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351 records in 2003
Austria · National Council · 12 August 2003
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Evelin Lichtenberger, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend geplante Verordnung zur Übertragung von Zuständigkeiten an den Österreichischen Aero Club (ÖAeC)
Austria · National Council · 12 August 2003
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Anton Heinzl, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend das Nichthalten von Reisezügen in der Landeshauptstadt St. Pölten
Austria · National Council · 12 August 2003
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Erika Scharer, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Verkauf des ÖBB-eigenen Kraftwerks Uttendorf
Austria · National Council · 12 August 2003
Antrag der Abgeordneten Anita Fleckl, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend das Projekt "Neue Südbahn" und die raschestmögliche Realisierung des Semmering-Basis-Tunnels als Teile des transeuropäischen Netzes
Austria · National Council · 12 August 2003
Unselbständiger Entschließungsantrag der Abgeordneten DDr. Erwin Niederwieser, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Bewältigung der Transitproblematik durch Einführung des LKW-Road-Pricing ohne weiteren Aufschub, Fertigstellung des Brenner-Basistunnels unter Beteiligung der Europäischen Union sowie Vorlage eines Konzepts zur Verlängerung des Transitvertrages
Austria · National Council · 12 August 2003
Unselbständiger Entschließungsantrag der Abgeordneten Mag. Karin Hakl, Klaus Wittauer, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Reduzierung schädlicher Auswirkungen des Verkehrs in ökosensiblen Zonen wie den Alpentälern durch Fortführung des Ökopunktesystems bis zum Inkrafttreten der EU-Wegekostenrichtlinie
European Union · European Commission · 11 August 2003
European Union · European Commission · 1 August 2003
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
Tribal Parity Act - Amends the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act to increase from $39.3 million to $176,398,012 the aggregate amount to be deposited into the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund by the Secretary of the Treasury to provide compensation to the Lower Brule Tribe of South Dakota for damage to tribal land caused by Pick-Sloan projects along the Missouri River. Amends the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act of 1996 to increase from $27.5 million to $100,244,040 the aggregate amount to be deposited into the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund by the Secretary to provide compensation to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe of South Dakota for such damage.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2003
National Highway Borders and Trade Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish and implement a coordinated border infrastructure program under which the Secretary shall make allocations to border States (i.e., States with a common boundary with Canada or Mexico) for projects within a border region (the portion of a border State located within 100 kilometers of a land border crossing with Canada or Mexico) to improve the safe movement of people and goods at or across the U.S.-Canadian and U.S.-Mexican borders. Permits allocations to States to be used in a border region only for specified: (1) improvements to transportation and supporting infrastructure that facilitate cross-border vehicle and cargo movement; (2) construction of highways and related safety and safety enforcement facilities; (3) operational improvements; (4) international coordination of planning, programming, and border operation; (5) projects in Canada or Mexico proposed by border States that directly and predominantly facilitate cross-border vehicle and commercial cargo movements; and (6) planning and environmental studies. Directs the Secretary to allocate among border States funds based on a formula which takes into consideration the average annual weight of cargo entering a border State by commercial vehicles across the international borders and the average trade value of all cargo imported and exported. Sets the Federal cost share of projects under this Act at 80 percent. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to allocate funds to States for coordinated planning, design, and construction of corridors of national significance.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2003
Passenger Rail Investment Reform Act - Amends Federal transportation law to require the restructuring of Amtrak into successor corporations named the Passenger Rail Service Provider (Provider) and the Passenger Rail Infrastructure Manager (Manager). Reorganizes the Board of Directors into a transition board, which shall prepare the restructuring plan. Grants the Provider the exclusive right for three years to continue to provide intercity passenger rail service currently provided by Amtrak; but after three years only under a contract. Grants the Manager the exclusive right for six years to continue to provide the dispatching, maintenance, and infrastructure services currently provided by Amtrak; but after six years only under a contract. Authorizes the States and the District of Columbia that constitute the Northeast Corridor (NEC) to enter into a multistate Northeast Corridor Compact, subject to congressional approval, to provide passenger rail service and conduct related activities in the NEC. Establishes a Northeast Corridor Compact Commission to prepare such compact, which shall provide for full authority for 99 years to succeed to the responsibilities of Amtrak as NEC operator, subject to a 99-year lease from the Department of Transportation. Prescribes general requirements of the compact to protect employee interests. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to develop a program for employee transition assistance. Authorizes the Secretary, after the first fiscal year following enactment of this Act, to make grants for operating assistance, according to a specified formula, to reimburse operators of long-distance routes and corridor feeder routes for their intercity passenger rail operating expenses. Specifies conditions and limitations on the availability of grants to Amtrak, including preparation of a capital spending plan, before its successor corporations are established and commence operations. Prescribes procedures for redemption and disposition of Amtrak stock and the transfer of assets to the successor corporations and/or the Compact, as well as real estate, facilities, and secured debt. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to an applicant State, interstate compact, or public agency to assist in financing the capital costs of facilities and equipment necessary to provide intercity passenger rail transportation. Authorizes interested States to enter into interstate compacts for corridor development.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2003
