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Bill· SS. 1871 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Safe Rails Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) conduct a comprehensive vulnerability assessment and security needs analysis of hazardous materials transportation in the railroad freight transportation industry; (2) assess the security risks associated with such transportation; and (3) develop prioritized recommendations for improving the security of rail tunnels, rail bridges, rail switching areas, and other areas posing significant rail-related risks to human health and public safety and the movement of interstate commerce, and for dealing with the immediate and long-term economic impact of measures that may be required to address those risks. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a Rail Security Fund account in the Treasury from which the Secretary of the Transportation may make grants of up to $100 million annually to freight railroads, hazardous materials shippers, or owners of tank cars used in the transportation of hazardous materials, for full or partial reimbursement of costs incurred on or after September 11, 2001, in the conduct of specified activities to prevent or respond to acts of terrorism, sabotage, or other security threats.
Law· HRH.R. 3609 (107th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Pipeline Infrastructure Protection to Enhance Security and Safety Act - Amends Federal transportation law "one-call notification system" provisions concerning notification to underground facility operators of excavations to: (1) require participation by government operators; and (2) encourage the adoption of the "Common Ground" report. Revises pipeline safety provisions to require the Secretary of Transportation: (1) when assessing the security and safety of pipeline facilities, to assess the vulnerabilities of such facilities to terrorist attacks; (2) when prescribing minimum safety standards for pipeline transportation and for pipeline facilities, to include in such standards a requirement that pipeline facility operators participate in a public safety program; and (3) to establish pipeline public education and safety standards. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, to develop and implement a cooperative program of research, development, and demonstration to ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities. Requires the establishment of a Pipeline Integrity Technical Advisory Committee to develop a cooperative pipeline facility integrity program. Establishes a pipeline controller certification qualification program. Requires a pipeline facility operator to provide: (1) geospatial data appropriate for use in the National Pipeline Mapping System; (2) identification of the person with primary operational control; (3) develop and implement terrorism security programs; and (4) with a condition deemed potentially unsafe condition to take necessary corrective actions. Authorizes to pipelines: (1) technical assistance; and (2) security recommendations. Requires a coordinated environmental review process for pipeline repair and rehabilitation projects. Permits withholding from the public certain pipeline information that could reveal the systemic vulnerability of a pipeline to attack.
Bill· HRH.R. 3555 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
United States Security (USA) Act of 2001 - Sets forth "Buy America" provisions permitting, subject to exception, Federal financial assistance under this Act for a project only if steel and manufactured goods used in the project are of U.S. origin. Authorizes appropriations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to: (1) design, construct, and equip new facilities and renovate existing facilities for defending against and combating bioterrorism and other public health threats; (2) establish a Scientific Communication Center; and (3) improve security at CDC facilities. Amends the: (1) Atomic Energy Act to provide for sufficient potassium iodide tablet stockpiles; and (2) Public Health Service Act to provide for a contingency bone marrow donor program. Requires national standards for the implementation of quarantines. Authorizes appropriations for sequencing the genomes of biological pathogens. Directs the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make grants to units of local government and emergency response units to plan, train, and equip emergency responders. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to provide staffing for adequate fire and emergency response. Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to local educational agencies and institutions of higher learning to enhance security and emergency preparedness. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation to establish programs to: (1) address the lack of security on critical highway infrastructure; (2) improve interagency training for and communication among first responders to a terrorist attack; (3) provide real-time information and guidance for the traveling and non-traveling public; and (4) address the lack of adequate security for locks and dams, the lack of cargo information, and the inability to share information in a timely fashion with agencies such as the Coast Guard. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to assess the vulnerability of the 50 busiest U.S. seaports and establish: (1) in the Coast Guard the position of Assistant Commandant for Maritime Security; (2) a sea marshal program; (3) a national port security task force; (4) a maritime security institute; and (5) terrorism response plans for responding to a maritime terrorist attack. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) for specified passenger rail and freight rail protection projects. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation with respect to public transit security, including installation of communications, surveillance, detection systems, and personal protective and detection equipment at public transit facilities. Requires a National Academy of Sciences energy pipeline security study. Authorizes appropriations for upgrading and expanding the current infrastructure of the Aviation Safety Reporting System of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out pilot projects with air carriers for real-time transmission to the FAA of cockpit voice and flight data and cabin video data from aircraft. Establishes a pilot program to deploy commercially available fuel cells at public use airports to ensure a reliable energy supply for new and emerging aviation security technologies, airport control towers, airport terminals, and other airport facilities. Requires the following officials to submit risk management assessment reports to Congress: (1) the Secretary of Energy regarding oil refineries, natural gas, and liquid natural gas storage facilities; (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding chemical manufacturing facilities; (3) the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regarding nuclear facilities; (4) the Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding the domestic electric power grid; (5) the Secretary of Commerce regarding the Nation's fiber optic infrastructure; and (6) the Administrator of the General Services Administration regarding Federal buildings. Directs the Secretary of Energy to coordinate development and implementation of an interagency plan to prepare for and defend against terrorist attacks against high-level nuclear waste transportation facilities and infrastructure, interim storage facilities, intermodal transfer facilities, and central repositories. Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate and develop a plan to ensure that Federal, State, and local governments can respond adequately to the consequences of a terrorist attack against the transportation or storage of high-level nuclear waste. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the NRC to: (1) establish a system to ensure that transportation of nuclear materials under its jurisdiction meets certain requirements; and (2) commence a rulemaking to consider changes to the design basis threat for NRC-licensed facilities. Authorizes the President, whenever a state of war or national emergency exists, to: (1) deploy either the Armed Forces or the National Guard to defend NRC-licensed facilities from terrorist attack or threat from any foreign power; and (2) restrict air space in the vicinity of such facilities. Requires each Federal agency to take certain steps to enhance cyber security. Authorizes appropriations for State and local governments to do the same. Requires the Attorney General to update a specified study assessing the vulnerability of Federal facilities. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Director of Central Intelligence to investigate whether existing computer knowledge assessment technologies meeting specified criteria can be used to detect individuals with terrorist training. Directs the Attorney General to create a pilot program for establishing civilian supplemental incident response teams. Authorizes appropriations to the U.S. Postal Service to enhance its ability to detect and neutralize, or otherwise respond to, any dangerous matter entered into the mails without authorization. Directs the United States Customs Service to expedite the development and deployment of pulsed fast neutron analysis technology and authorizes appropriations for the development of scanners capable of sensing biological and chemical contaminants in microscopic airborne quantities. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) take specified measures for identifying individuals crossing U.S. Borders; and (2) increase to specified levels the number of U.S. Border Patrol personnel, U.S. marshals, and Immigration and Naturalization Service and Customs Service inspectors at ports of entry by 2003. Requires the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization to establish a border health inspectors corps to inspect individuals who may be intending to infect others for infectious disease. Requires the Director of Homeland Security to consider a program to improve aerial reconnaissance activities at U.S. borders, to include the use of unmanned aerial vehicle systems. Directs the President, acting through the Office of Homeland Security, to oversee the appropriate sharing of information among Federal, State, and local agencies involved in intelligence collection and law enforcement. Directs the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security to develop within such Office an entity to develop a system-wide information network to integrate existing watch lists of suspected terrorists. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the prompt assignment of specified channels for public safety purposes. Requires the Attorney General to establish regional emerging threat workspaces. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to maintain a secure database on select biological agents that pose a threat to public health by terrorist attack. Directs the President to establish within the Office for Homeland Security a center to develop an interagency clearinghouse for new counterterrorism technologies. States the policy of the United States to work with other nations, especially Russia, to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction and the proliferation of necessary materials and expertise. Authorizes appropriations for cooperative threat reduction programs. Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop an integrated plan for the use of technology to combat terrorism. Creates within the Executive Office of the President a Director of Homeland Security who shall conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of threat to the United States and develop a five-year homeland security strategy in response.
Bill· HRH.R. 3560 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Permits only U.S. documented vessels to be used in the following operations involving Federal submarine cables: (1) laying a cable between two U.S. landings; (2) making a shore landing of a cable in the United States; (3) laying or burying a cable on or under lands beneath U.S. navigable waters; and (4) servicing or maintaining a cable between two landings in the United States or on or under lands beneath U.S. navigable waters. Authorizes the President to waive these requirements if no eligible vessel is available or if the waiver is critical to the national security of the United States. Directs the President to notify Congress of any waiver and the reasons for it.
Bill· HRH.R. 3591 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2001
Systemic Passenger Infrastructure and Network Overhaul through Financial Freedom Act - Transfers title to all property of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) consisting of the main line of the Northeast Corridor between the District of Columbia and Boston, Massachusetts, and the Autotrain to the Secretary of Transportation in consideration of the cancellation of a certain note and mortgage between Amtrak and the U.S. Government for the acquisition and improvement of such property and certain other rail properties. Directs the Secretary to provide for the competitive selection of an entity or entities to maintain and dispatch service operations on the main line of the Northeast Corridor between the District of Columbia and Boston, Massachusetts, and for the Autotrain, until the Secretary makes a determination for the disposition of such operations, including: (1) transfer of such operations to an interstate compact consisting of the States of the Northeast Corridor; (2) transfer of such operations to a new quasi-governmental corporation or to a private sector corporation; or (3) retention of ownership by the Secretary, with competitive franchising, by one or more entities, of the management and dispatching of service. Requires the Secretary to retain, and Amtrak to transfer to the Secretary, all amounts appropriated by the U.S. Government for FY 2002 for Amtrak that have not been provided to it, as well as those funds that have been.
Bill· HRH.R. 3537 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2001
Clean Airport Bus Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish: (1) a pilot grants award program for the acquisition of natural gas buses at public airports through airport bus replacement and fleet expansion grants; and (2) a fuel cell-powered airport bus development and demonstration program with private sector fuel cell bus developers for fuel cell-powered airport buses.
Bill· HRH.R. 3548 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2001
Sets forth procedures regarding the submission and notification of letters of intent by Indian tribes seeking acknowledgment or recognition under Federal law. Provides that petitioning tribes must first submit letters of intent to the Secretary of the Interior. Makes the Governor, the Attorney General, and each municipality located within the vicinity interested parties in the review. Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine when a petition is complete and ready for acknowledgment review, notify the petitioner and all interested parties, and publish notice in the Federal Register; and (2) provide a reasonable period for comment. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide grants to assist local governments in participating in the decision making process related to the following actions if the Secretary determines that such actions are likely to significantly affect the people represented by the local governments and to reimburse such governments for the costs of such participation: (1) an Indian group is seeking Federal acknowledgment or recognition (or re-acknowledgment or recognition) and the Secretary determines that such group is located within or adjacent to the area under the local government's jurisdiction, or has asserted or is likely to seek trust status with respect to land within the area over which the local government has jurisdiction; (2) an acknowledged tribe is requesting that land within or adjacent to the area over which the local government has jurisdiction be put into trust status for it; and (3) an Indian group or an acknowledged tribe is claiming, or is expected to claim, interest in land based upon a treaty or law specifically applicable to land or natural resource transfers from, by, or on behalf of Indians. Permits the making of grants also to reimburse local governments for activities that were undertaken before the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to provide grants to local governments to assist them with activities related to infrastructure, public safety, or social services that are made necessary or prudent as a result of a federally-recognized tribe's activities.
Bill· HRH.R. 3522 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2001
Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to identify specified routes in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico as part of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor of the National Highway System.
Bill· HRH.R. 3546 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2001
Amends the Federal Transportation Code to increase the Federal Government's share of allowable costs of development projects approved after September 30, 2001, at certain qualifying airports with certain exceptions. Stipulates a maximum of 93.75 percent for the Federal Government's share of the cost of any project.
