Transport

MORE DOT Grants Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2023

More Opportunities for Rural Economies from DOT Grants Act or the MORE DOT Grants Act This bill revises the process for awarding grants to high-density public land counties and any units of tribal or local governments within such counties under certain Department of Transportation (DOT) programs. Examples of qualifying grant programs include the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program and the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). A high-density public land county is a county that has a population of not more than 100,000 people and in which the federal government owns or manages more than 50% of the land. For these jurisdictions, any requirement for local matching funds under a qualifying grant program must be reduced by 50%. On request, DOT must provide additional technical assistance to such jurisdictions before and during the annual application period for each qualifying grant program. DOT must also prioritize grant applications from such jurisdictions that have not received support under the qualifying grant program during the 10-year period preceding the date of the application. In approving applications for a qualifying grant program, DOT must give special consideration to an application from a high-density public land county or unit of local government within such a county with respect to any rural-set aside designated for the program. DOT may give special consideration to an application from a tribal government within such a county.

Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2023

Safe Landings Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2023

Hydrogen for Ports Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2023

Hydrogen for Ports Act This bill supports infrastructure for hydrogen-derived fuels, including ammonia, at ports and in the shipping industry. Specifically, the Department of Energy must establish a program for infrastructure that supports the use of such fuels at ports and in the shipping industry. States, local governments, tribal governments, certain private entities, and other eligible entities may apply for grants. 

A resolution recognizing December 17 as "Wright Brothers Day" and commemorating the 120th anniversary of the first powered flight.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2023

This resolution recognizes December 17 as Wright Brothers Day and commemorates December 17, 2023, as the 120th anniversary of Orville and Wilbur Wright's first flight.

Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2023

Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act This bill establishes the Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The monument is established within the National Park System to preserve, protect, and interpret resources associated with Black Wall Street, the Historic Greenwood District, and the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921.  (The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 occurred in the neighborhood of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, referred to as America's Black Wall Street. Racial violence resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Black residents and the displacement of thousands, in what came to be known as one of the worst racial attacks in U.S. history.) Under the bill, the Department of the Interior may acquire land within a specified area by donation, purchase, or exchange to constitute the monument.  Interior may enter into cooperative agreements with public or private entities to provide and facilitate interpretive and educational services, administrative support, and technical assistance related to the monument. Interior may also enter into agreements to mark or interpret significant historical or cultural resources or locations within the monument.  The bill also establishes a commission to advise Interior on the development and management of the monument, including the construction of visitor facilities and infrastructure. Members of the commission must serve without compensation. Interior must consult with the commission to prepare a management plan for the monument.

Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2023

Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System Act This bill provides statutory authority for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to (1) designate an authorized operator for the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS), and (2) allow the operator to collect and use fees for the CDLIS.  Under current law, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) must maintain an information system (i.e., the CDLIS) that serves as the clearinghouse and depository of information about the licensing, identification, and disqualification of operators of commercial vehicles. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) created the CDLIS and operates the system under an agreement with the FMCSA. Prior to October 1, 2023, AAMVA charged a user fee to states for the CDLIS. However, FMCSA directed AAMVA to suspend charging user fees to states for operation and maintenance of the system. This bill modifies the fee system requirements to specify that DOT may authorize a qualified operator to (1) operate, maintain, develop, modernize, and enhance the CDLIS; (2) collect fees for the system on behalf of DOT; and (3) use the collected fees. In addition, fees collected must be credited to an appropriation account or an account designated by the authorized operator. The bill also specifies that fees must be used to operate, maintain, develop, modernize, or enhance the CDLIS, including for related personnel and administration costs. Further, under the bill, DOT may not be charged a fee for access to, use of, or data in the CDLIS. DOT must also have access to quarterly fee statements. 

Allied Partnership and Port Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2023

PATH to College Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2023

Promoting Advancement Through Transit Help to College Act or the PATH to College Act This bill authorizes Department of Transportation (DOT) grants for improving transit connections for students at institutions of higher education. Specifically, grants must be used for projects such as (1) adding transit stops that serve campuses and connect to surrounding areas or other cities, (2) increasing the frequency of service or adjusting the transit time to allow students to get to and from their classes, or (3) providing for service operating costs. DOT may award the grants to partnerships of public transit providers and one or more community colleges, historically Black colleges and universities, tribal colleges and universities, or other minority-serving institutions.