American Rail Equity Act of 2003 - Amends Federal transportation law to establish a National Passenger Rail Office in the Federal Transit Administration of the Department of Transportation to carry out specified responsibilities for the national passenger railroad system. Includes within such system: (1) the segment of the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between Boston, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C.; (2) designated high-speed rail corridors; (3) long-distance routes of more than 750 miles between endpoints currently operated by the National Passenger Rail Corporation (Amtrak); and (4) short-distance corridors or routes operated by Amtrak. Declares that Amtrak shall not be required to be operated or managed as a for-profit corporation. Limits the responsibility of Amtrak to operations relating to the provision of intercity and commuter rail passenger transportation, the transportation of mail and express, auto-ferry transportation, related marketing, and facilities for the maintenance of necessary rolling stock. Requires the Office to determine whether each Amtrak route met its 80 percent on-time performance goal during the most recent performance period. Prohibits the Office from discontinuing an Amtrak route unless Amtrak failed to meet its on-time performance goal for such route in three out of the immediately preceeding five years.Declares that Amtrak shall forfeit to the Office the right to provide passenger rail transportation on any route on which Amtrak failed to meet its goal during the most recent performance period. Requires the Office to lease such forfeited right to an appropriate person or entity. Requires the Office on a quarterly basis to identify advisable rail infrastructure improvement projects, and make grants for such projects. Provides for high-speed corridor planning and grants to assist States or compacts of States to establish corridors for high-speed rail service. Establishes a non-profit non-governmental Rail Infrastructure Finance Corporation to provide financial support, through issuance of qualified rail infrastructure bonds, for rail transportation capital projects. Authorizes the Board of the Finance Corporation to make grants to States, compacts of States, or Amtrak for intercity passenger rail capital projects. Limits the total amount of such grants for the NEC to 25 percent of the total amount available. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit to holders of qualified rail infrastructure bonds. Amends Federal transportation law to authorize each State to prepare a rail plan that: (1) sets forth State policy for all freight and passenger rail transportation, including commuter rail operations; and (2) establishes or designates a State rail transportation authority to prepare and administer the plan, as well as a State rail plan approval authority to approve it, subject to the Secretary's approval. Authorizes the Secretary to designate high priority freight and passenger rail capital projects included in a State rail plan that focus on key rail congestion points selected on the basis of national benefits to the rail transportation system, and coordinated with the national rail plan.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
E-911 Implementation Act of 2003 - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish an E-911 Implementation Coordination Office to facilitate coordination between Federal, State, and local emergency communications systems, telecommunications carriers, and telecommunications equipment manufacturers and vendors involved in the implementation of E-911 (enhanced emergency) services. Directs the Assistant Secretary to provide grants to eligible entities for the implementation of phase II E-911 services through planning, infrastructure improvements, telecommunications equipment purchases, and personnel training. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review twice each year: (1) the taxes, fees, or other charges imposed by States and appearing on telecommunications customers' bills that are designated for delivering or improving E-911 services; and (2) the use of revenue derived from such charges. Directs the FCC to revise its regulations to provide that a public safety answering point in any State shall not be considered to have a mechanism in place for recovering its cost of phase II enhanced 911 service during any period that such State continues, after a 30-day grace period, to fail to certify that no portion of such derived revenue has been obligated or expended for any other purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Consumer's Relocation Protection Act of 2003 - Authorizes States to exercise authority over motor carriers that engage in the intrastate transportation of household goods. Authorizes a State attorney general to bring a civil action against such a carrier in U.S. district court for injunctive relief and for a civil penalty. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) prescribe practices and procedures that ensure the fair and equitable treatment of individual shippers that utilize brokers of household goods; (2) establish a working group of State attorneys general, State consumer protection administrators, and Federal and local law enforcement officials; (3) establish a complaint handling system to log individual shipper informal complaints, an annual complaint database, and a procedure for public access to such data; and (4) require an annual report from each motor carrier and freight forwarder providing household goods transportation. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for holding household goods hostage (defined as refusing to relinquish a shipment upon payment of not more than 100 percent of a binding estimate for shipment plus the charges for additional services performed). Sets additional requirements for registration of motor carriers of household goods. Requires every motor carrier providing transportation of household goods to: (1) conduct a physical survey of the goods to be transported and provide the shipper with a written estimate of charges; and (2) prepare a written inventory of all articles tendered by an individual shipper and accepted by the carrier. Sets civil penalties for brokers violating this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Railroad Competition Act of 2003 - Amends Federal transportation law to specify the primary objectives of U.S. rail transportation policy. Requires submission to arbitration of certain rail rate, service, and other disputes. Prohibits the Surface Transportation Board (STB) from issuing a certificate authorizing construction and operation of railroad lines, or exempt from such certificate requirement any related activity, that involves a transfer of interest in a line of railroad, from a Class I rail carrier to a Class II or III rail carrier, if the activity directly or indirectly would result in a restriction of: (1) the ability of the Class II or Class III rail carrier to interchange traffic with other carriers; or (2) competition between or among rail carriers in the region affected by the activity in a manner or to an extent that would violate Federal antitrust laws. Prescribes a procedure for shipper petition and STB review of any activity alleged to have resulted in a restricition of competition for at least ten years. