Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 07/23/2008 - Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill and House requests a conference.

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A bill to reauthorize Amtrak, and for other purposes. 10/30/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007 - Title I: Authorizations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2012 for: (1) Amtrak capital and operating grants, including capital grants to states; (2) the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA); (3) Amtrak repayment of long-term debt and capital leases; (4) payment into the Railroad Retirement Account that portion of Amtrak's Railroad Retirement Tier II Tax which exceeds the Tier II annuities paid to Amtrak retirees; and (5) the rail cooperative research program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for: (1) grants to Amtrak and states participating in the Next Generation Corridor Train Equipment Pool Committee; and (2) Amtrak to evaluate improvements necessary to make all existing intercity rail stations readily accessible to and usable by individuals with [...]

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Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S8003)

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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: 07/15/2008 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.

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To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the City of Henderson, Nevada, certain Federal land located in the City, and for other purposes. 5/14/2007--Introduced. Southern Nevada Limited Transition Area Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the city of Henderson, Nevada, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to specified federal land in Henderson (the Transition Area). Permits the city, after conveyance, to sell, lease, or otherwise convey any part or parts of the Transition Area for nonresidential development purposes, or to elect to retain parcels in the Transition Area for public recreation or other public purposes consistent with the Recreation and Public Purposes Act. Requires the city to: (1) plan and manage the Transition Area in accordance with federal law and regulations relating to airport noise compatibility planning; and (2) agree that if any land in the Transition area is sold, leased, or otherwise [...]

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Latest Action: 07/08/2008 - Provisions extending both the AIP program and tax authority from July 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008 were included in H.R. 6327 (P.L. 110-253)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes. 9/24/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 2007: (1) the excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property for funding the Airport and Airway Trust Fund; and (2) the expenditure authority for such Trust Fund.Amends federal transportation law to extend funding through December 31, 2007, for: (1) grants for airport planning and development and airport noise compatibility planning and programs; (2) operating expenses of the Federal Aviation Administration; (3) air navigation facilities; and (4) civil aviation research and development activities.Extends through December 31, 2007, the authority of the Secretary of Transportation [...]

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Latest Action: 07/08/2008 - Provisions extending both AIP program and tax authority from July 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008 were included in H.R. 6327 (P.L. 110-253)

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes. 2/28/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on February 12, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through June 30, 2008: (1) the excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property for funding the Airport and Airway Trust Fund; and (2) the expenditure authority for such Trust Fund.Amends federal transportation law to provide funding for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning programs for the nine-month period beginning October 1, 2007. Extends until June 30, 2008: (1) the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to incur obligations to make grants under [...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality.

Bill Text
To require the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study on the potential fuel savings from intelligent transportation systems that help businesses and consumers to plan their travel and avoid delays.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Fuel Savings, Smarter Travel, and Efficient Roadways Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to report to Congress on the potential fuel savings from intelligent transportation systems that help businesses and consumers to plan their travel and avoid delays.

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: 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: 01/29/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection.

Bill Text
To provide for the security and safety of rail and rail transit transportation systems, and for other purposes. 1/17/2007--Introduced. Rail Transit Security and Safety Act of 2007 - Directs the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security to complete a vulnerability assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation, and develop specific prioritized recommendations for improving rail security. Directs the Under Secretary to establish the position of Federal Rail Security Manager. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to Amtrak for certain fire and life-safety improvements and infrastructure upgrades to tunnels on the Northeast Corridor. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to award grants directly to public transportation agencies for allowable capital and operational security improvements based on the prioritized rail security recommendations. Sets forth certain whistleblower protections for rail employees [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/02/2008 - Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Dodd. Without written report.

Bill Text
A bill to make certain technical corrections to title III of SAFETEA-LU.

6/2/2008--Reported to 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.)

Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), with respect to the alternatives analysis program, to change the FY2006-FY2007 project for the South Carolina Department of Transportation Light Rail study to the South Carolina Department of Transportation Corridor study.

Revises the item descriptions for certain bus and bus-related facilities projects for FY2006-FY2009. Makes amounts obligated for such projects in FY2006 available for obligation through FY2009.

Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to improve airport runway safety, and for other purposes. 4/30/2008--Introduced. Runway Safety Improvement Act of 2008 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop and submit to Congress: (1) a strategic runway safety plan; as well as (2) a plan and schedule for installation and deployment of systems to alert air traffic controllers and flight crews of potential runway incursions at commercial airports and general aviation airports that are most at risk of such incursions. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to review and report annually to Congress on the installation of each advanced surface movement system funded by the Administrator. Authorizes appropriations for the purchase and installation of certain runway incursion avoidance systems. Directs the Administrator to: (1) review runway and taxiway lighting (both at daytime and nighttime) and markings at certain airports [...]

