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Bill· HRH.R. 670 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2007
Dependence Reduction through Innovation in Vehicles and Energy Act or DRIVE Act - Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to publish in the Federal Register an oil savings target and action plan for specified calendar years. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a national media campaign to decrease oil consumption in the United States over the next decade. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop: (1) a fuel efficiency program for passenger car and light truck tires; (2) a program to designate Transit-Oriented Development Corridors; and (3) pilot projects to save oil by reducing vehicle miles traveled. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) develop a testing and assessment program to determine the fuel economy of heavy duty vehicles; (2) establish a near-term electric transportation deployment program; and (3) implement a fuel and technology neutral program to reduce tailpipe emissions. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe average heavy duty vehicle fuel economy standards. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of Energy to make loan guarantees for eligible projects to improve hybrid technologies or to encourage production of efficient hybrid and advanced diesel vehicles. Requires a specified graduated percentage of passenger cars manufactured by light-duty motor vehicles manufacturers to be fuel choice enabling motor vehicles or alternative fuel automobiles. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an advanced technology motor vehicles manufacturing tax credit; (2) allow a flexible fuel vehicle tax credit; (3) extend the alternative vehicle tax credit for new qualified hybrid motor vehicles; (4) allow a fuel-efficient tax credit for private fleets; (5) subject heavy vehicles to the depreciation limitation for certain luxury automobiles; (6) increase the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property tax credit; (7) provide a graduated tax credit for plug-in hybrid electric passenger and light truck vehicles; and (8) allow an idling reduction tax credit for heavy-duty diesel-powered on-highway vehicles. Establishes the Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Trust Fund. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to obligate sums from the Fund for the Clean Cities grant program to increase the availability to consumers of ethanol, biodiesel, and other alternative fuels. Amends the Clean Air Act to prescribe minimum annual quantities of renewable fuel from cellulosic biomass. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) require at least a 20% reduction in the federal fleets' petroleum consumption (including that at least 30% of federal vehicles required to be alternative fuel vehicles be flexible fuel hybrid or flexible fuel plug-in hybrid vehicles); (2) submit to Congress an action plan calling for a specified graduated percentage of the nation's ground fuel demand to be supplied by fuels derived from sources other than oil; and (3) carry out a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle prize program.
Bill· HRH.R. 651 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2007
Authorizes states to place supplemental guide signs relating to veterans cemeteries on federal-aid highways.
Bill· SS. 367 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2007
Decent Working Conditions and Fair Competition Act - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise the prohibition on importing convict-made goods into the United States to make it unlawful to: (1) import into, or export from, the United States any sweatshop good; or (2) introduce into commerce, sell, trade, or advertise in commerce, offer to sell, or transport or distribute in U.S. commerce, any sweatshop good. Grants the President, for reasons of national interest, authority to recommend waiver of the applications set forth in this Act in connection with the goods of any country with respect to one or more of the principles and rights defined in this Act as a core labor standard. Sets forth procedures for consideration of such a waiver. Makes it unlawful for persons to introduce into commerce, sell, trade, or advertise in commerce, offer to sell or transport or distribute in commerce any sweatshop good. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce this prohibition as if it were an unfair or deceptive act or practice proscribed under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Allows specified persons with standing to bring a civil action in U.S. district courts against sellers of goods, wares, articles, or merchandise on grounds of a violation of such prohibition. Prohibits executive agencies and the Armed Forces from entering into procurement contracts for sweatshop goods. Prohibits anything in this Act from being construed to preempt a state from regulating labor standards required in the mining, production, or manufacture of merchandise purchased by the state.
Bill· HRH.R. 643 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2007
Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2007 - 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) so long as all of the active members of such clubs are full-time students at the college or university with which such clubs are associated. Defines "collegiate housing and infrastructure grants" to include grants to provide, improve, operate, or maintain collegiate housing.
Bill· SS. 357 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2007
Ten-in-Ten Fuel Economy Act - Revises corporate average fuel economy standards (CAFE Standards) for automobiles to exclude light trucks (currently, only passenger automobiles are excluded) from such standards. Prescribes graduated increased average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and light trucks beginning in model year 2010 in order to achieve a combined average fuel economy standard of at least 35 miles per gallon (or such other number of miles per gallon as the Secretary may prescribe) beginning in model year 2019. Prohibits such regulations from making any distinction between passenger automobiles and light trucks by not later than model year 2013 (effectively eliminating the SUV loophole). Sets forth minimum CAFE standards for domestic and foreign passenger automobiles manufactured in a model year prior to enactment of this Act. Prescribes maximum CAFE standards for: (1) work trucks manufactured beginning in model year 2013; and (2) light trucks manufactured beginning in model year 2010. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue a motor vehicle safety standard to reduce vehicle incompatibility and agressivity between passenger vehicles and non-passenger vehicles. Requires passenger automobiles and light trucks be equipped with fuel economy indicators and devices beginning with model year 2014. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a CAFE credit trading program to allow manufacturers whose automobiles exceed CAFE standards to earn credits to be sold to manufacturers whose automobiles fail to achieve such standards. Revises fuel economy labeling requirements to require labels attached to passenger automobiles and light trucks to also include greenhouse gas and other emissions consequences information.
Bill· SS. 345 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2007
Homeland Security Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Establishes in the Treasury the Homeland Security and Neighborhood Safety Trust Fund. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Senate Finance Committee should report legislation that: (1) increases revenues by $53.3 billion during taxable years 2007-2011 by reducing scheduled income tax reductions for taxpayers with taxable incomes exceeding $1 million; and (2) appropriates such revenues to the Fund. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for: (1) the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services for grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement and to enhance state and local government interoperable communications efforts; (2) the Justice Assistance Grant; and (3) the Office of Domestic Preparedness for Fire Act grants and SAFER grants. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete the assignment of specified electromagnetic spectrum for public safety services and permit their operation by January 1, 2007. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund to: (1) implement FCC recommendations; (2) support state and local government law enforcement and first responders; (3) ensure the inspection and scanning of 100% of cargo containers destined for U.S. ports and the scanning of domestic air cargo; (4) protect critical infrastructure and other high threat targets; (5) enhance public health sector preparedness to prevent and respond to biological and nuclear terrorism; (6) develop scanning technologies to detect dangerous substances at U.S. ports of entry; and (7) protect other high risk targets. Establishes within the executive branch a Homeland Security Spending Advisory Board.