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the STB to require: (1) a rail carrier's terminal facilities to be used by another rail carrier subject to certain conditions; and (2) rail carriers to enter into reciprocal switching agreements. Prohibits the STB, in either instance, from requiring evidence of anticompetitive conduct by a rail carrier from which such access is sought. Requires a rail carrier, upon shipper request, to establish a rate for transportation and provide requested service between any two points on the carrier's system where traffic originates, terminates, or may reasonably be interchanged. Specifies matters the carrier must disregard when establishing such rate. Specifies matters the STB must disregard when determining the reasonableness of a shipper-challenged rate established by a rail carrier with market dominance. Prohibits the STB from charging a fee for the filing of a complaint, protest, or other request for relief in an amount greater than fees charged by U.S. district courts for a comparable filing. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct comprehensive triennial studies on rail carrier competition and STB processes. Requires to STB to designate any State or part of a State as an area of inadequate rail competition after finding that: (1) it encompasses a significant number of rail shipping origins and destinations served exclusively by only one Class I railroad; or (2) a significant number of the persons that ship by rail or receive rail shipments in it usually find it necessary to pay rates exceeding a certain mark, or have experienced competitive disadvantage in the marketplace or other economic adversity because of high cost or poor rail service quality. Specifies actions the STB may take to resolve such anti-competitive conditions. Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish within the Department of Agriculture an Office of Rail Customer Advocacy, headed by a Rail Customer Advocate who shall: (1) collect information on the cost and efficiency of rail transportation of agricultural and forestry commodities or products; (2) perform related studies; and (3) participate as a party in STB proceedings regarding regulation of such transportation, as well as to initiate any petitions for STB action.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold specified apportionments of Federal-aid highway funds (five percent for FY 2006 and ten percent for each fiscal year thereafter under the National Highway System component, the surface transportation program, and Interstate maintenance component) from a State that fails to comply with the requirement that any individual over age 79 successfully complete a test to determine competency to operate a motor vehicle as a condition receiving or renewing a driver's license.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a flexibility incentive grant pilot program to encourage States to establish new sources of revenue for transit projects and services. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States that: (1) increase their expenditures for transit projects and other services; or (2) dedicate State revenues specifically for transit projects and services.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
National Health Information Infrastructure Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to appoint a National Health Information Officer (the Officer) for the Department of Health and Human Services to maintain national leadership in the planning, development, and adoption of a national health information infrastructure (the infrastructure). Directs the Officer, in cooperation with key stakeholders, to develop a strategic plan for such infrastructure which shall contain various components, including a national agenda to guide policymaking, technology investments, and research. Specifies certain goals for the infrastructure, which include minimizing preventable medical errors and reducing redundant paperwork. Directs the Officer to advise the Secretary on various topics, including to help make an assessment of the best current practices in the development, purchase, and maintenance of medical information technology. Directs the Secretary to develop or adopt (and to periodically update) voluntary, national data and communications standards that promote the interoperability of health information technology systems across all public and private health care settings. Allows the Secretary to: (1) enter into contracts to carry out this Act; and (2) test potential national data and communications standards.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Real Solutions to World Hunger Act of 2003 - Makes it unlawful for any person to ship, or offer to ship, or for any carrier or person to transport, or receive for transportation, to any foreign country, any genetically engineered animal, plant, or seed (as defined by this Act) if the person knows or has reason to believe that the engineered article will be used to produce an agricultural commodity if: (1) such article was denied Federal approval for U.S. marketing, or its application for approval was withdrawn; or (2) the foreign government has not certified that related ecological impacts of such article have been satisfactorily mitigated. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to designated international research institutions to promote development of sustainable agricultural techniques (which may not derive any genetic engineered material) that rely on minimum artificial inputs to meet developing countries' food and fiber needs. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the United States Executive Director at each international financial institution to make no effort to encourage the institution from prohibiting countries eligible for certain assistance from requiring compulsory licensing of genetically engineered animals, plants or seeds. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a tax on a corporation equal to one percent of its gross income that is attributable to the U.S. marketing of any genetically engineered organism (as defined by this Act), or the holding of a patent on any such organism; and (2) establish in the Treasury the Sustainable Agriculture Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Modifies the definition of "transportation enhancement activities" to include installation of baby changing stations at public rest areas (thus authorizing such installation at public rest areas along Federal-aid highways).