Bill· SS. 1844 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2001
Public Transit Authority Pilot Procurement Authorization Act of 2001 - Directs the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the Department of Transportation to carry out a pilot program to facilitate and accelerate procurement of certain buses by State, local, and regional authorities in cases where Federal funds form the majority of the funding for the procurement. Directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to reopen bids for companies to supply such vehicles to relevant State, local, and regional authorities. Directs that not later than December 31, 2003, the GSA and the FTA shall publish a multiple award schedule which shall allow affected State, local, and regional authorities, Federal agencies or other ordering entities to acquire such vehicles.
Bill· SS. 1847 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2001
Amends the Federal Transportation Code to increase the Federal Government's share of allowable costs of development projects approved after September 30, 2001, at certain qualifying airports with certain exceptions. Stipulates a maximum of 93.75 percent for the Federal Government's share of the cost of any project.
Bill· HRH.R. 3507 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2001
Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY 2002. Authorizes end-of-year strength for the Coast Guard. Maritime Policy Improvement Act of 2001 - Provides for: (1) certificates of documentation and other provisions concerning named vessels; (2) grants to the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial Committee, Inc.; (3) governing agricultural cargo discharges; (4) revising the method for recording and discharging certain maritime liens. Coast Guard Personnel and Maritime Safety Act of 2001 - Sets forth provisions concerning, among other things: (1) Coast Guard personnel management; (2) marine safety; (3) advisory groups; (4) law enforcement; (5) user fees; and (6) entry into U.S. waters. Omnibus Maritime Improvements Act of 2001 - Sets forth provisions concerning, among other things: (1) Coast Guard housing authorities; (2) cable laying vessels: (3) vessel escort and towing; (4) search and rescue; (5) communications; (6) lower Columbia River marine, fire, oil, and toxic spill response communications, training, equipment, and program administration activities; (7) promotion and retirement; (8) lighthouses; (9) drug interdiction jurisdiction; (10) authorization for the Oil Spill Recovery Institute; (11) liability of Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service pilots for damages related to their official assistance; and (12) recreational vessel and associated equipment recalls.
Bill· SS. 1820 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2001
Heroic Emergency Response Operations Act or HERO ACT - Amends Federal transportation law regarding annual fees collected by the Secretary of Transportation paid by persons transporting hazardous materials in commerce to stipulate that up to five percent of such funds annually may now be used for developing minimum national standards for, as well as to develop and conduct, security training dealing with commercial transportation of hazardous materials. Limits to $1 million per fiscal year the amount available for supplemental training grants from the collected funds.
Bill· HRH.R. 3482 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2001
Cyber Security Enhancement Act of 2001 - Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to amend Federal sentencing guidelines and otherwise address crimes involving fraud in connection with computers and access to protected information, protected computers or restricted data in interstate or foreign commerce or involving a computer used by or for the Federal Government. Includes among exceptions to otherwise criminal conduct emergency disclosures to a governmental entity by an electronic communication service and specified disclosures made in good faith. Increases penalties for violations where the offender knowingly causes or attempts to cause death or serious bodily injury. Directs the Attorney General, acting through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to establish and maintain a National Infrastructure Protection Center to serve as a national focal point for threat assessment, warning, investigation, and response to attacks on the Nation's critical infrastructure, both physical and cyber. Establishes within the Department of Justice an Office of Science and Technology to work on law enforcement technology issues, addressing safety, effectiveness and improved access by Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. Includes investigative and forensic technologies, corrections technologies, and technologies that support the judicial process. Abolishes the Office of Science and Technology of the National Institute of Justice, transferring functions, activities, and funds to the newly formed Office. Requires the Director of the Office to operate and support National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Centers.
Bill· HRH.R. 3479 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2001
National Aviation Capacity Expansion Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to implement the redesign and reconstruction of Chicago O'Hare International Airport in Cook and DuPage Counties, Illinois, in accordance with a specified runway redesign plan, and the development of a south suburban airport in the Chicago metropolitan region, by facilitating approval, funding, construction, and implementation of such plan and suburban airport. Requires all environmental reviews, analyses, and opinions related to issuance of permits, licenses, or approvals relating to such plan or airport to be conducted on an expedited basis. States that approval by the Administrator of an airport layout plan submitted by Chicago that includes the runway redesign plan shall: (1) provide that any runway located more than 2500 feet south of existing runway 9R-27L shall not begin construction before January 2011; and (2) be subject to the condition that noise impact of aircraft operations at O'Hare after the year in which the first new runway is first used will be less than that in 2000. Prohibits the consideration of such a plan unless it includes public roadway access through the western boundary of O'Hare to passenger terminal and parking facilities. Directs the Administrator to give priority consideration to a letter of intent application submitted by the State of Illinois (or a political subdivision thereof) for construction of the suburban airport. Sets forth requirements regarding the construction of the runway redesign plan as a Federal project on or after July 1, 2004. Requires the withholding of all airport grant funds for O'Hare (other than grants involving national security and safety) until January 1, 2026, unless specified conditions with respect to operations at Merrill C. Meigs Field have been met.
Bill· HRH.R. 3485 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2001
Railway Safety Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to the operator of a rail fixed guideway mass transportation system that is subject to regulation by the Federal Transit Administration or the Federal Railroad Administration for projects to construct fences or other barriers to prevent public access to tracks and other facilities of the system that may present a hazard in a residential area. Limits the Federal cost share to 50 percent.
Bill· HRH.R. 3467 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2001
Amends Federal aviation law to permit individuals who are U.S. nationals to be hired as airport security screening personnel.
Bill· HRH.R. 3441 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2001
Amends Federal transportation law to establish in the Department of Transportation (DOT) an Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to provide leadership in the development of policy for DOT, supervise the policy activities of Assistant Secretaries with primary responsibility for aviation, international, and other transportation policy development, and carry out other powers and duties prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation. Sets the basic pay rate of the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy at Level III of the Executive Schedule.