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Latest Action: 06/16/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Bingaman with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-374.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the management of certain public land in Owyhee County, Idaho, and for other purposes. 4/9/2008--Introduced. Owyhee Public Land Management Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Owyhee Science Review and Conservation Center in Owyhee County, Idaho, to conduct research projects that address natural resources management issues affecting public and private rangeland in the county. Designates specified land in Idaho as wilderness areas and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Designates specified creek and river segments within the county as components of the national wild and scenic rivers system. Bars acquisition by the Secretary of any private land within the exterior boundary of a wild and scenic river corridor without the owner's consent. Authorizes the Secretary to sell public land within the Boise District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that has been identified for [...]

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Latest Action: 07/08/2008 - Provisions extending both AIP program and tax authority from July 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008 were included in H.R. 6327 (P.L. 110-253)

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes. 2/28/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on February 12, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through June 30, 2008: (1) the excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property for funding the Airport and Airway Trust Fund; and (2) the expenditure authority for such Trust Fund.Amends federal transportation law to provide funding for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning programs for the nine-month period beginning October 1, 2007. Extends until June 30, 2008: (1) the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to incur obligations to make grants under [...]

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Latest Action: 01/23/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Bill Text
To amend title 49, United States Code, to establish additional goals for airport master plans.

1/22/2008--Introduced.

Amends federal transportation law to encourage airport sponsors and state and local officials in the development of their airport master plans to take into account as additional goals: (1) customer convenience and access to airport facilities; and (2) threats of a terrorist attack, including the need to continually adjust plans to address new terrorist threats.

Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S16016-16017)

Bill Text
A bill entitled the "Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2007".

12/19/2007--Introduced.

Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2007 - Amends federal transportation law to provide funding for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning programs for the six-month period beginning October 1, 2007. Extends until March 31, 2008: (1) the authority of the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to incur obligations to make grants under such programs; and (2) the 95% temporary increase in the federal government's share of certain airport improvement program costs.

Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to calculate funding apportionments for airport development programs in FY2008 in accordance with a specified formula.

Extends through FY2008 the period for final orders issued by the Secretary with respect to eligibility for essential air service compensation.

Latest Action: 12/11/2007 - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Lieberman. With written report No. 110-240.

Bill Text
An original bill to provide for the flexibility of certain disaster relief funds, and for improved evacuation and sheltering during disasters and catastrophes. 12/11/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)Streamlining Mitigation Actions and Recovery Tools and Regional Evacuation and Sheltering Planning of Overarching Networks for Severe Emergencies Act or the SMART RESPONSE Act - Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from prohibiting or restricting the use by Louisiana under its Road Home Program of specified funds designated for that state under FEMA's hazard mitigation grant program for damage caused by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita based upon: (1) any Program requirement that limits the amount made available to an eligible homeowner [...]

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Latest Action: 11/09/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

Bill Text
To support the development of high-speed rail in the United States, and for other purposes. 11/8/2007--Introduced. American Investment in Safe, Reliable High-Speed Rail Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to establish high-speed rail systems in the United States. Amends federal transportation law to authorize the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to make grants to a state, an Interstate Compact, a public agency, or a public-private entity to finance high-speed capital projects that improve intercity passenger rail transportation service. Prohibits Secretary approval of a grant project without a state rail plan and a project management plan. Requires each state to prepare for Secretary approval a state rail plan that includes a long-range rail investment program. Establishes: (1) a Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee; (2) a rail cooperative research program; and (3) an advisory board. Authorizes the Secretary to make [...]

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Latest Action: 11/09/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

Bill Text
To provide for the creation of a National High-Speed Rail Authority. 11/8/2007--Introduced. High-Speed Rail Authority Development and Formation Act - Establishes within the Department of Transportation (DOT) the National High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority), which shall be headed by an Administrator. Declares that the Authority's mission shall be to encourage and assist in the establishment of high-speed rail systems in the United States. Establishes in the Authority: (1) a Policy Advisory Committee; (2) an Office of Administration; and (3) an Office of Policy, Research, and Development. Establishes within the Office of Administration a Design/Build/Operate Division, a Right-Of-Way Acquisition Division, the position of General Counsel, and an Office of Venture Capital. Authorizes the Administrator, based on certain criteria, to solicit the development of certain technologies that will contribute to the development of high-speed rail transportation. Requires [...]

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Latest Action: 07/08/2008 - Provisions extending both the AIP program and tax authority from July 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008 were included in H.R. 6327 (P.L. 110-253)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes. 9/24/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 2007: (1) the excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property for funding the Airport and Airway Trust Fund; and (2) the expenditure authority for such Trust Fund.Amends federal transportation law to extend funding through December 31, 2007, for: (1) grants for airport planning and development and airport noise compatibility planning and programs; (2) operating expenses of the Federal Aviation Administration; (3) air navigation facilities; and (4) civil aviation research and development activities.Extends through December 31, 2007, the authority of the Secretary of Transportation [...]

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