[House Report 113-316]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Union Calendar No. 234
113th Congress, 1st Session - - - - - - - - - - - - - House Report 113-316
(113-47)
SUMMARY ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND
INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE 113TH CONGRESS
__________
ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
January 3, 2013-December 16, 2013
__________
COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 2, 2014.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania, Chairman
DON YOUNG, Alaska NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia
THOMAS E. PETRI, Wisconsin PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon
HOWARD COBLE, North Carolina ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON,
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee District of Columbia
Vice Chair JERROLD NADLER, New York
JOHN L. MICA, Florida CORRINE BROWN, Florida
FRANK A. LoBIONDO, New Jersey EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas
GARY G. MILLER, California ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS, Maryland
SAM GRAVES, Missouri RICK LARSEN, Washington
SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia MICHAEL E. CAPUANO, Massachusetts
CANDICE S. MILLER, Michigan TIMOTHY H. BISHOP, New York
DUNCAN HUNTER, California MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine
ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD, Arkansas GRACE F. NAPOLITANO, California
LOU BARLETTA, Pennsylvania DANIEL LIPINSKI, Illinois
BLAKE FARENTHOLD, Texas TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota
LARRY BUCSHON, Indiana STEVE COHEN, Tennessee
BOB GIBBS, Ohio ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey
PATRICK MEEHAN, Pennsylvania DONNA F. EDWARDS, Maryland
RICHARD L. HANNA, New York JOHN GARAMENDI, California
DANIEL WEBSTER, Florida ANDRE CARSON, Indiana
STEVE SOUTHERLAND II, Florida JANICE HAHN, California
JEFF DENHAM, California RICHARD M. NOLAN, Minnesota
REID J. RIBBLE, Wisconsin ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona
THOMAS MASSIE, Kentucky DINA TITUS, Nevada
STEVE DAINES, Montana SEAN PATRICK MALONEY, New York
TOM RICE, South Carolina ELIZABETH H. ESTY, Connecticut
MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma LOIS FRANKEL, Florida
ROGER WILLIAMS, Texas CHERI BUSTOS, Illinois
TREY RADEL, Florida
MARK MEADOWS, North Carolina
SCOTT PERRY, Pennsylvania
RODNEY DAVIS, Illinois
MARK SANFORD, South Carolina
SUBCOMMITTEE ON AVIATION
FRANK A. LoBIONDO, New Jersey, Chairman
THOMAS E. PETRI, Wisconsin RICK LARSEN, Washington
HOWARD COBLE, North Carolina PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas
SAM GRAVES, Missouri MICHAEL E. CAPUANO, Massachusetts
BLAKE FARENTHOLD, Texas DANIEL LIPINSKI, Illinois
LARRY BUCSHON, Indiana STEVE COHEN, Tennessee
PATRICK MEEHAN, Pennsylvania ANDRE CARSON, Indiana
DANIEL WEBSTER, Florida RICHARD M. NOLAN, Minnesota
JEFF DENHAM, California DINA TITUS, Nevada
REID J. RIBBLE, Wisconsin SEAN PATRICK MALONEY, New York
THOMAS MASSIE, Kentucky CHERI BUSTOS, Illinois
STEVE DAINES, Montana CORRINE BROWN, Florida
ROGER WILLIAMS, Texas ELIZABETH H. ESTY, Connecticut
TREY RADEL, Florida NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia
MARK MEADOWS, North Carolina (Ex Officio)
RODNEY DAVIS, Illinois, Vice Chair
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania (Ex
Officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION
DUNCAN HUNTER, California, Chairman
DON YOUNG, Alaska JOHN GARAMENDI, California
HOWARD COBLE, North Carolina ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS, Maryland
FRANK A. LoBIONDO, New Jersey RICK LARSEN, Washington
PATRICK MEEHAN, Pennsylvania TIMOTHY H. BISHOP, New York
STEVE SOUTHERLAND II, Florida, LOIS FRANKEL, Florida
Vice Chair CORRINE BROWN, Florida
TOM RICE, South Carolina JANICE HAHN, California
TREY RADEL, Florida NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia
MARK SANFORD, South Carolina (Ex Officio)
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania (Ex
Officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, AND EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
LOU BARLETTA, Pennsylvania, Chairman
THOMAS E. PETRI, Wisconsin ANDRE CARSON, Indiana
JOHN L. MICA, Florida ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON,
ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD, Arkansas District of Columbia
BLAKE FARENTHOLD, Texas, Vice Chair MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine
MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota
MARK MEADOWS, North Carolina DONNA F. EDWARDS, Maryland
SCOTT PERRY, Pennsylvania RICHARD M. NOLAN, Minnesota
MARK SANFORD, South Carolina DINA TITUS, Nevada
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania (Ex NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia
Officio) (Ex Officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS AND TRANSIT
THOMAS E. PETRI, Wisconsin, Chairman
DON YOUNG, Alaska ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON,
HOWARD COBLE, North Carolina District of Columbia
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon
JOHN L. MICA, Florida JERROLD NADLER, New York
FRANK A. LoBIONDO, New Jersey EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas
GARY G. MILLER, California MICHAEL E. CAPUANO, Massachusetts
SAM GRAVES, Missouri MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine
SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia GRACE F. NAPOLITANO, California
DUNCAN HUNTER, California TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota
ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD, Arkansas STEVE COHEN, Tennessee
LOU BARLETTA, Pennsylvania ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey
BLAKE FARENTHOLD, Texas DONNA F. EDWARDS, Maryland
LARRY BUCSHON, Indiana JANICE HAHN, California
BOB GIBBS, Ohio RICHARD M. NOLAN, Minnesota
RICHARD L. HANNA, New York ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona
STEVE SOUTHERLAND II, Florida DINA TITUS, Nevada
REID J. RIBBLE, Wisconsin, Vice SEAN PATRICK MALONEY, New York
Chair ELIZABETH H. ESTY, Connecticut
STEVE DAINES, Montana LOIS FRANKEL, Florida
TOM RICE, South Carolina CHERI BUSTOS, Illinois
MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia
ROGER WILLIAMS, Texas (Ex Officio)
SCOTT PERRY, Pennsylvania
RODNEY DAVIS, Illinois
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania (Ex
Officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON RAILROADS, PIPELINES, AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
JEFF DENHAM, California, Chairman
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee CORRINE BROWN, Florida
JOHN L. MICA, Florida DANIEL LIPINSKI, Illinois
GARY G. MILLER, California JERROLD NADLER, New York
SAM GRAVES, Missouri ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS, Maryland
SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine
CANDICE S. MILLER, Michigan GRACE F. NAPOLITANO, California
LOU BARLETTA, Pennsylvania TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota
LARRY BUCSHON, Indiana ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey
BOB GIBBS, Ohio JANICE HAHN, California
PATRICK MEEHAN, Pennsylvania ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona
RICHARD L. HANNA, New York, Vice ELIZABETH H. ESTY, Connecticut
Chair PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon
DANIEL WEBSTER, Florida MICHAEL E. CAPUANO, Massachusetts
THOMAS MASSIE, Kentucky NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia
ROGER WILLIAMS, Texas (Ex Officio)
TREY RADEL, Florida
SCOTT PERRY, Pennsylvania
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania (Ex
Officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON WATER RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT
BOB GIBBS, Ohio, Chairman
DON YOUNG, Alaska TIMOTHY H. BISHOP, New York
GARY G. MILLER, California DONNA F. EDWARDS, Maryland
SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia JOHN GARAMENDI, California
CANDICE S. MILLER, Michigan LOIS FRANKEL, Florida
ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD, ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON,
Arkansas, District of Columbia
Vice Chair EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas
RICHARD L. HANNA, New York GRACE F. NAPOLITANO, California
DANIEL WEBSTER, Florida STEVE COHEN, Tennessee
JEFF DENHAM, California JANICE HAHN, California
REID J. RIBBLE, Wisconsin RICHARD M. NOLAN, Minnesota
THOMAS MASSIE, Kentucky ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona
STEVE DAINES, Montana DINA TITUS, Nevada
TOM RICE, South Carolina SEAN PATRICK MALONEY, New York
MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia
MARK MEADOWS, North Carolina (Ex Officio)
RODNEY DAVIS, Illinois
MARK SANFORD, South Carolina
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania (Ex
Officio)
PANEL ON 21st-CENTURY FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee, Chairman
GARY G. MILLER, California JERROLD NADLER, New York
ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD, Arkansas CORRINE BROWN, Florida
RICHARD L. HANNA, New York DANIEL LIPINSKI, Illinois
DANIEL WEBSTER, Florida ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey
MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma JANICE HAHN, California
STAFF
COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Majority Full Committee Staff
Christopher P. Bertram, Staff Director
Stephen Martinko, Deputy Staff Director
Jennifer Hall, General Counsel
Clare Doherty, Director of Budget and Program Analysis
Matt Sturges, Director of Member Services
Beth Spivey, Director of Outreach and Coalitions
Wynn Bott, Chief Financial Administrator
Caryn Moore, Legislative Assistant
Dennis Wirtz, Legislative Assistant
Mike Legg, Director of Facilities and Operations
Adam Twardzik, Staff Assistant
Isabelle Beegle-Levin, Staff Assistant
Minority Full Committee Staff
Jim Zoia, Staff Director
Ward McCarragher, Chief Counsel
Ann Adler, Deputy Staff Director
Lisa James, Executive Assistant
Luke Strimer, Staff Assistant
Oversight and Investigations Majority Staff
Kim Moore, Counsel
Jason W. Rosa, Professional Staff
Majority Communications
Jim Billimoria, Communications Director
Justin Harclerode, Communications Advisor
Michael Marinaccio, Digital Director
Minority Communications
John Noble, Communications Director
Information Systems
Keven Sard, Director of Technology
Scott Putz, Assistant Systems Administrator
Clerk's Office
Tracy G. Mosebey, Clerk
Jean Paffenback, Printer
SUBCOMMITTEE ON AVIATION
Majority Staff
Holly E. Woodruff Lyons, Staff Director and Senior Counsel
Mike Matousek, Professional Staff
Simone Perez, Professional Staff
Andrew Rademaker, Staff Assistant
Minority Staff
Giles Giovinazzi, Staff Director
Rachel Carr, Counsel
Luke Strimer, Staff Assistant
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION
Majority Staff
John Rayfield, Staff Director
Geoff Gosselin, Professional Staff
Jason Klink, Staff Assistant
Minority Staff