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Growing Smarter Through Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2003 - Amends Federal highway and transportation law to instruct the pertinent metropolitan planning organizations to coordinate development of long-range highway and transit plans with affected units of general purpose local government in order to ensure consistency with local land use plans.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Orphan Highway Restoration Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants and provide technical assistance to States and local governments to: (1) perform preventive maintenance on or carry out projects for resurfacing, restoration, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of orphan highways; and (2) rehabilitate, repair, or construct sidewalks, medians, bike lanes, traffic-calming devices, signaling, or signage to enhance community livability on or adjacent to such highways. Defines "orphan highway" as one that: (1) is or was formerly a United States numbered highway; (2) is located within the boundaries of a local government (which includes an Indian Tribe); (3) is no longer a principal route for traffic passing through the State after construction of a bypass or Interstate; (4) currently functions as a county, parish, or city arterial or collector route or provides access to or within Federal or tribal lands; and (5) because of decreased importance to statewide transportation has received only routine maintenance, but needs significant resurfacing, restoration, reconstruction, or rehabilitation. Specifies projects to receive funding priority, such as those that include rehabilitation measures that focus on pedestrian safety, that are coordinated with State and local adopted preservation plans, that promote cost-effective and strategic investments in transportation infrastructure that minimizes adverse environmental impacts, or that foster public-private partnerships. Sets forth provisions regarding fund distribution and the Federal cost share.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to review the proposed project for construction of a remote passenger check-in facility at Los Angeles International Airport. Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration from allowing construction of the project until the Secretary has completed his review and has determined that the project will protect the safety and security of air passengers and the public and will offer greater protection than is currently available.
Austria · Federal Council · 24 July 2003
Anfrage der Bundesräte Albrecht Konecny, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend "Onkel Franks Hütten" <i>(unentgeltliche Benützung eines Appartements des Dipl.-Ing.</i> <i>Thomas Prinzhorn durch Bundesminister Hubert Gorbach laut</i> <i>Artikel in der Zeitschrift "Format")</i>
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to permit Federal participation in construction projects for the Mackinac Bridge Authority, Michigan, without regard to statutory limitations on the use of toll revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Metropolitan Washington Regional Transportation Act - Directs the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board to: (1) allocate Federal funds received by the Board among projects of regional significance; (2) propose a list of priority transportation projects; (3) propose a regional funding mechanism to fund the needed projects; (4) manage the Metropolitan Washington Regional Transportation Corporation to provide funding for such projects; (5) provide notice and opportunity for public comment; (6) conduct outreach and education activities to promote public participation; (7) promote cooperative action by metropolitan Washington regional jurisdictions on regional transportation issues; and (8) 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 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.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Reforming, Accelerating, and Protecting Interstate Design (RAPID) Act - Authorizes a State transportation department or local transportation agency to award a multimodal transportation project that is located within the boundaries of a donor State (a State that receives a percentage of Highway Trust Fund apportionments and allocations that is less than the percentage attributable to tax payments from highway users in that State), that is within a network of interconnected corridors, that is privately financed, and that contains multiple transportation modes (including highway and rail and utility corridors), using any procurement process permitted by applicable State and local law. Allows a donor State to authorize a consultant under a contract for such a project to prepare an environmental impact assessment relating to a segment of the project of less than independent utility and without logical termini. Increases the Federal cost share of certain activities carried out within a donor State. Makes a limitation on the use of toll revenues inapplicable to a donor State. Allows the total amount of funds paid from the Highway Account to a State for construction of a highway, bridge, or tunnel within the boundaries of that State to be repaid to the Secretary of Transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Intermodal Equipment Safety and Responsibility Act of 2003 - Subjects an equipment controller to liability for the systematic inspection, maintenance, and repair of equipment interchanged or intended for interchange. Requires an equipment controller: (1) prior to offering a motor carrier agent the equipment for interchange, to inspect the equipment and perform maintenance and repairs to the equipment to ensure that it complies with all applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations; and (2) to promptly reimburse the motor carrier for actual expenses incurred and time spent by the motor carrier for any repair required to interchanged equipment to comply with the Regulations while in a motor carrier's possession. Makes an equipment controller liable for all violations of the Regulations attributable to the controller's equipment. Directs the controller to pay any applicable fines, penalties, and damages resulting from such violations, except for violations attributable to the controller's equipment that are proximately caused by the motor carrier's negligence or willful misconduct. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to conduct inspections. Prohibits an equipment controller from: (1) retaliating against a motor carrier who requests maintenance or repair of equipment intended for interchange to comply with the Regulations; and (2) delegating its responsibility to systematically maintain and repair equipment intended for interchange to a motor carrier in an equipment interchange agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Hawaii Agriculture/Livestock Shipping Open Market Act of 2003 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, to make the requirement that all cargo shipping between U.S. ports occur exclusively on U.S. flagged vessels inapplicable with respect to transportation in Hawaii noncontiguous trade of merchandise that is a forest product, agricultural product, or livestock on a foreign qualified freight vessel for which the Secretary of Transportation has issued a certificate of documentation. Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to repeal certain requirements regarding: (1) the percentage of ownership of a corporation operating in coastwise trade owned by U.S. citizens; and (2) seizure and forfeiture of documented vessels. Requires jurisdiction for an action brought for recovery for injury to or death of a seaman against a defendant employer that does not reside or maintain an office in the United States and that engages in any enterprise that makes use of one or more ports in the United States to be under the district court most proximate to the place of the occurrence of the personal injury or death that is the subject of the action. Authorizes the employer of a master or member of the crew of a vessel, at the employer's election, to participate in an authorized compensation plan under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Subjects all vessels operating in the U.S. coastwise trade to minimum international labor and environmental standards. Sets requirements for non-citizens irregularly engaging in the U.S. domestic coastwise trade.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Hawaii Shipping Open Market Act of 2003 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, to make the requirement that all cargo shipping between U.S. ports occur exclusively on U.S. flagged vessels inapplicable with respect to transportation in Hawaii noncontiguous trade of merchandise on a foreign qualified freight vessel for which the Secretary of Transportation has issued a certificate of documentation. Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to repeal certain requirements regarding: (1) the percentage of ownership of a corporation operating in coastwise trade owned by U.S. citizens; and (2) seizure and forfeiture of documented vessels. Requires jurisdiction for an action brought for recovery for injury to or death of a seaman against a defendant employer that does not reside or maintain an office in the United States and that engages in any enterprise that makes use of one or more ports in the United States to be under the district court most proximate to the place of the occurrence of the personal injury or death that is the subject of the action. Authorizes the employer of a master or member of the crew of a vessel, at the employer's election, to participate in an authorized compensation plan under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Subjects all vessels operating in the U.S. coastwise trade to minimum international labor and environmental standards. Sets requirements for non-citizens irregularly engaging in the U.S. domestic coastwise trade.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
United States Noncontiguous Shipping Open Market Act of 2003 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, to make the requirement that all cargo shipping between U.S. ports occur exclusively on U.S. flagged vessels inapplicable with respect to transportation in noncontiguous trade of merchandise on a foreign qualified freight vessel for which the Secretary of Transportation has issued a certificate of documentation. Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to repeal certain requirements regarding: (1) the percentage of ownership of a corporation operating in coastwise trade owned by U.S. citizens; and (2) seizure and forfeiture of documented vessels. Requires jurisdiction for an action brought for recovery for injury to or death of a seaman against a defendant employer that does not reside or maintain an office in the United States and that engages in any enterprise that makes use of one or more ports in the United States to be under the district court most proximate to the place of the occurrence of the personal injury or death that is the subject of the action. Authorizes the employer of a master or member of the crew of a vessel, at the employer's election, to participate in an authorized compensation plan under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Subjects all vessels operating in the U.S. coastwise trade to minimum international labor and environmental standards. Sets requirements for non-citizens irregularly engaging in the U.S. domestic coastwise trade.
European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 24 July 2003
Austria · Federal Council · 23 July 2003
Anfrage der Bundesräte Hans Ager, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Leistungsbilanz der Ressorts für das Bundesland Tirol
Austria · Federal Council · 23 July 2003
Anfrage der Bundesräte Gottfried Kneifel, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Leistungsbilanz der Ressorts für das Bundesland Oberösterreich
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2003
Border Health Security Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the United States members of the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission (the members), to award grants to eligible entities (as defined by this section) to address priorities and recommendations to improve the health of border residents that are established by the Secretary, the members, and the State border health offices. Sets forth uses for grant funds, including for programs relating to: (1) maternal and child health; (2) substance abuse; and (3) environmental health. Directs the Secretary to award grants to eligible entities (as defined by this section) for bioterrorism preparedness in the border area. Sets forth uses for grant funds, including for the: (1) improvement of infrastructure; and (2) education and training of clinicians, epidemiologists, laboratories, and emergency personnel. Allows the Secretary to coordinate with the Secretary of Homeland Security a health alert system that: (1) alerts clinicians and public health officials of emerging disease clusters and syndromes along the border area; and (2) is alerted to health threats or bioterrorism along the border area.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2003
Modern-Day Marshall Plan for Eurasia and the Middle East Act of 2003 - Declares that it shall be the policy of the United States to (1) promote stable democracies and market economies in Eurasia and the Middle East, and (2) encourage dialogue between U.S. officials and human rights organizations, civic organizers, politicians, and activists to further democratic reform and economic stability in developing countries there, and (3) encourage dialogue between U.S. officials and the private sector regarding the opening of markets and transparency in business in Eurasia and the Middle East. Authorizes the President to establish and implement a program to provide economic assistance for the developing countries of Eurasia and the Middle East to foster political stability through programs which promote: (1) economic growth, trade, education and infrastructure; (2) health; and (3) democracy building and human rights. Requires the President to urge other appropriate countries to provide similar assistance.
