Latest Action: 09/27/2008 - Mr. Oberstar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

Bill Text
To restructure the Coast Guard Integrated Deepwater Program, and for other purposes. 9/27/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Title I: Integrated Deepwater Program - Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act of 2008 - (Sec. 102) Prohibits the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating from using a private sector entity as a lead systems integrator (LSI) for Integrated Deepwater Program (IDP) acquisitions, subject to stated exceptions. Requires the Secretary and the IDP LSI, subject to exception, to use full and open competition for any IDP acquisition for which an outside contractor is used. Prohibits an LSI and any tier 1 subcontractor from having a financial interest in a subcontractor below the tier 1, subject to exception. (Sec. 103) Requires any IDP contract, delivery order, or task order to require, among other things, that: (1) IDP procurement certifications be conducted by the Secretary or [...]

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Latest Action: 09/29/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection.

Bill Text
To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to impose requirements for the improvement of security camera and video surveillance systems at certain airports, and for other purposes.

7/24/2008--Introduced.

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary), acting through the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration), to require category X or category 1 airport operators to modify their airport security programs to provide for the installation of airport security camera and video surveillance systems.

Requires airport operators to submit their modifications to the Secretary for approval.

Prohibits the use of images from such cameras and surveillance systems against an airport employee involved in an employment disciplinary matter, except in a criminal investigation or prosecution of criminal acts.

Latest Action: 06/20/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to improve port and intermodal supply chain security. 6/20/2008--Introduced. Port Authority of New York/New Jersey Port Security Task Force Implementation Act of 2008 - Amends federal port security law to revise mandatory elements of the secure system of transportation program. Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, acting through the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, to establish minimum program standards and procedures for verifying, at the point goods are placed in a cargo container for shipping, that such container is free of unauthorized contents, including hazardous chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear material, and is securely sealed after verification of its contents. Prohibits the entry of any container that has not complied with such standards and procedures. Requires Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans to establish regional response and recovery protocols for transportation [...]

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Latest Action: 06/18/2008 - Mr. Payne moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

Bill Text
Commending the efforts of those who sought to block an international arms transfer destined for Zimbabwe, where the government has unleashed a campaign of violence and intimidation against members of the political opposition, and for other purposes. 6/18/2008--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.) Recognizes the efforts of: (1) southern African trade unions, religious leaders, and advocacy groups to raise awareness about a possible weapons transfer to Zimbabwe as part of a campaign to address Zimbabwe's worsening political, economic, and humanitarian crisis; and (2) southern African governments which denied access through their territories for a weapons shipment destined for a regime that continues to perpetuate gross human rights violations against its own citizens. Urges the United States to continue [...]

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Latest Action: 05/07/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E842)

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief for obtaining transportation worker identification credentials.

5/7/2008--Introduced.

Tax Relief for Transportation Workers Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) individuals a refundable tax credit for the qualified expenses incurred in obtaining a transportation worker identification credential; and (2) employers a deduction equal to 40% of the aggregate qualified expenses paid or incurred in obtaining such credentials on behalf of their employees.

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 direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, for purposes of transportation security, to conduct a study on how airports can transition to uniform, standards-based, and interoperable biometric identifier systems for airport workers with unescorted access to secure or sterile areas of an airport, and for other purposes. 6/18/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Biometric Enhancement for Airport-Risk Reduction Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration (TSA)), to: (1) study and report to Congress on how airports can transition to uniform, standards-based, and interoperable biometric identifier systems for airport workers with unescorted access to secure or sterile areas of an airport; and (2) conduct a risk-based analysis of selected Category X and I airports and other airports to identify where implementation of such systems [...]

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Latest Action: 06/02/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection.

Bill Text
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require motor vehicle operators transporting security sensitive material in commerce to obtain a transportation security card from the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. 4/29/2008--Introduced. Screening Applied Fairly and Equitably to Truckers Act of 2008, or the SAFE Truckers Act of 2008 - Amends the Homeland Security Act 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) designate security sensitive material; and (2) prohibit an individual from operating a motor vehicle in commerce while transporting such material, unless the operator of the motor vehicle holds a transportation security card issued by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to prohibit a person (shipper) from offering a security sensitive material for transportation by motor vehicle, or causing the transportation of such material by motor vehicle, unless the operator of the motor vehicle holds a transportation security card. [...]

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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. 6/18/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on June 5, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) 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 [...]

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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: 02/14/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Bill Text
To direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to issue regulations requiring pilots of certain vessels to carry and utilize a portable electronic device equipped for navigational purposes, and for other purposes.

2/13/2008--Introduced.

Vessel Navigation and Safety Improvement Act - Directs the Coast Guard's Commandant to issue regulations requiring: (1) that any pilot serving on a self-propelled, commercial vessel of at least 300 gross tons carry and use a portable electronic device equipped for navigational purposes and capable of being connected to an Automatic Identification System; and (2) related pilot training.

Allows the Commandant to exempt a pilot by certifying that such a device is not necessary where the pilot operates.

Latest Action: 01/31/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection.

Bill Text
To amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to designate Federal special security zones at airports, and for other purposes.

11/14/2007--Introduced.

