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Bill· HRH.R. 1165 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2011
Transportation Security Administration Ombudsman Act of 2011 - Establishes in the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) an Office of the Ombudsman to assist TSA employees who have complaints about TSA, including publicizing a toll-free telephone number to report such complaints. Directs the Ombudsman to ensure that each TSA region has a regional ombudsman.
Bill· HRH.R. 1210 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2011
Maritime Lien Reform Act - Bars specified federal shipping laws related to maritime liability from: (1) establishing maritime liens on state or federal fishing permits (authorizing a person or use of a vessel to engage in fishing), and (2) authorizing civil actions to enforce maritime liens on such permits. Specifies that a "fishing permit" is governed solely by the state or federal law under which it was issued and is not included in the whole or as an appurtenance or intangible of a vessel.
Bill· SS. 592 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2011
Maritime Liability Fairness Act - Declares that, in any civil action for damages arising out of a maritime tort case, punitive damages may be assessed without regard to the amount of compensatory damages assessed in the action. (Thus, removes the cap ratio of 1:1 on punitive-to-compensatory damages established in the Exxon Shipping Co. v Baker case for the award of punitive damages.)
Bill· HRH.R. 1143 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2011
TWIC Delivery Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to deliver biometric transportation security cards by U.S. mail to individuals who reside in a location where the nearest transportation security card enrollment center is not accessible by a state or federal road or is more than 100 miles away.
Bill· HRH.R. 1136 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2011
Executive Cyberspace Coordination Act of 2011 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the National Office for Cyberspace to serve as the principal office for coordinating issues relating to cyberspace. Establishes within such Office the Federal Cybersecurity Practice Board to be responsible for developing and updating information security policies and procedures. Requires the Director of the National Office for Cyberspace to: (1) oversee information security policies and practices, (2) establish a national program to instruct students in cybersecurity education and computer literacy; (3) review federal agency budgets relating to the protection of information infrastructures, and (4) ensure the operation of a central federal information security incident center. Requires each federal agency to perform an annual independent audit of its information security programs and practices and submit the results of such audit to the Director. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, on the basis of proposed standards developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to promulgate information security standards pertaining to federal information systems. Prohibits any agency from entering into a contract, an order under a contract, or an interagency agreement for information technology without including requirements for effective information security that supports the operations and assets of that agency. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to require each agency to conduct an initial vulnerability assessment for any major information system. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Office of the Federal Chief Technology Officer. Includes among the duties of such Officer: (1) advising the President and agency officials on information technology infrastructures, strategy, and use; (2) leading an interagency effort to ensure the use of best-in-class technologies; (3) promoting technological innovation in the federal government; (4) establishing public-private sector partnership initiatives; and (5) gathering information on significant developments and trends in information technology. Grants the Secretary of Homeland Security primary authority for the protection of the critical information infrastructure, as defined by this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1117 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2011
Air Ambulance Patient Safety, Protection, and Coordination Act - Authorizes states to regulate medical aspects of intrastate air ambulance services with respect to: (1) the quality of emergency medical care provided to patients by air ambulances; (2) the availability of air ambulance services provided to patients with emergency medical conditions; (3) communication between emergency medical and public safety agencies and hospitals as well as the flightcrew and air ambulance medical personnel; (4) the accessibility of emergency medical care provided by air ambulances and the incorporation and integration of air ambulance services into state emergency medical services systems; (5) the acceptability of air ambulance services to ensure the adequate provision by air ambulances of medically necessary emergency medical care to critically ill and injured patients; and (6) the physical attributes of the air ambulance necessary for protection of the ambulance, ground, and emergency response personnel. Requires an air ambulance medical service provider licensed in more than one state, if the different state air ambulance medical services regulations are inconsistent, to comply with the most stringent regulation. Requires a state, if necessary, to establish regulations or negotiate mutual aid agreements with adjacent states or air ambulances to ensure access to air ambulance services across state borders.
Bill· HRH.R. 1132 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2011
Critical Infrastructure Earthquake Preparedness Act of 2011 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a program to make grants to state and local governments to assist them in projects that improve the ability of trauma center hospitals and/or airports in hazardous seismic zones to withstand an earthquake. Directs the Administrator to require each state and local government, as a condition for receiving a grant, to submit to the Administrator: (1) a comprehensive strategic earthquake response plan for such facility, and (2) a list of grant activities that analyzes their impact.
Bill· HRH.R. 1123 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2011
TIFIA Expansion Act of 2011 - Revises Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program requirements to make eligible for TIFIA funding any projects that: (1) are for the design, acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of one or more transportation projects that reduce emissions of greenhouse gases or have a positive impact on traffic congestion; and (2) receive not more than 30% of their funding for capital costs from federal public transportation grant funds. Defines "master credit agreement" as one entered into between the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) and an obligor for such projects that: (1) makes contingent commitments of one or more secured loans or other federal credit instruments at future dates, (2) establishes the amounts and general terms and conditions of such loans or other instruments as well as identifies dedicated revenue sources that will secure their repayment, and (3) provides for the obligation of funds for the loans or other instruments after certain federal requirements have been met. Requires such projects to meet certain planning and programming requirements (as under current law) at the time that loan proceeds are disbursed or other credit assistance is provided pursuant to the master credit agreement. Makes projects with eligible costs reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed $1 billion (mega transportation projects) eligible for federal transportation infrastructure funding. Revises terms of secured loans and lines of credit used to finance certain transportation infrastructure projects to increase the maximum loan amount for such projects from the lesser of 33% to the lesser of 49% of the reasonably anticipated eligible project costs or (as under current law), if the loan does not receive an investment grade rating, the amount of the senior project obligations. Authorizes the Secretary to allow a 1% reduction in the interest rate for such loans if the ordinary interest rate has increased by more than 1% between the time the Secretary signs the master credit agreement and the time at which the secured loan is made with respect to a project that is the subject of the master credit agreement. Allows a 1.5% reduction in the interest rate for a secured loan with respect to a project only using clean construction equipment. Defines "clean construction equipment" as nonroad construction vehicles or equipment powered by diesel engines that: (1) are certified to meet Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Tier 4 nonroad engine fine particulate emission standards, or (2) achieve through other means a particulate matter emission reduction of 85% or more from uncontrolled engine emission levels. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the prohibition against subordination of secured loans to the claims of a holder of project obligations in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or liquidation of the obligor, but only if the loan amount does not exceed 33% of the reasonably anticipated eligible project costs and the loan is secured by tax revenue.