European Union · EUR-Lex · 22 July 2003
Austria · Federal Council · 21 July 2003
Anfrage der Bundesräte Jürgen Weiss, Christoph Hagen, Ilse Giesinger, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Alkoholkontrollen bei Bootsführern auf dem Bodensee
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2003
Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act - Makes appropriations for FY 2004 for the Departments of Commerce, of Justice and of State, the judiciary and related agencies. Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2004 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Justice (DOJ) for FY 2004 for: (1) general administration; (2) the U.S. Parole Commission; (3) legal activities; (4) the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (5) the Foreign Terrorist Tracking Task Force; (6) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; (7) the Federal prison system; and (8) Office of Justice programs. Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 - Makes appropriations for FY 2004 for: (1) the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; (2) the International Trade Commission; (3) the International Trade Administration; (4) the Bureau of Industry and Security; (5) the Economic Development Administration; (6) the Minority Business Development Agency; (7) economic and statistical analysis programs; (8) the Bureau of the Census; (9) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; (10) public telecommunications facilities planning and construction grants; (11) information infrastructure grants; (12) the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; (13) the Under Secretary for Technology/Office of Technology Policy; (14) the National Institute of Standards and Technology; (15) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); (16) restoration of Pacific salmon populations; (17) the fisheries finance program account; and (18) departmental management, including for the Office of Inspector General. Judiciary Appropriations Act, 2004 - Makes appropriations to the Judiciary for FY 2004 for: (1) the U.S. Supreme Court; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; (3) the U.S. Court of International Trade; (4) the courts of appeals, district courts, and other judicial services; (5) the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts; (6) the Federal Judicial Center; (7) judiciary retirement funds; and (8) the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Department of State and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2004 - Makes appropriations for the Department of State for FY 2004 for: (1) administration of foreign affairs; (2) international organizations; and (3) the Broadcasting Board of Governors. Makes appropriations for FY 2004 for the: (1) the Antitrust Modernization Commission; (2) Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (3) Commission on Civil Rights; (4) Commission on International Religious Freedom; (5) Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (6) Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China; (7) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; (8) Federal Communications Commission; (9) the Federal Trade Commission; (10) Legal Services Corporation; (11) Marine Mammal Commission; (12) National Veterans Business Development Corporation; (13) Securities and Exchange Commission; (14) Small Business Administration; and (15) State Justice Institute. Rescinds certain unobligated balances available to the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice for: (1) State and local law enforcement assistance; and (2) community oriented policing services.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2003
Border Health Security Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the United States members of the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission (the members), to award grants to eligible entities (as defined by this section) to address priorities and recommendations to improve the health of border residents that are established by the Secretary, the members, and the State border health offices. Sets forth uses for grant funds, including for programs relating to: (1) maternal and child health; (2) substance abuse; and (3) environmental health. Directs the Secretary to award grants to eligible entities (as defined by this section) for bioterrorism preparedness in the border area. Sets forth uses for grant funds, including for the: (1) improvement of infrastructure; and (2) education and training of clinicians, epidemiologists, laboratories, and emergency personnel. Allows the Secretary to coordinate with the Secretary of Homeland Security a health alert system that: (1) alerts clinicians and public health officials of emerging disease clusters and syndromes along the border area; and (2) is alerted to health threats or bioterrorism along the border area.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2003
American Indian Welfare Reform Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) reauthorize and extend tribal family assistance grants; (2) replace grants for Indian tribes under the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Training Program with tribal human services program infrastructure improvement and other tribal TANF improvement grants; (3) reauthorize and extend the bonus to reward high performance States; (4) reauthorize and extend the contingency fund for State Welfare Programs; and (5) provide for payments to Indian tribes with approved tribal family assistance plans that are operating in situations of increased economic hardship. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit Indian tribes to issue tax-exempt qualified Indian private activity bonds. Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to establish a set-aside for job access and reverse commute grants to Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Amends SSA title IV part A to provide for grants for: (1) improving the access of Indian families with children to dependable, affordable automobiles to improve their employment opportunities and access to training; and (2) tribal employment services program. Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 with respect to benefits of Indian children. Amends SSA title IV part A to ensure equitable State plan benefits and services access for each member of an Indian tribe or tribal organization domiciled in the State who is not eligible for tribal family assistance. Amends SSA title IV part A to provide for parity in treatment of Alaska natives with Indian tribes under the TANF program. Gives Indian tribes authority to receive funds under SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance). Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to make an Indian tribe or tribal organization that administers a social services program eligible for block grant payments. Amends SSA title IV part A to direct the Secretary to conduct research on tribal family assistance programs and on efforts to reduce poverty among Indians.