Airport Security Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends federal transportation law to authorize the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to: (1) designate certain airport areas (tarmacs, aircraft, baggage handling areas, baggage loading areas, and such other areas as the Assistant Secretary determines appropriate) as Federal Special Security Zones; and (2) issue a badge authorizing certain qualified individuals access to such zones. Restricts access to a Federal Special Security Zone to individuals who require access because of their employment and who have obtained a badge. Prohibits the use of a state issued badge to gain access to a Federal Special Security Zone.

Latest Action: 01/31/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.

Bill Text
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to strengthen enforcement of the immigration laws, to enhance border security, and for other purposes. 11/1/2007--Introduced. Border Enforcement, Employment Verification, and Illegal Immigration Control Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to: (1) take all appropriate actions, including development of a national border strategy, to maintain operational control over the U.S. international land and maritime borders; (2) report on cross-border security agreements with Mexico and Canada; (3) provide for biometric data enhancements; (4) increase port of entry inspection personnel; (5) report on the airspace security mission's impact on the National Capital Region; (6) reimburse private owners along the border for certain property damage; (7) establish at least one Border Patrol unit for the Virgin Islands; (8) report on Central American gang travel across the U.S.-Mexico border; and (9) deploy radiation portal [...]

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Latest Action: 10/12/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the importance of protecting American cruise ship passengers against crimes on the high seas and ensuring that the perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice. 9/17/2007--Introduced. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) members of the International Cruise Victims Association, the National Center for Victims of Crime, and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network are to be commended for their leadership in highlighting the problem of crimes against Americans on cruise ships; (2) Americans who are victims of crime on a cruise ship should have ready access to justice and additional steps should be taken to ensure that the perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice; (3) the cruise industry should provide information to passengers about security risks and maintain necessary security personnel on each ship; and (4) Congress should provide oversight to ensure the safety and security of American [...]

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Latest Action: 10/12/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to improve the interior enforcement of the immigration laws of the United States, and for other purposes. 9/14/2007--Introduced. Accountability in Enforcing Immigration Laws Act of 2007 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to subject all illegal alien entrants to fines. (Under current law, first-time offenses are subject to such fines and/or six months' imprisonment, and subsequent offenses are subject to such fines and/or two years' imprisonment.) Directs United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to provide for: (1) detention of illegal aliens who are apprehended by state or local law enforcement officers; and (2) reimbursement of state and local detention costs. Requires certain airport security screeners to undergo immigration status checks. Requires owners and operators of high-risk critical infrastructure sites, in order to receive buffer zone protection grants, to conduct terrorist watchlist [...]

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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: 05/07/2008 - Returned to the Calendar. Calendar No. 383.

Bill Text
To amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal years 2008 through 2011, to improve aviation safety and capacity, to provide stable funding for the national aviation system, and for other purposes. 9/20/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Title I: Authorizations - Subtitle A: Funding of FAA Programs - (Sec. 101) Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011 for: (1) airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning programs; (2) air navigation facilities and equipment; (3) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; and (4) FAA research, engineering, and development. Authorizes additional authorizations of appropriations from the general fund of the Treasury for aviation programs through FY2011. Subtitle B: Passenger Facility Charges - (Sec. 111) Amends the airport improvement program (AIP) [...]

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Latest Action: 04/28/2008 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 721.

Bill Text
To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2008, to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and title 18, United States Code, to combat the crime of alien smuggling and related activities, and for other purposes. 4/24/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 4 other summaries) Division A: Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2008 - Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2008 - Title I: Authorization - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Coast Guard for: (1) Coast Guard operation and maintenance, with a portion to be derived from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for certain purposes under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA purposes); (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including related equipment (designating an amount for the Integrated Deepwater System Program and a Fund amount for OPA purposes); (3) Coast [...]

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Latest Action: 06/12/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7554)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 46, United States Code, to improve port safety and security for especially hazardous cargos, and for other purposes. 6/12/2007--Introduced. Maritime Hazardous Cargo Security Act - Amends port security provisions to direct the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to: (1) establish an international committee for the safe and secure handling and transportation of especially hazardous cargo to the United States; (2) develop and implement a voluntary program under which foreign ports and facilities can certify their compliance with International Ship and Port Facility Code (ISPFC) standards (including a program under which independent, third-party entities are certified to validate such ports' and facilities' compliance with such standards); and (3) establish a strategic plan (under current law, program) to utilize assistance programs to assist foreign ports and facilities that lack effective antiterrorism measures in implementing [...]

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Latest Action: 06/25/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.

Bill Text
To protect the United States by targeting terrorists at the border, and for other purposes. 6/5/2007--Introduced. Fast and Secure Travel at the Borders Act of 2007 or FAST Borders Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, to establish an automated system for the purpose of the enforcement of U.S. law, including antiterrorism and border security law, to assist in the screening of persons seeking to enter or depart the United States. States that: (1) such system shall provide an administrative process for an individual to apply to correct any information retained by the system; and (2) such corrective process shall not be construed as creating a private right of action and no court shall have jurisdiction on any case or claim arising from the application of such system or corrective administrative process. Authorizes: (1) the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection to require each [...]

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Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Mr. Filner moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

Bill Text
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day, honoring the invaluable contributions of Charles Edward Taylor, regarded as the father of aviation maintenance, and recognizing the essential role of aviation maintenance technicians in ensuring the safety and security of civil and military aircraft.

4/30/2008--Passed House 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.)

Supports National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day to honor the role of aviation maintenance technicians in ensuring the safety and security of civil and military aircraft. Recognizes the life and memory of Charles Edward Taylor, regarded as the father of aviation maintenance.