Bill· HRH.R. 1122 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2011
Freight is the Future Of Commerce in the United States Act of 2011 or Freight FOCUS Act of 2011 - Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) an Office of Freight Planning and Development, which shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary for Freight Planning and Development. Directs the Assistant Secretary to submit to Congress and publish on DOT's website a national freight plan for supporting freight movement for the next 20 years. Directs the Secretary to establish a Freight Advisory Committee. Directs the Assistant Secretary to: (1) establish a freight corridors of national significance program, and (2) designate such corridors. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to designate one entity to serve as a freight corridor coalition. Requires the freight corridor coalition to submit annually to the Assistant Secretary a freight corridor plan that includes, among other things, a prioritized list of projects that will improve the freight movement performance of the freight corridors of national significance. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to make grants to states for such projects. Requires a grant recipient to submit to the Assistant Secretary: (1) a project management plan and an annual financial plan for a project with a total cost of at least $500 million, and (2) an annual financial plan for a project with a total cost of less than $500 million. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the Goods Movement Trust Fund. Increases by 12 cents the tax on the sale of diesel fuel used for the transportation of goods by highway. Transfers amounts equivalent to the increase in tax to the Fund. Requires the Secretary to pay an amount based on a certain formula to purchasers of diesel fuel that is not used for the transportation of goods by highway in which such tax was paid. Allows an income tax credit in lieu of payment to certain tax exempt entities.
Bill· HRH.R. 1125 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2011
Debt Free America Act - States as purposes of this Act the raising of sufficient revenue from a fee on transactions to: (1) eliminate the national debt within 10 years and phase out the individual income tax, including interest payments on the national debt; and (2) provide incentives for private sector investment in capital goods, clean energy generation, and infrastructure development. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a 1% fee, offset by a corresponding nonrefundable income tax credit, on every specified transaction that uses a payment instrument, including any check, cash, credit card, transfer of stock, bonds, or other financial instrument. Defines "specified transaction" to: (1) exclude any deposit into a personal account of an individual and any transfer between accounts, and (2) include retail and wholesale sales, purchases of intermediate goods, and financial and intangible transactions. Establishes in the legislative branch the Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action to review the fiscal imbalance of the federal government and make recommendations to improve such imbalance. Provides for expedited consideration by Congress of Task Force recommendations. Repeals after 2021 the individual income tax, refundable and nonrefundable personal tax credits, and the alternative minimum tax (AMT) on individuals. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) prioritize the repayment of the national debt to protect the fiscal stability of the United States; and (2) study and report to Congress on the implementation of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1091 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2011
Unlawful Border Entry Prevention Act of 2011 - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to construct an additional 350 or more miles of reinforced fencing along the southwest border. Prohibits fencing or any other similar physical infrastructure along the southwest border in existence on December 31, 2010, from being considered in meeting such mileage requirement. Requires the Secretary to submit a plan to Congress to gain operational control of any sector of the southwest border in which there has been a 40% increase over the preceding fiscal year of DHS apprehensions of individuals unlawfully entering the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 1067 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2011
Surface Transportation Earmark Rescission, Savings, and Accountability Act of 2011 - Rescinds unobligated balances for: (1) specified transportation projects designated prior to 1998, and (2) specified high priority project authorizations under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) in which less than 10% authorized for such projects has been obligated. Rescinds a specified amount of authorizations for FY2005-FY2009 for certain undesignated high priority highway projects under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
Bill· HRH.R. 1064 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2011
Surface Transportation Savings Act of 2011 - Rescinds specified amounts authorized for FY2010 and FY2011 under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) for: (1) safety belt performance grants, (2) administrative expenses of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), (3) the National Driver Register, (4) NHTSA operations and research, and (5) transit formula and bus grants. Requires all rescinded funds to be used for deficit reduction.
Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 48 (112th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2011
Additional Continuing Appropriations Amendments, 2011 - Amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 (CAA of 2011) (P.L. 111-242) to extend through April 8, 2011, specified continuing appropriations for FY2011. Provides funding at a specified rate of operations for certain agricultural, conservation, and rural development programs. Eliminates specified funding for: (1) the Agricultural Research Service, (2) the Natural Resources Conservation Service, (3) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, (4) the Federal Payment to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer for the District of Columbia, (5) the International Fund for Ireland, (6) the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Brownfields Redevelopment, and (7) the Federal Railroad Administration. Eliminates specified funds made available in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 for: (1) a certain grant to the National Center for Natural Products Research; (2) an agricultural pest facility in Hawaii; (3) the Congressional Hunger Fellows Program; (4) grants to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Foods, and Markets, and to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; (5) development of a prototype for a national carbon inventory and accounting system for forestry and agriculture; (6) the International Food Protection Training Institute; and (7) the Center for Foodborne Illness Research and Prevention. Provides funds at a specified rate of operations for: (1) the Departments of Commerce, of Justice (DOJ), of the Interior, of Agriculture, of Labor, of Health and Human Services (HHS); (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); (3) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); (4) the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (5) the House of Representatives for salaries and expenses, including those for officers and employees; and (6) Library of Congress salaries and expenses. Prohibits the use of certain funding made available in the CAA of 2011 for operations of: (1) the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission; or (2) the Durham Museum in Omaha, Nebraska. Rescinds specified funds made available for the Bureau of the Census. Rescinds specified unobligated balances available for the Emergency Steel, Oil, and Gas Guaranteed Loan Program Account. Provides funds at a specified rate for operations for the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Program Account. Provides funds at a specified rate for operations for the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Provides funding at a specified rate for operations for the General Services Administration (GSA), and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Eliminates funding for GSA construction and acquisition. Eliminates additional amounts made available in the CAA of 2010 for the Small Business Administration (SBA), salaries and expenses. Rescinds specified unobligated balances available for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Eliminates funding for any project under the Preserve America Program in the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. Rescinds specified unobligated funds appropriated for the National Park Service. Bars the use of funds provided for EPA Geographic Programs. Eliminates certain funds for EPA competitive grants to communities to develop plans and demonstrate and implement projects which reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Rescinds specified unobligated balances available to the Forest Service for wildland fire management. Eliminates funding to the Department of the Navy for clean-up activities at the Treasure Island Naval Station, Hunters Point Annex. Rescinds specified funds appropriated to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for investment in information technology and telecommunications hardware and software infrastructure. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibition against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.
Bill· SS. 562 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2011
National Metro Safety Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation, notwithstanding certain prohibitions, to: (1) develop, implement, and enforce national safety standards for transit agencies operating heavy rail on fixed guideways; and (2) require such standards to include National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regarding crashworthiness, emergency access and egress, event recorders, and hours of service.