European Union · European Commission · 16 July 2003
European Union · European Commission · 16 July 2003
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
Rebuild America Act of 2003 - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century and Federal transportation law to increase, for FY 2003, the: (1) Federal-aid highway program obligation ceiling; (2) authorization of appropriations for formula grants from the Highway Trust Fund and General Fund; (3) Federal Transit Program obligation ceiling; and (4) authorization of appropriations for airport planning and development. Authorizes grants for airport baggage and other security improvement projects. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit to holders of qualified AMTRAK bonds. Outlines requirements prior to the written approval by the Secretary of Transportation of qualified high-speed rail projects (which in turn qualify for the AMTRAK tax credit). Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to submit to the President and Congress a multiyear capital spending plan. Expresses the sense of Congress that the proceeds of qualified AMTRAK bonds are intended to finance the construction of qualified high-speed projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 for AMTRAK capital expenditures. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of capital grants for the rehabilitation, preservation, or improvement of class II and III railroad track used primarily for freight transportation. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to: (1) increase the aggregate unpaid principal ceiling on railroad rehabilitation and improvement loans; (2) authorize the Secretary to make grants to supplement such loans and loan guarantees; (3) prohibit the Secretary from requiring such a loan applicant to provide collateral; (4) require loan approval or disapproval within 30 days; and (5) prohibit the Secretary from assessing fees for such loans. Authorizes appropriations for port security grants. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to: (1) require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assist States in establishing simplified procedures for small water treatment works to obtain assistance under such Act; (2) add to authorized purposes of State water pollution control revolving funds; (3) extend, from 20 to 30 years, the authorized term for loans made from such funds; (4) allow such funds to be used to provide owners and operators of small treatment works with certain technical and planning assistance; (5) allow an additional subsidization to benefit individual water rate payers; and (6) authorize FY 2003 appropriations for such funds, for sewer water overflow grants, and for safe drinking water revolving funds. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 for: (1) Army Corps of Engineers construction, operation, and maintenance activities; (2) public works and economic development; (3) Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Great Plains regional development; and (4) security enhancements for properties of the General Services Administration. Provides with respect to projects under this Act: (1) priority consideration for security enhancement projects; and (2) Buy American requirements. Amends provisions of the Internal Revenue Code concerning tax shelters to provide penalties for failure to include reportable transaction information with respect to a return or statement for a transaction which the Secretary of the Treasury determines has the potential for tax avoidance or evasion. Imposes an accuracy-related penalty of: (1) 20 percent for understatements with respect to reportable transactions (with an exception for reasonable cause shown); and (2) 40 percent for understatements attributable to transactions lacking economic substance. Makes confidentiality of tax-related communications provisions inapplicable to communications between a tax practitioner and a person in connection with tax shelter participation. Requires each material advisor (currently, each tax shelter organizer) to disclose specified information with respect to such tax shelter (adding specified tax shelter threshold amounts). Increases penalties for failure to register tax shelters. Provides penalties for failure to report interests in foreign financial accounts and for frivolous tax submissions. Places limits on the transfer or importation of built-in losses. Provides for the prevention of corporate expatriation in order to avoid U.S. income tax.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
Federal Aviation Administration Research and Development Reauthorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Research and Development programs, projects and activities. Requires the FAA and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish a Joint Program Office (JPO) to conduct long-term Next Generation Air Traffic Management research and development. Amends Federal transportation law to require future FAA budgets to identify all research and development activities that would be classified as basic research, applied research, or development under the guidelines established by the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-11, regardless of the budget category in which they appear in the budget request. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish an airport cooperative research grant program to identify problems shared by airport operating agencies that can be solved through applied research, and to fund research addressing those problems. Requires the Secretary to appoint an independent governing board for the program from candidates proposed by national associations representing airport executives, public airport operating agencies, State aviation officials, and the scheduled airlines. Directs FAA to conduct research to: (1) promote development of analytical tools to improve existing certification methods (for new aircraft, engines, and aircraft systems); and (2) reduce overall certification costs for new products. Establishes a program to fund research on the impact of new technologies and procedures, particularly those related to aircraft flight deck and air traffic management functions, on training requirements for pilots and air traffic controllers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
National Defense Rail Act - Requires studies or assessments of: (1) security risks associated with freight and intercity passenger rail transportation; (2) security priorities; (3) rail crossing delay security issues; (4) existing rail safety regulations; (5) foreign rail transport security programs; and (6) the feasibility of passenger, baggage, and cargo screening. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish a national high-speed ground transportation policy; and (2) provide 100 percent financial assistance to develop and implement high-speed rail corridors according to designated priorities, including the elimination of hazards of high-speed railway-highway crossings. Requires such projects to comply with Buy American and competitive bidding requirements, and specified labor standards, including the prevailing wage requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act. Defines the national rail passenger transportation system. Authorizes Amtrak to operate an intercity rail service or route not included in such system. Declares that nothing in this Act is intended to preclude Amtrak from restoring, improving, or developing non-high-speed intercity passenger rail service. Repeals the requirement that Amtrak be self-sufficient. Authorizes additional appropriations for Amtrak for retirement of principal and interest on its debt service, and for improving accessibility for the elderly and people with disabilities, including compliance with environmental regulations. Authorizes appropriations for the Northeast Corridor, long and short distance trains, and State-supported routes. Directs the Secretary to re-establish the Northeast Corridor Safety Committee. Revises requirements concerning the Amtrak board of directors. Requires an independent audit of Amtrak operations and the development of a five-year financial plan. Revises requirements of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 concerning loans and loan guarantees. Directs the Secretary to establish a rail passenger cooperative research program, including an advisory board.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
