H.R.2095: To amend title 49, United States Code, to prevent railroad fatalities, injuries, and hazardous materials releases, to authorize the Federal Railroad Safety Administration, and for other purposes.

Latest Update: Friday, January, 16th 2009

To amend title 49, United States Code, to prevent railroad fatalities, injuries, and hazardous materials releases, to authorize the Federal Railroad Safety Administration, and for other purposes. 8/1/2008--Passed Senate amended. (There are 3 other summaries) Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Amends federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for FY2008-FY2013 for: (1) railroad safety, including the safe transportation of hazardous materials; (2) research and development (R&D); (3) the purchase of Gage Restraint Measurement System vehicles and track geometry vehicles or other comparable technology to assess track safety; and (4) rail security personnel in Department of Transportation (DOT) regional offices and in Washington, DC. Title I: Railroad Safety Risk Reduction and Strategy - (Sec. 101) Requires the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to have an Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, who shall [...]

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Latest Actions

10/16/2008 - Became Public Law No: 110-432.
10/16/2008 - Signed by President.
10/06/2008 - Presented to President.
10/02/2008 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.
10/01/2008 - Motion to concur in House amendment to Senate amendment with an amendment (SA 5677) withdrawn by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S10290)

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10/16/2008 - Became Public Law No: 110-432.
10/16/2008 - Signed by President.
10/06/2008 - Presented to President.
10/02/2008 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.
10/01/2008 - Motion to concur in House amendment to Senate amendment with an amendment (SA 5677) withdrawn by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S10290)
10/01/2008 - Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S10283-10290)
10/01/2008 - S.AMDT.5677 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S10283)
10/01/2008 - S.AMDT.5678 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S10283)
10/01/2008 - Motion to concur in House amendment to Senate amendment with an amendment (SA 5677) withdrawn by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S10291)
10/01/2008 - S.AMDT.5677 Proposed amendment SA 5677 withdrawn in Senate.
10/01/2008 - S.AMDT.5678 SA 5678 fell when Amendment SA 5677 was withdrawn.
10/01/2008 - Senate agreed to motion to agree to House amendment to Senate amendment to the measure by Yea-Nay Vote. 74 - 24. Record Vote Number: 210.
10/01/2008 - Cleared for White House.
09/30/2008 - Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S10119-10126)
09/30/2008 - S.AMDT.5677 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S10119)
09/30/2008 - S.AMDT.5678 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S10119)
09/29/2008 - Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S10031-10037, S10039-10041, S10041, S10049, S10051-10052)
09/29/2008 - S.AMDT.5677 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S10031)
09/29/2008 - S.AMDT.5678 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S10031)
09/29/2008 - Cloture on the motion to concur in House amendment to Senate amendment with an amendment (SA 5677) invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 69 - 17. Record Vote Number: 209. (consideration: CR S10037; text: CR S10037)
09/29/2008 - Considered by Senate.
09/29/2008 - S.AMDT.5677 Considered by Senate.
09/29/2008 - S.AMDT.5678 Considered by Senate.
09/29/2008 - Cloture on the motion to concur in House amendment to Senate amendment with an amendment (SA 5677) invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 69 - 17. Record Vote Number: 209.
09/27/2008 - Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent.
09/27/2008 - Motion to concur in House amendment to Senate amendment made in Senate.
09/27/2008 - Cloture motion on the motion to concur in the House amendment to Senate amendment presented in Senate.
09/27/2008 - Motion to concur in House amendment to Senate amendment with an amendment (SA 5677) made in Senate.
09/27/2008 - S.AMDT.5677 Amendment SA 5677 proposed by Senator Reid. To establish the enactment date.
09/27/2008 - S.AMDT.5678 Amendment SA 5678 proposed by Senator Reid to Amendment SA 5677. Of a perfecting nature.
09/27/2008 - Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S10019-10020)
09/27/2008 - Cloture motion on the motion to concur in the House amendment to Senate amendment presented in Senate. (consideration: CR S10019; text: CR S10019)
09/27/2008 - Motion to concur in House amendment to Senate amendment with an amendment (SA 5677) made in Senate. (consideration: CR S10019)
09/27/2008 - S.AMDT.5677 Amendment SA 5677 proposed by Senator Reid. (consideration: CR S10019; text: CR S10019) To establish the enactment date.
09/27/2008 - S.AMDT.5678 Amendment SA 5678 proposed by Senator Reid to Amendment SA 5677. (consideration: CR S10019; text: CR S10019) Of a perfecting nature.
09/25/2008 - Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate amendment.
09/24/2008 - House agreed to Senate amendment with an amendment pursuant to H.Res. 1492.
08/01/2008 - Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S8003)
08/01/2008 - S.AMDT.5259 Amendment SA 5259 proposed by Senator Cantwell for Senator Lautenberg. (consideration: CR S8003) In the nature of a substitute.
08/01/2008 - Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged by Unanimous Consent.
08/01/2008 - Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent.
08/01/2008 - S.AMDT.5259 Amendment SA 5259 proposed by Senator Cantwell for Senator Lautenberg. In the nature of a substitute.
08/01/2008 - S.AMDT.5259 Amendment SA 5259 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
08/01/2008 - Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
08/01/2008 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.
10/18/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
10/17/2007 - The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
10/17/2007 - Mr. Sali moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation.
10/17/2007 - The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
10/17/2007 - On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 198 - 222 (Roll no. 979).
10/17/2007 - On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 377 - 38 (Roll no. 980).
10/17/2007 - Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