Bill· HRH.R. 626 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2007
Railroad Retirement Fairness Act - Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to provide that an individual who, at the time the individual makes an inquiry to the Railroad Retirement Board, has a current connection with the railroad industry shall not be deemed to have lost that current connection if: (1) the Board misleads or fails to properly inform that individual about that requirement; and (2) that conduct by the Board, according to the principles of equity, should stop the Board from deeming the individual to have lost that current connection. Makes such amendment applicable with respect to annuities applied for on or after February 3, 1989.
Bill· HRH.R. 620 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2007
Climate Stewardship Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a National Greenhouse Gas Database consisting of: (1) an inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by covered entities (specified entities that own or control a source of GHG emissions in the electric power, industrial, and commercial sectors of the U.S. economy that emit more than 10,000 metric tons of GHGs per year); and (2) a registry of GHG emission reductions and increased sequestration, applicable to both covered and noncovered entities. Establishes a program for the market-driven reduction of GHGs by covered entities through the use of tradeable emissions allowances. Requires the Administrator to establish a declining cap on tradeable allowances to reduce GHG emissions over time. Requires covered entities, beginning in 2012, to submit to the Administrator one tradeable allowance for every metric ton of GHGs emitted. Allows tradeable allowances to be sold, exchanged, purchased, retired, borrowed, offset, or otherwise used as authorized by this Act. Imposes civil penalties on covered entities that fail to submit allowances. Establishes the Climate Change Credit Corporation (CCCC) to receive, manage, buy, and sell tradeable allowances. Directs the Administrator to make allocations of allowances to covered sectors and entities, and to the CCCC, providing initial allocations for early action and accelerated participation. Requires the CCCC to establish a program to provide financial support for: (1) technology to assist in compliance with this Act; (2) incentives for GHG emission reductions or net increases in sequestration on agricultural lands; and (3) the restoration of habitat to help fish and wildlife adapt to climate change. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to require the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) report to Congress on the oceanic and coastal impacts of climate change; and (2) assist certain coastal states in preparing persons to adapt to climate change. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to: (1) establish a program on adaptation technologies as part of the Climate Technology Challenge Program; and (2) perform regional infrastructure cost assessments of the impacts of climate change. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) submit a climate change adaptation plan to Congress; and (2) research the impact of climate change on low-income populations worldwide. Amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to provide funding for the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account that may be used by states to develop and implement climate change impact mitigation plans.
Bill· HRH.R. 589 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2007
Get Real Incentives to Drive Plug-in Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish: (1) a program to make grants to motor vehicle manufacturers for research and development on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; (2) a pilot project on how best to integrate plug-in hybrid electric vehicles into the electric power grid and into the overall transportation infrastructure; and (3) a test site for the advancement of battery technologies for such vehicles. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a tax credit for taxpayers who own or lease a new plug-in hybrid motor vehicle. Requires at least 10% of the motor vehicles purchased by a federal agency in any fiscal year to be plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Bill· HRH.R. 587 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2007
Flight 587 Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to: (1) require each aircraft manufacturer to list any information in the limitation section of each flight manual that may affect an aircraft's safe operation; and (2) resolve any dispute between a manufacturer and an operator arising about the safe operation of an aircraft (except in cases in which an adjudicatory resolution is sought). Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review the effectiveness and timeliness of the FAA in implementing recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Bill· SS. 339 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2007
Dependence Reduction through Innovation in Vehicles and Energy Act or DRIVE Act - Instructs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to publish in the Federal Register an oil savings target and action plan for specified calendar years. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop: (1) a fuel efficiency consumer education program for motor vehicle tires; (2) a fuel efficiency program for passenger automobile and light truck tires; and (3) a program to designate Transit-Oriented Development Corridors. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) develop a testing and assessment program to determine heavy duty vehicle fuel economy; (2) establish a task force to develop minimum certification standards for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; and (3) establish a near-term electric transportation deployment program. Instructs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe average heavy duty vehicle fuel economy standards. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for 50% of the cost and installation (up to $3,500) of a qualifying idling reduction device (includes off-truck infrastructure equipment) on a heavy-duty diesel-powered on-highway vehicle; (2) allow a credit for 35% of the advanced motor vehicle technology expenses of certain motor vehicle manufacturers or component parts manufacturers; (3) terminate the limitation on the number of new qualified hybrid and advanced lean burn vehicles eligible for the alternative motor vehicle credit; (4) extend the alternative motor vehicle credit; (5) establish a fuel-efficient tax credit for private fleets; (6) subject heavy vehicles to the depreciation limitation for certain luxury automobiles; (7) increase the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit; (8) extend biodiesel income and excise tax credits; (9) increase the small ethanol producer tax credit for sucrose and cellulosic ethanol producers; and (10) provide plug-in electric vehicle incentives. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish a lightweight material research and development program; (2) carry out a research and commercial application program for electric drive transportation technology and engine dominant hybrid vehicle technology; (3) provide hybrid technology loan guarantees; and (4) require that by FY2016 each federal agency achieve at least a 30% reduction in its fleet petroleum consumption, and have at least 30% of its alternative fuel vehicles be hybrid or lean burn vehicles; (5) establish an alternative fuels pilot grant program; and (6) conduct a national media campaign to decrease U.S. oil consumption over the next decade. Sets forth a federal agency motor vehicle efficiency and fuel requirements. Requires certain minimum percentages of light-duty motor vehicles manufactured for model years 2012 and beyond to use specified propulsion technologies and fuels. Amends the Clean Air Act to prescribe minimum annual quantities of renewable fuel from cellulosic biomass and sugar. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a low-interest loan and grant program for farmer-owned ethanol producers to develop infrastructure, including pump stations, for the retail delivery of any fuel containing at least 85% ethanol.