Bill· SS. 1794 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2001
Airport Checkpoint Enhancement Act - Amends Federal aviation law to subject to criminal penalties an individual in an area within a U.S. commercial service airport who intentionally circumvents, in an unauthorized manner, a security system or procedure in the airport.
Bill· SS. 1786 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2001
National Aviation Capacity Expansion Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to implement the redesign and reconstruction of Chicago O'Hare International Airport in Cook and DuPage Counties, Illinois, in accordance with a specified runway redesign plan, and the development of a south suburban airport in the Chicago metropolitan region, by facilitating approval, funding, construction, and implementation of such plan and suburban airport. Requires all environmental reviews, analyses, and opinions related to issuance of permits, licenses, or approvals relating to such plan or airport to be conducted on an expedited and coordinated basis. States that approval by the Administrator of an airport layout plan submitted by Chicago that includes the runway redesign plan shall: (1) provide that any runway located more than 2500 feet south of existing runway 9R-27L shall not begin construction before January 2011; and (2) be subject to the condition that noise impact of aircraft operations at O'Hare after the year in which the first new runway is first used will be less than that in 2000. Prohibits the consideration of such a plan unless it includes public roadway access through the western boundary of O'Hare to passenger terminal and parking facilities. Directs the Administrator to give priority consideration to a letter of intent application submitted by the State of Illinois (or a political subdivision thereof) for construction of the suburban airport. Sets forth requirements regarding the construction of the runway redesign plan as a Federal project on or after July 1, 2004. Requires the withholding of all airport grant funds for O'Hare (other than grants involving national security and safety) until January 1, 2026, unless specified conditions with respect to operations at Merrill C. Meigs Field have been met.
Bill· HRH.R. 3429 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Over-the-Road Bus Security and Safety Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to private operators of over-the-road buses for specified system-wide security improvements to their operations, including the reimbursement of extraordinary security-related costs incurred since September 11, 2001. Requires the Secretary to impose a fee of $0.25 for each bus trip of a passenger if the cost of the trip is more than $5 to pay for the cost of carrying out this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 3437 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Port and Maritime Security Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a Port Security Act Task Force to, among other things: (1) help coordinate programs to enhance the security and safety of U.S. seaports; and (2) help provide long-term solutions for seaport security issues. Requires the establishment of local seaport security committees. Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard, in consultation with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the Center for Civil Force Protection, and other appropriate public and private sector organizations, to develop standards and procedures for conducting seaport security vulnerability assessments. Directs the Commandant and the Administrator of the Maritime Administration to jointly initiate a rulemaking proceeding to prescribe regulations to protect the public from threats of crime or terrorism from or to vessels in maritime transportation. Directs the Commandant to make every effort to seek international agreements with other countries providing for port security in such countries. Requires the establishment of a program for the training and certification of maritime security professionals. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to provide for port security infrastructure improvement. Provides the coordination of port related crime data collection. Provides for improved customs reporting procedures. Reauthorizes tonnage duties for four years.
Bill· HRH.R. 3432 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2001
Seaport Security Enhancement Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out the Coast Guard Sea Marshal program in the 20 ports in the United States considered by the Secretary to be the most vulnerable to attack by use of a commercial vessel as a terrorist instrument. Increases the authorized end-of-year strength for active duty personnel of the Coast Guard as of September 30, 2002, by 1,000 and authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary such additional funds as are necessary for activities of such additional personnel.
Bill· SS. 1770 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2001
Terrorist Bombings Convention Implementation Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit unlawfully detonating an explosive in or against a place of public use, State or Government facility, public transportation system, or infrastructure facility with intent to cause: (1) death or serious bodily injury; or (2) extensive destruction likely to result in major economic loss. Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism Convention Implementation Act of 2001 - Prohibits unlawfully and willfully providing or collecting funds with the intention or knowledge that such funds are to be used to carry out: (1) an act which constitutes an offense within the scope of specified treaties, including conventions against terrorist bombings; or (2) any other act intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to intimidate a population or to compel a government or international organization to do or abstain from doing any act. Foreign Law Enforcement Cooperation Act of 2001 - Amends the code to permit the disclosure of the contents of wire, oral, or electronic communications or evidence upon a showing that such information may disclose a violation of U.S. or foreign criminal laws to an appropriate foreign official for law enforcement purposes, subject to a specified certification regarding confidentiality.