Bill· SS. 559 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2011
Securing America's Future with Energy and Sustainable Technologies Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to revise the renewable fuel program, including by: (1) redefining "advanced biofuel"; and (2) requiring the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to exempt from lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emission requirements for advanced biofuel and biomass-based diesel up to the greater of 1 billion gallons or the program's volume mandate of biomass-based diesel annually from facilities that commenced construction before December 19, 2007. Sets forth provisions concerning emissions from indirect land use changes outside the country of origin of the feedstock of a renewable fuel, including requiring the Administrator and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to jointly arrange for the National Academies of Science to review and report on specified issues relating to indirect GHG emissions relating to transportation fuels. Sets forth provisions concerning modifying the the non-federal lands portion and the federal lands portion of the definition of "renewable biomass" in the Clean Air Act and the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) in order to advance the goals of increasing U.S. energy independence, protecting the environment, and reducing global warming pollution. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to allow the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to make loan guarantees for renewable fuel pipelines and the installation of sufficient infrastructure to allow for the cost-effective deployment of clean energy technologies to each region of the United States. Requires each light-duty automobile manufacturer's annual covered inventory to be comprised of at least 30% fuel choice-enabling automobiles by 2013, 50% by 2015, 80% by 2017, and 100% by 2021 and thereafter. Prohibits any fuel containing ethanol or a renewable fuel that is used to operate an internal combustion engine from being deemed to be a defective product or subject to a failure to warn due to such ethanol or renewable fuel content unless such fuel violates a control or prohibition imposed by the Administrator under the Clean Air Act. Directs the Secretary to require each covered entity to install at each retail fueling station owned or managed by such entity a blender pump and blender pump fuel infrastructure as a replacement for each pump that requires replacement after January 1, 2013. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a new tax credit for the installation of blender pumps to store or dispense at least three different blends of gasoline and ethanol; (2) revise the income tax credit for alcohol used as fuel to include within the credit amounts for qualified alcohol production, cellulosic biofuel production, and ethanol production by a small ethanol producer and extend such credit and the excise tax credit for ethanol used as fuel through December 31, 2016; (3) revise the income and excise tax credits for biodiesel production to allow a $1 per gallon credit and an enhanced credit for small biodiesel producers; (4) allow a business-related tax credit and payments in lieu of excise tax credits for renewable electricity integration; and (5) exempt renewable wind energy facilities from restrictions on tax write-offs for passive losses and treat income and gains from wind energy as qualifying income for publicly-traded partnerships. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend until 2016 the additional tariff on ethyl alcohol blends (ethanol) used as fuel. Amends PURPA to require: (1) electric utilities to obtain a specified minimum annual percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources (increasing from 10% in 2013 to 25% in 2025); (2) the Secretary to establish a renewable energy credit trading program; (3) a state renewable energy account program to be established in the Treasury for providing grants to the state agency responsible for developing energy conservation plans for promoting renewable energy production; and (4) the Secretary to establish a program which requires each retail electricity distributor to achieve specified cumulative energy savings (increasing from 1.5% in 2012 to 9.5% in 2020) and each retail natural gas distributor to demonstrate that it has achieved cumulative natural gas savings in each year. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations establishing performance standards for cumulative electricity savings and cumulative natural gas savings: (1) by December 31, 2015, for 2021-2030; and (2) by December 31 of the penultimate reporting period for which such standards have been established, for the following 10-calendar-year period.
Bill· HRH.R. 995 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2011
Smart Technologies for Communities Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish the Smart Communities Technology Initiative to provide grants to eligible entities to develop pilot programs to serve as model deployment sites for large scale installation and operation of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to improve safety, efficiency, system performance, and return on investment.
Bill· SS. 528 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2011
Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act of 2011 or STANDUP Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to award incentive grants to states with graduated driver licensing laws that require novice drivers younger than age 21 to comply with a two-stage licensing process before receiving 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 driver use of a cellular phone or other communications device in nonemergency situations, and remains in effect until commencement of the intermediate stage or the driver attains age 18; (2) an intermediate stage in effect until the driver attains age 18 that commences immediately after expiration of the learner's permit stage, lasts at least six months, prohibits driver use of a cellular phone or other communications device in nonemergency situations, prohibits nighttime driving, prohibits more than one non-familial passenger under age 21 unless there is a licensed driver at least age 21 present in the vehicle; and (3) any other requirement that the Secretary may require. Deems a state that meets such minimum requirements to be in compliance regardless of whether a state law, enacted before January 1, 2011, establishes a class of license that permits licensees younger than age 18 to drive a motor vehicle in connection with work performed on or for the operation of a farm owned by family members of the licensees. 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· SS. 522 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2011
Spectrum Relocation Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to post on its website (while taking appropriate measures to safeguard classified or sensitive information) detailed transition plans from each federal entity that is eligible for payments from the Spectrum Relocation Fund for costs related to the reallocation of frequencies from federal to nonfederal use. Requires each federal entity's transition plan to provide certain public information about its spectrum relocation requirements including its: (1) current spectrum use; (2) geographic location of federal facilities or systems, including frequency bands used; (3) steps to be taken to relocate current spectrum uses from eligible frequencies; (4) necessary NTIA interactions; (5) authorized commercial licensee negotiator; (6) plans and timelines for equipment procurement, field-testing, and additional personnel; and (7) relocation process risk factors. Directs the FCC and the NTIA to jointly establish any necessary applicable conditions to define the term "shared access," including methods of sharing spectrum resources and coordination between federal and nonfederal entities (commercial licensees, and/or sharing network infrastructure or other resources). Requires the federal entities, to the fullest extent possible, to provide for sharing and coordination of eligible frequencies with commercial licensees. Requires federal entities to complete spectrum relocation within one year of receiving relocation payments. Sets forth a process for a federal entity to complete such relocation according to an approved alternative time period.
Bill· HRH.R. 970 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2011
Federal Aviation Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2014 for specified aviation research, engineering, and development projects. Directs the FAA Administrator to conduct research on: (1) the development of technologies and methods to assess the risk of and prevent defects, failures, and malfunctions in all classes of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, or drones); (2) improved runway surfaces as well as engineered material restraining systems for such runways at both general aviation and commercial airports; and (3) methods and procedures to improve certification of new technologies for introduction into the national airspace system. Directs the FAA Administrator to establish a permanent airport cooperative research program. Allows an increase in the federal share of fiscal year costs of operating a regional center of air transportation excellence that would otherwise be unable to carry out its programs. Authorizes the FAA Administrator to maintain a research program to assess the potential effect of aviation on the environment and to evaluate approaches to address such effect. Directs the FAA Administrator, in coordination with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to continue research and development into the transition to the use of unleaded aviation fuel by piston engine aircraft. Directs the Secretary to establish a research grant program to develop technologies that produce jet fuel from alternative sources. Directs the FAA Administrator to arrange with the National Research Council to review FAA research programs regarding energy, the environment, and aviation safety.
Bill· SS. 510 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2011
Research of Alcohol Detection Systems for Stopping Alcohol-related Fatalities Everywhere Act of 2011 or ROADS SAFE Act of 2011 - Directs the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to carry out a collaborative research effort to continue to explore the feasibility and the potential benefits of, and the public policy challenges associated with, more widespread deployment of in-vehicle technology to prevent alcohol-impaired driving.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 147 (112th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2011
Sets forth the levels of payment for 112th Congress expenses (including staff salaries) for the Committees on Agriculture; Armed Services; the Budget; Education and the Workforce; Energy and Commerce; Ethics; Financial Services; Foreign Affairs; Homeland Security; House Administration; Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; the Judiciary; Natural Resources; Oversight and Government Reform; Rules; Science, Space, and Technology; Small Business; Transportation and Infrastructure; Veterans' Affairs; and Ways and Means. Prescribes limitations to such expenses for the 1st and 2nd sessions of the 112th Congress.