Bill· SS. 331 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2007
Establishes the Energy Security Fund, to be funded by proceeds deposited in the general fund of the Treasury from fines, penalties, and other funds obtained through enforcement actions for violations of automobile fuel economy standards. Directs the Secretary of Energy, acting through the Clean Cities Program of the Department of Energy, to establish a program of grants to expand the availability of alternative fuels to consumers. Makes amounts in the Fund available to the Secretary for such grants. Declares eligible for assistance any entity that is eligible for assistance under the Clean Cities Program. Bars from such assistance: (1) large, vertically-integrated oil companies; and (2) any entity that receives other federal funds for the construction or expansion of the same alternative refueling infrastructure. Sets forth a maximum ceiling for grants and for stations. Limits the use of such funds to construction or expansion of alternative fueling infrastructure.
Bill· SS. 330 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2007
Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2007 - Provides for increases in the numbers of federal immigration enforcement-related positions and technological assets for use along the borders, including Department of Defense (DOD) equipment. Provides for: (1) recruitment of former military personnel; (2) border control facilities construction; (3) land border port of entry construction and improvements; (4) border patrol checkpoints; and (5) fencing, barrier, and road construction and improvements in the Yuma and Tucson sectors. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to develop: (1) a comprehensive land and maritime border surveillance plan; (2) a National Strategy for Border Security; (3) a plan to combat human smuggling; (4) a southern border study; and (5) a schedule for equippng all land border ports of entry with the U.S.-Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) system. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) report to Congress on improving the exchange of North American security information; (2) work with Canada and Mexico to assist Guatemala and Belize in border security activities; (3) work with Mexico on border security and drug and human smuggling matters; and (4) work with appropriate countries to share information and track Central American gang members. Provides for biometric data (including entry-exit data collection), document, and other border security enhancements. Requires mandatory detention of an alien (other than a Mexican national) apprehended illegally seeking to enter the United States at a U.S. port of entry or land or maritime border as of October 1, 2008, unless such alien is: (1) paroled into the United States for humanitarian or public benefit reasons; or (2) permitted to withdraw an admission application and immediately departs from the United States. Exempts from mandatory detention an alien who is a native or citizen of a Western Hemisphere country with whose government the United States does not have full diplomatic relations (currently, Cuba). Makes it unlawful for a person to elude customs, immigration, or agriculture inspection. Authorizes (until January 1, 2009) a state (including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands) to use National Guard personnel or units of such state for up to 21 days annually to perform certain border security activities in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. Extends the implementation date for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Directs the Secretary of State to develop a Passport Card for U.S. citizen travel from the United States to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean countries, and Bermuda. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of State to enter into a state enrollment demonstration program with at least one state. Border Law Enforcement Relief Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency located in a county within 100 miles of a U.S. border with Canada or Mexico, or in a county beyond 100 miles that has been certified by the Secretary as a high impact area to provide assistance in addressing: (1) criminal activity that occurs by virtue of proximity to the border; and (2) the impact of any lack of border security. Authorizes the Secretary, if the governor of a border state declares an international border security emergency and requests additional Border Patrol agents, to provide such state with up to 1,000 additional agents. Raises the annual increase in the number of full-time Border Patrol agents. Makes all aliens inadmissible on terrorism-related grounds ineligible for asylum. Increases the class of aliens ineligible on security-related grounds for cancellation of removal or voluntary departure. Revises provisions respecting detention and removal of aliens under order of removal. Makes alien members of criminal street gangs inadmissible and deportable. Denies temporary protected status to gang members. Revises alien smuggling provisions. Establishes extraterritorial federal jurisdiction over smuggling offenses. Directs the Secretary to establish the American Local and Interior Enforcement Needs (ALIEN) Task Force to respond to the use of government transportation infrastructure to further unlawful alien trafficking. Provides a mandatory minimum sentence for carrying or using a firearm during an alien smuggling crime. Revises illegal entry, reentry after removal, and related criminal penalty provisions. Makes it a crime to knowingly be illegally present in the United States. Revises passport and visa provisions. Criminalizes: (1) trafficking in passports; (2) executing a scheme to defraud a person in connection with any federal immigration matter; and (3) knowing use of any immigration document issued or designed for use by another. Provides an exception for refugees, asylees, and certain other vulnerable persons. Makes an alien convicted of a passport or visa violation inadmissible and removable. Revises and increases penalties for marriage fraud. Continues and provides for the expansion to all states of the institutional removal program (IRP). Revises voluntary departure provisions. Prohibits the knowing sale of firearms to, or the possession of firearms by, an alien parolee. Establishes a 10-year statute of limitations for specified immigration-related offenses. States that no provision of law shall be construed to provide immigration benefits to an alien who poses a security threat, is under investigation for removal, or for whom background checks have not been completed. Provides reimbursement to states and local government for costs associated with: (1) processing undocumented criminal aliens through the criminal justice system; and (2) immigration enforcement training. Directs the Secretary to provide sufficient transportation and officers to take state- and locally-apprehended illegal aliens into Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody. Authorizes grants for Indian tribes with lands adjacent to an international border of the United States that have been adversely affected by illegal immigration. Revises alien registration provisions. Includes in the definition of aggravated felony a third drunk driving conviction. Makes the J-1 visa (medical services in underserved areas) program permanent. Requires expedited removal of an illegal alien apprehended within 100 miles of the border and within 14 days of entry. Prohibits certain sex offenders from sponsoring an immigrant applicant. Affirms state law enforcement authority to assist (including transfer to federal custody) the federal government in enforcing U.S. immigration laws during the normal course of law enforcement duties. Provides for related federal reimbursement of state costs. Provides for listing of immigration violators in the National Crime Information Center Database. Directs the Secretary to: (1) construct or acquire 20 additional detention facilities for aliens detained pending removal (or a decision on removal); (2) utilize cost-effective alternatives, including federal facilities; and (3) consider the transfer of military installations under base closure laws for such purposes. Requires the office of the U.S. Attorney that is prosecuting a criminal case in federal court to determine whether each defendant is lawfully present in the United States within 30 days of filing the initial case pleadings, and report such information to the court. Directs the Attorney General to expand the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transfer System (JPATS). Establishes a W-visa guest worker category for an alien having a residence in a foreign country who is coming to the United States to perform: (1) agricultural labor or services; or (2) any other labor or services. Prohibits any alien who is unlawfully employed in the United States as of January 1, 2007, from receiving a nonimmigrant W-visa (nonimmigrant guest worker) unless the alien applies for registration and fingerprinting and applies for a guest worker visa within one year. States that: (1) an illegal alien who fails to register is subject to immediate deportation and is ineligible to receive such a W-visa; and (2) an employer who knowingly employs an illegal alien shall be ineligible to employ a W- visa alien. Increases criminal penalties for: (1) document fraud; and (2) specified crimes committed by illegal aliens. States that any program authorized by this Act which grants legal status or status adjustment to any individual who enters or entered the United States in violation of federal law shall be effective on the date that the Secretary submits a written certification to the President and Congress that the border security/enforcement measures and federal detention space increases under this Act have been completed and are operational.