Bill· SS. 1766 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2001
Energy Policy Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Power Act to set forth an energy delivery and production scheme that includes: (1) electric reliability standards; (2) electric utility mergers; (3) market-based rates; (4) transmission interconnections; and (5) open access transmission. Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2002 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to: (1) adopt real-time pricing standards; (2) terminate mandatory cogeneration and small power production purchase and sale requirements; and (3) mandate net metering service. Provides for renewable energy and rural construction grants. Sets forth alternative mandatory conditions for hydroelectric relicensing on Federal reservation lands. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish within the Department of Energy (DOE) an Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs. Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2002 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to provide permanent DOE contractor indemnification authority and to revise liability limits. Prescribes guidelines for domestic oil production and transportation, including Federal onshore oil and gas leasing programs, and full capacity for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act of 2002 - Prescribes guidelines for expedited approval, construction, and Federal loan guarantees for Alaska natural gas transportation and delivery systems into the contiguous United States. Amends Federal transportation law to mandate increased Federal fleet vehicle fuel efficiency. Establishes the National Motor Vehicle Efficiency Improvement Program to provide assistance for State programs to retire fuel-inefficient motor vehicles. Prescribes guidelines for increased use of alternative and renewable fuels. Federal Reformulated Fuels Act of 2002 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to permit the use of the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund for methyl tertiary butyl ether (MBTE) remediation purposes. Amends the Clean Air Act to revise guidelines pertaining to: (1) water quality protection from fuels; (2) oxygen content requirements for reformulated gasoline; and (3) public health and environmental impacts of fuels and fuel additives. Provides increased funding for: (1) Low-Income Home Energy Assistance; (2) weatherization assistance; and (3) State energy conservation plans. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to: (1) revise energy performance and management requirements for Federal buildings; and (2) mandate procurement of energy efficient products. Establishes the Federal Energy Bank to make loans to assist Federal agency implementation of energy conservation measures in Federal buildings. Amends Federal housing laws to provide further support for energy efficient, affordable housing, including: (1) FHA mortgage insurance incentives for energy efficient housing; and (2) grants for energy-conserving improvements for assisted housing. Climate Change Strategy and Technology Innovation Act of 2002 - Establishes the National Office of Climate Change Response within the Executive Office of the President. Establishes related bodies, including: (1) the Office of Climate Change Technology in DOE to manage an energy technology research and development program that directly supports the Strategy; and (2) the United States Climate Change Response Strategy Review Board. Instructs the Secretary of Commerce to establish the National Greenhouse Gas Database. Establishes the Interagency Task Force on Greenhouse Gas Database as an advisory body. Energy Science and Technology Enhancement Act of 2002 - Sets forth a national energy research, development, demonstration, and technology deployment program that operates as an integral part of the national climate change strategy in partnership with industry, the national laboratories, and institutions of higher learning. Includes within such program: (1) energy efficiency; (2) renewable energy; (3) fossil energy; (4) nuclear energy; (5) fundamental energy science; and (6) critical energy infrastructure protection research and development. Establishes: (1) a Clean Energy Technology Exports Program to focus upon transferring clean energy technology to countries expected to experience the most significant growth in energy production and associated greenhouse gas emissions over the next 20 years; (2) an International Energy Technology Deployment Program to construct an energy production facility outside the United States to implement specified greenhouse gas reduction; and (3) in the Office of Science and Technology Policy an integrated program for the global change research program. Instructs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) submit to Congress a plan of action for a National Climate Service under the National Climate Program; and (2) initiate a program to develop innovative standards and measurement technologies to calculate greenhouse gas emissions. Mandates establishment of: (1) an integrated ocean and coastal observing system; (2) a global climate change standards and processes research program within the National Institute of Standards and Technology; (3) a National Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Program for regional impacts related to increased greenhouse gas concentrations; (4) a NASA pilot project exploration of remote sensing and other geospatial information in order to forecast a plan for adaptation to coastal zone and land use changes. Instructs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to establish national energy research and development advisory boards to exercise external technical review of DOE research and development programs. Creates a coordination and management framework within DOE for civilian science and technology programs, including: (1) an Under Secretary for Energy and Science to serve as the Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary and monitor the DOE research and development programs; (2) an Assistant Secretary of Science for fundamental DOE science and engineering research functions, including policy and management; (3) a Technology Transfer Coordinator; (4) a Technology Partnership Working Group; (5) a Technology Transfer Infrastructure Program; and (6) appointment of a small business advocate in connection with each National Laboratory. Authorizes the Secretary to establish security enhancement programs for critical energy infrastructure. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Energy Infrastructure Security Program to: (1) provide financial assistance for State security plans against threats to critical OCS energy infrastructure facilities; and (2) support public service or transportation activities needed to maintain the safety and operation of critical energy infrastructure activities.
Bill· HRH.R. 3416 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2001
Amends Federal aviation law to permit the hiring as airport security screening personnel of aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who have filed an application for naturalization before September 11, 2001.
Law· HRH.R. 3394 (107th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2001
Cyber Security Research and Development Act - Authorizes appropriations, to the National Science Foundation (NSF) and to the Secretary of Commerce for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to establish new programs and to increase funding for certain current programs for computer and network security research and development and research fellowships. Requires the NSF Director to award grants for computer and network security through the following: (1) basic research in innovative approaches to the structure of their hardware and software; (2) multidisciplinary research centers, through institutions of higher education (IHEs) or their consortia which may partner with government laboratories or for-profit institutions; (3) undergraduate and master's degree programs, as well as education-related grants under the Scientific and Advanced Technology Act of 1992; (4) graduate traineeships; and (5) graduate research fellowships. Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to include among NSF functions leading in supporting research and education activities to improve networked information systems' security. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to require the NIST Director to establish a program of assistance to IHEs that enter into partnerships (which may include government laboratories) with for-profit entities to support research to improve the security of computer systems. Requires such program to include: (1) multidisciplinary, long-term, high-risk research; (2) research directed toward addressing needs identified through computer security review, public meeting, and information activities of the Computer System Security and Privacy Advisory Board (with special funds authorized by this Act); and (3) support for graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and senior researchers. Requires NIST to carry out specified types of intramural computer security research. Requires the NIST Director to arrange with the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to Congress on critical infrastructure weaknesses.
Bill· HRH.R. 3403 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2001
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue a final regulation that: (1) prohibits aircraft departing from John F. Kennedy Airport in Queens County, New York, from flying over the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens County, New York; (2) imposes a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 on an operator of an aircraft who knowingly deviates from such rule by flying over the Rockaway Peninsula; and (3) exempts from such penalty an operator of an aircraft who deviates from the rule in order to ensure safety.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 301 (107th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2001
Designates majority membership on the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and on Veterans' Affairs.
Bill· SS. 1750 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2001
Hazmat Endorsement Requirements Act - Amends the Federal transportation code, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act, with respect to hazardous materials (hazmat) transportation. Requires States to: (1) implement a program of background records checks for operators of commercial motor vehicles transporting a hazardous material; and (2) deny a hazmat endorsement for the license of any commercial driver unless the Secretary of Transportation has determined that the individual does not pose a security risk warranting such denial. Prohibits individuals from operating a commercial motor vehicle transporting hazardous materials without a proper hazmat endorsement or license. Prescribes criminal penalties for the fraudulent issuance, renewal, upgrade, or transfer of a commercial driver's license or endorsement. Directs the Secretary to assess the security risks associated with motor carrier transportation and develop prioritized recommendations for improving the security of hazmat shipments by motor carriers, among other things. Requires the Secretary to research and test the feasibility, costs, and benefits of requiring motor carriers transporting certain hazardous materials to install ignition or engine locking devices, silent alarms, satellite technology, or other mechanisms to increase security.
