Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/19/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
To amend the Aviation and Transportation Security Act to prohibit advance notice to certain individuals, including security screeners, of covert testing of security screening procedures for the purpose of enhancing transportation security at airports, and for other purposes. 6/5/2008--Reported to House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Catching Operational Vulnerabilities by Ensuring Random Testing Act of 2008, or the COVERT Act of 2008 - Amends the Aviation and Transportation Security Act to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to make sure that advance notice of a covert test of a transportation security system is not provided to any individual (including any security screener) before completion of the test, except: (1) that such information may be provided to certain federal, state, and local government employees, officers, and contractors (including military personnel); and (2) an individual conducting such a test may disclose his or her [...]

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Latest Action: 06/18/2008 - Mr. Thompson (MS) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Transportation Security Administration should, in accordance with the congressional mandate provided for in the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, enhance security against terrorist attack and other security threats to our Nation's rail and mass transit lines. 6/18/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on June 17, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Urges the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to: (1) continue to enhance security against terrorist attack and other security threats to our nation's rail and mass transit lines, as well as school transportation systems, including as provided for in the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007; (2) continue development of the National Explosives Detection Canine [...]

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Latest Action: 06/23/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Byrd. With written report No. 110-396.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 6/23/2008--Introduced. Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2009 for: (1) the Offices of the Secretary, the Under Secretary for Management, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, and the Inspector General; (2) Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including for customs and border protection fencing, infrastructure, and technology; (3) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including for detention and removal operations (including to improve efforts to identify and remove aliens convicted of a crime and sentenced to imprisonment who are judged deportable) and the Federal Protective Service; (4) the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including for screening [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S134)

Bill Text
A bill to expand the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium to include the Transportation Technology Center.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

National Domestic Preparedness Consortium Expansion Act of 2007 - Includes the Transportation Technology Center located in Pueblo, Colorado, within the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium.

Latest Action: 03/09/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S2976)

Bill Text
A resolution commending the national explosives detection canine team program for 35 years of service to the safety and security of the transportation systems within the United States.

3/9/2007--Introduced.

Commends the national explosives detection canine team program for 35 years of service and dedication to the safety and security of the citizens of the United States.

Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to first responders, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Smarter Funding for All of America's Homeland Security Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a State and Regional First Responder Grant Program under which the Secretary may make grants to states and eligible regional entities on the basis of the threat to a state or region's population and critical infrastructure, as determined by the Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to evaluate and prioritize grant applications, considering factors such as threats to the population, specific economic sectors, major communications nodes and transportation systems, specific elements of the food supply, the water and energy supplies, civic infrastructure and emergency response capabilities,[...]

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Latest Action: 02/28/2008 - Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held.

Bill Text
To provide for the implementation of the recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. 8/3/2007--Public Law.    (There are 2 other summaries) Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 - Provides for implementation of recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission).Title I: Homeland Security Grants - (Sec. 101) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) to establish Homeland Security Grant Programs (consisting of an Urban Area Security Initiative and a State Homeland Security Grant Program). Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (the Secretary) to award Program grants through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Provides that none of the provisions regarding grants to states and high-risk urban areas shall be construed to affect programs authorized under the Federal Fire Prevention [...]

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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: 03/29/2007 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3283-3338; text of measure as reported in House: CR H3283-3289)

Bill Text
Revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2007, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2009 through 2012. 3/29/2007--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.) Revises and replaces the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2007. Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2009-FY2012. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Recommends budgetary levels and amounts for FY2007-FY2012 for: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; [...]

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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 Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/23/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Byrd. With written report No. 110-396.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 6/23/2008--Introduced. Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2009 for: (1) the Offices of the Secretary, the Under Secretary for Management, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, and the Inspector General; (2) Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including for customs and border protection fencing, infrastructure, and technology; (3) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including for detention and removal operations (including to improve efforts to identify and remove aliens convicted of a crime and sentenced to imprisonment who are judged deportable) and the Federal Protective Service; (4) the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including for screening [...]