Dave Jansen, Staff Director
Katherine Waring, Staff Assistant
SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, AND EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
Majority Staff
Dan Mathews, Staff Director
Johanna Hardy, Counsel
Walker Barrett, Staff Assistant
Minority Staff
Elliot Doomes, Counsel
Janet Erickson, Counsel
Katherine Waring, Staff Assistant
SUBCOMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS AND TRANSIT
Majority Staff
Jim Tymon, Senior Advisor to the Chairman/Staff Director
Shant Boyajian, Counsel
Murphie Barrett, Professional Staff
Dan Veoni, Professional Staff
Andrew Brady, Professional Staff
Minority Staff
Jim Kolb, Staff Director
Helena Zyblikewycz, Senior Professional Staff
Madeleine Pike, Staff Assistant
SUBCOMMITTEE ON RAILROADS, PIPELINES, AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Majority Staff
Mike Friedberg, Staff Director
Fred Miller, Counsel
David Connolly, Professional Staff
Minority Staff
Jennifer Esposito, Staff Director
Rachel Carr, Counsel
Nick Martinelli, Professional Staff
Katherine Waring, Staff Assistant
SUBCOMMITTEE ON WATER RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT
Majority Staff
John Anderson, Staff Director
Geoff Bowman, Professional Staff
Jonathan Pawlow, Counsel
Tracy Zea, Staff Assistant
Minority Staff
Ryan Seiger, Counsel
Jean Flemma, Professional Staff
David Wegner, Professional Staff
Madeleine Pike, Staff Assistant
C O N T E N T S
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Page
Jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure................................................. 1
Rules of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure...... 2
Statistical Overview 2013........................................ 18
Summary of Activities:
Full Committee............................................... 19
Subcommittee on Aviation..................................... 25
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation...... 35
Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and
Emergency Management....................................... 41
Subcommittee on Highways and Transit......................... 56
Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials 62
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.............. 69
Panel on 21st-Century Freight Transportation................. 76
Oversight Plan of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure................................................. 80
Hearings Held Pursuant to Clauses 2(n), (o), and (p) of Rule XI.. 100
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
----------
House of Representatives,
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
Washington, DC, January 2, 2014.
Hon. John A. Boehner,
Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Speaker: Pursuant to Clause 1(d) of Rule XI of the
Rules of the House of Representatives, I submit the first
annual report on the activities of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure for the 113th Congress.
The purpose of this report is to provide Members of
Congress, Congressional staff, and the general public with an
overview of the activities of the Committee. This report is
intended as a general reference tool and not as a substitute
for Committee hearing records, reports, and files.
Sincerely,
Bill Shuster,
Chairman.
Union Calendar No. 234
113th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session 113-316
======================================================================
SUMMARY ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND
INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE 113TH CONGRESS
_______
January 2, 2014.--Committed on the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Shuster, from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
JURISDICTION OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
The jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, as prescribed by clause 1(r) of Rule X of the
Rules of the House of Representatives, is as follows:
(1) Coast Guard, including lifesaving service, lighthouses,
lightships, ocean derelicts, and the Coast Guard Academy.
(2) Federal management of emergencies and natural
disasters.
(3) Flood control and improvement of rivers and harbors.
(4) Inland waterways.
(5) Inspection of merchant marine vessels, lights and
signals, lifesaving equipment, and fire protection on such
vessels.
(6) Navigation and laws relating thereto, including
pilotage.
(7) Registering and licensing of vessels and small boats.
(8) Rules and international arrangements to prevent
collisions at sea.
(9) The Capitol Building and the Senate and House Office
Buildings.
(10) Construction or maintenance of roads and post roads
(other than appropriations therefor).
(11) Construction or reconstruction, maintenance, and care
of buildings and grounds of the Botanic Garden, the Library of
Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution.
(12) Merchant marine (except for national security aspects
thereof).
(13) Purchase of sites and construction of post offices,
customhouses, Federal courthouses, and Government buildings
within the District of Columbia.
(14) Oil and other pollution of navigable waters, including
inland, coastal, and ocean waters.
(15) Marine affairs, including coastal zone management, as
they relate to oil and other pollution of navigable waters.
(16) Public buildings and occupied or improved grounds of
the United States generally.
(17) Public works for the benefit of navigation, including
bridges and dams (other than international bridges and dams).
(18) Related transportation regulatory agencies (except the
Transportation Security Administration).
(19) Roads and the safety thereof.
(20) Transportation, including civil aviation, railroads,
water transportation, transportation safety (except automobile
safety and transportation security functions of the Department
of Homeland Security), transportation infrastructure,
transportation labor, and railroad retirement and unemployment
(except revenue measures related thereto).
(21) Water power.
RULES OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE UNITED
STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 113TH CONGRESS
(Adopted January 23, 2013)
Rule I. General Provisions
(a) Applicability of House Rules.--
(1) In general.--The Rules of the House are the rules
of the Committee and its subcommittees so far as
applicable, except that a motion to recess from day to
day, and a motion to dispense with the first reading
(in full) of a bill or resolution, if printed copies
are available, are non-debatable privileged motions in
the Committee and its subcommittees.
(2) Subcommittees.--Each subcommittee is part of the
Committee, and is subject to the authority and
direction of the Committee and its rules so far as
applicable.
(3) Incorporation of house rule on committee
procedure.--Rule XI of the Rules of the House, which
pertains entirely to Committee procedure, is
incorporated and made a part of the rules of the
Committee to the extent applicable. Pursuant to clause
2(a)(3) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, the
Chairman of the Committee is authorized to offer a
motion under clause 1 of Rule XXII of the Rules of the
House whenever the Chairman considers it appropriate.
(b) Publication of Rules.--Pursuant to clause 2(a) of Rule
XI of the Rules of the House, the Committee's rules shall be
publicly available in electronic form and published in the
Congressional Record not later than 30 days after the Chairman
is elected in each odd-numbered year.
(c) Vice Chairman.--The Chairman shall appoint a vice
chairman of the Committee and of each subcommittee. If the
Chairman of the Committee or subcommittee is not present at any
meeting of the Committee or subcommittee, as the case may be,
the vice chairman shall preside. If the vice chairman is not
present, the ranking member of the majority party on the
Committee or subcommittee who is present shall preside at that
meeting.
Rule II. Regular, Additional, and Special Meetings
(a) Regular Meetings.--Regular meetings of the Committee
shall be held on the first Wednesday of every month to transact
its business unless such day is a holiday, or the House is in
recess or is adjourned, in which case the Chairman shall
determine the regular meeting day of the Committee for that
month. A regular meeting of the Committee may be dispensed with
if, in the judgment of the Chairman, there is no need for the
meeting. This paragraph shall not apply to meetings of any
subcommittee.
(b) Additional Meetings.--The Chairman may call and
convene, as he or she considers necessary, additional meetings
of the Committee for the consideration of any bill or
resolution pending before the Committee or for the conduct of
other committee business. The Committee shall meet for such
purpose pursuant to the call of the Chairman.
(c) Special Meetings.--If at least three members of the
Committee desire that a special meeting of the Committee be
called by the Chairman, those members may file in the offices
of the Committee their written request to the Chairman for that
special meeting. Such request shall specify the measure or
matter to be considered. Immediately upon the filing of the
request, the clerk of the Committee shall notify the Chairman
of the filing of the request. If, within 3 calendar days after
the filing of the request, the Chairman does not call the
requested special meeting to be held within 7 calendar days
after the filing of the request, a majority of the members of
the Committee may file in the offices of the Committee their
written notice that a special meeting of the Committee will be
held, specifying the date and hour thereof, and the measure or
matter to be considered at that special meeting. The Committee
shall meet on that date and hour. Immediately upon the filing
of the notice, the clerk of the Committee shall notify all
members of the Committee that such meeting will be held and
inform them of its date and hour and the measure or matter to
be considered; and only the measure or matter specified in that
notice may be considered at that special meeting. Such notice
shall also be made publicly available in electronic form and
shall be deemed to satisfy paragraph (d)(1).
(d) Notice.--
(1) Minimum notice period.--Pursuant to clause
2(g)(3) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, the
Chairman shall make a public announcement of the date,
place, and subject matter of a Committee or
subcommittee meeting, which may not commence earlier
than the third day on which members have notice
thereof.
(2) Changes in meeting times.--A meeting may commence
sooner than announced if the Chairman, with concurrence
of the ranking minority member, determines there is
good cause to begin the meeting sooner or the Committee
or subcommittee so determines by majority vote, a
quorum being present for the transaction of business.
The Chairman shall make a public announcement of the
meeting time change at the earliest possible
opportunity.