Railroad Track Modernization Act of 2003 - Amends federal rail transportation law to replace the Secretary of Transportation's discretionary program of grants to states for light density rail line pilot projects with a mandatory program of capital grants for railroad track. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of capital grants to class II and class III railroads (or, with the concurrence of such a railroad, to a state or local government) to rehabilitate, preserve, or improve railroad track (including roadbed, bridges, and related track structures) used primarily for freight transportation. Requires rehabilitation, preservation, or improvement to a standard ensuring that the track can be operated safely and efficiently and accommodate 286,000 pound rail cars. Sets forth certain employee protection and prevailing wage requirements with respect to grant projects. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on such projects to determine the public interest benefits associated with the light density railroad networks in the states and their contribution to a multimodal transportation system.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2003
Ocean Observation and Coastal Systems Act - Directs the President, through the National Ocean Research Leadership Council (NORLC), to establish and maintain an integrated ocean and coastal observing system (system) of marine monitoring, data communication and management, data analysis, and research to provide data and information for rapid and timely detection and prediction of changes occurring in the marine environment that impact the Nation's social, economic, and ecological systems. Establishes an Interagency Planning Office (IPO) within NORLC with various functions. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to report to NORLC and to maintain a Joint Operations Center (JOC) with specified authority. Sets forth system elements and requires subsystem linkages. Requires the system to integrate the capabilities of the Coast Services Center and the National Coastal Data Development Center of NOAA, and other appropriate centers. Requires the research and development program for the system to be conducted under the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) and consist of specified elements. Directs NOAA Administrator, through JOC, to work with representatives of entities in each region that provide ocean data and information to users to form regional associations to develop and operate observing systems in the coastal regions extending to the seaward boundary of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, including the Great Lakes. Directs NOAA, through IPO, to initiate pilot projects, including infrastructure capital projects, through NOPP. Provides for interagency funding, and authorizes appropriations, for the system under this Act to the following departments and agencies represented on the NORLC: (1) NOAA; (2) the National Science Foundation; (3) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; (4) the U.S. Coast Guard; (5) the Office of Naval Research; (6) the Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy; and (7) other Federal agencies engaged in ocean and coastal-related activities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2003
Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for rail safety for FY 2004 through 2008. Requires railroad carriers and States to report to the Secretary of Transportation current information, with periodic updates, on previously unreported crossings (national crossing inventory). Directs the Secretary to develop and transmit to specified congressional committees a plan for a joint initiative with States and municipalities to systematically reduce the number of public and private highway-rail grade crossings by one percent per year in each of the succeeding ten years. Increases from $7,500 to $15,000 the maximum incentive payment a State may make to a local government upon its permanent closure of public at-grade railway-highway crossings. Directs the Secretary to develop and make available to State and local governments model State legislation providing for civil or criminal penalties, or both, for violations of highway-rail grade crossing signals. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 through 2008 to support Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Homeland Security to execute a memorandum of agreement governing the roles and responsibilities of their respective Departments in addressing railroad transportation security matters. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations and issue orders for every area of railroad safety, including security, supplementing laws, and regulations in effect on October 16, 1970. Changes from monthly to quarterly the mandatory reports to the Secretary a railroad carrier must file on accidents and incidents. Authorizes the Secretary to authorize his or her officers, employees, or agents for accident prevention and investigation purposes to intercept radio communications without the consent of sender or receiver. Limits the use of such an intercept in administrative or judicial proceedings to impeachment of certain related evidence presented by a non-Federal party. Directs the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee of the Federal Railroad Administration to convene a working group to consider and report to Congress on what legislative or other changes the Secretary deems necessary to address fatigue management for railroad employees. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prescribe a final rule addressing safety standards for positive train control (PTC) systems or other safety technologies that provide similar safety benefits; (2) report to specified congressional committees on the progress of on-going and completed projects to implement PTC or such other technologies; and (3) conduct and report to specified congressional committees on a safety survey of the structural integrity of railroad bridges and railroads' programs of inspection and maintenance of railroad bridges. Revises the authority of railroad police employed by a particular railroad carrier to allow them to enforce the laws of any jurisdiction in which any rail carrier owns property (currently, only jurisdictions in which the employing carrier owns property). Earmarks funds for the Federal Railroad Administration to perform a demonstration program to provide centralized training for its employees.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2003
Transit System Flexibility Protection Act of 2003 - Permits the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) make mass transportation formula grants for an urbanized area with a population of less than 360,000 (under current law, the population limit is 200,00); and (2) make such grants to a transit system with a population greater than 360,000 if the system operates fewer than 100 buses on fixed route service during peak hours.