Bill· SS. 473 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2011
Continuing Chemical Facilities Antiterrorism Security Act of 2011 - Amends the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 to extend until October 4, 2014, the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue interim final regulations establishing risk-based performance standards for security of chemical facilities and requiring vulnerability assessments and the development and implementation of site security plans for such facilities. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and in coordination with the Under Secretary for National Protection and Programs, to: (1) establish a voluntary chemical security training program to enhance the capabilities of covered chemical facilities (chemical facilities subject to the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards [CFATS]) to prevent, prepare for, respond to, mitigate against, and recover from acts of terrorism, natural disasters, and other man-made disasters; and (2) develop a voluntary chemical security exercise program to offer voluntary testing and evaluation of the capabilities of the federal government, state governments, commercial personnel and management, emergency response providers, and the private sector to prevent, prepare for, mitigate against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism, natural disasters, and other emergencies at covered chemical facilities. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection and in coordination with the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, to establish a voluntary technical assistance program under which the Secretary may, upon request, provide the owner or operator of a covered facility nonbinding assistance or recommendations to: (1) reduce the risk or consequences associated with a successful act of terrorism against a covered chemical facility, or (2) aid in compliance with the risk-based performance standards applicable to that facility under CFATS. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a repository for information and data on best practices and cost-effective technologies for implementing CFATS and the voluntary technical assistance program, (2) submit a report regarding lessons learned from that program, and (3) establish a Chemical Facility Security Advisory Board to advise the Secretary on CFATS implementation.
Bill· SS. 472 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2011
Service Members Permanent Change of Station Relief Act - Sets at the business standard mileage rate of the Internal Revenue Service the monetary allowance for a member of the Armed Forces for travel by privately owned vehicles in lieu of government transportation in the case of: (1) a change of permanent station, (2) travel to the first station upon call to active duty, and (3) travel from a last duty station upon separation from service. Sets the monetary allowance for authorized travel by a member's dependent at the rate per mile established by the Administrator of General Services instead of the actual expenses for such transportation. Revises requirements allowing the transport at government expense of one motor vehicle owned or leased by a member (or member's dependent) to the new station of the member who has been ordered to make a change of permanent station. Authorizes the transport at government expense of one additional motor vehicle of a member (or member's dependent) if: (1) the member is ordered to make a change of permanent station to or from a nonforeign area outside the continental United States and the member has at least one dependent of driving age who will use the motor vehicle, or (2) the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that a replacement for the transported motor vehicle is necessary for reasons beyond the member's control and is in the interest of the United States.
Bill· SS. 471 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2011
Stop Asian Carp Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to study the watersheds of the Illinois, Chicago, and Calumet Rivers, including their tributaries, that drain directly into Lake Michigan to determine the feasibility and best means of implementing the hydrologic separation of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Basins to prevent the introduction or establishment of populations of aquatic nuisance species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basins through the Chicago Area Water System (CAWS) and other aquatic pathways. Requires the study to: (1) include options to address flooding, Chicago wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, waterway safety operations, and barge and recreational vessel traffic alternatives; and (2) contain a detailed analysis of the environmental benefits and costs of each option. Directs: (1) the Secretary to carry out this Act at full federal expense; and (2) the President, or the Council on Environmental Quality as a designee to the President, to oversee the study to ensure its thoroughness and timely completion. Requires the Director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to: (1) monitor and survey all waters that connect to the Great Lakes Basin or could connect to it due to flooding, underground hydrological connection, or human-made diversion to identify additional threats that could allow Asian Carp to enter the Basin; and (2) prioritize each threat and help identify means to impede the passage of Asian Carp to the Basin.
Bill· HRH.R. 897 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2011
Residential and Commuter Toll Fairness Act of 2011 - Grants state, county, and municipal governments, as well as multi-jurisdictional transportation authorities that operate or manage roads, bridges, railroads, buses, ferries, or other transportation systems, rulemaking authority to establish toll, user fee, or fare discount programs for their local residents or commuters.
Bill· HRH.R. 892 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2011
Stop Asian Carp Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to study the watersheds of the Illinois, Chicago, and Calumet Rivers, including their tributaries, that drain directly into Lake Michigan to determine the feasibility and best means of implementing the hydrologic separation of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Basins to prevent the introduction or establishment of populations of aquatic nuisance species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basins through the Chicago Area Water System (CAWS) and other aquatic pathways. Requires the study to: (1) include options to address flooding, Chicago wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, waterway safety operations, and barge and recreational vessel traffic alternatives; and (2) contain a detailed analysis of the environmental benefits and costs of each option. Directs: (1) the Secretary to carry out this Act at full federal cost; and (2) the President, or the Council on Environmental Quality as a designee to the President, to oversee the study to ensure its thoroughness and timely completion. Requires the Director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to: (1) monitor and survey all waters that connect to the Great Lakes Basin or could connect to it due to flooding, underground hydrological connection, or human-made diversion to identify additional threats that could allow Asian Carp to enter the Basin; and (2) prioritize each threat and help identify means to impede the passage of Asian Carp to the Basin.
Bill· HRH.R. 929 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2011
Transportation Job Corps Act of 2011 - Requires the Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to establish: (1) a National Joint Workforce Development Council, and (2) regional workforce development councils and governing boards in each of its 10 regions. Replaces the current discretionary grant and contract programs addressing human resource needs as they apply to public transportation activities. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator, to establish programs for the award of grants to: (1) nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to introduce disconnected youth (ages 16 through 24 who are out of school and unemployed) to careers in the transit industry by providing them with basic skills education and pre-apprenticeship skills; (2) partnerships of transit agencies and unions representing non-managerial employees (partnerships), as well as providers of management and technical programs for managerial employees, to develop education programs to improve job skills of transit employees and to provide education and training to assist individuals to enter the transit profession; and (3) the same or similar partnerships to develop special projects to increase education opportunities for disadvantaged transit industry individuals, including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented in transit management, by providing student scholarships, pre-entry preparation, and retention activities.
Bill· HRH.R. 904 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2011
Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) from providing grants or funds to a state, county, town, or township, Indian tribe, municipal, or other local government for use in any program to check helmet usage or create checkpoints for a motorcycle driver or passenger.