(3) Notification of daily digest clerk.--The clerk of
the Committee shall notify the Daily Digest Clerk of
the Congressional Record as soon as possible after a
public announcement of a time change for a Committee or
subcommittee meeting is made under this paragraph.
(e) Prohibition on Sitting During Joint Session.--The
Committee may not sit during a joint session of the House and
Senate or during a recess when a joint meeting of the House and
Senate is in progress.
Rule III. Meetings and Hearings Generally
(a) Minimum Period for Availability of Committee Markup
Text.--Pursuant to clause 2(g)(4) of Rule XI of the Rules of
the House, the Chairman shall make publicly available, in
electronic form, the text of any legislation to be marked up at
least 24 hours prior to the commencement of a meeting for the
markup of legislation, or at the time of a meeting announcement
under paragraph (a)(2)(B) of Committee Rule II if made within
24 hours before such meeting.
(b) Open Meetings.--Each meeting for the transaction of
business, including the markup of legislation, and each hearing
of the Committee or a subcommittee shall be open to the public,
except as provided by clause 2(g) of Rule XI of the Rules of
the House.
(c) Meetings to Begin Promptly.--Each meeting or hearing of
the Committee shall begin promptly at the time so stipulated in
the public announcement of the meeting or hearing.
(d) Addressing the Committee.--Except as provided under
paragraph (e) of Committee Rule VI, a Committee member may
address the Committee or a subcommittee on any bill, motion, or
other matter under consideration--
(1) only when recognized by the Chairman for that
purpose; and
(2) only for 5 minutes, or for a period of time
designated by the Chairman with concurrence of the
ranking minority member, until such time as each member
of the Committee or subcommittee who so desires has had
an opportunity to address the Committee or
subcommittee.
A member shall be limited in his or her remarks to the subject
matter under consideration. The Chairman shall enforce this
paragraph.
(e) Participation of Members in Subcommittee Meetings and
Hearings.--All members of the Committee who are not members of
a particular subcommittee may, by unanimous consent of the
members of such subcommittee, participate in any subcommittee
meeting or hearing. However, a member who is not a member of
the subcommittee may not vote on any matter before the
subcommittee, be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum,
or raise points of order.
(f) Broadcasting.--Whenever a meeting for the transaction
of business, including the markup of legislation, or a hearing
is open to the public, that meeting or hearing shall be open to
coverage by television, radio, and still photography in
accordance with clause 4 of Rule XI of the Rules of the House.
Operation and use of any Committee Internet broadcast system
shall be fair and nonpartisan and in accordance with clause
4(b) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House and all other
applicable rules of the Committee and the House. Further,
pursuant to clause 2(e)(5) of Rule XI of the Rules of the
House, the Committee shall provide audio and video coverage of
each hearing or meeting for the transaction of business in a
manner that allows the public to easily listen to and view the
proceedings. The Committee shall also maintain the recordings
of such coverage in a manner that is easily accessible to the
public.
(g) Access to the Dais and Lounges.--Access to the hearing
rooms' daises and to the lounges adjacent to the Committee
hearing rooms shall be limited to Members of Congress and
employees of Congress during a meeting or hearing of the
Committee unless specifically permitted by the Chairman or
ranking minority member.
(h) Use of Cellular Telephones.--The use of cellular
telephones in the Committee hearing room is prohibited during a
meeting or hearing of the Committee.
(i) Availability of Text of Amendments in Electronic
Form.--Pursuant to clause 2(e) of Rule XI of the Rules of the
House, not later than 24 hours after the adoption of any
amendment to a measure or matter considered by the Committee,
the Chairman shall cause the text of the amendment to be made
publicly available in electronic form.
Rule IV. Power To Sit and Act; Power To Conduct Investigations; Oaths;
Subpoena Power
(a) Authority To Sit and Act.--For the purpose of carrying
out any of its functions and duties under Rules X and XI of the
Rules of the House, the Committee and each of its
subcommittees, is authorized (subject to paragraph (d)(1))--
(1) to sit and act at such times and places within
the United States whether the House is in session, has
recessed, or has adjourned and to hold such hearings;
and
(2) to require, by subpoena or otherwise, the
attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the
production of such books, records, correspondence,
memorandums, papers, and documents, as it deems
necessary.
(b) Authority To Conduct Investigations.--
(1) In general.--The Committee is authorized at any
time to conduct such investigations and studies as it
may consider necessary or appropriate in the exercise
of its responsibilities under Rule X of the Rules of
the House and (subject to the adoption of expense
resolutions as required by Rule X, clause 6 of the
Rules of the House) to incur expenses (including travel
expenses) in connection therewith.
(2) Major investigations by subcommittees.--A
subcommittee may not begin a major investigation
without approval of a majority of such subcommittee.
(c) Oaths.--The Chairman, or any member designated by the
Chairman, may administer oaths to any witness.
(d) Issuance of Subpoenas.--
(1) In general.--A subpoena may be issued by the
Committee or subcommittee under paragraph (a)(2) in the
conduct of any investigation or activity or series of
investigations or activities, only when authorized by a
majority of the members voting, a majority being
present. Such authorized subpoenas shall be signed by
the Chairman of the Committee or by any member
designated by the Committee. If a specific request for
a subpoena has not been previously rejected by either
the Committee or subcommittee, the Chairman of the
Committee, after consultation with the ranking minority
member of the Committee, may authorize and issue a
subpoena under paragraph (a)(2) in the conduct of any
investigation or activity or series of investigations
or activities, and such subpoena shall for all purposes
be deemed a subpoena issued by the Committee. As soon
as practicable after a subpoena is issued under this
rule, the Chairman shall notify all members of the
Committee of such action.
(2) Enforcement.--Compliance with any subpoena issued
by the Committee or subcommittee under paragraph (a)(2)
may be enforced only as authorized or directed by the
House.
(e) Expenses of Subpoenaed Witnesses.--Each witness who has
been subpoenaed, upon the completion of his or her testimony
before the Committee or any subcommittee, may report to the
offices of the Committee, and there sign appropriate vouchers
for travel allowances and attendance fees. If hearings are held
in cities other than Washington, D.C., the witness may contact
the counsel of the Committee, or his or her representative,
before leaving the hearing room.
Rule V. Quorums and Record Votes; Postponement of Votes
(a) Working Quorum.--One-third of the members of the
Committee or a subcommittee shall constitute a quorum for
taking any action other than the closing of a meeting pursuant
to clauses 2(g) and 2(k)(5) of Rule XI of the Rules of the
House, the authorizing of a subpoena pursuant to paragraph (d)
of Committee Rule IV, the reporting of a measure or
recommendation pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of Committee Rule
VII, and the actions described in paragraphs (b), (c) and (d)
of this rule.
(b) Quorum for Reporting.--A majority of the members of the
Committee or a subcommittee shall constitute a quorum for the
reporting of a measure or recommendation.
(c) Approval of Certain Matters.--A majority of the members
of the Committee or a subcommittee shall constitute a quorum
for approval of a resolution concerning any of the following
actions:
(1) A prospectus for construction, alteration,
purchase or acquisition of a public building or the
lease of space as required by section 3307 of title 40,
United States Code.
(2) Survey investigation of a proposed project for
navigation, flood control, and other purposes by the
Corps of Engineers (section 4 of the Rivers and Harbors
Act of March 4, 1913, 33 U.S.C. 542).
(3) Construction of a water resources development
project by the Corps of Engineers with an estimated
Federal cost not exceeding $15,000,000 (section 201 of
the Flood Control Act of 1965).
(4) Deletion of water quality storage in a Federal
reservoir project where the benefits attributable to
water quality are 15 percent or more but not greater
than 25 percent of the total project benefits (section
65 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1974).
(5) Authorization of a Natural Resources Conservation
Service watershed project involving any single
structure of more than 4,000 acre feet of total
capacity (section 2 of P.L. 566, 83rd Congress).
(d) Quorum for Taking Testimony.--Two members of the
Committee or subcommittee shall constitute a quorum for the
purpose of taking testimony and receiving evidence.
(e) Record Votes.--A record vote may be demanded by one-
fifth of the members present.
(f) Postponement of Votes.--
(1) In general.--In accordance with clause 2(h)(4) of
Rule XI of the Rules of the House, the Chairman of the
Committee or a subcommittee, after consultation with
the ranking minority member of the Committee or
subcommittee, may--
(A) postpone further proceedings when a
record vote is ordered on the question of
approving a measure or matter or on adopting an
amendment; and
(B) resume proceedings on a postponed
question at any time after reasonable notice.
(2) Resumption of proceedings.--When proceedings
resume on a postponed question, notwithstanding any
intervening order for the previous question, an
underlying proposition shall remain subject to further
debate or amendment to the same extent as when the
question was postponed.
(g) Availability of Record Votes in Electronic Form.--
Pursuant to clause 2(e)(1)(B)(i) of Rule XI of the Rules of the
House, the Chairman shall make the result of any record vote
publicly available for inspection at reasonable times in the
offices of the Committee and in electronic form within 48 hours
of such record vote.
Rule VI. Hearing Procedures
(a) Announcement of Hearing.--
(1) Minimum notice period.--Pursuant to clause
2(g)(3) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, the
Chairman shall make a public announcement of the date,
place, and subject matter of a Committee or
subcommittee hearing, which may not commence earlier
than the one week after such notice.
(2) Changes in hearing times.--A hearing may commence
sooner than announced if the Chairman, with concurrence
of the ranking minority member, determines there is
good cause to begin the hearing sooner or the Committee
so determines by majority vote, a quorum being present
for the transaction of business. The Chairman shall
make a public announcement of the hearing time change
at the earliest possible opportunity.
