Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 10/06/2008 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
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. 10/17/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2007 - Title I: Federal Railroad Safety Administration - (Sec. 101) Amends federal transportation law to establish within the Department of Transportation (DOT) the Federal Railroad Safety Administration to carry out, with the highest priority, enforcement of U.S. safety laws with respect to rail transportation (effectively replacing the Federal Railroad Administration). Provides for the appointment of an Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety who shall be the Chief Safety Officer of the Federal Railroad Safety Administration. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to develop a long-term strategy for improving [...]

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Latest Action: 01/31/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation.

Bill Text
To provide for the establishment of a hazardous materials cooperative research program.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Hazardous Materials Cooperative Research Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to obligate for each fiscal year certain hazardous materials transportation funds to develop and administer a hazardous materials cooperative research program. Directs the Secretary to establish an independent governing board to select cooperative research projects and studies of hazardous materials transportation to be carried out under the program that will yield results immediately applicable to risk analysis and mitigation or that will strengthen the ability of first responders to respond to accidents involving the transportation of hazardous materials.

Latest Action: 07/09/2007 - Senate incorporated this measure in H.R.1 as an amendment.

Bill Text
A bill to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, and for other purposes. 3/13/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Improving America's Security Act of 2007 - Provides for implementation of recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission). Title I: Improving Intelligence and Information Sharing within the Federal Government and with State, Local, and Tribal Governments - Subtitle A: Homeland Security Information Sharing Enhancement - (Sec. 111) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) to require the Secretary of Homeland Security (the Secretary) to administer the Homeland Security Advisory System to provide warnings regarding the risk of terrorist attacks on the homeland to federal, state, local, and tribal government authorities [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S91-92)

Bill Text
A bill to provide increased rail transportation security. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Rail Security Act of 2007 - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to conduct a vulnerability assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation, and develop specific prioritized recommendations for improving rail security. Directs the Assistant Secretary to conduct a study on requiring security screening for passengers, baggage, and cargo on passenger trains. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to Amtrak for fire and life-safety improvements and infrastructure upgrades to tunnels on the Northeast Corridor. Directs Amtrak to submit to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) a plan to address the needs of families of passengers involved in rail passenger accidents. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to award grants to Amtrak for certain system-wide Amtrak, freight,[...]

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Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
Supporting the goals and ideals of a world day of remembrance for road crash victims.

7/16/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Supports the goals and ideals of a world day of remembrance for road crash victims.

Latest Action: 10/16/2007 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Teen Driver Safety Week.

10/15/2007--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Supports the goals and ideals of National Teen Driver Safety Week.

Encourages the people of the United States to observe the week with activities that promote licensed teenage drivers to drive safely.

Latest Action: 10/05/2007 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of a world day of remembrance for road crash victims.

10/4/2007--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Supports the goals and ideals of a world day of remembrance for road crash victims.

Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - By Senator Inouye from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 110-29.

Bill Text
A bill to provide improved rail and surface transportation security. 2/15/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Surface Transportation and Rail Security Act of 2007 - Title I: Improved Rail Security - (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and other appropriate agencies, to establish a task force to complete a risk assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, based on the assessment, to develop specific prioritized recommendations for improving rail security. Requires the development of plans for: (1) the federal government to provide adequate security support for freight and intercity passenger railroads at high threat levels of alert; (2) coordinating existing and planned rail security initiatives undertaken [...]

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Latest Action: 09/06/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Teen Driver Safety Week.

9/5/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Supports the goals and ideals of National Teen Driver Safety Week.

Encourages the people of the United States to observe the week with activities that promote licensed teenage drivers to drive safely.

Latest Action: 06/26/2007 - Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8520-8521 text as passed Senate: CR S8521)

Bill Text
A resolution designating the month of July 2007, as "National Teen Safe Driver Month".

6/26/2007--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Designates July 2007 as National Teen Safe Driver Month.

Calls upon members of federal, state, and local governments and interested organizations to commemorate such month with appropriate ceremonies and to encourage the development of resources to provide effective driver training for every U.S. teenage driver.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to require all public school employees and those employed in connection with a public school to receive FBI background checks prior to being hired, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Introduced. Safety for Our Schoolchildren Act of 2008 - Requires states and local educational agencies (LEAs) to: (1) obtain an FBI background check on individuals prior to offering them employment as school employees; and (2) if the check identifies them as sexual predators, report their application to local law enforcement. Prohibits states or LEAs from hiring individuals as: (1) school employees if they have been convicted of a crime of violence or other felony; or (2) school bus drivers if they have been convicted of, or pled guilty to, drunk driving or a serious moving violation. Withholds funds available to states for planning and administration and to LEAs as subgrants under part A of title II (Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals) [...]

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Latest Action: 09/10/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
To prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from granting authority to a motor carrier domiciled in Mexico to operate beyond United States municipalities and commercial zones on the United States-Mexico border unless expressly authorized by Congress. 7/29/2008--Introduced. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to terminate, by September 6, 2008, the one-year cross-border pilot project started on September 6, 2007, as part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) cross-border trucking provisions, to demonstrate the ability of Mexico-domiciled motor carriers to operate safely in the United States beyond the commercial zones along the U.S.-Mexico border.Prohibits the Secretary, unless expressly authorized by Congress, from granting authority to a motor carrier domiciled in Mexico to operate beyond U.S. municipalities and commercial zones on the United States-Mexico border after September 6,[...]