10/17/2007 - The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 2095.
10/17/2007 - Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2095 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against the consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure now printed in the bill.
10/17/2007 - GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2095.
10/17/2007 - DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 724, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Oberstar amendment.
10/17/2007 - DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 724, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Napolitano amendment.
10/17/2007 - DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 724, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pallone amendment.
10/17/2007 - DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 724, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rohrabacher amendment.
10/17/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sali motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with amendments that strike "Federal Railroad Safety Administration" each place it appears and insert "Federal Railroad Administration"; and insert a new section regarding funding limitation.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.856 Amendment (A001) offered by Mr. Oberstar. (consideration: CR H11687-11689 text: CR H11687-11688) Amendment requires the Federal Railroad Safety Administration to issue regulations requiring owners of track carried on one or more railroad bridges to adopt safety practices to prevent the deterioration of railroad bridges and reduce the risk of human casualties, environmental damage, and disruption to the Nation's transportation system that would result from a catastrophic bridge failure. The amendment also strikes Sections 301, 610, and 616 of the reported bill because these sections were enacted in Public Law 110-53, the "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007." The amendment would also require the Secretary to consider additional criteria regarding communities when reviewing applications for a waiver or exemption from sounding locomotive horns at highway-rail grade crossings.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.857 Amendment (A002) offered by Mrs. Napolitano. (consideration: CR H11689-11690 text: CR H11689) Amendment prohibits mechanical and brake inspections performed in Mexico of rail cars entering the United States from satisfying U.S. rail safety laws unless inspection standards, enforcement standards, and worker training are certified to meet those of the United States. It prohibits hazardous material inspections performed in Mexico from satisfying applicable U.S. rail safety laws and regulations.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.858 Amendment (A003) offered by Mr. Pallone. (consideration: CR H11690-11692 text: CR H11690) Amendment allows state and local authorities to regulate solid waste management facilities. This amendment would state that the Surface Transportation Board does not have exclusive authority to preempt state and local regulation of solid waste management facilities, as defined in the amendment.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.859 Amendment (A004) offered by Mr. Rohrabacher. (consideration: CR H11692-11694 text: CR H11692) Amendment authorizes funds to the Secretary to design and develop a pilot electric cargo conveyor system for the transportation of containers from ports to depots outside of urban areas.
10/17/2007 - Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 724. (consideration: CR H11671-11696; text of measure as reported in House: CR H11677-11687)
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.856 Amendment (A001) offered by Mr. Oberstar. (consideration: CR H11687-11689; text: CR H11687-11688) Amendment requires the Federal Railroad Safety Administration to issue regulations requiring owners of track carried on one or more railroad bridges to adopt safety practices to prevent the deterioration of railroad bridges and reduce the risk of human casualties, environmental damage, and disruption to the Nation's transportation system that would result from a catastrophic bridge failure. The amendment also strikes Sections 301, 610, and 616 of the reported bill because these sections were enacted in Public Law 110-53, the "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007." The amendment would also require the Secretary to consider additional criteria regarding communities when reviewing applications for a waiver or exemption from sounding locomotive horns at highway-rail grade crossings.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.857 Amendment (A002) offered by Mrs. Napolitano. (consideration: CR H11689-11690; text: CR H11689) Amendment prohibits mechanical and brake inspections performed in Mexico of rail cars entering the United States from satisfying U.S. rail safety laws unless inspection standards, enforcement standards, and worker training are certified to meet those of the United States. It prohibits hazardous material inspections performed in Mexico from satisfying applicable U.S. rail safety laws and regulations.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.858 Amendment (A003) offered by Mr. Pallone. (consideration: CR H11690-11692; text: CR H11690) Amendment allows state and local authorities to regulate solid waste management facilities. This amendment would state that the Surface Transportation Board does not have exclusive authority to preempt state and local regulation of solid waste management facilities, as defined in the amendment.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.859 Amendment (A004) offered by Mr. Rohrabacher. (consideration: CR H11692-11694; text: CR H11692) Amendment authorizes funds to the Secretary to design and develop a pilot electric cargo conveyor system for the transportation of containers from ports to depots outside of urban areas.
10/17/2007 - Mr. Sali moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation. (consideration: CR H11694-11695; text: CR H11694)
10/17/2007 - Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 724. (consideration: CR H11671-11696 text of measure as reported in House: CR H11677-11687)