(3) Notification of daily digest clerk.--The clerk of
the Committee shall notify the Daily Digest Clerk of
the Congressional Record as soon as possible after a
public announcement of a time change for a Committee or
subcommittee hearing is made under this paragraph.
(b) Written Statement; Oral Testimony.--
(1) Filing of statement.--So far as practicable, each
witness who is to appear before the Committee or a
subcommittee shall file with the clerk of the Committee
or subcommittee, at least 2 working days before the day
of his or her appearance, a written statement of
proposed testimony and shall limit his or her oral
presentation to a summary of the written statement.
(2) Truth in testimony information.--Pursuant to
clause 2(g)(5) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, in
the case of a witness appearing in a nongovernmental
capacity, a written statement of proposed testimony
shall include a curriculum vitae and a disclosure of
the amount and source (by agency and program) of each
Federal grant (or subgrant thereof) or contract (or
subcontract thereof) received during the current fiscal
year or either of the two previous fiscal years by the
witness or by an entity represented by the witness.
(3) Availability of information in electronic form.--
Statements filed under this paragraph, with appropriate
redaction to protect the privacy of the witness, shall
be made publicly available in electronic form not later
than one day after the witness appears.
(c) Minority Witnesses.--When any hearing is conducted by
the Committee or any subcommittee upon any measure or matter,
the minority party members on the Committee or subcommittee
shall be entitled, upon request to the Chairman by a majority
of those minority members before the completion of such
hearing, to call witnesses selected by the minority to testify
with respect to that measure or matter during at least one day
of hearing thereon.
(d) Summary of Subject Matter.--Upon announcement of a
hearing, to the extent practicable, the Committee shall make
available immediately to all members of the Committee a concise
summary of the subject matter (including legislative reports
and other material) under consideration. In addition, upon
announcement of a hearing and subsequently as they are
received, the Chairman shall make available to the members of
the Committee any official reports from departments and
agencies on such matter.
(e) Opening Statements; Questioning of Witnesses.--
(1) Opening statements.--
(A) Chairman and ranking member.--At a
hearing of the Full Committee, the Chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee shall
each be entitled to present an oral opening
statement of five minutes. At a hearing of a
subcommittee, the Chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee and the Chairman and
ranking minority member of the subcommittee
shall each be entitled to present an opening
statement for five minutes.
(B) Other members.--At a hearing of the Full
Committee or a subcommittee, other members of
the Committee or subcommittee, as appropriate,
may submit written opening statements for the
record. The Chairman presiding over the hearing
may permit oral opening statements by other
members of the Committee or subcommittee, as
appropriate, with the concurrence of the
ranking minority member.
(2) Questioning of witnesses.--The questioning of
witnesses in Committee and subcommittee hearings shall
be initiated by the Chairman, followed by the ranking
minority member and all other members alternating
between the majority and minority parties. In
recognizing members to question witnesses in this
fashion, the Chairman shall take into consideration the
ratio of the majority to minority members present and
shall establish the order of recognition for
questioning in such a manner as not to disadvantage the
members of the majority nor the members of the
minority. The Chairman may accomplish this by
recognizing two majority members for each minority
member recognized.
(f) Procedures for Questions.--
(1) In general.--A Committee member may question a
witness at a hearing--
(A) only when recognized by the Chairman for
that purpose; and
(B) subject to subparagraphs (2) and (3),
only for 5 minutes until such time as each
member of the Committee or subcommittee who so
desires has had an opportunity to question the
witness.
A member shall be limited in his or her remarks to the subject
matter under consideration. The Chairman shall enforce this
subparagraph.
(2) Extended questioning of witnesses by members.--
The Chairman of the Committee or a subcommittee, with
the concurrence of the ranking minority member, or the
Committee or subcommittee by motion, may permit a
specified number of its members to question a witness
for longer than 5 minutes. The time for extended
questioning of a witness under this subdivision shall
be equal for the majority party and minority party and
may not exceed one hour in the aggregate.
(3) Extended questioning of witnesses by staff.--The
Chairman of the Committee or a subcommittee, with the
concurrence of the ranking minority member, or the
Committee or subcommittee by motion, may permit
committee staff for its majority and minority party
members to question a witness for equal specified
periods. The time for extended questioning of a witness
under this subdivision shall be equal for the majority
party and minority party and may not exceed one hour in
the aggregate.
(4) Right to question witnesses following extended
questioning.--Nothing in subparagraph (2) or (3)
affects the right of a Member (other than a Member
designated under subparagraph (2)) to question a
witness for 5 minutes in accordance with subparagraph
(1)(B) after the questioning permitted under
subparagraph (2) or (3).
(g) Additional Hearing Procedures.--Clause 2(k) of Rule XI
of the Rules of the House (relating to additional rules for
hearings) applies to hearings of the Committee and its
subcommittees.
Rule VII. Procedures for Reporting Bills, Resolutions,
and Reports
(a) Filing of Reports.--
(1) In general.--The Chairman of the Committee shall
report promptly to the House any measure or matter
approved by the Committee and take necessary steps to
bring the measure or matter to a vote.
(2) Requests for reporting.--The report of the
Committee on a measure or matter which has been
approved by the Committee shall be filed within 7
calendar days (exclusive of days on which the House is
not in session) after the day on which there has been
filed with the clerk of the Committee a written
request, signed by a majority of the members of the
Committee, for the reporting of that measure or matter.
Upon the filing of any such request, the clerk of the
Committee shall transmit immediately to the Chairman of
the Committee notice of the filing of that request.
(b) Quorum; Record Votes.--
(1) Quorum.--No measure, matter, or recommendation
shall be reported from the Committee unless a majority
of the Committee was actually present.
(2) Record votes.--With respect to each record vote
on a motion to report any measure or matter of a public
character, and on any amendment offered to the measure
or matter, the total number of votes cast for and
against, and the names of those members voting for and
against, shall be included in the Committee report on
the measure or matter.
(c) Required Matters.--The report of the Committee on a
measure or matter which has been approved by the Committee
shall include the items required to be included by clauses 2(c)
and 3 of Rule XIII of the Rules of the House.
(d) Additional Views.--If, at the time of approval of any
measure or matter by the Committee, any member of the Committee
gives notice of intention to file supplemental, minority, or
additional views, all members shall be entitled to not less
than two additional calendar days after the day of such notice
(excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) in which to
file such written and signed views in accordance with clause
2(l) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House.
(e) Activities Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than January 2 of each
year, the Committee shall submit to the House a report
on the activities of the Committee.
(2) Contents.--The report shall include--
(A) separate sections summarizing the
legislative and oversight activities of the
Committee under Rules X and XI of the Rules of
the House during the applicable period;
(B) in the case of the first such report in
each Congress, a summary of the oversight plans
submitted by the Committee under clause 2(d) of
Rule X of the Rules of the House;
(C) a summary of the actions taken and
recommendations made with respect to the
oversight plans specified in subdivision (B);
(D) a summary of any additional oversight
activities undertaken by the Committee and any
recommendations made or actions taken thereon;
and
(E) a delineation of any hearings held
pursuant to clauses 2(n), (o), or (p) of Rule
XI of the Rules of the House.
(3) Filing.--After an adjournment sine die of a
regular session of a Congress, or after December 15,
whichever occurs first, the Chairman may file the
report described in subparagraph (1) with the Clerk of
the House at any time and without approval of the
Committee, provided that--
(A) a copy of the report has been available
to each member of the Committee for at least
seven calendar days; and
(B) the report includes any supplemental,
minority, or additional views submitted by a
member of the Committee.
(f) Other Committee Materials.--
(1) In general.--All Committee and subcommittee
prints, reports, documents, or other materials, not
otherwise provided for under this rule, that purport to
express publicly the views of the Committee or any of
its subcommittees or members of the Committee or its
subcommittees shall be approved by the Committee or the
subcommittee prior to printing and distribution and any
member shall be given an opportunity to have views
included as part of such material prior to printing,
release, and distribution in accordance with paragraph
(d) of this rule.
(2) Documents containing views other than member
views.--A Committee or subcommittee document containing
views other than those of members of the Committee or
subcommittee shall not be published without approval of
the Committee or subcommittee.
(3) Disclaimer.--All Committee or subcommittee
reports printed pursuant to legislative study or
investigation and not approved by a majority vote of
the Committee or subcommittee, as appropriate, shall
contain the following disclaimer on the cover of such
report: ``This report has not been officially adopted
by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
(or pertinent subcommittee thereof) and may not
therefore necessarily reflect the views of its
members.''.
(4) Compilations of laws.--To the maximum extent
practicable, the Committee shall publish a compilation
of laws under the jurisdiction of each subcommittee.
(g) Availability of Publications.--Pursuant to clause
2(e)(4) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, the Committee
shall make its publications available in electronic form to the
maximum extent feasible.
Rule VIII. Establishment of Subcommittees; Size and
Party Ratios
(a) Establishment.--There shall be 6 standing
subcommittees. These subcommittees, with the following sizes
(including delegates) and majority/minority ratios, are:
(1) Subcommittee on Aviation (32 Members: 18 Majority
and 14 Minority).
(2) Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation (18 Members: 10 Majority and 8
Minority).
(3) Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public
Buildings, and Emergency Management (18 Members: 10
Majority and 8 Minority).
(4) Subcommittee on Highways and Transit (45 Members:
25 Majority and 20 Minority).
(5) Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and
Hazardous Materials (32 Members: 18 Majority and 14
Minority).