Bill· SS. 453 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2011
Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations requiring motorcoaches to be installed with: (1) safety seat belts at each seating position, (2) advanced glazing in each portal to prevent passenger ejection, (3) stability enhancing technology to reduce the number and frequency of rollover crashes, (4) improved fire extinguishers or other firefighting equipment, and (5) direct tire pressure monitoring systems. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations establishing improved strength and crush resistance standards for motorcoach roofs. Requires the Secretary to evaluate and issue performance requirements relating to: (1) the feasibility of establishing flammability standards for motorcoach exterior and interior components, (2) technologies to prevent wheel well fires, and (3) requirements for motorcoaches to be equipped with improved designs for emergency passenger evacuation and fire suppression systems. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct compartmentalization safety countermeasures, occupant impact protection, and collision avoidance research; and (2) prescribe a standard or regulation based on research results. Authorizes the Secretary to register a person to provide motorcoach services only after that person: (1) undergoes a pre-authorization safety audit, including verification of drug and alcohol testing, vehicle maintenance, and safety management programs; (2) has been interviewed about the carrier's safety management controls and written safety oversight policies and practices; and (3) has demonstrated proficiency to comply with such requirements. Reduces from 18 months to 9 months after motorcoach operations begin the deadline for mandatory safety reviews of newly registered motorcoach owners or operators. Requires pre-authorization audits of new registrants to be completed onsite no later than 90 days after submission of an application to operate a motorcoach. Prohibits two or more motorcoach operators from using common ownership, common management, common control, or common familial relationship to avoid compliance, or conceal noncompliance or a history of noncompliance with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations or an order of the Secretary. Prescribes penalties for violation of this prohibition. Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine the safety fitness and assign a rating, updated triennially, for each registered motorcoach operator; and (2) establish a process for monitoring regularly the safety performance of each operator following the assignment of a rating. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish minimum curricular requirements for entry-level motorcoach drivers and drivers upgrading from one class of commercial driver's license to another, and (2) require each motorcoach driver seeking a commercial driver's license (CDL) passenger endorsement to undergo training that includes such requirements before taking the CDL test. Requires the Secretary to issue a final rule in Docket No. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) 2007-27659: Commercial Driver's License Testing and Commercial Learner's Permit Standards that improves the stringency of examination for the CDL passenger-carrying endorsement. Requires the Secretary to establish by regulation a requirement that a driver: (1) must have a CDL passenger-carrying endorsement to operate a commercial van transporting 9 to 15 passengers in interstate commerce; and (2) have been tested for drugs and alcohol. Revises examination requirements for the listing of medical examiners in a national registry. Requires the Secretary to establish a national registry of medical examiners. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to require all motorcoaches in interstate commerce to be equipped with electronic onboard recorders. Requires the Secretary to complete a rulemaking proceeding to consider requiring states to conduct annual inspections of commercial passenger motor vehicles. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prescribe regulations on the use of electronic or wireless devices (including cell phones and other distracting devices) by motorcoach operators; and (2) prohibit their use in cases where they interfere with the driver's safe operation of a motorcoach, but not when necessary for driver or public safety in emergency situations. Redefines "employer," for purposes of the application of federal commercial motor vehicle safety standards, to include a person that offers for rent or lease in interstate commerce motor vehicles used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver) from the same location, or as part of the same business provides names or contact information of drivers, or holds itself out to the public as a charter bus company.
Bill· SS. 458 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2011
Milk Quality Standards Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to limit the somatic cell count in all dairy products sold, transported, or offered for sale or transport in interstate commerce to a maximum of 400,000 cells per milliliter of fluid milk, or equivalent, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Authorizes the Secretary to lower the maximum somatic cell count after consideration of any recommendations submitted by the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to require that the calculation of a herd average somatic cell count under this Act be made using a geometric, rather than an arithmetic, mean. Subjects any person that sells, transports, or offers for sale or transport in interstate commerce any dairy product in violation of this Act to a civil penalty.
Bill· HRH.R. 873 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2011
Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations requiring motorcoaches to be installed with: (1) safety seat belts at each seating position, (2) improved fire extinguishers or other firefighting equipment, (3) advanced glazing in each portal to prevent passenger ejection, (4) stability enhancing technology to reduce the number and frequency of rollover crashes, and (5) direct tire pressure monitoring systems. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations establishing improved strength and crush resistance standards for motorcoach roofs. Requires the Secretary to evaluate and issue performance requirements relating to: (1) the feasibility of establishing flammability standards for motorcoach exterior and interior components, (2) technologies to prevent wheel well fires, and (3) requirements for motorcoaches to be equipped with improved designs for emergency passenger evacuation and fire suppression systems. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct compartmentalization safety countermeasures, occupant impact protection, and collision avoidance research; and (2) issue a standard or regulation based on research results. Authorizes the Secretary to register a person to provide motorcoach services only after that person: (1) undergoes a pre-authorization safety audit, including verification of drug and alcohol testing, vehicle maintenance, and safety management programs; (2) has been interviewed about the carrier's safety management controls and written safety oversight policies and practices; and (3) has demonstrated proficiency to comply with such requirements. Requires each newly registered motorcoach owner or operator transporting property to undergo a safety review within the first 18 months after operations begin. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a fee to cover audit costs. Prescribes disclosure requirements for registration applicants regarding reincarnated motor carriers, and authorizes the Secretary to suspend, amend, or revoke a motor carrier registration for violation of those and other specified requirements, regulations, or orders. Prohibits two or more motorcoach operators from using common ownership, common management, common control, or common familial relationship to avoid compliance, or conceal noncompliance or a history of noncompliance with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations or an order of the Secretary. Prescribes penalties for violation of this prohibition. Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine the safety fitness and assign a rating, updated triennially, for each registered motorcoach operator; and (2) establish a process for monitoring regularly the safety performance of each operator following the assignment of a rating. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish minimum curricular requirements for entry-level motorcoach drivers and drivers upgrading from one class of commercial driver's license to another, and (2) require each motorcoach driver seeking a commercial driver's license (CDL) passenger endorsement to undergo training that includes such requirements before taking the CDL test. Requires the Secretary to issue a final rule in Docket No. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) 2007-27659: Commercial Driver's License Testing and Commercial Learner's Permit Standards that improves the stringency of examination for the CDL passenger-carrying endorsement. Requires the Secretary to submit a plan to Congress requiring all or certain classes of drivers to: (1) have a CDL passenger-carrying endorsement in order to operate a commercial van transporting 9 to 15 passengers in interstate commerce, and (2) be tested for drugs and alcohol. Revises examination requirements for the listing of medical examiners in a national registry. Requires the Secretary to establish a national registry of medical examiners. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to require all motorcoaches in interstate commerce to be equipped with electronic onboard recorders. Requires the Secretary to complete a rulemaking proceeding to consider requiring states to conduct annual inspections of commercial passenger motor vehicles. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prescribe regulations on the use of electronic or wireless devices (including cell phones and other distracting devices) by motorcoach operators; and (2) prohibit their use in cases where they interfere with the driver's safe operation of a motorcoach, but not when necessary for driver or public safety in emergency situations. Redefines "employer," for purposes of the application of federal commercial motor vehicle safety standards, to include a person that offers for rent or lease in interstate commerce motor vehicles used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver) from the same location, or as part of the same business provides names or contact information of drivers, or holds itself out to the public as a charter bus company. Requires the Secretary to register brokers for transportation of passengers.
Bill· SS. 425 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2011
National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) enhance and expand infrastructure and activities to track the epidemiology of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease; and (2) incorporate information obtained through such activities into a National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System. Requires the Secretary to ensure that the System is designed in a manner that facilitates further research on neurological diseases. Requires the Secretary to provide for the collection and storage of information on the incidence and prevalence of neurological diseases in the United States and other information on neurological diseases, such as demographics information, risk factors, or diagnosis and progression markers. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide for the collection and storage of information relevant to analysis on neurological diseases, such as information concerning the epidemiology, natural history, prevention, detection, management, and treatment of the diseases and the development of outcomes measures; and (2) address issues identified through consultations with individuals with appropriate expertise. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, public or private nonprofit entities to carry out activities under this Act. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make information and analysis in the System available to federal agencies and to the public, including researchers; and (2) ensure that privacy and security protections applicable to the System are at least as stringent as federal privacy and security law under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Bill· SS. 422 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2011
Passenger Vehicle Loss Disclosure Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to require all insurers and self-insurers of passenger motor vehicles to disclose to the public, in a commercially reasonable, electronically accessible manner, for each passenger motor vehicle declared or determined to be a total loss: (1) the vehicle identification number and odometer reading, (2) the date of and primary reason for the total loss determination, and (3) whether the airbags deployed.