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.856 Amendment (A001) offered by Mr. Oberstar. (consideration: CR H11687-11689 text: CR H11687-11688) An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 110-371 to require the Federal Railroad Safety Administration to issue regulations requiring owners of track carried on one or more railroad bridges to adopt safety practices to prevent the deterioration of railroad bridges and reduce the risk of human casualties, environmental damage, and disruption to the Nation's transportation system that would result from a catastrophic bridge failure. The amendment also strikes Sections 301, 610, and 616 of the reported bill because these sections were enacted in Public Law 110-53, the `Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.' The amendment would also require the Secretary to consider additional criteria regarding communities when reviewing applications for a waiver or exemption from sounding locomotive horns at highway-rail grade crossings.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.857 Amendment (A002) offered by Mrs. Napolitano. (consideration: CR H11689-11690 text: CR H11689) An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 110-371 to prohibit mechanical and brake inspections performed in Mexico of rail cars entering the United States from satisfying U.S. rail safety laws unless inspection standards, enforcement standards, and worker training are certified to meet those of the United States. It prohibits hazardous material inspections performed in Mexico from satisfying applicable U.S. rail safety laws and regulations.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.858 Amendment (A003) offered by Mr. Pallone. (consideration: CR H11690-11692 text: CR H11690) An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 110-371 to allow state and local authorities to regulate solid waste management fa cilities. This amendment would state that the Surface Transportation Board does not have exclusive authority to preempt state and local regulation of solid waste management facilities, as defined in the amendment.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.859 Amendment (A004) offered by Mr. Rohrabacher. (consideration: CR H11692-11694 text: CR H11692) An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 110-371 to authorize funds to the Secretary to design and develop a pilot electric cargo conveyor system for the transportation of containers from ports to depots outside of urban areas.
10/17/2007 - The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H11694)
10/17/2007 - Mr. Sali moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation. (consideration: CR H11694-11695 text: CR H11694)
10/17/2007 - The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection. (consideration: CR H11695)
10/17/2007 - Rule H. Res. 724 passed House.
10/17/2007 - Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 724.
10/17/2007 - House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 724 and Rule XVIII.
10/17/2007 - The Speaker designated the Honorable Earl Pomeroy to act as Chairman of the Committee.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.856 Amendment (A001) offered by Mr. Oberstar. An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 110-371 to require the Federal Railroad Safety Administration to issue regulations requiring owners of track carried on one or more railroad bridges to adopt safety practices to prevent the deterioration of railroad bridges and reduce the risk of human casualties, environmental damage, and disruption to the Nation's transportation system that would result from a catastrophic bridge failure. The amendment also strikes Sections 301, 610, and 616 of the reported bill because these sections were enacted in Public Law 110-53, the `Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.' The amendment would also require the Secretary to consider additional criteria regarding communities when reviewing applications for a waiver or exemption from sounding locomotive horns at highway-rail grade crossings.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.856 On agreeing to the Oberstar amendment (A001) Agreed to by voice vote.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.857 Amendment (A002) offered by Mrs. Napolitano. An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 110-371 to prohibit mechanical and brake inspections performed in Mexico of rail cars entering the United States from satisfying U.S. rail safety laws unless inspection standards, enforcement standards, and worker training are certified to meet those of the United States. It prohibits hazardous material inspections performed in Mexico from satisfying applicable U.S. rail safety laws and regulations.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.857 On agreeing to the Napolitano amendment (A002) Agreed to by voice vote.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.858 Amendment (A003) offered by Mr. Pallone. An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 110-371 to allow state and local authorities to regulate solid waste management fa cilities. This amendment would state that the Surface Transportation Board does not have exclusive authority to preempt state and local regulation of solid waste management facilities, as defined in the amendment.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.858 On agreeing to the Pallone amendment (A003) Agreed to by voice vote.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.859 Amendment (A004) offered by Mr. Rohrabacher. An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 110-371 to authorize funds to the Secretary to design and develop a pilot electric cargo conveyor system for the transportation of containers from ports to depots outside of urban areas.
10/17/2007 - H.AMDT.859 On agreeing to the Rohrabacher amendment (A004) Agreed to by voice vote.
10/17/2007 - The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2095.
10/17/2007 - The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
10/10/2007 - Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 724 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2095 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against the consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure now printed in the bill.
09/19/2007 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation. H. Rept. 110-336.
09/19/2007 - Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 208.
06/14/2007 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
06/14/2007 - Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
05/22/2007 - Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .
05/22/2007 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
05/22/2007 - Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .
05/10/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1015-1017)
05/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
05/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E916-917)
05/01/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.