(6) Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment
(32 Members: 18 Majority and 14 Minority).
(b) Ex Officio Members.--The Chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee shall serve as ex officio voting
members on each subcommittee.
(c) Ratios.--On each subcommittee there shall be a ratio of
majority party members to minority party members which shall be
no less favorable to the majority party than the ratio for the
full Committee. In calculating the ratio of majority party
members to minority party members, there shall be included the
ex officio members of the subcommittees.
Rule IX. Powers and Duties of Subcommittees
(a) Authority To Sit.--Each subcommittee is authorized to
meet, hold hearings, receive evidence, and report to the full
Committee on all matters referred to it or under its
jurisdiction. Subcommittee chairmen shall set dates for
hearings and meetings of their respective subcommittees after
consultation with the Chairman and other subcommittee chairmen
with a view toward avoiding simultaneous scheduling of full
Committee and subcommittee meetings or hearings whenever
possible.
(b) Consideration by Committee.--Each bill, resolution, or
other matter favorably reported by a subcommittee shall
automatically be placed upon the agenda of the Committee. Any
such matter reported by a subcommittee shall not be considered
by the Committee unless it has been delivered to the offices of
all members of the Committee at least 48 hours before the
meeting, unless the Chairman determines that the matter is of
such urgency that it should be given early consideration. Where
practicable, such matters shall be accompanied by a comparison
with present law and a section-by-section analysis.
Rule X. Referral of Legislation to Subcommittees
(a) General Requirement.--Except where the Chairman of the
Committee determines, in consultation with the majority members
of the Committee, that consideration is to be by the full
Committee, each bill, resolution, investigation, or other
matter which relates to a subject listed under the jurisdiction
of any subcommittee established in Committee Rule VIII referred
to or initiated by the full Committee shall be referred by the
Chairman to all subcommittees of appropriate jurisdiction
within two weeks. All bills shall be referred to the
subcommittee of proper jurisdiction without regard to whether
the author is or is not a member of the subcommittee.
(b) Recall From Subcommittee.--A bill, resolution, or other
matter referred to a subcommittee in accordance with this rule
may be recalled therefrom at any time by a vote of a majority
of the members of the Committee voting, a quorum being present,
for the Committee's direct consideration or for reference to
another subcommittee.
(c) Multiple Referrals.--In carrying out this rule with
respect to any matter, the Chairman may refer the matter
simultaneously to two or more subcommittees for concurrent
consideration or for consideration in sequence (subject to
appropriate time limitations in the case of any subcommittee
after the first), or divide the matter into two or more parts
(reflecting different subjects and jurisdictions) and refer
each such part to a different subcommittee, or make such other
provisions as he or she considers appropriate.
Rule XI. Recommendation of Conferees
The Chairman of the Committee shall recommend to the
Speaker as conferees the names of those members (1) of the
majority party selected by the Chairman, and (2) of the
minority party selected by the ranking minority member of the
Committee. Recommendations of conferees to the Speaker shall
provide a ratio of majority party members to minority party
members which shall be no less favorable to the majority party
than the ratio for the Committee.
Rule XII. Oversight
(a) Purpose.--The Committee shall carry out oversight
responsibilities as provided in this rule in order to assist
the House in--
(1) its analysis, appraisal, and evaluation of--
(A) the application, administration,
execution, and effectiveness of the laws
enacted by the Congress; or
(B) conditions and circumstances which may
indicate the necessity or desirability of
enacting new or additional legislation; and
(2) its formulation, consideration, and enactment of
such modifications or changes in those laws, and of
such additional legislation, as may be necessary or
appropriate.
(b) Oversight Plan.--Not later than February 15 of the
first session of each Congress, the Committee shall adopt its
oversight plan for that Congress in accordance with clause
2(d)(1) of Rule X of the Rules of the House.
(c) Review of Laws and Programs.--The Committee and the
appropriate subcommittees shall cooperatively review and study,
on a continuing basis, the application, administration,
execution, and effectiveness of those laws, or parts of laws,
the subject matter of which is within the jurisdiction of the
Committee, and the organization and operation of the Federal
agencies and entities having responsibilities in or for the
administration and execution thereof, in order to determine
whether such laws and the programs thereunder are being
implemented and carried out in accordance with the intent of
the Congress and whether such programs should be continued,
curtailed, or eliminated. In addition, the Committee and the
appropriate subcommittees shall cooperatively review and study
any conditions or circumstances which may indicate the
necessity or desirability of enacting new or additional
legislation within the jurisdiction of the Committee (whether
or not any bill or resolution has been introduced with respect
thereto), and shall on a continuing basis undertake future
research and forecasting on matters within the jurisdiction of
the Committee.
(d) Review of Tax Policies.--The Committee and the
appropriate subcommittees shall cooperatively review and study
on a continuing basis the impact or probable impact of tax
policies affecting subjects within the jurisdiction of the
Committee.
Rule XIII. Review of Continuing Programs; Budget Act Provisions
(a) Ensuring Annual Appropriations.--The Committee shall,
in its consideration of all bills and joint resolutions of a
public character within its jurisdiction, ensure that
appropriations for continuing programs and activities of the
Federal Government and the District of Columbia government will
be made annually to the maximum extent feasible and consistent
with the nature, requirements, and objectives of the programs
and activities involved.
(b) Review of Multi-Year Appropriations.--The Committee
shall review, from time to time, each continuing program within
its jurisdiction for which appropriations are not made annually
in order to ascertain whether such program could be modified so
that appropriations therefore would be made annually.
(c) Views and Estimates.--In accordance with clause 4(f)(1)
of Rule X of the Rules of the House, the Committee shall submit
to the Committee on the Budget--
(1) its views and estimates with respect to all
matters to be set forth in the concurrent resolution on
the budget for the ensuing fiscal year which are within
its jurisdiction or functions; and
(2) an estimate of the total amount of new budget
authority, and budget outlays resulting therefrom, to
be provided or authorized in all bills and resolutions
within its jurisdiction which it intends to be
effective during that fiscal year.
(d) Budget Allocations.--As soon as practicable after a
concurrent resolution on the budget for any fiscal year is
agreed to, the Committee (after consulting with the appropriate
committee or committees of the Senate) shall subdivide any
allocations made to it in the joint explanatory statement
accompanying the conference report on such resolution, and
promptly report such subdivisions to the House, in the manner
provided by section 302 of the Congressional Budget Act of
1974.
(e) Reconciliation.--Whenever the Committee is directed in
a concurrent resolution on the budget to determine and
recommend changes in laws, bills, or resolutions under the
reconciliation process, it shall promptly make such
determination and recommendations, and report a reconciliation
bill or resolution (or both) to the House or submit such
recommendations to the Committee on the Budget, in accordance
with the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
Rule XIV. Records
(a) Keeping of Records.--The Committee shall keep a
complete record of all Committee action which shall include--
(1) in the case of any meeting or hearing
transcripts, a substantially verbatim account of
remarks actually made during the proceedings, subject
only to technical, grammatical, and typographical
corrections authorized by the person making the remarks
involved; and
(2) a record of the votes on any question on which a
record vote is taken.
(b) Public Inspection.--The result of each such record vote
shall be made available by the Committee for inspection by the
public at reasonable times in the offices of the Committee.
Information so available for public inspection shall include a
description of the amendment, motion, order, or other
proposition and the name of each member voting for and each
member voting against such amendment, motion, order, or
proposition, and the names of those members present but not
voting.
(c) Property of the House.--All Committee records
(including hearings, data, charts, and files) shall be kept
separate and distinct from the congressional office records of
the member serving as Chairman of the Committee; and such
records shall be the property of the House and all members of
the House shall have access thereto.
(d) Availability of Archived Records.--The records of the
Committee at the National Archives and Records Administration
shall be made available for public use in accordance with Rule
VII of the Rules of the House. The Chairman shall notify the
ranking minority member of the Committee of any decision,
pursuant to clause 3(b)(3) or clause 4(b) of such rule, to
withhold a record otherwise available, and the matter shall be
presented to the Committee for a determination on written
request of any member of the Committee.
(e) Authority To Print.--The Committee is authorized to
have printed and bound testimony and other data presented at
hearings held by the Committee. All costs of stenographic
services and transcripts in connection with any meeting or
hearing of the Committee shall be paid as provided in clause
1(c) of Rule XI of the House.
Rule XV. Committee Budgets
(a) Biennial Budget.--The Chairman, in consultation with
the chairman of each subcommittee, the majority members of the
Committee, and the minority members of the Committee, shall,
for each Congress, prepare a consolidated Committee budget.
Such budget shall include necessary amounts for staff
personnel, necessary travel, investigation, and other expenses
of the Committee.
(b) Additional Expenses.--Authorization for the payment of
additional or unforeseen Committee expenses may be procured by
one or more additional expense resolutions processed in the
same manner as set out herein.
(c) Travel Requests.--The Chairman or any chairman of a
subcommittee may initiate necessary travel requests as provided
in Committee Rule XVII within the limits of the consolidated
budget as approved by the House and the Chairman may execute
necessary vouchers thereof.
(d) Monthly Reports.--Once monthly, the Chairman shall
submit to the Committee on House Administration, in writing, a
full and detailed accounting of all expenditures made during
the period since the last such accounting from the amount
budgeted to the Committee. Such report shall show the amount
and purpose of such expenditure and the budget to which such
expenditure is attributed. A copy of such monthly report shall
be available in the Committee office for review by members of
the Committee.