Bill· HRH.R. 850 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2011
Deems consistent with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act the construction of a four-lane highway bridge over the Lower St. Croix River, Minnesota and Wisconsin, in accordance with the Section 7 Evaluation issued by the National Park Service (NPS) in October 2005.
Bill· SS. 418 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2011
Directs the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to arrange for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor collectively the World War II members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in recognition of their military service and exemplary record during World War II. Requires the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the CAP. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals.
Bill· HRH.R. 843 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2011
Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to promulgate a rule to: (1) improve the daytime and nighttime visibility of agricultural equipment operating on public roads, and (2) establish minimum lighting and marking standards for such equipment. Requires the Secretary to review and revise such standards at least once every five years to reflect the latest revision of American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Standard 279 entitled "Lighting and Marking of Agricultural Equipment on Highways."
Bill· HRH.R. 842 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2011
Valley-Wide Noise Relief Act of 2011 - Permits an airport sponsor to implement a total mandatory nighttime curfew (no aircraft operations during the 9-hour period beginning at 10 p.m.) if it: (1) had a voluntary curfew in effect for certain aircraft on November 5, 1990; and (2) was created by an intergovernmental agreement established by a state statute enacted before that date that, along with the statute, imposes noise mitigation obligations. Permits the sponsor of an airport meeting other criteria to implement a partial mandatory nighttime curfew (no operations for certain aircraft for not longer than the 9-hour period beginning at 10 p.m.) if it: (1) had a partial curfew in effect before November 5, 1990; (2) operates under the supervision of a board of airport commissioners that, on January 1, 2010, oversaw operation of three or more airports, at least two of which have airport operating certificates; and (3) on January 1, 2010, failed to comply with a cumulative noise standard established by state law. Requires an airport sponsor to provide airport users and other interested parties reasonable notice of the terms of the curfew, including the penalties for curfew violations, no later than 90 days before its implementation.
Bill· HRH.R. 827 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2011
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). Prohibits an air carrier using such an exemption for beyond-perimeter flight operations from using multi-aisle or widebody aircraft to provide such service.
Bill· HRH.R. 825 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2011
Surface Transportation Safety Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to modify certain federal regulations to: (1) allow fire services personnel to wear high visibility apparel meeting certain requirements, and (2) ensure that positive protective measures (including temporary longitudinal traffic barriers) are used to separate workers on highway construction projects from motorized traffic. Directs the Secretary to approve the use of federal-aid highway funds by a state for patented or proprietary items that further the goals of state strategic highway safety plans. Revises requirements for the highway safety improvement program to count installation, replacement, and upgrade of highway signs and pavement markings as a highway safety improvement project. Authorizes: (1) states to obligate highway safety improvement program funds apportioned to them for projects to maintain minimum levels of retroreflectivity in highway signs or pavement markings on public roads, whether or not such projects are included in state plans; and (2) a federal share of costs of 100% for such projects. Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a program to improve traffic signs and pavement markings for older drivers and pedestrians in all states; (2) review the safety of all highway-rail grade crossings in the United States and, based on such review, compile a list of the ten highway-rail grade crossings having the greatest need for safety improvements; (3) establish a national database of information on the safety of highway-rail grade crossings in the United States; and (4) allocate $20 million to each state with a population density of less than 20 persons per square mile for each fiscal year beginning with FY2011 for rural highway safety improvement projects.
Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 44 (112th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2011
Further Continuing Appropriations Amendments, 2011 - Amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 (CAA of 2011) (P.L. 111-242) to extend through March 18, 2011, specified continuing appropriations for FY2011. Designates for contingency operations directly related to the global war on terrorism pursuant to H.Res. 5 (112th Congress) and as emergency requirements pursuant to S.Con.Res. 13 (FY2010 budget resolution) certain amounts: (1) incorporated by reference in the CAA of 2011 that were previously designated as available for overseas deployments and other activities pursuant to the budget resolution, and (2) made available pursuant to paragraph (8) of section 101 of such Act. States that any language specifying an earmark in an appropriations Act for FY2010, or in a committee report or joint explanatory statement accompanying such an Act, shall have no legal effect with respect to funds appropriated by the CAA of 2011. Makes certain provisions under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 relating to "Rural Development Programs--Rural Utilities Service–Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program" for the principal amount of broadband telecommunication loans and for the cost of certain broadband loans inapplicable to funds appropriated by the CAA of 2011. Provides funds for "Corps of Engineers-Civil-Investigations--Construction--Operations and Maintenance" at a specified rate of operations. Provides funds at a specified rate of operations for: (1) "Department of the Interior–Bureau of Reclamation (BOR)–Water and Related Resources," (2) "Department of Energy (DOE)–Energy Programs–Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy," (3) DOE–Energy Programs–Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability," (4) DOE Programs–Nuclear Energy," (5) "DOE–Energy Programs–Fossil Energy Research and Development," and (6) "DOE–Energy Programs–Science." Provides funds at a specified rate of operations for: (1) "DOE–Atomic Energy Defense Activities–National Nuclear Security Administration–Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation," (2) "DOE–Atomic Energy Defense Activities–National Nuclear Security Administration–Office of the Administrator," (3) "DOE–Environmental and Other Defense Activities–Defense Environmental Cleanup" (transfers specified funds to the "Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund"), and (4) "DOE–Environmental and Other Defense Activities–Other Defense Activities." Makes certain provisions under the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 inapplicable to funds appropriated by the CAA of 2011. Provides funding for "Independent Agencies–Election Assistance Commission (EAC)–Election Reform Programs"at a specified rate for operations. Provides funding at a specified rate for operations for: (1) "Department of Homeland Security (DHS)–Office of the Under Secretary for Management"; (2) DHS–U.S. Customs and Border Protection–Salaries and Expenses"; (3) DHS–U.S. Customs and Border Protection–Construction and Facilities Management"; (4) "DHS–Transportation Security Administration (TSA)–Aviation Security"; (5) "DHS–Coast Guard–Operating Expenses"; (6) "DHS–Coast Guard–Acquisition, Construction, and Improvements"; (7) "DHS–Coast Guard–Alteration of Bridges"; (8) "DHS–National Protection and Programs Directorate–Infrastructure Protection and Information Security"; (9) "DHS–Office of Health Affairs"; (10) "DHS–Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)–State and Local Programs"; (11) "DHS--FEMA--National Predisaster Mitigation Fund"; and (12) "DHS–Science and Technology–Research, Development, Acquisition, and Operations." Transfers specified funds from "FEMA--State and Local Programs" to "FEMA--Management and Administration." States that requirements under the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 shall have no force or effect with respect to: (1) reallocation of appropriated funds for the National Predisaster Fund referenced in a certain explanatory statement, or (2) the Secretary of DHS's authorized use of certain FY2008-FY2009 unobligated Coast Guard funds. Provides funding for "Smithsonian Institution–Legacy Fund" at a specified rate for operations. Provides funding at a specified rate for operations for: (1) "Department of Labor–Employment and Training Administration–Training and Employment Services," (2) "Department of Labor–Mine Safety and Health Administration–Salaries and Expenses," and (3) "Department of Labor–Departmental Management." Provides funding at a specified rate for operations for: (1) "Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)–Health Resources and Services Administration–Health Resources and Services"; (2) HHS–Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention–Disease Control, Research, and