealer for each person or eligible fleet operator who purchases an eligible new automobile; (2) allow a dealer to participate in the program if it agrees to apply such voucher toward the purchase of an eligible new automobile and complies with all applicable requirements; (3) establish a Web-based system to process vouchers; and (4) make payments to dealers who apply vouchers for such purchases. Defines "eligible new automobile" as a new automobile whose purchase price is less than $50,000. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1635 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009
Northern Virginia Metrorail Extension Act of 2009 - Authorizes alternatives analysis and preliminary engineering for specified Metrorail new fixed guideway capital projects in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.
Bill· HRH.R. 1634 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009
Extends through July 1, 2012, the period a state may allow low emission and energy-efficient vehicles to use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane highways.
Bill· HRH.R. 1611 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009
Amends the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 to repeal the prohibition against the use of funds made available under the Act to establish a cross-border motor carrier demonstration program to allow Mexico-domiciled motor carriers to operate beyond the commercial zones along the international border between the United States and Mexico.
Bill· HRH.R. 1618 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009
Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act - Prohibits a state from prescribing or enforcing any regulation that allows a restricted property-carrying unit (any trailer, semitrailer, container, or other property-carrying unit longer than 53 feet, except for a fire-fighting unit) to operate on the National Highway System (NHS) (including the Interstate System), unless the operation of such unit is authorized by the state on June 1, 2008, and in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including seasonal operations) on or before that date. Prohibits a state from allowing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle combination on the NHS (except a vehicle or load that cannot be dismantled or divided easily, and that has been issued a special permit under state law) with more than one property-carrying unit (excluding the truck tractor) whose property-carrying units are more than: (1) the maximum combination trailer, semitrailer, or other type of length limitation allowed by state law on June 1, 2008; or (2) the length of the property-carrying units of those commercial motor vehicle combinations, by specific configuration, in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including continual seasonal operation) in such state on or before June 1, 2008. Prohibits a state from allowing the operation of a vehicle or combination (other than a longer combination vehicle) exceeding Interstate weight limits on the Interstate System unless its operation was lawful: (1) on July 1, 1956; (2) in the case of the overall gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive axles, on the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Amendments of 1974; or (3) under a special permit pursuant to state (grandfather) law. Declares that Interstate weight limitations on vehicles and combinations (other than longer combination vehicles) that operate on the Interstate System shall also apply to such vehicles and combinations that operate on non-Interstate segments of the NHS, unless: (1) such segments are subject to lower state weight limits; or (2) a state allows the operation of any vehicle or combination on an existing non-Interstate segment of the NHS that could be so operated lawfully on June 1, 2008.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 269 (111th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009
Supports the goals of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Encourages all road users to be more aware of motorcycles and motorcyclists' safety. Encourages all motorcycle riders receive appropriate training and practice safe riding skills.
Bill· SS. 621 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009
Congenital Heart Futures Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with appropriate congenital heart disease patient organizations and professional organizations, to conduct, support, and promote a comprehensive public education campaign to increase awareness regarding congenital heart disease, including the need for lifelong treatment. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) award a grant to one entity to enhance and expand infrastructure to track the epidemiology of congenital heart disease and to organize such information into a comprehensive National Congenital Heart Disease Registry with the purpose of facilitating research into the types of health services patients use and identifying possible areas for educational outreach and prevention; and (2) establish an Advisory Committee on Congenital Heart Disease. Authorizes the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to expand, intensify, and coordinate research and related activities of the Institute regarding congenital heart disease.
Bill· SS. 617 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009
Lower Brule and Crow Creek Tribal Compensation Act - Amends the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act to increase 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 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. States that this Act shall be considered to be full and final compensation to the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe for damages caused by the construction of the Fort Randall Dam and the Big Bend Dam under the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program.
Bill· HRH.R. 1555 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009
Border Control and Contractor Accountability Act of 2009 - Requires a federal contractor who employs directly or through a subcontractor an alien who is not authorized to work to: (1) be debarred or suspended from federal contracting for three years; and (2) have the contract terminated unless the contractor or subcontractor agrees to terminate the employment of any such alien. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish the position of Small Business Administration Liaison within United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to ensure that the Small Business Administration (SBA) does not make or guarantee a loan to an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with private entities for domestic transport from Border Patrol custody to detention facilities of aliens apprehended at or along U.S. international land or maritime borders. Prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from contracting with a company that employs individuals unless the company agrees to participate in the basic pilot employment confirmation program (under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996).
Bill· HRH.R. 1571 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009
Private Investment in Commuter Vanpooling Act of 2009 - Allows the local matching share provided by a public transportation capital project assistance recipient to include expenditures by a private commuter vanpooling service provider to acquire rolling stock (vans). Authorizes such a private provider to use vanpool revenues exceeding operating costs to acquire such vans, if there is a binding agreement requiring the vans to be used in the state or local government's service area.
Bill· HRH.R. 1547 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009
Stephanie Tubbs Jones Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax-exempt charitable or educational organizations to make collegiate housing and infrastructure improvement grants to certain tax-exempt social clubs (e.g., college fraternities and sororities) which apply such grants to their collegiate housing property.