Rule XVI. Committee Staff
(a) Appointment by Chairman.--The Chairman shall appoint
and determine the remuneration of, and may remove, the
employees of the Committee not assigned to the minority. The
staff of the Committee not assigned to the minority shall be
under the general supervision and direction of the Chairman,
who shall establish and assign the duties and responsibilities
of such staff members and delegate such authority as he or she
determines appropriate.
(b) Appointment by Ranking Minority Member.--The ranking
minority member of the Committee shall appoint and determine
the remuneration of, and may remove, the staff assigned to the
minority within the budget approved for such purposes. The
staff assigned to the minority shall be under the general
supervision and direction of the ranking minority member of the
Committee who may delegate such authority as he or she
determines appropriate.
(c) Intention Regarding Staff.--It is intended that the
skills and experience of all members of the Committee staff
shall be available to all members of the Committee.
Rule XVII. Travel of Members and Staff
(a) Approval.--Consistent with the primary expense
resolution and such additional expense resolutions as may have
been approved, the provisions of this rule shall govern travel
of Committee members and staff. Travel to be reimbursed from
funds set aside for the Committee for any member or any staff
member shall be paid only upon the prior authorization of the
Chairman. Travel shall be authorized by the Chairman for any
member and any staff member in connection with the attendance
of hearings conducted by the Committee or any subcommittee and
meetings, conferences, and investigations which involve
activities or subject matter under the general jurisdiction of
the Committee. Before such authorization is given there shall
be submitted to the Chairman in writing the following:
(1) The purpose of the travel.
(2) The dates during which the travel is to be made
and the date or dates of the event for which the travel
is being made.
(3) The location of the event for which the travel is
to be made.
(4) The names of members and staff seeking
authorization.
(b) Subcommittee Travel.--In the case of travel of members
and staff of a subcommittee to hearings, meetings, conferences,
and investigations involving activities or subject matter under
the legislative assignment of such subcommittee, prior
authorization must be obtained from the subcommittee chairman
and the Chairman. Such prior authorization shall be given by
the Chairman only upon the representation by the chairman of
such subcommittee in writing setting forth those items
enumerated in subparagraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) of paragraph
(a) and that there has been a compliance where applicable with
Committee Rule VI.
(c) Travel Outside the United States.--
(1) In general.--In the case of travel outside the
United States of members and staff of the Committee or
of a subcommittee for the purpose of conducting
hearings, investigations, studies, or attending
meetings and conferences involving activities or
subject matter under the legislative assignment of the
Committee or pertinent subcommittee, prior
authorization must be obtained from the Chairman, or,
in the case of a subcommittee from the subcommittee
chairman and the Chairman. Before such authorization is
given there shall be submitted to the Chairman, in
writing, a request for such authorization. Each
request, which shall be filed in a manner that allows
for a reasonable period of time for review before such
travel is scheduled to begin, shall include the
following:
(A) The purpose of the travel.
(B) The dates during which the travel will
occur.
(C) The names of the countries to be visited
and the length of time to be spent in each.
(D) An agenda of anticipated activities for
each country for which travel is authorized
together with a description of the purpose to
be served and the areas of Committee
jurisdiction involved.
(E) The names of members and staff for whom
authorization is sought.
(2) Initiation of Requests.--Requests for travel
outside the United States may be initiated by the
Chairman or the chairman of a subcommittee (except that
individuals may submit a request to the Chairman for
the purpose of attending a conference or meeting) and
shall be limited to members and permanent employees of
the Committee.
(d) Reports by Members and Staff.--Within 15 legislative
days from the conclusion of any hearing, investigation, study,
meeting, or conference for which travel has been authorized
pursuant to this rule, each member and staff member involved in
such travel shall submit a written report to the Chairman
covering the activities and other pertinent observations or
information gained as a result of such travel.
(e) Applicability of Laws, Rules, Policies.--Members and
staff of the Committee performing authorized travel on official
business shall be governed by applicable laws, resolutions, or
regulations of the House and of the Committee on House
Administration pertaining to such travel, and by the travel
policy of the Committee.
Rule XVIII. Committee Panels
(a) Designation.--In accordance with clause 5(b)(2)(C) of
Rule X of the Rules of the House, the Chairman of the
Committee, with the concurrence of the ranking minority member,
may designate a panel of the Committee consisting of members of
the Committee to inquire into and take testimony on a matter or
matters that fall within the jurisdiction of more than one
subcommittee and to report to the Committee.
(b) Duration.--No panel designated under paragraph (a)
shall continue in existence for more than six months after the
date of the designation.
(c) Party Ratios and Appointment.--The ratio of majority
members to minority members on a panel designated under
paragraph (a) shall be as close as practicable to the ratio of
the Full Committee. All majority members of the panels shall be
appointed by the Chairman of the Committee, and all minority
members shall be appointed by the ranking minority member of
the Committee. The Chairman of the Committee shall choose one
of the majority members so appointed to serve as Chairman of
the panel. The ranking minority member of the Committee shall
similarly choose the ranking minority member of the panel.
(d) Ex Officio Members.--The Chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee may serve as ex-officio members of a
panel designated under paragraph (a). The Chairman and ranking
minority member are authorized to vote on matters that arise
before the panel and shall be counted to satisfy the quorum
requirement for any purpose.
(e) Jurisdiction.--No panel designated under paragraph (a)
shall have legislative jurisdiction.
(f) Applicability of Committee Rules.--A panel designated
under paragraph (a) shall be subject to all Committee Rules
herein.
STATISTICAL OVERVIEW--2013
Total number of Bills and Resolutions Referred to the
Committee: 277
Total number of Public Laws: 12
Total number of Concurrent Resolutions approved by both
Chambers: 4
Total number of Bills and Resolutions that Passed the House: 23
Total number of Committee Resolutions approved by the Full
Committee: 25
Total number of Bills and Resolutions Reported to the House: 17
Total number of Bills Ordered Reported: 23
Total number of Meeting Days: 68
Full Committee: 11
Hearings: 3
Markups: 7
Organizational Meeting: 1
Subcommittee on Aviation: 9
Hearings: 6
Listening Sessions: 3
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation: 9
Funding Hearings: 9
Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Building, and
Emergency Management: 7
Hearings: 5
Roundtables: 2
Subcommittee on Highways and Transit: 7
Hearings: 6
Roundtables: 1
Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials:
10
Hearings: 7
Roundtables: 3
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment: 6
Hearings: 4
Roundtables: 2
Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation: 9
Hearings: 6
Roundtables: 3
COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
113TH CONGRESS
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania,
Chairman
NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia,
Ranking Member
PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon DON YOUNG, Alaska
ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, THOMAS E. PETRI, Wisconsin
District of Columbia HOWARD COBLE, North Carolina
JERROLD NADLER, New York JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee
CORRINE BROWN, Florida JOHN L. MICA, Florida
EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas FRANK A. LoBIONDO, New Jersey
ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS, Maryland GARY G. MILLER, California
RICK LARSEN, Washington SAM GRAVES, Missouri
MICHAEL E. CAPUANO, Massachusetts SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West
TIMOTHY H. BISHOP, New York Virginia
MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine CANDICE S. MILLER, Michigan
GRACE F. NAPOLITANO, California DUNCAN HUNTER, California
DANIEL LIPINSKI, Illinois ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD,
TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota Arkansas
STEVE COHEN, Tennessee LOU BARLETTA, Pennsylvania
ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey BLAKE FARENTHOLD, Texas
DONNA F. EDWARDS, Maryland LARRY BUCSHON, Indiana
JOHN GARAMENDI, California BOB GIBBS, Ohio
ANDRE CARSON, Indiana PATRICK MEEHAN. Pennsylvania
JANICE HAHN, California RICHARD L. HANNA, New York
RICHARD M. NOLAN, Minnesota DANIEL WEBSTER, Florida
ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona STEVE SOUTHERLAND II, Florida
DINA TITUS, Nevada JEFF DENHAM, California
SEAN PATRICK MALONEY, New York REID J. RIBBLE, Wisconsin
ELIZABETH H. ESTY, Connecticut THOMAS MASSIE, Kentucky
LOIS FRANKEL, Florida STEVE DAINES, Montana
CHERI BUSTOS, Illinois TOM RICE, South Carolina
MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma
ROGER WILLIAMS, Texas
TREY RADEL, Florida
MARK MEADOWS, North Carolina
SCOTT PERRY, Pennsylvania
RODNEY DAVIS, Illinois
MARK SANFORD, South Carolina
Legislative Activities
Full Committee Markups
FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP, FEBRUARY 28, 2013
Considered and ordered reported:
H. Con. Res. 18, Authorizing the use of the
Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers'
Memorial Service
H. Con. Res. 19, Authorizing the use of the
Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box
Derby
General Services Administration Capital
Investment and Leasing Program Resolutions
Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Views and Estimates
of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP, MAY 16, 2013
Considered and ordered reported:
H.R. 3, To approve the construction,
operation, and maintenance of the Keystone XL pipeline,
and for other purposes
General Services Administration Capital
Investment and Leasing Program Resolutions
H.R. 1092, To designate the air route
traffic control center located in Nashua, New
Hampshire, as the ``Patricia Clark Boston Air Route
Traffic Control Center.''
FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP, JULY 10, 2013
Considered and ordered reported:
H.R. 1848, To ensure that the Federal
Aviation Administration advances the safety of small
airplanes, and the continued development of the general
aviation industry, and for other purposes
LoBiondo Amendment
H.R. 2576, To amend title 49, United States
Code, to modify requirements relating to the
availability of pipeline safety regulatory documents,
and for other purposes
H.R. 2612, To amend title 40, United States
Code, to improve the functioning and management of the
Public Buildings Service
H.R. 2611, To designate the headquarters
building of the Coast Guard on the campus located at
2701 Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue Southeast in the
District of Columbia as the ``Douglas A. Munro Coast
Guard Headquarters Building,'' and for other purposes
H. Con. Res. 44, Authorizing the use of the
Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special
Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP, JULY 18, 2013
Considered and ordered reported:
H.R. 185, To designate the United States
courthouse located at 101 East Pecan Street in Sherman,
Texas, as the ``Paul Brown United States Courthouse''
H.R. 579, To designate the United States
courthouse located at 501 East Court Street in Jackson,
Mississippi, as the ``R. Jess Brown United States
Courthouse''
H.R. 2251, To designate the United States
courthouse located at 118 South Mill Street, in Fergus
Falls, Minnesota, as the ``Edward J. Devitt United
States Courthouse''
Barletta Amendment
H.R. 1961, To amend title 46, United States
Code, to extend the exemption from the fire-retardant
materials construction requirement for vessels
operating within the Boundary Line
H.R. 2353, To amend title 23, United States
Code, with respect to the operation of vehicles on
certain Wisconsin highways, and for other purposes
FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013
Considered and ordered reported:
H.R. 3096, To designate the building
occupied by the Federal Bureau of Investigation located
at 801 Follin Lane, Vienna, Virginia, as the ``Michael
D. Resnick Terrorist Screening Center''
H.R. 3095, To ensure that any new or revised
requirement providing for the screening, testing, or
treatment of individuals operating commercial motor
vehicles for sleep disorders is adopted pursuant to a
rulemaking proceeding, and for other purposes
H.R. 3080, To provide for improvements to
the rivers and harbors of the United States, to provide
for the conservation and development of water and
related resources, and for other purposes
Shuster Manager's Amendment
Shuster Substitute Amendment to the
Southerland Amendment
FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP, OCTOBER 29, 2013
Considered and ordered reported:
H.R. 3300, (Shuster-R) To reauthorize the
programs and activities of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency
Shuster Amendment
Davis Amendment
Frankel Amendment
H.R. 2026, (Herrera Beutler-R) To amend the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act to exempt certain
silvicultural activities from national pollutant
discharge elimination system permitting requirements,
and for other purposes
H.R. 311, (Crawford-R) To direct the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to
change the Spill Prevention, Control, and
Countermeasure rule with respect to certain farms
H.R. 935, (Gibbs-R) To amend the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify
congressional intent regarding the regulation of the
use of pesticides in or near navigable waters, and for
other purposes
FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP, DECEMBER 4, 2013
Considered and ordered reported:
General Services Administration Capital
Investment and Leasing Program Resolutions
H.R. 3578, (LoBiondo-R) To ensure that any
new or revised requirement providing for the screening,
testing, or treatment of an airman or an air traffic
controller for a sleep disorder is adopted pursuant to
a rulemaking proceeding, and for other purposes
LoBiondo Amendment
H.R. 3628, (Shuster-R) To eliminate certain
unnecessary reporting requirements and consolidate or
modify others, and for other purposes
Exchanges of Letters
Bills Referred or Sequentially Referred to the Committee
H.R. 3
To approve the construction, operation, and maintenance of
the Keystone XL pipeline, and for other purposes.
Short Title: ``Northern Route Approval Act''
A jurisdictional exchange of letters between Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster and
Committee on the Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte occurred on
May 17 and 20, 2013. The exchange of letters was printed in the
Congressional Record dated May 22, 2013, on pages H2862 and
H2863.
H.R. 803
To reform and strengthen the workforce investment system of
the Nation to put Americans back to work and make the United
States more competitive in the 21st century.
Short Title: ``Supporting Knowledge and Investing in
Lifelong Skills Act'' or the ``SKILLS Act''
A jurisdictional exchange of letters between Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster and
Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairman John Kline
occurred on March 5 and 7, 2013. The exchange of letters was
printed in House Report 113-14 on pages 155-156.
H.R. 2576
To amend title 49, United States Code, to modify
requirements relating to the availability of pipeline safety
regulatory documents, and for other purposes.
A jurisdictional exchange of letters between Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster and
Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton occurred
on July 11, 2013. The exchange of letters was printed on pages
7 and 8 of House Report 113-152, Part I.
H.R. 3080
To provide for improvements to the rivers and harbors of
the United States, to provide for the conservation and
development of water and related resources, and for other
purposes.
Short Title: ``Water Resources Reform and Development Act
of 2013''
A jurisdictional exchange of letters between Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster and
Committee on the Budget Chairman Paul Ryan occurred on
September 27 and 30, 2013. The exchange of letters was printed
in House Report 113-246, Part I on pages 320 and 321.
A jurisdictional exchange of letters between Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster and
Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Doc Hastings occurred
on October 3 and 4, 2013. The exchange of letters was printed
in House Report 113-246, Part I on pages 322 through 324.
A jurisdictional exchange of letters between Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster and
Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp occurred on
October 17 and 18, 2013. The exchange of letters was printed in
House Report 113-246, Part I on pages 325 through 327.
Bills Not Referred to the Committee
H.R. 850
To impose additional human rights and economic and
financial sanctions with respect to Iran, and for other
purposes.
Short Title: ``Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013''
A jurisdictional exchange of letters between Committee on
Foreign Affairs Chairman Edward R. Royce and Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster
occurred on June 26 and July 9, 2013. The exchange of letters
was printed on pages 31 and 32 of House Report 113-177, Part I.
H.R. 1582
To protect consumers by prohibiting the Administrator of
the Environmental Protection Agency from promulgating as final
certain energy-related rules that are estimated to cost more
than $1 billion and will cause significant adverse effects to
the economy.
Short Title: ``Energy Consumers Relief Act of 2013''
A jurisdictional exchange of letters between Committee on
Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton and Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster
occurred on July 17 and 18, 2013. The exchange of letters was
printed on pages 26 and 27 of House Report 113-164.
H.R. 1947
To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural
and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through
fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.
Short Title: ``Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk
Management Act of 2013''
A jurisdictional exchange of letters between Committee on
Agriculture Chairman Frank D. Lucas and Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster
occurred May 22 and 23, 2013. The exchange of letters was
printed on page E934 of the Congressional Record dated June 20,
2013.
H.R. 1960
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2014 for
military activities of the Department of Defense and for
military construction, to prescribe military personnel
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.
Short Title: ``National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2014''
A jurisdictional exchange of letters between Committee on
Armed Services Chairman Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon and Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster
occurred on June 7, 2013. The exchange of letters was printed
on page 524 of House Report 113-102.
Oversight Activities
Hearings Held by the Full Committee
THE FEDERAL ROLE IN AMERICA'S INFRASTRUCTURE
On February 13, 2013, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure held a hearing entitled ``The Federal Role in
America's Infrastructure.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
underscore the importance of infrastructure to the American
economy and examine the role of the federal government in
providing safe, efficient, and reliable infrastructure. The
Committee received testimony from the Honorable Edward G.
Rendell, Co-Chair, Building America's Future, Thomas J.
Donohue, President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Terry
O'Sullivan, General President, Laborers' International Union of
North America.
GAO REVIEW: ARE ADDITIONAL FEDERAL COURTHOUSES JUSTIFIED?
On April 17, 2013, the Committee held a hearing to examine
the results of the Government Accountability Office (GAO)
review of the judiciary's five-year Courthouse Project Plan and
whether additional federal courthouses are justified. The
hearing focused on the excess space the federal judiciary
currently maintains, the criteria for evaluating whether new
courthouses are needed, and how the judiciary uses space. The
Committee received testimony from GAO, the General Services
Administration (GSA), and the federal judiciary.
PROGRESS REPORT: HURRICANE SANDY RECOVERY--ONE YEAR LATER
On November 14, 2013, the Committee held a hearing to
receive testimony related to the status of Hurricane Sandy
recovery efforts and federal agencies' progress in implementing
recovery objectives, allocating disaster assistance funding,
and meeting associated deadlines. The Committee heard from
Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA),
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Army Corps
of Engineers who provided a progress report on their ongoing
efforts. Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New Jersey on October
29, 2012. The Category 1 hurricane was responsible for
approximately 131 deaths and $50 billion in economic losses
according to a February 2013 report from the Congressional
Research Service. The Sandy Supplemental was enacted on January
29, 2013, and included $50.5 billion in disaster assistance for
certain government agencies to assist, improve, and streamline
Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts. Continuing oversight of how
programs under the Committee's jurisdiction are impacting the
recovery effort is and will remain a priority for the
Committee.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON AVIATION
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
113TH CONGRESS
FRANK A. LoBIONDO, New Jersey,
Chairman
RICK LARSEN, Washington, Ranking
Member
PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon THOMAS E. PETRI, Wisconsin
EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas HOWARD COBLE, North Carolina
MICHAEL E. CAPUANO, Massachusetts JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee
DANIEL LIPINSKI, Illinois SAM GRAVES, Missouri
STEVE COHEN, Tennessee BLAKE FARENTHOLD, Texas
ANDRE CARSON, Indiana LARRY BUCSHON, Indiana
RICHARD M. NOLAN, Minnesota PATRICK MEEHAN, Pennsylvania
DINA TITUS, Nevada DANIEL WEBSTER, Florida
SEAN PATRICK MALONEY, New York JEFF DENHAM, California
CHERI BUSTOS, Illinois REID J. RIBBLE, Wisconsin
CORRINE BROWN, Florida THOMAS MASSIE, Kentucky
ELIZABETH H. ESTY, Connecticut STEVE DAINES, Montana
NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia ROGER WILLIAMS, Texas
(ex officio) TREY RADEL, Florida
MARK MEADOWS, North Carolina
RODNEY DAVIS, Illinois, Vice Chair
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania (ex
officio)
Legislative Activities
To Designate the Air Route Traffic Control Center Located in Nashua,
New Hampshire, as the ``Patricia Clark Boston Air Route Traffic Control
Center''
PUBLIC LAW 113-25 (H.R. 1092)
Summary
The legislation names the air route traffic control center
in Nashua, New Hampshire, after Patricia Clark, a longtime
employee of that facility.