Designating the main hearing room of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure as the "Chairman Don Young Hearing Room".

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2023

This resolution designates the main hearing room of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure as the Chairman Don Young Hearing Room and directs the Architect of the Capitol to place an engraved plaque indicating the new name over each of the doorways leading from the public hallway to the hearing room.

Incentivizing the Expansion of U.S. Ports Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2023

Port Modernization and Supply Chain Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2023

Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2023

Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act This bill authorizes certain construction grants under the Impact Aid program for four fiscal years. The Impact Aid program provides funding to local educational agencies (LEAs) that have lost property tax revenue due to the presence of tax-exempt federal property or to those that have experienced increased expenditures due to enrollment of federally connected children (e.g., children living on Indian lands or military bases). Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Education (ED), based on applications submitted by LEAs that are eligible to receive payments under the Impact Aid program, to establish a priority listing for grant awards based on facility condition. Further, ED must comply with specified requirements when making grant payments under this bill. For example, ED must provide a grant in full to an LEA that (1) has a facility in violation of a building code that represents a health hazard and which fails to meet other standards, and (2) has no capacity to issue bonds. ED must also require an LEA that has the capacity to issue bonds to pay a percentage of the total cost of the project supported with grant funds. ED must annually report to Congress on the projects carried out under this bill and make the report publicly available.

REAL Trucking Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2023

E-Bike Share Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2023

Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2023

Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2023 This bill establishes a new investment tax credit in the amount of 30% of the basis of any hydropower improvement property. The bill defines hydropower improvement property as property that adds or improves fish passage at a qualified dam; maintains or improves the quality of the water retained or released by a qualified dam; promotes downstream sediment transport and habitat maintenance; upgrades, repairs, or reconstructs a qualified dam to meet safety and security standards; improves public uses of, and access to, public waterways impacted by a qualified dam; removes an obsolete river obstruction; or places into service an approved remote dam. Further, written approval for hydropower improvement property must be obtained from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or state or local officials prior to January 1, 2032. The bill also allows an election to claim the investment tax credit for qualified progress expenses for some types of hydropower improvement property in advance of such property being placed into service. Any investment tax credit amount claimed for qualified progress expenses reduces the amount of the investment tax credit that may be claimed once the hydropower improvement property is placed into service.  The bill authorizes certain entities, including tax-exempt and governmental entities, to treat the investment tax credit for hydropower improvement property as a payment of tax and receive a refund of any overpayment (also known as elective pay).  Finally, the investment tax credit for hydropower improvement property may be transferred (i.e., sold).  

Incentivizing the Expansion of U.S. Ports Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2023

Port Modernization and Supply Chain Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2023

Allied Partnership and Port Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2023

To reinstate pilots fired or forced to resign because of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2023

This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to require air carriers to reinstate any pilot who was fired or forced to resign because of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

A bill to reinstate pilots fired or forced to resign because of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2023

This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to require air carriers to reinstate any pilot who was fired or forced to resign because of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

FLY Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2023

Fast Lane for Youths Act or the FLY Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to allow caregivers, parents, and guardians who already qualify for the TSA PreCheck program to accompany minors and passengers needing assistance to their flights. The TSA PreCheck program expedites traveler screening through participating TSA security checkpoints.  Specifically, the FAA and the TSA must collaborate to establish a system to expedite gate passes and flight access procedures for these individuals. The system must ensure that these caregivers, parents, and guardians are provided up to two gate passes.

SNORE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2023

NOTIFIED Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2023

F-AIR Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2023

REST Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2023

Restore Everyone's Sleep Tonight Act of 2023 or the REST Act of 2023 This bill authorizes an airport to impose an access restriction (i.e., a prohibition on the landing or takeoff of aircraft) between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. for aircraft, with exceptions. The authorization to impose the restriction does not apply to exceptional circumstances, such as (1) a scheduled flight that is delayed in takeoff or landing due to weather; (2) emergency flights; and (3) flights for the purpose of preserving life, health, or safety. An airport may impose a noise deterrence penalty on an air carrier or aircraft operator for a violation of the access restriction. The restriction does not apply to the operation of military, law enforcement, and U.S. Coast Guard flights. Further, the bill specifies that an airport may impose the restriction without approval or comment by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Transportation, any air carrier or aircraft operator, or any other entity.   