Training"; (3) HHS-Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration--Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services"; (4) HHS-Administration for Children and Families–Payments to States for the Child Care and Development Block Grant"; (5) "HHS--Administration for Children and Families–Children and Families Services Programs"; (6) "HHS–Administration on Aging, Aging Services Programs"; and (7) HHS–Office of the Secretary–General Departmental Management." Transfers amounts from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust for "HHS-Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services–Program Management" at a specified rate for operations. Provides funding at a specified rate for operations for: (1) "Department of Education–Education for the Disadvantaged"; (2) "Department of Education–School Improvement Programs"; (3) "Department of Education–Innovation and Improvement"; (4) "Department of Education–Safe Schools and Citizenship Education"; (5) "Department of Education–Special Education"; (6) "Department of Education–Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research"; (7) "Department of Education–Career, Technical, and Adult Education"; (8) "Department of Education–Student Financial Assistance"; and (9) "Department of Education–Higher Education." Bars the use of such funds for certain activities under the Higher Education Amendments of 1992 or the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006. Provides funding for "Institute of Museum and Library Services–Office of Museum and Library Services: Grants and Administration" at a specified rate for operations. Provides funding for "Library of Congress–Salaries and Expenses" at a specified rate for operations. Provides funding at a specified rate for: (1) "Department of Transportation (DOT)–Federal Highway Administration–Surface Transportation Priorities," and (2) "DOT–Federal Railroad Administration–Rail Line Location and Improvement Program." Bars funding for apportionment to states for the restoration, repair, construction, and other projects eligible under the surface transportation program. Makes certain provisions in the Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2010 within the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the Federal Transit Administration, inapplicable to funds appropriated by this Act. Provides funding for "Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)–Community Planning and Development–Community Development Fund" at a specified rate for operations. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibition against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 114 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2011
Provides amounts for the expenses of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for the 112th Congress.
Bill· HRH.R. 801 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2011
Truck Weight Uniformity Act of 2011 - Allows a state to authorize a vehicle with a gross weight exceeding certain federal weight limitations to operate on Interstate Highway System routes in the state if: (1) the vehicle is equipped with at least six axles, (2) the weight carried on any single axle does not exceed 20,000 pounds, (3) the weight carried on any tandem axle does not exceed 34,000 pounds, (4) the weight carried on any group of 3 axles does not exceed 51,000 pounds, and (5) the gross weight of the vehicle does not exceed 99,000 pounds.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 106 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2011
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives: (1) that the Department of Defense (DOD) should not consider any bid for the procurement of the helicopter fleet used to transport the President of the United States, or any components, that involve, directly or indirectly, any entity controlled, directed, or influenced by the government of China; (2) funding should not be made available for such procurement, or any future defense system acquisition, that involve any such entity; (3) recognizing the importance and vital role of the U.S. aerospace industry and its workers in innovation, job creation, and long-term economic growth; and (4) urging DOD to limit its procurement of the new presidential helicopter (VXX) fleet and any other defense system acquisition to products manufactured in the United States with the maximum amount of parts made in the United States, or from allied nations as necessary.
Bill· SS. 413 (112th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2011
Cybersecurity and Internet Freedom Act of 2011 - Internet Freedom Act - Declares that neither the President, the Director of the National Center for Cybersecurity and Communications, nor any officer or employee of the U.S. government shall have the authority to shut down the Internet. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President an Office of Cyberspace Policy, which shall: (1) develop a national strategy to increase the security and resiliency of cyberspace; (2) oversee, coordinate, and integrate federal policies and activities relating to cyberspace security and resiliency; (3) ensure that all federal agencies comply with appropriate guidelines, policies, and directives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), other federal agencies with responsibilities relating to cyberspace security or resiliency, and the National Center for Cybersecurity and Communications (established by this Act); and (4) ensure that federal agencies have access to, receive, and appropriately disseminate law enforcement, intelligence, terrorism, and any other information relevant to the security of specified federal, military, and intelligence information infrastructure. Requires the President to appoint a Director of Cyberspace Policy. Provides for access by the Director to specified cybersecurity-related information. Requires the Director to submit an annual report describing the activities, ongoing projects, and plans of the federal government designed to meet national strategy goals and objectives. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) to establish within DHS a National Center for Cybersecurity and Communications (NCCC), which shall be headed by a Director, who shall: (1) work cooperatively with the private sector and lead the federal effort to secure, protect, and ensure the resiliency of the federal and national information infrastructure; and (2) work with the Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection to coordinate the information, communications, and physical infrastructure protection responsibilities and activities of NCCC and the Office of Infrastructure Protection. Transfers to NCCC the National Cyber Security Division, the Office of Emergency Communications, and the National Communications System. Establishes within NCCC the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, which shall: (1) collect, coordinate, and disseminate information on risks to specified federal information infrastructure and security controls; and (2) establish a mechanism for engagement with the private sector. Requires the NCCC Director to: (1) establish a program for sharing information with and between NCCC and other federal agencies; (2) develop guidelines to protect the privacy and civil liberties of U.S. persons and intelligence sources and methods; (3) establish a program to promote and provide technical assistance relating to the implementation of best practices and related standards and guidelines for securing the national information infrastructure; and (4) identify and evaluate the cyber risks to covered critical infrastructure on a continuous and sector-by-sector basis and issue regulations establishing risk-based security performance requirements to secure covered critical infrastructure against cyber risks. Authorizes the President to issue a declaration of a national cyber emergency to covered critical infrastructure if there is an ongoing or imminent action by any individual or entity to exploit a cyber risk in a manner that attempts to disrupt the operation of the information infrastructure essential to the reliable operation of covered critical infrastructure. Requires the President to notify the owners and operators of the infrastructure of the nature of the emergency, consistent with the protection of intelligence sources and methods. Requires the NCCC Director to take specified steps, including immediately directing the owners and operators to implement required response plans and to ensure that emergency actions represent the least disruptive means feasible to operations. Prohibits any other federal entity, pursuant to such authority, from: (1) restricting or prohibiting communications over, and not specifically directed to or from, covered critical infrastructure unless the Director determines that no other emergency action will preserve the reliable operation of such infrastructure or the national information infrastructure; (2) controlling covered critical infrastructure; (3) compelling the disclosure of information unless specifically authorized by law; or (4) intercepting a wire, oral, or electronic communication, accessing a stored electronic or wire communication, installing or using a pen register or trap and trace device, or conducting electronic surveillance relating to an incident unless otherwise authorized by specified statutes. Requires the President to ensure that any declaration or extension is reported to the appropriate congressional committees before the Director mandates any emergency measure or actions. Terminates such an emergency measure or action 30 days after the President's declaration and authorizes extensions for not more than 3 additional 30-day periods under certain conditions if approved by a joint resolution by Congress. Requires each owner or operator of covered critical infrastructure to certify to the NCCC