Law· HRH.R. 556 (110th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2007
National Security Foreign Investment Reform and Strengthened Transparency Act of 2007 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA) to direct the President, upon receiving written notification of a possible merger, acquisition, or takeover which could result in foreign control of any person engaged in interstate commerce (covered transaction), or upon a motion of the President, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), or a committee member, to review such covered transaction to determine its effects on national security. Requires CFIUS to investigate a covered transaction which it determines is a foreign government-controlled transaction. Directs the President to conduct an investigation of the effects of certain covered transactions on national security and to take any necessary steps to protect national security. Requires any review or investigation of a covered transaction to be approved by a majority roll call vote of CFIUS members and be signed by the Secretaries of the Treasury, Homeland Security, and Commerce. Requires the Director of National Intelligence to conduct an analysis of any threat to national security posed by a covered transaction. Establishes CFIUS as a multi-agency statutory committee and revises the membership of such committee. Makes the consideration of specified factors in evaluating a covered transaction mandatory (currently, discretionary with the President). Adds to the list of such factors. Authorizes CFIUS to: (1) enter into agreements with parties to a covered transaction to mitigate any threat to national security; and (2) designate a lead federal agency to negotiate, modify, monitor, and enforce such agreements. Establishes a method of tracking covered transactions which are withdrawn from the review or investigation process and a process for setting interim protections to address specific national security concerns relating to such transactions. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to study investments in the United States, especially investments in critical infrastructure and industries affecting national security by foreign governments or their agents which comply with any boycott of Israel or which do not ban foreign terrorist organizations.
Bill· HRH.R. 547 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2007
Advanced Fuels Infrastructure Research and Development Act - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to implement a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of materials to be added to alternative biobased fuels and Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuels to make them more compatible with existing infrastructure used to store and deliver petroleum-based fuels to the point of final sale. Requires the Secretary to carry out a research, development, demonstration program on portable, low-cost, and accurate methods and technologies for testing sulfur content in fuel, including Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel and Low Sulfur Diesel. Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop a physical properties data base and standard reference materials for alternative fuels.
Bill· HRH.R. 570 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2007
Establishes the Energy Security Fund, to be funded by proceeds deposited in the general fund of the Treasury from fines, penalties, and other funds obtained through enforcement actions for violations of automobile fuel economy standards. Directs the Secretary of Energy, acting through the Clean Cities Program of the Department of Energy, to establish a program of grants to expand the availability of alternative fuels to consumers. Makes amounts in the Fund available to the Secretary for such grants. Declares eligible for assistance any entity that is eligible for assistance under the Clean Cities Program. Bars from such assistance: (1) large, vertically-integrated oil companies; and (2) any entity that receives other federal funds for the construction or expansion of the same alternative refueling infrastructure. Sets forth a maximum ceiling for grants and for stations. Limits the use of such funds to construction or expansion of alternative fueling infrastructure.
Bill· SS. 328 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2007
Ensuring Implementation of the 9/11 Commission Report Act - Homeland Emergency Response Operations Act or the HERO Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete assignment of the electromagnetic spectrum for public safety services to permit operation by December 31, 2007. Requires reports respecting: (1) a unified incident command system; (2) a national critical infrastructure risk and vulnerabilities assessment; and (3) private sector preparedness. Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2005 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant program to assist state and local governments in achieving essential capabilities for terrorism preparedness. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to: (1) establish an Office of the Comptroller within the Office for Domestic Preparedness, a First Responder Grants Board, and a Task Force on Terrorism Preparedness for First Responders; and (2) promulgate national voluntary standards for first responder equipment. Requires reports by: (1) DHS on a unified incident command system, a national critical infrastructure risk and vulnerabilities assessment, the comprehensive screening system, a biometric entry and exit data system, international collaboration on border and document security, and standardization of secure identification; (2) the Comptroller General on private sector preparedness, federal first responder training programs, and terrorist watch list consolidation; (3) the Secretary of Transportation on a national strategy for transportation security on airline passenger screening, on explosives detection at airline screening checkpoints, and on the comprehensive screening program; (4) the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center on collection and analysis of intelligence on terrorist travel; (5) the Commissioner of Social Security on social security card security enhancements; (6) the Director of National Intelligence on implementation of goals, and establishment of a National Counterterrorism Center; (7) the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the creation of an FBI national security workforce; (8) the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (9) the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on information sharing incentives and on the leadership of the President of national security institutions in the information revolution; (10) the Secretary of Defense on Northern Command plans for homeland defense; and (11) the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on security clearance standardization. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to each report on homeland airspace defense. Directs the Attorney General to report on specified areas of civil liberties and security and executive power, including government sharing of personal information. 9/11 Commission Civil Liberties Board Act - Revises provisions concerning the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. Provides for the designation of privacy and civil liberties officers. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require fingerprints in passports. Requires specified reports on the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and the policy goals of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Revises provisions concerning the House and Senate intelligence committees. Requires public disclosure by the President of certain intelligence funding. Expresses the sense of Congress respecting: (1) Afghanistan; (2) Pakistan; (3) Saudi Arabia; (4) coalition strategy against Islamic terrorism; (5) the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI); (6) the Proliferation Security Initiative; and (7) nuclear weapons and materials security standards. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) terrorist sanctuary elimination; (2) standards for detention and humane treatment of captured terrorists; (3) economic policies to combat terrorism; (4) terrorist financing; and (5) public diplomacy, scholarship, exchange, and library programs in the Islamic world, and international broadcasting. Omnibus Nonproliferation and Anti-Nuclear Terrorism Act of 2007 - Establishes the Office of Nonproliferation Programs in the Executive Office of the President. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) removal of certain restrictions on cooperative threat reduction and energy nonproliferation programs, and modification of such programs' fund use outside the former Soviet Union; (2) the Global Threat Reduction Initiative; (3) Russia's tactical and non-strategic nuclear weapons; (4) research and development of alternative use of weapons of mass destruction expertise; (5) nonproliferation activities; and (6) strengthening the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.