Bill· SS. 1754 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2001
Patent and Trademark Office Authorization Act of 2002 - Authorizes appropriations to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for salaries and expenses for FY 2002 through 2007 in an amount equal to all patent and trademark fees estimated by the Secretary of Commerce to be collected in each such fiscal year. Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and the Director of the Office (Director), by February 15 of each fiscal year, to report an estimate of all fees to be collected in the next fiscal year to the chairman and ranking member of specified congressional committees. Requires the Director to develop an electronic system for the filing and processing of patent and trademark applications that: (1) is user friendly; and (2) includes the necessary infrastructure to allow examiners and applicants to send all communications electronically, and to allow the Office to process, maintain, and search electronically the contents and history of each application. Requires the Director to develop and report to specified congressional committees on a five-year strategic plan to: (1) enhance patent and trademark quality; (2) reduce patent and trademark pendency; and (3) develop and implement an effective electronic system for use by the Office and the public for all aspects of the patent and trademark processes, including searching, examining, communicating, publishing, and making publicly available, patents and trademark registrations. Amends Federal patent law to provide that previous citation by or to, or consideration by the Office of, a patent or printed publication does not preclude the existence of a substantial new question of patentability in patent reexamination proceedings. Amends Federal patent law with respect to appeals in inter partes reexamination proceedings to allow a third-party requester to: (1) appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, with respect to any final decision favorable to the patentability of any original or proposed amended or new claim of the patent; and (2) be a party to any appeal taken by the patent owner, subject to the estoppel to assert at a later time in any civil action the invalidity of any claim finally determined to be valid and patentable on any ground which he or she raised or could have raised during such proceeding. Allows a third-party requester to appeal a decision of the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences. Provides that a third-party requester in an inter partes reexamination proceeding dissatisfied with the final decision in an appeal to the Board may appeal the decision only to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Bill· HRH.R. 3377 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2001
Houseboat Safety Improvement Act of 2001 - Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to prescribe rules regarding houseboat generator exhaust safety that: (1) set a standard that ensures that carbon monoxide from such exhaust is not expelled in a manner that would impair the safety of houseboat occupants or swimmers near the houseboat; (2) require a houseboat manufactured after a date specified by the Commandant to meet such safety standard; (3) require houseboat manufacturers that do not comply with such standard to issue a recall for such a houseboat in order to retrofit it to comply with the standard; and (4) require a person who commercially rents a houseboat, or commercially sells a used houseboat, to another person to inform them of the potential hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning from houseboat generator exhaust (particularly for houseboat occupants or nearby swimmers), if the houseboat was manufactured before the date set for compliance with the safety standard, and has not been retrofitted to comply with it.
Bill· SS. 1739 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Amends Federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to establish an Over-the-road Bus Security Fund in the Treasury, with amounts available to the Secretary of Transportation for direct grants to persons engaged in the business of providing over-the-road bus transportation for specified system-wide security upgrades, including the reimbursement of extraordinary security-related costs incurred since September 11, 2001.
Bill· SS. 1737 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Homeland Security Block Grant Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to make homeland security block grants to States, local governments, and Indian tribes. Requires grantees to: (1) prepare a statement of homeland security objectives and projected fund use; and (2) provide the Attorney General with a certification that they have developed a homeland security plan that meets short- and long-term security needs and that they will comply with applicable laws. Directs: (1) each grantee to submit to the Attorney General a performance and evaluation report concerning the use of funds, together with an assessment of the relationship of such use to security objectives; and (2) the Attorney General to encourage and assist national associations of eligible grantees, States, and local governments in non-qualifying areas to develop and recommend uniform record-keeping, performance reporting, evaluation reporting, and auditing requirements, to establish such requirements, and to make specified reviews and audits at least annually. Lists activities eligible for assistance under this Act, including funding additional law enforcement, fire, and emergency resources, improving cyber and infrastructure security, and devising a homeland security plan. Sets forth provisions regarding allocation and distribution of funds and matching requirements. Mandates nondiscrimination in programs and activities. Sets forth remedies for noncompliance with Act requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 3362 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Transported Air Pollution Mitigation Act of 2001 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require States to submit for each area (an "upwind area") that causes or significantly contributes to a violation of the national ambient air quality standard for ozone in another ("downwind") area an implementation plan revision that requires the upwind area to either: (1) reduce ozone or precursor emissions by an amount necessary to mitigate impacts in the downwind area commensurate with the contribution of the upwind area; or (2) compensate the State or an air quality district in amounts necessary to pay costs of emission reduction measures to fully mitigate in the downwind area the impacts of transported pollutants. Requires States, for each Moderate ozone nonattainment area determined to be such an upwind area, to submit a plan revision containing provisions for an enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance program required for Serious Areas. Imposes requirements analogous to those above upon upwind States (those that cause or significantly contribute to a violation of the national standard for ozone in an area in one or more other States). Requires maintenance plans for upwind areas and States (in cases of requests for redesignation of nonattainment areas) to be amended to include: (1) the enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance measures described in this Act; and (2) implementation of all measures concerning the pollutant concerned which were contained in the implementation plan as well as those not yet implemented that are necessary to fully mitigate transport of ozone and its precursors to downwind areas. Prohibits relaxation or rescission of control measures or rules in such upwind areas or States.