Director whether the owner or operator has developed and implemented approved security measures and any applicable emergency measures or actions required for any cyber risks and national cyber emergencies. Sets forth civil penalties for violations. Requires the DHS Secretary and the private sector to develop, periodically update, and implement a supply chain risk management strategy designed to ensure the security of the federal information infrastructure. Sets forth provisions regarding the information security authority and functions of the NCCC Director and executive agency responsibilities. Requires the Director to annually oversee, coordinate, and develop guidance for the effective implementation of operational evaluations of the federal information infrastructure and agency information security programs and practices to determine their effectiveness. Authorizes the Director to order the isolation of any component of the federal information infrastructure if: (1) an agency does not implement measures in an approved risk-based plan; and (2) the failure to comply presents a significant danger to the federal information infrastructure. Establishes in the executive branch a Federal Information Security Taskforce, which shall be the principal interagency forum for collaboration regarding best practices and recommendations for agency information security and the security of the federal information infrastructure. Requires each agency with an Inspector General appointed under the Inspector General Act of 1978 to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the information security program and evaluations. Requires the assessments to be performed in accordance with standards developed by the Government Accountability Office, in collaboration with the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, with assistance from the Taskforce. Provides for the delegation of the Director's authorities to the Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) under specified circumstances where unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of information would have a debilitating impact on the missions of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the CIA. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the NCCC Director to assess the readiness and capacity of the federal workforce to meet the needs of the cybersecurity mission of the federal government. Requires the OPM Director to develop a comprehensive workforce strategy that enhances the readiness, capacity, training, and recruitment and retention of federal cybersecurity personnel. Requires the head of each federal agency to: (1) develop a strategic cybersecurity workforce plan as part of its performance plan; and (2) measure and collect information on indicators of the effectiveness of the recruitment and hiring of a workforce needed to fulfill the agency's cybersecurity mission. Requires the OPM Director, in coordination with: (1) the NCCC Director, to develop and issue comprehensive occupation classifications for federal employees engaged in cybersecurity missions; and (2) the NCCC Director, the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chief Information Officers Council (CIOC), to establish a cybersecurity awareness and education curriculum that shall be required for all federal employees and contractors engaged in the design, development, or operation of agency information infrastructure. Amends HSA to direct the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, in coordination with the NCCC Director, to carry out a research and development program for the purpose of improving the security of information infrastructure. Directs the DHS Secretary to establish a National Cybersecurity Advisory Council to advise the NCCC Director. Amends HSA to direct the Secretary: (1) in establishing and maintaining a prioritized critical information infrastructure list, to consider cyber risks and consequences by sector; and (2) to establish and maintain a list of systems or assets that constitute covered critical infrastructure. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) identification of covered critical infrastructure, compliance with requirements regarding such designation, and development of a process under which an owner or operator of a system or asset that may constitute covered critical infrastructure may request that it be identified as such; and (2) the use of acquisition authorities by NCCC and a semiannual reporting requirement. Requires the Administrator for Electronic Government and Information Technology, in coordination with CIOC, the Taskforce, and the Council on Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, to evaluate and report on agency adoption and implementation of appropriate information security related policies, memoranda, and directives issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Bill· SS. 412 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2011
Harbor Maintenance Act of 2011 - Requires the total budget resources for expenditures from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for harbor maintenance programs to equal the level of receipts plus interest credited to such Fund for that fiscal year. Limits the use of such resources to such programs only. Declares that it shall be out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that would cause total budget resources for the Fund in a fiscal year for harbor maintenance programs to be less than the level of receipts plus interest credited to the Fund for that fiscal year.
Bill· HRH.R. 790 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2011
Community Regeneration, Sustainability, and Innovation Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a demonstration program, under multiyear cooperative agreements with local governments meeting certain criteria (or consortia of them), to encourage and test innovative vacant property reclamation and urban infrastructure renewal strategies in older industrial cities, their suburbs, and metropolitan areas with a history of severe population and employment loss, blight, and decay caused by vacant properties. Limits such agreements to local governments experiencing: (1) at least 15% population loss since 1970, or (2) prolonged population, income, and employment loss resulting in substantial levels of housing vacancies and abandonments concentrated in more than one neighborhood or geographic area within a jurisdiction or jurisdictions. Specifies as vacant property and program capacity activities establishment of: (1) local or regional land banks; (2) recovered building materials reuse and recycling infrastructure, facilities, and technical support; (3) local government purchasing requirements for deconstruction to make use of existing building materials stock in new and rehabilitation construction; and (4) the ability of state and local courts and administrative agencies to address problems caused by vacant and abandoned properties, and to facilitate their transfer to public control under a local or regional land bank. Enumerates other related activities, including: (1) expansion and improvement of code enforcement capabilities; (2) development of data and information systems such as comprehensive real property systems, early warning systems, and vacant property inventory and tracking systems; and (3) amendment or reform of state and local property tax foreclosure procedures. Specifies stabilization, design, development, reuse, and planning and policy innovation activities. Prohibits the use of grant funds for specified other activities, including: (1) demolition of public housing or historic properties, or (2) clean-up or redevelopment of brownfield sites. Requires an applicant local government or consortium to establish a regeneration plan for the community or region. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to local governments (and consortia of them) for development of regeneration plans and for sustainability demonstration projects. Directs the Secretary to convene a Federal Interagency Regeneration Communities Coordinating Council to develop federal agency support plans for communities receiving such grants.
Bill· HRH.R. 792 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2011
Residential and Commuter Toll Fairness Act of 2011 - Grants a public authority the authority to carry out a program that offers discounts in transportation tolls to individuals who are residents of, or regular commuters to, a U.S. locality on an island, peninsula, or other area where transportation access is substantially constrained by geography and subject to a transportation toll to access or depart the locality (captive tollpayers). Declares that nothing in this Act may be construed to: (1) limit any other authority of a public authority, including the authority to offer discounts in transportation tolls to other tollpayers; or (2) affect, alter, or limit the applicability of state or local law with respect to the authority of a public authority to impose toll discounts.
Bill· HRH.R. 763 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2011
Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2011 - Allows a state to authorize a vehicle with a maximum gross weight (including enforcement tolerances) exceeding certain federal weight limitations to operate 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 3 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 a 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. 761 (112th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2011
San Joaquin Valley Transportation Enhancement Act of 2011 - Allows stimulus funds made available to California for highspeed rail service development under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to be used for any project to improve or maintain California State Route 99 between the cities of Sacramento and Bakersfield.