Bill· SS. 315 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2007
Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act - 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· HRH.R. 518 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2007
International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act of 2007 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize states to enact laws or issue regulations or orders restricting the receipt and disposal of foreign municipal solid waste within their borders until the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues regulations implementing and enforcing the Agreement Concerning the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste between the United States and Canada. Declares that state actions authorized by this Act shall not be considered a burden on, or otherwise impede, interstate and foreign commerce. Requires the Administrator to: (1) perform the functions of the Designated Authority of the United States with respect to the importation and exportation of municipal solid waste under the Agreement; (2) implement and enforce the notice and consent and other provisions of the Agreement; and (3) issue final regulations on the Administrator's responsibilities as Designated Authority of the United States. Requires the Administrator to give substantial weight to the views of affected states and local governments before consenting to the importation of foreign municipal solid waste into the United States under the Agreement, and to consider the impact of such importation on: (1) public support for state and local recycling programs; (2) landfill capacities; (3) air emissions and road deterioration from increased vehicular traffic; and (4) homeland security, public health, and the environment. Makes it unlawful for any person to import, transport, or export municipal solid waste for final disposal or for incineration in violation of the Agreement. Authorizes the Administrator to assess civil penalties for violations of this Act or to commence a civil action in the U.S. district court. Limits civil penalties to $25,000 per day of noncompliance for each violation. Provides for a public hearing to review any noncompliance order issued by the Administrator.
Bill· HRH.R. 534 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2007
Rail Transit Security and Safety Act of 2007 - Directs the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security to complete a vulnerability assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation, and develop specific prioritized recommendations for improving rail security. Directs the Under Secretary to establish the position of Federal Rail Security Manager. 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 Secretary of Homeland Security to award grants directly to public transportation agencies for allowable capital and operational security improvements based on the prioritized rail security recommendations. 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. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to railroad carriers for costs incurred in instituting a rail worker emergency training program.
Bill· HRH.R. 535 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2007
Rail Worker Emergency Training Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation, to make grants to railroad carriers for costs incurred in instituting a rail worker emergency training program. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue detailed guidelines for a rail worker emergency training program to enhance rail worker training in preparation for and response to potential or actual terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other emergencies. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a letter of noncompliance to rail carriers that fail to comply with the requirements of this Act.
Bill· SS. 294 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2007
Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for Amtrak for FY2007-FY2012. Authorizes Amtrak to contract for the operation of an intercity rail service or route not included in the national rail passenger transportation system. Requires Amtrak to: (1) implement a modern financial accounting and reporting system; (2) submit an annual budget and business plan and a five-year financial plan; (3) submit grant requests for specified authorizations of appropriations, including for its operating and capital grants and debt repayment; (4) develop and implement a standardized methodology for establishing and allocating the operating and capital costs among the states and Amtrak associated with trains operated on state supported routes. Requires an independent auditor to develop and recommend objective methodologies for determining intercity passenger routes and services. Provides for: (1) minimum standards for measuring performance and service; (2) investigations of substandard performance; (3) annual evaluations of the financial and operating performance of each long distance passenger rail route; (4) passenger rail service to be provided by alternate carriers on certain Amtrak routes; (5) a northeast corridor state-of-good-repair plan; and (6) restructuring Amtrak's indebtedness. Authorizes: (1) grants to states for the capital costs of facilities and equipment necessary to provide or improve intercity passenger rail transportation; (2) a state to prepare and maintain a state rail plan. Requires Amtrak to establish a Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee, comprised of representatives of Amtrak, the Federal Railroad Administration, and interested states. Provides, in order to carry out all railroad safety laws, for eight safety offices for eight geographical regions. Surface Transportation and Rail Security Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a task force to complete a vulnerability and risk assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation. Provides for: (1) systemwide Amtrak security upgrade grants; (2) grants for fire and life-safety improvements to Amtrak tunnels on the Northeast Corridor; and (3) grants for freight and passenger rail security upgrades. Provides funding for oversight of capital projects and management plans. Requires a plan for addressing the needs of the families of passengers involved in any Amtrak intercity train rail passenger accident resulting in a loss of life. Requires a railworker security training program. Provides for whistleblower protection for rail security matters. Requires rail carriers transporting hazardous materials to develop high hazard material security threat mitigation plans. Encourages the equipping of rail cars transporting high hazard materials with wireless communications technology.
Bill· SS. 280 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2007
Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act of 200 7 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and maintain the National Greenhouse Gas Database to collect, verify, and analyze information on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Establishes a program for market-driven reduction of GHGs through the use of tradeable allowances. Requires certain covered entities that own or control a source of GHG emissions in the electric power, industrial, and commercial sectors of the U.S. economy to submit to the Administrator, beginning in 2012, one tradeable allowance for every metric ton of GHGs emitted. Requires the Administrator to establish a declining cap on tradeable allowances to reduce GHG emissions over time. Allows tradeable allowances to be sold, exchanged, purchased, retired, borrowed, offset, or otherwise used as permitted by this Act. Requires the Administrator to establish a program to allow covered entities to earn tradable allowances from developing countries' activities that result in certified emission reductions. Establishes the Climate Change Credit Corporation to manage tradeable allowances. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish a Climate Technology Financing Board; (2) study technology transfer barriers, best practices, and technology transfer activities at federal laboratories related to the licensing and commercialization of technologies that result in reduced GHG emissions, increased ability to adapt to climate change impacts, or increased sequestration of GHGs; (3) analyze business opportunities available for climate change technologies; (4) establish a nonprofit government sponsored enterprise for providing investment in private sector technologies that show promise for climate change adaptation and mitigation applications; (5) create a program of public-private partnerships for climate innovation; (6) establish a national program to ensure that lessons learned and best practices concerning energy efficiency and GHG emission reductions are available to the public; (7) carry out a program of scientific research on potential abrupt climate change; (8) carry out a Climate Technology Challenge Program to award funding to stimulate innovation in technologies for reducing GHG emissions; (9) establish a program to reduce GHG emissions through deployment of energy efficiency measures by large commercial customers by providing for energy audits; (10) establish, operate, and report on a research and development program focused on advanced once-through fuel cycles, a Nuclear System Modeling project to evaluate the cost, safety, waste management, and proliferation avoidance and resistance of fuel cycles, and an Advanced Diversified Waste-Disposal Research Program; (11) establish a demonstration program to reduce the first-time regulatory costs of the current Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing process incurred by the first applicant using an advanced reactor design; (12) establish a program to demonstrate the effectiveness of retooling an existing vehicle or component manufacturing facility to reduce vehicle GHG emissions and of increasing competitiveness of advanced technology vehicle production facilities; (13) establish guidelines for setting project baselines for reductions of GHG emissions and GHG storage in geological formations; (14) submit a climate change adaptation plan for the United States; and (15) conduct research on the impact of climate change on low-income populations everywhere in the world. Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) implement a plan to increase and establish priorities for funding research in the adaptation to and mitigation of climate change; and (2) establish a climate change science and technology enhancement program for math and science teachers. Establishes a National Medal of Climate Stewardship Innovation. Requires the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) to determine the extent to which changes to the patent system are necessary to increase the flow of climate change-related technologies. Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish a research program on global climate change standards and processes to provide knowledge on the reduction of GHGs. Provides for establishment of a joint competitive, merit-based research program to fund low- or zero-emissions transportation proposals. Requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to: (1) establish an interagency panel to establish standards for measurement of sequestered carbon; (2) establish a program on adaptation technologies and assess the climate change technological needs of various regions of the country; (3) perform one national and six regional infrastructure cost assessments to provide estimates of the range of costs anticipated for adaptation to the impacts of climate change.