RESPECT Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2023

Responsive Employees Support Productive Educated Congressional Talk Act or the RESPECT Act  This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to respond in writing within 90 days to requests for data and information from Congress. Specifically, the FAA must substantively respond if the data is within the control of the FAA; and the data would be otherwise appropriate to provide if requested by an airline, an airport, a flight procedure proponent, an Aviation Roundtable, anyone not employed by the FAA, or via a Freedom of Information Act request from any individual or any entity. The FAA must also provide staff at a private or public meeting with a Member of Congress if certain conditions are met. 

APPRISE Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2023

No Kill Switches in Cars Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2023

No Kill Switches in Cars Act This bill repeals a requirement that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration prescribe a federal motor vehicle safety standard that requires certain passenger vehicles to be equipped with advanced drunk and impaired driving prevention technology. Currently, there is no federal motor vehicle safety standard that requires the technology. In general, advanced drunk and impaired driving prevention technology is a passive system that (1) monitors a driver's performance to identify driver impairment, or (2) accurately detects whether a driver's blood alcohol concentration is equal to or greater than 0.08%. The system must also prevent or limit vehicle operation if the system determines the driver may be intoxicated or impaired.

Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2023

Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act This bill establishes an apprenticeship program and a pilot program on cybersecurity. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency may establish one or more apprenticeship programs that lead directly to employment in a cybersecurity work role with the agency; or a position with a company or other entity, as prescribed by this bill. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shall establish a pilot program under which the VA shall provide cyber-specific training for members of the Armed Forces transitioning from service in the Armed Forces to civilian life and veterans. The bill extends through FY2025 the requirement for each federal agency to submit an annual report to the Office of Personnel Management that identifies information technology, cybersecurity, or other cyber-related work roles of critical need in the workforce of the agency.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2023

PIPES Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2023

Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2023, Part II

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2023

Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2023, Part II This bill temporarily extends specific Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs and activities through March 8, 2024. For example, the bill extends the FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilot programs (e.g., the UAS Test Site Program and the UAS remote detection and identification pilot program); weather reporting programs; Remote Tower Pilot Program; and Essential Air Service Program. The bill also extends authorization for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). (This program provides grants for planning, development, and noise compatibility projects at or associated with certain public-use airports.) Further, the bill extends through March 8, 2024, the FAA's authority for expenditures from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF) and to collect various taxes and fees to fund the AATF, including taxes on aviation fuel and airline tickets. (The AATF is the primary funding source for all major FAA accounts that fund federal aviation programs, with the remainder coming from general fund appropriations.)

Valve Safety Fairness Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2023

Hydrogen Safety and Environmental Responsibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2023

Hydrogen Safety and Environmental Responsibility Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to complete a study assessing the potential and existing use of pipelines constructed with composite materials to safely transport hydrogen and hydrogen blended with natural gas. In completing the study, DOT must hold a public meeting with interested stakeholders, release a draft version of the study for public comment, and address any substantive comments submitted during the public comment period. DOT must present the study's findings at a public meeting. Within 18 months of the public meeting, DOT must issue a rulemaking to allow for the use of composite materials for pipeline transportation of hydrogen and hydrogen blended with natural gas.

Voluntary Information-Sharing System Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2023

Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2023

Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 This bill allows livestock producers and their employees to take certain actions against black vultures to protect livestock. (Black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.) Specifically, livestock producers and their employees may (1) take (i.e., capture, kill, or disperse, or transport the carcass of) a black vulture that they reasonably believe will cause death, injury, or destruction to livestock; or (2) in the course of taking or attempting to take the black vulture, cause injury to the bird. However, they may not take or attempt to take a black vulture through the use of poison. Livestock producers and their employees must submit an annual report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on black vultures taken under this bill. The FWS must make this reporting form available on its website. Currently, the FWS has a permit process under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for the taking of black vultures.

Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2023

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of a National Move Over Law Day.

United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2023

This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of a National Move Over Law Day. It also urges national, state, and regional incident management organizations to spread awareness and promote the existence of, and adherence to, state move over laws. Move over laws generally require motorists to move at least one lane over when an emergency or rescue activity is taking place on the shoulder or side of the roadway, or, if the motorist is unable to do so safely, to slow down and pass the scene with caution.