Bill· HRH.R. 1570 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009
Congenital Heart Futures Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with appropriate congenital heart disease patient organizations and professional organizations, to conduct, support, and promote a comprehensive public education campaign to increase awareness regarding congenital heart disease, including the need for lifelong treatment. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) award a grant to one entity to enhance and expand infrastructure to track the epidemiology of congenital heart disease and to organize such information into a comprehensive National Congenital Heart Disease Registry with the purpose of facilitating research into the types of health services patients use and identifying possible areas for educational outreach and prevention; and (2) establish an Advisory Committee on Congenital Heart Disease. Authorizes the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to expand, intensify, and coordinate research and related activities of the Institute regarding congenital heart disease.
Bill· HRH.R. 1550 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009
Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Department of Transportation the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) Program. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, for FY2009-FY2011, to: (1) encourage a dealer, dismantler, and scrap recycler to participate in the Program; (2) authorize the issuance of a redeemable voucher by a participating dealer to the registered owner of a high polluting automobile for the purchase of a new fuel efficient automobile upon transfer of the eligible automobile title to a participating dealer, dismantler, or scrap recycler; (3) require participating dealers to accept such vouchers as partial payment for the purchase of a new fuel efficient automobile; and (4) electronically transfer funds to a participating dealer upon receipt of a voucher and relevant certifications from the dealer. Requires any dealer receiving a certificate of title to any eligible high polluting automobile in exchange for a CARS voucher to certify to the Secretary that: (1) such title has been retired or otherwise extinguished and not re-issued; and (2) the dealer has received from a dismantler or recycler a certification that such automobile, engine, and drive train will be crushed or shredded within a certain period, will be processed prior to crushing or shredding to ensure removal and appropriate disposition of specified products, and has not been, and will not be, registered, sold, leased, exchanged, distributed, or otherwise operated at any time as an automobile in the United States or in any foreign country. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations that allow operators of bus and rail public transit systems to redeem the allowable value of properly issued vouchers to offset the purchase price of annual or monthly transit passes or any other form of individual transit fare credit designated by the transit system operator. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary, for model year 2011, to revise the Program to provide for the issuance of vouchers to offset the purchase of a new battery electric automobile or a new plug-in electric drive automobile.
Bill· HRH.R. 1562 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009
Lower Brule and Crow Creek Tribal Compensation Act - Amends the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act to increase 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 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. Considers this Act to be full and final compensation to the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe for damages caused by the construction of the Fort Randall Dam and the Big Bend Dam under the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program.
Law· HRH.R. 1512 (111th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009
Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through FY2009: (1) excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property; and (2) the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Extends funding through FY2009 for airport improvement program (AIP) projects, including project grant authority. Extends through FY2009 various airport development projects, including: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fees at nonhub airports; (2) small airport grants for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (3) state and local airport land use compatibility projects; (4) the authority of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to apply for an airport development grant and impose a passenger facility fee; (5) the temporary increase to 95% in the government share of certain AIP project costs; and (6) Midway Island airport development. Extends through FY2009 Department of Transportation (DOT) insurance coverage for domestic and foreign-flag air carriers. Extends through December 31, 2009, air carrier liability limits for injuries to passengers resulting from acts of terrorism. Extends through FY2009 certain competitive access assurance requirements for large or medium hub airport sponsors applying for AIP grants. Extends through FY2009 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; (2) air navigation facilities and equipment; and (3) research, engineering, and development.
Bill· SS. 584 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009
Complete Streets Act of 2009 - Requires each state to have in effect within two years a law, or each state department of transportation and metropolitan planning organization (MPO) an explicit policy statement, that requires all federally-funded transportation projects, with certain exceptions, to accommodate the safety and convenience of all users in accordance with certain complete streets principles. Defines "complete streets principles" as federal, state, local, or regional level transportation laws, policies, or principles which ensure that the safety and convenience of all users of a transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, children, older individuals, motorists, and individuals with disabilities, are accommodated in all phases of project planning and development. Allows such law or policy to make project-specific exemptions from such principles only if: (1) affected roadways prohibit specified users by law from using them, the cost of a compliance project would be excessively disproportionate to the need, or the population and employment densities or level of transit service around a roadway is so low that there is no need to implement such principles; and (2) all such exemptions are properly approved. Requires: (1) the Secretary to establish a method for ensuring compliance by state departments of transportation and MPOs with complete streets principles; and (2) states to require every agency responsible for a project within an approved transportation improvement program to review and certify project compliance with complete streets principles. Requires states noncompliant with complete streets principles to use a portion of their surface transportation program funds to carry out a highway safety program. Requires the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to issue final standards for accessibility of new construction and alterations of pedestrian facilities for public rights-of-way. Requires the Secretary to conduct research regarding complete streets to: (1) assist states, MPOs, and local jurisdictions in developing and implementing complete streets-compliant plans, projects, procedures, policies, and training programs; and (2) establish benchmarks for, and provide technical guidance on, implementing complete streets policies and principles.