Bill· SS. 291 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2007
Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2007 - 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.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 60 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2007
Elects majority Members to the House Committees on Armed Services and to Transportation and Infrastructure.
Bill· SS. 264 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2007
Wallowa Lake Dam Rehabilitation and Water Management Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to provide grants to, or enter into cooperative or other agreements with, tribal, state, and local governmental entities and the Associated Ditch Companies, Incorporated (ADC) (nonprofit corporation that operates the Wallowa Lake Dam) to plan, design, and construct facilities needed to implement the Wallowa Lake Dam Rehabilitation Program and Phase II (fish passage improvements and water conservation measures) and Phase III (implementation of water exchange infrastructure) of the Wallowa Valley Water Management Plan. Directs the Secretary, as a condition of providing funds, to ensure that: (1) the Rehabilitation Program meets the standards of the dam safety program of Oregon; (2) ADC agrees to assume liability for any work performed or supervised with funds provided to it under this Act; and (3) the United States shall not be liable for damages arising out of any act relating to a facility rehabilitated or constructed under this Act. Limits the federal share of the cost of activities authorized under this Act to 80%. Prohibits the federal government from holding title to, or being responsible for the operation and maintenance of, any facility rehabilitated or constructed under this Act. Permits only the Nez Perce Tribe to own and operate any facility constructed using federal funds authorized by this Act located at the Dam for trapping and transportation of migratory adult salmon.
Bill· SS. 274 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2007
Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act - Includes as a protected disclosure by a federal employee any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of any violation of law, waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure. 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 any violation of law, 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· HRH.R. 409 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2007
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program to train appropriate government employees to carry out highway tunnel (under current law, only bridge) inspections. Includes tunnel construction, rehabilitation, and operational improvements as eligible projects under the federal surface transportation program.
Bill· HRH.R. 408 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2007
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· HRH.R. 401 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2007
National Capital Transportation Amendments Act of 2007 - Amends the National Capital Transportation Act of 1969 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide additional funding through grants to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to finance in part the capital and preventive maintenance projects included in the Capital Improvement Program. Prohibits funding to the Transit Authority until it notifies the Secretary that certain amendments to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Compact have taken effect. Establishes within the Transit Authority the Office of Inspector General. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the use of funds provided under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 363 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2007
Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 to: (1) the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for support of basic research activities in the physical sciences, mathematics and computer sciences, and engineering; and (2) the Department of Defense (DOD) for support of basic research activities. Makes at least 8% of such amounts available for high-risk, potentially high-payoff research. Requires the Director of the NSF and the Director of the Office of Science of the DOE to carry out a program to award grants to scientists and engineers at the early stage of their careers at institutions of higher education and certain research organizations, such as museums, observatories, or research laboratories, to conduct research in fields relevant to NSF's mission. Directs the President to periodically present the Presidential Innovation Award to individuals who develop one or more unique scientific or engineering ideas in the national interest. Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a National Coordination Office for Research Infrastructure to: (1) identify and prioritize deficiencies in research facilities and instrumentation in academic institutions and national laboratories; and (2) make recommendations for resource allocation. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 to NSF and DOE for construction and maintenance of research facilities at institutions of higher education or national laboratories and other physical resources for performing leading-edge research.
Bill· HRH.R. 395 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2007
Cellulosic Ethanol Development and Implementation Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish: (1) a grants program for eligible entities to implement research, development, and demonstration projects relating to the use of cellulosic ethanol fuel for motor vehicles; and (2) a pilot program to provide grants to eligible entities for use in installing infrastructure (such as pumps) that would enable retail gas stations to sell and dispense ethanol fuel. Requires an eligible entity to provide matching funds in the amount of 20% of the total amount of the grant.
Bill· HRH.R. 370 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2007
Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Promotion Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instruct the Secretary of Energy to: (1) make loan guarantees to certain large-scale coal-to-liquid facilities to produce liquid transportation fuel; (2) establish a loan program to pay the federal share of the cost of obtaining services necessary for the planning, permitting, and construction of a coal-to-liquid facility; and (3) promulgate regulations for development of coal-to-liquid manufacturing facilities on federal land. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to instruct the Secretaries of Energy and of Defense to study and report to Congress on the feasibility and suitability of maintaining coal-to-liquid products in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (Reserve). Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) construct storage facilities in the vicinity of pipeline infrastructure and at least one military base; and (2) place coal-to-liquid products in storage in the Reserve. Authorizes the use of certain funds by the Air Force Research Laboratory to continue support efforts to test, qualify, and procure synthetic fuels developed from coal for aviation jet use. Amends Armed Forces law to authorize the Secretary of Defense to enter into agreements to develop and operate coal-to-liquid facilities on or near military installations. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to implement a research and demonstration program to evaluate the emissions of the use of Fischer-Tropsch transportation fuel, including diesel and jet fuel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) an income tax credit for investment in coal-to-liquid fuels projects; (2) taxpayer election to expense certain coal-to-liquid fuels facilities; (3) an extension of the alternative fuel credit for fuel derived from coal through the Fischer-Tropsch process; (4) an enhanced credit for certain projects using qualified carbon dioxide; and (5) an enhanced oil, natural gas, and coalbed methane recovery, and capture and sequestration credit against the alternative minimum tax.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 47 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2007
Elects majority Members to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 45 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2007
Elects minority Members to the House Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Education and Labor; (4) Energy and Commerce; (5) Financial Services; (6) Oversight and Government Reform; (7) Homeland Security; (8) Foreign Affairs; (9) the Judiciary; (10) Natural Resources; (11) Science and Technology; (12) Small Business; (13) Transportation and Infrastructure; and (14) Veterans Affairs.