UNLEADED Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2023

Undoing National Lead Emissions through Authorizing Directed Education from DOT Act or the UNLEADED Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish and disseminate an education program to provide information about new unleaded aviation gasoline authorized for use in aircraft and aircraft engines by the FAA. Specifically, the FAA must publish the information on an FAA website or a public website for general aviation pilots, flight schools, airport managers and operators, aircraft maintenance technicians, fixed-base operators, and other members of the general aviation community. The bill includes specific information requirements, such as the FAA must provide information about the status of all variations of unleaded aviation gasoline undergoing evaluation and authorization for use by the FAA. The FAA must also facilitate annual education and training for leadership and staff of fixed-base operators (in coordination with the general aviation industry, fuel providers, and fixed-based operators) to ensure that individuals assisting with transporting and handling unleaded aviation gasoline are informed of fuel type differences and the impacts such fuels have on airplanes. The FAA must periodically brief Congress on the status of, and any findings with respect to, the education program.

To require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a study to compare the effects of allowing certain aircraft certified under part 23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to operate under part 121 of such title, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2023

A resolution designating November 26, 2023, as "Drive Safer Sunday".

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2023

This resolution designates November 26, 2023, as Drive Safer Sunday and encourages the people of the United States to use the Sunday after Thanksgiving as an opportunity to educate themselves about highway safety.

Alleviating Spaceport Traffic by Rewarding Operators Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2023

Alleviating Spaceport Traffic by Rewarding Operators Act of 2023 This bill allows the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a pilot grant program for projects to construct, repair, maintain, or improve transportation infrastructure and facilities for space launch and reentry sites.  Launch and reentry site operators may use the grants for projects that (1) are located at, or adjacent to, a launch or reentry site; (2) directly enable or support transportation safety or transportation activities (i.e., the movement of people or property to, from, or within a launch site); and (3) are made generally available (subject to reasonable commercial terms). DOT may also issue a supplemental matching grant to an operator of a launch or reentry site.

IMAGINE Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2023

STAR Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2023

DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2023

DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act This bill requires the Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture to carry out cross-cutting and collaborative research and development activities through the establishment of an interagency agreement. The agencies are authorized to (1) carry out reimbursable agreements in order to maximize research and development effectiveness, and (2) collaborate with other federal agencies. Further, the interagency agreement must require the use of a competitive, merit-reviewed process, which considers applications from federal agencies, national laboratories, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit institutions. Research and development activities may include collaborative research in a variety of focus areas such as integrated natural resources and the energy-water nexus, biofuels and biobased products, invasive species management, grid modernization and security, and rural technology development; developing methods to accommodate large voluntary standardized and integrated data sets on agricultural, environmental, supply chain, and economic information; supporting research infrastructure and workforce development; and conducting collaborative research and development on ways to improve agriculture operations and processing efficiencies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

IMAGINE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2023

Indian Buffalo Management Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2023

Indian Buffalo Management Act This bill establishes a program within the Department of the Interior to develop and promote tribal ownership and management of buffalo and buffalo habitat on Indian lands. Specifically, the bill requires Interior to (1) enter into contracts, award grants, and provide technical assistance to Indian tribes and tribal organizations for activities related to buffalo restoration or management; (2) consult with tribes and tribal organizations on initiatives that affect buffalo or buffalo habitat, including efforts to contain or eradicate diseased buffalo; and (3) develop a policy relating to buffalo and buffalo habitat management activities on Indian land. Additionally, Interior may enter into agreements with tribes or tribal organizations to transport surplus buffalo from federal land onto Indian land.

Stopping Illicit Oil Shipments Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2023

Wings for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2023

Wings for Veterans Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a pilot program to award grants to up to 10 flight schools to provide flight training for eligible veterans. Under the bill, an  eligible veteran  includes an individual who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service and who was honorably discharged, meets the requirements to obtain at least a second class medical certificate, and certifies an intent to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. Flight schools may use grants for (1) the provision of guidance and pilot training services (including tuition and flight training fees); (2) the provision of related books, training materials, and equipment; and (3) program administrative costs. DOT must submit a report to Congress on the program and related issues.