Bill· HRH.R. 3366 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2001
Metropolitan Washington Regional Transportation Act - Directs the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board to: (1) propose and develop a list of priority regional transportation projects (including those that cannot be funded with Federal, State, and local transportation funds) and regional funding mechanisms needed to address the growing congestion crisis in the metropolitan Washington region; (2) manage the Metropolitan Washington Regional Transportation Corporation to provide funding for such projects; (3) provide notice and opportunity for public comment; (4) promote cooperative action by metropolitan Washington region jurisdictions on regional transportation issues; and (5) if necessary, assist such jurisdictions in developing an interstate compact or agreement to better meet regional transportation needs. Authorizes one or more of the metropolitan Washington region jurisdictions to enter into an interstate compact or agreement to finance and implement one or more of the priority regional transportation projects from the Board's long-range plan if consent is granted by: (1) the Governor of each State that enters into the compact or agreement; and (2) the Mayor of the District of Columbia, if the District of Columbia enters into such compact or agreement. Establishes the Metropolitan Washington Regional Transportation Corporation, which shall assist in the management of any initial funding and implementation of an interstate agreement or compact to reduce traffic congestion or improve travel options in the metropolitan Washington region.
Bill· HRH.R. 3347 (107th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2001
General Aviation Industry Reparations Act of 2001 - Directs the President to take certain actions to compensate general aviation entities for losses incurred by them as a result of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, including to: (1) issue Federal credit instruments (including subsidy amounts for such instruments) to such entities; and (2) compensate them for direct losses incurred as a result of any Federal ground stop order issued by the Government and any incremental losses incurred as a direct result of such attacks. Authorizes the Air Transportation Stabilization Board to enter into agreements with one or more obligors to issue such instruments. Sets forth certain instrument and compensation requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide insurance or reinsurance, or reimbursement of insurance costs increases, to a general aviation entity against loss or damage arising from the operation of nonmilitary aircraft while in the United States. Defines "general aviation entity" to mean any person (other than an air carrier) that operates nonmilitary aircraft or provides aviation services directly related to nonmilitary aircraft or nonmilitary airport operations or relies on direct or indirect access to U.S. airspace to conduct its primary business as determined by the Secretary. Includes fixed based operators, flight schools, manufacturers of general aviation products, and persons engaged in nonscheduled commercial aviation enterprises.
Bill· SS. 1724 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Amends Federal highway provisions to provide that a veterans' cemetery shall be treated as a site for which a supplemental guide sign may be placed on any Federal-aid highway.
Bill· SS. 1726 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study, and report the results to specified congressional committees, the cost and feasibility of requiring security screening for all passengers, baggage, and mail, express, and other cargo on Amtrak trains. Requires the Secretary, as part of the study, to conduct a pilot program of random security screening of passengers and baggage at five of the ten busiest passenger rail stations served by Amtrak (including up to five additional rail stations served by Amtrak that are selected by the Secretary).
Bill· SS. 1728 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Maritime Security Advancement Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to give priority in awarding financial assistance for research and development to projects that are designed to: (1) make cargo more secure, better sealed and more tamper proof; (2) improve content labeling technology; and (3) foster innovations in physical handling of cargo to improve seaport security, reduce cargo theft, and mitigate the threat of seaport-related terrorism. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine technologies that provide the greatest security with respect to handling, labeling, sealing, and transportation of cargo.
Bill· SS. 1725 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2001
Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the passenger rail transportation security programs in Japan, members of the European Union, and other foreign countries in order to identify effective rail transportation security measures in use in their rail transportation systems, including innovative measures and screening procedures determined effective.
Bill· HRH.R. 3298 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2001
Provides that with respect to the use of the emergency fund authorized under Federal highway provisions to pay the costs of projects in response to the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001, notwithstanding otherwise applicable limitations: (1) the Federal cost share of each such project shall be 100 percent; and (2) the Secretary of Transportation may obligate more than $100 million in any one fiscal year and more than $100 million for those projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 3303 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2001
Requires a houseboat with an electric power generator to be equipped with a dry stack or other, certified carbon monoxide venting system.
Bill· HRH.R. 3296 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2001
Schoolbus Safety Act of 2001 - Amends Federal transportation law, except as otherwise provided, to prohibit a person from purchasing, renting, or leasing for use as a schoolbus a motor vehicle designed to carry ten or more passengers unless it complies with certain motor vehicle safety standards for schoolbuses and schoolbus equipment. Subjects such standards to motor vehicles used for the transport of postsecondary school students. Sets forth a civil penalty for any person who: (1) manufactures, sells, or imports into the United States any motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment that does not in comply with certain motor vehicle safety standards; and (2) otherwise violates the requirements of this Act.
Law· HRH.R. 3275 (107th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2001
Terrorist Bombings Convention Implementation Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit unlawfully detonating an explosive in or against a place of public use, a State or Government facility, a public transportation system, or an infrastructure facility with intent to cause: (1) death or serious bodily injury; or (2) extensive destruction likely to result in major economic loss. Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism Convention Implementation Act of 2001 - Prohibits unlawfully and willfully providing or collecting funds with the intention or knowledge that such funds are to be used to carry out: (1) an act which constitutes an offense within the scope of specified treaties, including conventions against terrorist bombings and crimes against aviation, internationally protected persons, or nuclear material; or (2) any other act intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to intimidate a population or to compel a government or an international organization to do or abstain from doing any act. Prohibits knowingly concealing or disguising the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of material support or resources to terrorists, of any funds provided or collected, or of any proceeds of such funds. Sets forth ancillary measures, including making "bombing of public places and facilities" a predicate offense to violations under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 3276 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2001
Hazardous Material Transportation Safety Reauthorization Act of 2001 - Amends Federal transportation law to subject the transportation of infectious substances to the Secretary of Transportation's general regulatory authority. Exempts owner-authorized action from the prohibition against tampering with the labeling of hazardous materials. Repeals current law regarding: (1) inspections of motor vehicles transporting highly radioactive material; (2) the Secretary's authority to prescribe criteria for handling hazardous material; (3) the requirement for Federal motor carrier safety permits; (4) the requirement that certain rail tank cars comply with specified air brake equipment support attachment standards; and (5) the mandate for 30 hazardous material safety inspectors more than the total authorized for FY 1990. Revises current law with respect to: (1) hazardous material (hazmat) employee training requirements and grants; (2) hazmat transporter registration; (3) three-year retention of shipping papers; (4) unsatisfactory safety ratings; (5) the public sector training curriculum; (6) exclusive monitoring by the Secretary of public-sector hazmat emergency response planning and training; (7) establishment of an Emergency Preparedness Fund account in the Treasury for planning and training grants; (8) special permits and exclusions; (9) exclusive authority of the Secretary to establish uniform forms and procedures for a State to register and issue permits; (10) general requirements for inspections, investigations, and emergency orders; and (11) increased civil penalties and criminal penalties for aggravated and willful offenses. Authorizes appropriations. Amends Federal postal service law to make hazardous material nonmailable and subject to specified civil penalties if mailed.