Bill· HRH.R. 349 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2007
10 by 10 Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to make it unlawful after December 31, 2009, for any person to sell, supply, offer for sale or supply, dispense, transport, or introduce into commerce, for use in any motor vehicle, any gasoline with less than 10% renewable fuel by volume.
Bill· SS. 200 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2007
Alaska Water Resources Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation and the Director of the United States Geological Survey, to conduct a study that includes: (1) a survey of accessible water supplies, including aquifers, on the Kenai Peninsula in the municipality of Anchorage, the Matanuska-Susitna borough, the city of Fairbanks, and the Fairbanks Northstar borough; (2) a survey of water treatment needs and technologies applicable to the water resources of Alaska; and (3) a review of the need for enhancement of the streamflow information collected by the Geological Survey in the state relating to critical water needs in areas such as infrastructure risks to state transportation, flood forecasting, resource extraction, and fire management.
Bill· HRH.R. 293 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007
Farmers Markets Infrastructure Assistance Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans, loan guarantees, and grants to eligible public agencies and nonprofit organizations for the construction of new farmers markets, or the improvement or rehabilitation of existing farmers markets.
Bill· HRH.R. 313 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007
Serving Economies through Aviation and Technology in the 21st Century (SEAT 21) Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to allow public charter operators, if certain conditions are met, to provide air service to small communities utilizing smaller jets (turbine-powered aircraft with nine or fewer passenger seats). Authorizes airports to choose not to receive such air services (opt-out) if they notify the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) not later than 180 days after making their choice.
Bill· HRH.R. 314 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007
Amends federal aviation law with respect to 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 request.
Law· HRH.R. 1 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007
Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007 - Provides for implementation of recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission). Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to set forth provisions governing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants for first responders to prevent, prepare for, respond to, mitigate against, or recover from terrorist attacks. Directs the DHS Secretary to: (1) evaluate and prioritize applications based on the degree to which applicants would lessen the threat to persons and critical infrastructure; and (2) ensure that each state receives no less than .25% of grant funds available in a fiscal year (.45% for international border states). Requires the Secretary to establish the Improve Communications for Emergency Response Grant Program. Requires state, local, and tribal governments to pre-identify sites where a unified command system can be quickly established. Establishes the Checkpoint Screening Security Fund. Directs the Secretary to establish a system to inspect 100% of cargo transported on passenger aircraft. Permits containers to enter the United States only if scanned with equipment, and secured by seals, that meet prescribed standards. Directs the Secretary to: (1) take specified actions regarding human trafficking and terrorist travel; and (2) report on international collaboration and a plan to accelerate implementation of an automated biometric system. Requires the Secretary to carry out a Fusion and Law Enforcement Education and Teaming Grant Program. Establishes in DHS the Border Intelligence Fusion Center Program. Homeland Security Information Sharing Enhancement Act of 2007 - Renames the Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection as the Office of Intelligence and Analysis. Directs the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis to implement a Homeland Security Advisory System. Establishes, within the Office, an Internal Continuity of Operations Plan. Homeland Security Information Sharing Partnerships Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a State, Local, and Regional Fusion Center Initiative; and (2) establish a Homeland Security Information Sharing Fellows Program. Establishes, within DHS, an Office of Infrastructure Protection. Protection of Civil Liberties Act - Makes the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board an independent agency within the executive branch. Privacy Officer With Enhanced Rights Act of 2007 or the POWER Act - Sets forth provisions governing the DHS privacy officer's investigative authority. Directs the Secretary to prepare vulnerability assessments of critical infrastructure and to establish a National Asset Database, a National At-Risk Database, a National Asset Database Consortium. Requires the Secretary to establish a Strategic Transportation Security Information Sharing Plan. Directs the Secretary to implement a program to enhance private sector preparedness for acts of terrorism and other emergencies and disasters through the promotion of the use of voluntary consensus standards. Repeals or modifies limitations on assistance for preventing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should strive to expand and strengthen the Proliferation Security Initiative, including by working with the United Nations Security Council to authorize the Initiative under international law. Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense Cooperative Threat Reduction Program and for the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration programs to prevent WMD proliferation and terrorism. Establishes: (1) within the Executive Office of the President the Office of the United States Coordinator for the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism; and (2) the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism. Nuclear Black Market Counter-Terrorism Act of 2007 - Directs the President to impose sanctions for transfers of nuclear technology involving foreign persons and terrorists. Requires the President to: (1) identify nuclear proliferation network countries; and (2) suspend arms sales to such countries. 9/11 Commission International Implementation Act of 2007 - Declares U.S. policy regarding increasing the availability of modern basic education in Arab countries. Authorizes: (1) the President to establish an International Arab and Muslim Youth Opportunity Fund; and (2) the Secretary of State to fund a private, nonprofit Middle East Foundation. Sets forth authority for providing a surge capacity for international broadcasting activities to support U.S. foreign policy objectives. Requires reports on: (1) expanding U.S. scholarship, exchange, and library programs in Arab and predominantly Muslim countries; and (2) progress towards implementing 9/11 Commission recommendations for developing a common coalition approach toward the detention and humane treatment of captured terrorists. Sets forth statements of U.S. policy and strategy with respect to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia.