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Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4797-4798)

Bill Text
A bill to permit commercial trucks to use certain highways of the Interstate System to provide significant savings in the transportation of goods throughout the United States, and for other purposes.

5/22/2008--Introduced.

Commercial Truck Fuel Savings Demonstration Act of 2008 - Amends federal highway law to prohibit any reduction of an apportionment of federal-aid highway funds to a state that allows the operation of certain commercial truck vehicles weighing over 80,000 pounds on Interstate System highways in the state when the weighted average retail price of retail number 2 diesel in the United States is $3.50 or more per gallon.

Requires the Comptroller General to study the effects on the overall highway safety in participating states.

Latest Action: 05/15/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, with respect to length and weight limitations for buses, trucks, and other large vehicles on Federal highways, and for other purposes. 5/15/2008--Introduced. Safe Truck Operations and Preservation Act - Amends federal transportation law to prohibit a state from prescribing or enforcing any regulation that allows a restricted property-carrying unit (including a trailer or semi-trailer, except one used exclusively for fire-fighting) to operate on the National Highway System (NHS) (including the Interstate System), unless its operation is authorized by the state on June 1, 2003, and in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including seasonal operations) on or before that date. Prohibits a state from allowing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle combination on the NHS (except a vehicle or load with a special state permit that cannot be dismantled or divided easily) with more than one property-carrying [...]

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Latest Action: 04/07/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to empower States with authority for most taxing and spending for highway programs and mass transit programs, and for other purposes. 4/7/2008--Introduced. Transportation Empowerment Act - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for the interstate maintenance program, emergency relief, the interstate bridge program, the federal lands highways program, highway safety programs, surface transportation research, and certain administrative expenses. Authorizes a state, upon determining that excess funds have been made available, to transfer the excess funds to, and use them for, any surface transportation purpose (including mass transit and rail) in the state. Revises requirements regarding state apportionments under the interstate maintenance component for resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing the Interstate System. Prohibits any restriction on the ability of a state, as part of any highway improvement project, to impose [...]

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Latest Action: 04/01/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Bill Text
To impose limitations on investment and certain operations by foreign entities in the United States.

3/31/2008--Introduced.

Reciprocity and Fairness in Foreign Investment Act - Permits a foreign person owned, in whole or in part, or controlled by a foreign government to acquire ownership in either a business, or in real property in the United States, but only to the same extent as that foreign government allows U.S. persons to acquire ownership in comparable enterprises organized under the laws of that foreign country.

Subjects investment and operation of critical infrastructure in the United States by such a foreign person to the same reciprocity requirements.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue implementing regulations.

Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Latest Action: 03/06/2008 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 607.

Bill Text
A bill to prohibit aliens who are repeat drunk drivers from obtaining legal status or immigration benefits.

3/5/2008--Introduced.

Safe Roads Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include within the definition of "aggravated felony" a third conviction for driving while intoxicated (including any conviction for driving while under the influence of, or impaired by, alcohol or drugs), without regard to whether the conviction is classified as a misdemeanor or felony under state law.

Makes inadmissible or deportable an alien who has been convicted of driving while intoxicated (including any conviction for driving while under the influence of, or impaired by, alcohol or drugs), without regard to whether the conviction is classified as a misdemeanor or felony under state law, for which the term of imprisonment is at least one year.

Latest Action: 03/03/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to ensure that all users of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users as well as children, older individuals, and individuals with disabilities, are able to travel safely and conveniently on streets and highways. 3/3/2008--Introduced. Complete Streets Act of 2008 - Amends the surface transportation program to require state and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to: (1) adopt a policy statement that ensures that all users of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users as well as children, older individuals, and individuals with disabilities, are able to travel safely and conveniently on streets and highways within the public right-of-way; and (2) apply such policy to Transportation Improvement Program projects as well as to all aspects of the transportation project development process. Requires states and MPOs to certify that each road project has been reviewed for compliance with [...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Date of scheduled consideration. SR-253. 10:00 a.m.

Bill Text
Recognizing the importance of bicycling in transportation and recreation.

5/21/2008--Passed House without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.)

Recognizes that increased and safe bicycle use for transportation and recreation is in the national interest of the United States.

Supports policies that increase bicycle use.

Encourages the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide leadership and coordination by reestablishing the federal bicycle task force to include representatives from all relevant federal agencies.

Latest Action: 02/28/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of Congress that allowing motor carriers domiciled in Mexico to operate in the United States without adequate regulation jeopardizes the safety and security of United States citizens, and for other purposes.

2/27/2008--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) allowing motor carriers domiciled in Mexico to operate in the United States without adequate regulation jeopardizes the safety and security of U.S. citizens; and (2) the Department of Transportation's (DOT) demonstration program allowing such carriers to operate beyond the commercial zones in the United States must be terminated.