Bill· SS. 1667 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2001
Nuclear Energy Electricity Supply Assurance Act of 2001 - Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2001 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to extend the indemnification authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regarding licensees and nonprofit educational institutions. Makes such authority permanent with respect to Department of Energy (DOE) contractors. Revises guidelines governing: (1) licensee insurance premiums; and (2) liability and indemnification limits. Limits any civil penalty for a tax-exempt nonprofit contractor, subcontractor, or supplier to the amount of the performance fee paid by the Secretary. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to add two Assistant Secretaries of Energy to serve, respectively, as Director of: (1) the Office of Science; and (2) the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science, and Technology. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish or continue certain programs including: (1) specified nuclear energy research and technology programs; (2) investments to increase electricity capacity at commercial nuclear plants; (3) continued domestic capability for uranium mining, conversion, and enrichment industries; and (4) university nuclear engineering education research and infrastructure. Amends the USEC Privatization Act to prohibit the Secretary from selling surplus natural uranium and conversion services through 2006. Requires the sale of uranium hexaflouride. Authorizes the Secretary to place the Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plant into cold standby condition for a five-year period. Mandates a program to: (1) demonstrate the NRC Early Site Permit process; (2) evaluate opportunities for completion of partially constructed nuclear plants; (3) assess opportunities for Generation IV reactors; and (4) research potential licensing issues associated with new reactor technologies and designs. Declares electricity generated by a nuclear plant to be an environmentally preferable product. Conditions Federal funding for a domestic or international organization that supports electricity production facilities upon inclusion of emission-free electricity production facility projects that use nuclear fuel. Establishes the Office of Spent Nuclear Fuel Research to implement a research and development regarding treatment, recycling, and disposal of high-level nuclear radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct advanced fuel recycling technology research and development to promote electrometallurgical technology as a proliferation-resistant alternative to aqueous reprocessing; and (2) establish the Advanced Accelerator Applications Program. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to: (1) revise certain commercial license requirements; (2) repeal restrictions pertaining to foreign ownership of commercial licensees; and (3) grant firearms and arrest authority to employees of NRC licensees.
Bill· SS. 1669 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2001
Hazardous Material Transportation Safety Reauthorization Act of 2001 - Amends Federal transportation law to subject the transportation of infectious substances to the Secretary of Transportation's general regulatory authority. Exempts owner-authorized action from the prohibition against tampering with the labeling of hazardous materials. Repeals current law regarding: (1) inspections of motor vehicles transporting highly radioactive material; (2) the Secretary's authority to prescribe criteria for handling hazardous material; (3) the requirement for Federal motor carrier safety permits; (4) the requirement that certain rail tank cars comply with specified air brake equipment support attachment standards; and (5) the mandate for 30 hazardous material safety inspectors more than the total authorized for FY 1990. Revises current law with respect to: (1) hazardous material (hazmat) employee training requirements and grants; (2) hazmat transporter registration; (3) three-year retention of shipping papers; (4) unsatisfactory safety ratings; (5) the public sector training curriculum; (6) exclusive monitoring by the Secretary of public-sector hazmat emergency response planning and training; (7) establishment of an Emergency Preparedness Fund account in the Treasury for planning and training grants; (8) special permits and exclusions; (9) exclusive authority of the Secretary to establish uniform forms and procedures for a State to register and issue permits; (10) general requirements for inspections, investigations, and emergency orders; and (11) increased civil penalties and criminal penalties for aggravated and willful offenses. Authorizes appropriations. Amends Federal postal service law to make hazardous material nonmailable and subject to specified civil penalties if mailed.
Bill· HRH.R. 3262 (107th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2001
Merchant Marine Cost Parity Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create an alternative tax on qualifying shipping activities in U.S. foreign trade. Sets forth a formula for determining taxable income from such activities. Provides for the allocation of taxable income among all persons considered operators on the basis of their ownership and charter interests in a qualifying vessel. Sets forth the terms and conditions under which qualifying entities may make and revoke qualifying shipping tax elections, including the effects of temporarily ceasing to operate such a vessel or temporarily operating such a vessel in the U.S. domestic trade. Sets forth exclusions from gross income for electing entities. Allows a depreciation deduction for qualifying shipping assets for non-operating owners only. Disallows credits and deductions (including those for net operating loss) against tax imposed or income for electing corporations, as specified. Permits the sale and subsequent replacement of qualifying shipping assets without recognized gain, as specified. Treats certain income of merchant seaman as foreign earned income and therefore excludable from gross income. Makes qualified vessels eligible for a certificate of inspection, as specified. Authorizes crews and operators of such vessels to make superceding agreements concerning controlling liability and damages for a crew member's injury or death when such owner/operator has approved evidence of financial responsibility.
Law· SS. 1646 (107th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2001
Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to identify specified routes in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico as part of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor of the National Highway System.