Bill· SS. 184 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Surface Transportation and Rail Security Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a task force to complete a vulnerability and risk assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation, and develop specific prioritized recommendations for improving rail security. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (or Secretary of Transportation, where appropriate) to make grants for certain system-wide Amtrak, freight, hazardous materials transportation, and passenger rail security upgrades, including to Amtrak for fire and life-safety improvements and infrastructure upgrades to tunnels on the Northeast Corridor. Directs Amtrak to submit to the National Transportation Safety Board a plan to address the needs of families of passengers involved in rail passenger accidents. Requires railroad carriers to develop rail security training programs for all front-line workers. Sets forth certain whistleblower protections for rail employees or other persons providing information about perceived security threats. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (or Secretary of Transportation, where appropriate) to require: (1) rail carriers transporting hazardous materials to develop high hazard material security threat mitigation plans; and (2) motor carriers transporting hazardous materials to maintain route plans that meet certain requirements. Sets forth requirements regarding : (1) equipping rail cars and motor carriers transporting high hazard materials with wireless communications and tracking technology; (2) hazardous materials security plans of shippers, carriers, and other persons; (3) truck security assessment; (4) a national security public sector response system; (5) over-the-road bus operators or over-the-road bus terminal operators system-wide security improvements; (6) a Pipeline Security and Incident Recovery Protocols Plan; and (7) pipeline security plans and inspecting of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines and pipeline facilities.
Bill· SS. 146 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Government Fleet Fuel Economy Act of 2007 - Amends provisions relating to standards for executive agency automobiles to require each passenger vehicle purchased, or leased for at least 60 consecutive days, by an executive agency after enactment of this Act to be as fuel efficient as possible.
Bill· SS. 183 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Improved Passenger Automobile Fuel Economy Act of 2007 - Revises minimum corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for passenger automobiles to direct the Secretary of Transportation, for each model year, to prescribe minimum CAFE standards for passenger automobiles, with the minimum standard being the current standard of 27.5 miles per gallon. Requires a CAFE standard of 40 miles per gallon for passenger automobiles manufactured in model year 2017. Authorizes credits earned by a manufacturer when the average fuel economy of passenger automobiles manufactured by a manufacturer in a particular model year exceeds an applicable established average fuel economy standard to be applied to any of the three model years immediately following (currently, before) the model year in which such credits are earned, or transferred to a national registry system for greenhouse gases. Authorizes a manufacturer to apply credits purchased through the registry (greenhouse gas credits) toward applicable CAFE standards for passenger or non-passenger automobiles after model year 2010. Establishes a national greenhouse registry to encourage voluntary actions to monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency. Establishes within the Department of Commerce an implementing panel to, among other things promulgate standards for: (1) certification of registries and operation of certified registries; and (2) measurement, verification, and recording of greenhouse gas emissions and greenhouse gas emission reductions by certified registries.
Bill· SS. 160 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
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· SS. 39 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Ocean and Coastal Exploration and NOAA Act (OCEAN Act) - National Ocean Exploration Program Act - Requires establishment of a coordinated national ocean exploration program in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Requires NOAA to convene an ocean technology and infrastructure task force. Authorizes NOAA, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other agencies involved in the program to participate in interagency financing and share, transfer, receive, and spend funds appropriated to any federal participant in the program. NOAA Undersea Research Program Act of 2007 - Requires establishment of an undersea research program, to be conducted through a national headquarters, a network of regional undersea research centers, and a national technology institute.
Bill· SS. 121 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
States that it is U.S. policy to redeploy U.S. forces within 180 days after enactment of this Act while maintaining in Iraq the minimal level of U.S. forces sufficient to engage directly in targeted counterterrorism activities, train Iraq security forces, and protect U.S. infrastructure and personnel in Iraq. Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State to jointly submit to Congress a report setting forth the strategy for such redeployment.
Bill· SS. 154 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Energy Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to include among the projects eligible for Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantees large-scale coal-to-liquid facilities that use a feedstock, the majority of which is domestic coal resources, to produce at least 10,000 barrels a day of liquid transportation fuel. Instructs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to make loans for use by recipients to pay the federal share of the cost of obtaining any services necessary for the planning, permitting, and construction of coal-to-liquid facilities. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to support the development of coal-to-liquid manufacturing facilities and associated infrastructure on DOE and other federal lands, including military bases and military installations closed or realigned under the defense base closure and realignment. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretaries of Energy and of Defense to study and report to Congress on the feasibility and suitability of maintaining coal-to-liquid products in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (Reserve). Authorizes the Secretary to construct storage facilities in the vicinity of pipeline infrastructure and at least one military base. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary to acquire, place in storage, transport, or exchange coal-to-liquid products in the Reserve. Authorizes the use of certain funds by the Air Force Research Laboratory to continue support efforts to test, qualify, and procure synthetic fuels developed from coal for aviation jet use. Amends federal law governing Armed Forces fuel procurement to authorize the Secretary of Defense to enter into agreements with private companies to develop and operate coal-to-liquid facilities on or near military installations. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to implement a research and demonstration program to evaluate the emissions of the use of Fischer-Tropsch transportation fuel, including diesel and jet fuel.
Bill· SS. 83 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Rail Security Act of 2007 - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to conduct a vulnerability assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation, and develop specific prioritized recommendations for improving rail security. Directs the Assistant Secretary to conduct a study on requiring security screening for passengers, baggage, and cargo on passenger trains. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to Amtrak for fire and life-safety improvements and infrastructure upgrades to tunnels on the Northeast Corridor. Directs Amtrak to submit to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) a plan to address the needs of families of passengers involved in rail passenger accidents. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to award grants to Amtrak for certain system-wide Amtrak, freight, hazardous materials transportation, and passenger rail security upgrades. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration to set forth certain standards for welded rail and tank car safety improvements. Sets forth certain whistleblower protections for rail employees or other persons providing information about perceived security threats.
Bill· SS. 167 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007
Cellulosic Ethanol Development and Implementation Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish: (1) a grants program for eligible entities to implement research, development, and demonstration projects relating to the use of cellulosic ethanol fuel for motor vehicles; and (2) a pilot program to provide grants to eligible entities for use in installing infrastructure (such as pumps) that would enable retail gas stations to sell and dispense ethanol fuel. Requires an eligible entity to provide matching funds in the amount of 20% of the total amount of the grant.