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Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - Select Committee on Intelligence. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Rockefeller. With written report No. 110-333. Additional and Minority views filed.

Bill Text
An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 06/19/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
To amend the Aviation and Transportation Security Act to prohibit advance notice to certain individuals, including security screeners, of covert testing of security screening procedures for the purpose of enhancing transportation security at airports, and for other purposes. 6/5/2008--Reported to House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Catching Operational Vulnerabilities by Ensuring Random Testing Act of 2008, or the COVERT Act of 2008 - Amends the Aviation and Transportation Security Act to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to make sure that advance notice of a covert test of a transportation security system is not provided to any individual (including any security screener) before completion of the test, except: (1) that such information may be provided to certain federal, state, and local government employees, officers, and contractors (including military personnel); and (2) an individual conducting such a test may disclose his or her [...]

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Latest Action: 06/18/2008 - Mr. Thompson (MS) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Transportation Security Administration should, in accordance with the congressional mandate provided for in the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, enhance security against terrorist attack and other security threats to our Nation's rail and mass transit lines. 6/18/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on June 17, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Urges the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to: (1) continue to enhance security against terrorist attack and other security threats to our nation's rail and mass transit lines, as well as school transportation systems, including as provided for in the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007; (2) continue development of the National Explosives Detection Canine [...]

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Latest Action: 08/01/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10613-10614)

Bill Text
A bill to apply basic contracting laws to the Transportation Security Administration.

8/1/2007--Introduced.

TSA Acquisition Reform Act of 2007 - Repeals provisions exempting the Transportation Security Administration from specified federal procurement requirements.

Latest Action: 12/26/2007 - Provisions of Measure Incorporated into H.R. 2764, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008.

Bill Text
To amend title 49, United States Code, by repealing the provision regarding the acquisition management system for the Transportation Security Administration.

8/1/2007--Introduced.

TSA Acquisition Reform Act of 2007 - Repeals provisions exempting the Transportation Security Administration from specified federal procurement requirements.

Latest Action: 08/07/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight.

Bill Text
To provide certain personnel management requirements for the Transportation Security Administration, and for other purposes.

7/27/2007--Introduced.

Repeals certain personnel management authorities, including a provision authorizing the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to employ and fix the compensation, terms, and conditions of employment for passenger and property screeners. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Homeland Security to take any measures necessary to provide for the uniform treatment of all TSA screeners; and (2) the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the pay system that applies to such employees.

Latest Action: 07/26/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to provide limited immunity for reports of suspected terrorist activity or suspicious behavior and response.

7/26/2007--Introduced.

Grants immunity from civil liability to: (1) persons who, in good faith and based on an objectively reasonable suspicion, report suspicious activity involving or directed against a passenger transportation system, a threat to such system or to passenger safety or security, or an act of terrorism; and (2) passenger transportation security system employees or agents and other federal employees with transportation security responsibilities who take reasonable actions, in good faith, to respond to reported threats.

Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - On motion to recommit to conference committee Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 182 - 231 (Roll no. 1101). (consideration: CR H13903)

Bill Text
Making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 9/12/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Title I: Department of Transportation - Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for FY2008 to the Department of Transportation, including: (1) the Office of the Secretary; (2) the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); (3) the Federal Highway Administration; (4) the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; (5) the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); (6) the Federal Railroad Administration; (7) the Federal Transit Administration (FTA); (8) the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; (9) the Maritime Administration; (10) the Pipeline and [...]

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Latest Action: 06/18/2007 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Byrd. With written report No. 110-84.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 6/18/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2008 - Title I: Department of Homeland Security Departmental Management and Operations - Makes appropriations for FY2008 for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Offices of the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Under Secretary for Management, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, and the Inspector General.Title II: Security, Enforcement, and Investigations - Makes appropriations for: (1) Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including for border security fencing, infrastructure, and technology, air and marine interdiction, maintenance, procurement, and construction; (2) [...]

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