Legislative History
H.R. 1092 was introduced by Congresswoman Ann M. Kuster on
March 12, 2013, and referred to the Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure (the ``Committee''). H.R. 1092 was reported
by the Committee (House Report 133-97) on June 5, 2013. H.R.
1092 was then considered in the House under suspension of the
Rules on June 25, 2013, and passed by a rollcall vote of 392
yeas and 3 nays, with one voting present (rollcall No. 288).
On June 26, 2013, H.R. 1092 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders. Calendar No. 98. H.R. 1092 passed the Senate
without amendment by Unanimous Consent on July 24, 2013.
H.R. 1092 was presented to the President on August 1, 2013,
and the President signed the bill on August 9, 2013 (Public Law
113-25).
Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013
PUBLIC LAW 113-53 (H.R. 1848)
To ensure that the Federal Aviation Administration advances
the safety of small airplanes, and the continued development of
the general aviation industry, and for other purposes.
Summary
The legislation will streamline the process of certifying
small aircraft and reduce costs by requiring the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue a final rule updating
its current certification standards by December 2015.
Legislative History
H.R. 1848 was introduced by Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-KS)
on May 17, 2013. H.R. 1848 was ordered reported by the Full
Committee on July 10, 2013, as amended. The bill was reported
by the Committee (House Report 113-151) on July 16, 2013. H.R.
1848 was then considered in the House under suspension of the
Rules on July 16, 2013, and passed by a rollcall vote of 411
yeas and 0 nays (rollcall No. 355).
On October 4, 2013, H.R. 1848 was received in the Senate
and passed, with an amendment by unanimous consent.
On November 14, 2013, the House agreed to the Senate
amendment by unanimous consent.
H.R. 1848 was presented to the President on November 21,
2013, and signed into law on November 27, 2013 (Public Law 113-
53).
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014
H.R. 3304/H.R. 1960
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2014 for
military activities of the Department of Defense, for military
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such
fiscal year, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3304 authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2014
for military activities of the Department of Defense, for
military construction, and for defense activities of the
Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths
for such fiscal year. H.R. 3304 contains provisions within the
jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure. Specifically, provisions within the bill impact
the jurisdiction of the Subcommittees on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation and the Subcommittee on Aviation. The
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure worked with the
Committee on Armed Services to clear provisions in H.R. 3304
within the Committee's jurisdiction.
Legislative History
H.R. 1960 was introduced by the Chairman of the Committee
on Armed Services, Mr. Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon, on May 14,
2013.
H.R. 1960 was reported with amendments by the Committee on
Armed Services (House Report 113-102) on June 7, 2013.
H.R. 1960 was considered in the House under a Rule on June
12-14, 2013, and passed by a rollcall vote of 315 yeas and 108
nays (rollcall No. 244).
On July 8, 2013, H.R. 1960 was received in the Senate, read
twice and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders. (Calendar No. 126)
H.R. 3304 was introduced by Congressman Theodore E. Deutch
(D-FL) on October 22, 2013.
H.R. 3304 was considered in the House under suspension of
the Rules of the House of Representatives on October 28, 2013,
and passed by voice vote.
On November 19, 2013, H.R. 3304 passed the Senate with
amendments by Unanimous Consent.
On December 12, 2013, the House agreed to Senate amendments
with an amendment pursuant to H. Res. 441. The amendment
contains language similar to H.R. 1960.
To Ensure That Any New or Revised Requirements Providing for the
Screening, Testing, or Treatment of an Airman or an Air Traffic
Controller for a Sleep Disorder Is Adopted Pursuant to a Rulemaking
Proceeding, and for Other Purposes
H.R. 3578
Summary
The legislation requires the FAA to go through an open
rulemaking process if they choose to propose and implement new
sleep disorder requirements for pilots and air traffic
controllers.
Legislative History
H.R. 3578 was introduced by Congressmen Frank A. LoBiondo,
(R-NJ), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Daniel
Lipinski (D-IL), and Sam Graves (R-MO), on November 21, 2013.
On December 4, 2013, H.R. 3578 was ordered reported, as
amended, by voice vote.
Oversight Activities
Meetings, Hearings, and Listening Sessions
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FAA REAUTHORIZATION AND REFORM ACT: ONE YEAR
LATER
Just a little over a year after enactment, on February 27,
2013, the Subcommittee on Aviation held an oversight hearing on
the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act (Reform Act). The
purpose of the hearing was to address the progress that the FAA
had made in the implementation of the law. The Subcommittee
received testimony from the Administrator of the FAA.
NEXTGEN OVERSIGHT LISTENING SESSION
On April 10, 2013, the Subcommittee on Aviation held a
listening session with representatives of airlines that have
equipped their aircraft to utilize NextGen infrastructure and
procedures. The airlines voiced their concern that they are not
seeing a return on their investment and that the FAA had failed
to produce the NextGen benefits as promised. Members and
participants discussed possible solutions to get better usage
out of NextGen procedures as well as ways for the FAA to
deliver the NextGen benefits promised.
REVIEW OF THE FAA'S PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING THE FAA MODERNIZATION AND
REFORM ACT
On May 16, 2013, the Subcommittee on Aviation held a second
oversight hearing on the Reform Act. The hearing was a
continuation of the February 2013 hearing addressing the FAA's
progress in implementing the law. The Subcommittee received
testimony from the Administrator of the FAA.
NEXTGEN PERFORMANCE-BASED NAVIGATION PROCEDURES LISTENING SESSION
On May 22, 2013, the Subcommittee on Aviation held the
second in a series of NextGen listening sessions, meeting with
representatives of various aviation stakeholders and the FAA.
The purpose of the listening session was to find ways to allow
users of the National Airspace System who have equipped their
aircraft with NextGen technology to better utilize advanced,
performance-based procedures that rely on NextGen technology.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE BOEING 787 INCIDENTS
On June 12, 2013, the Subcommittee on Aviation held an
oversight hearing on the Boeing 787 incidents that occurred
earlier in the year. The purpose of this hearing was to explore
and discuss lessons learned and actions taken as a result of
the Boeing 787 battery incidents. The Subcommittee received
testimony from the FAA's Associate Administrator for Aviation
Safety and The Boeing Company.
CAUSES OF DELAYS TO THE FAA'S NEXTGEN PROGRAM
On July 17, 2013, the Subcommittee on Aviation held an
oversight hearing on the FAA's NextGen program. The purpose of
the hearing was to address the delays in the FAA's
implementation of NextGen as outlined in an audit conducted by
the Department of Transportation (DOT) Inspector General (IG).
The Subcommittee received testimony from the Administrator of
the FAA and the DOT IG.
REVIEW OF THE FAA'S CERTIFICATION PROGRESS: ENSURING AN EFFICIENT,
EFFECTIVE, AND SAFE PROCESS
On October 30, 2013, the Subcommittee on Aviation held a
hearing on the FAA's safety certification processes. The
purpose of the hearing was to review the FAA's progress in
implementing provisions in the Reform Act, which requires the
agency to develop plans to streamline their certification
process and address regional inconsistencies. The Subcommittee
received testimony from witnesses representing the Federal
Aviation Administration, GAO, the DOT IG, the General Aviation
Manufacturers Association, the Aerospace Industries
Association, the National Air Transportation Association, and
the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists.
NEXTGEN IMPLEMENTATION LISTENING SESSION
On November 19, 2013, the Subcommittee on Aviation held the
third in a series of NextGen listening sessions with the FAA,
GAO and the DOT IG, to follow up on the July NextGen hearing
and again review the FAA's progress in implementing NextGen.
Significant concerns were raised by the GAO and DOT IG in
regard to the FAA's lack of progress implementing NextGen, and
the lack of benefits for users of the National Airspace System.
CLASSIFIED MEMBERS BRIEFING: AVIATION THREAT UPDATE
On November 20, 2013, the Committee on Homeland Security,
Transportation Security Subcommittee, held a classified
Members' briefing and extended an invitation to Members of the
Subcommittee on Aviation. At this classified briefing,
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John
Pistole briefed Members on terrorist threats to commercial
aviation.
THE STATE OF AMERICAN AVIATION
On December 12, 2013, the Subcommittee on Aviation held a
hearing to explore the state of American aviation. The purpose
of this hearing was to hear from government, industry, and
other stakeholders on the state of American aviation and learn
about any issues or policy areas they believe need to be
addressed in the next FAA reauthorization. The Subcommittee
received testimony from representatives of the DOT, National
Business Aviation Association, American Association of Airport
Executives, Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO,
General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and Airlines for
America.
Oversight Letters
BOEING 787 BATTERY ISSUE
In January 2013, there were two incidents involving a
lithium ion battery on Boeing 787 aircraft--one on the ground
in Boston and the second in the air over Japan. After ordering
a review of all Boeing 787 critical systems, the FAA issued an
emergency airworthiness directive that temporarily halted 787
operations. On January 18, 2013, Chairman Frank A. LoBiondo of
the Subcommittee on Aviation sent the FAA a letter requesting
to be kept apprised of the results of the agency's review of
the Boeing 787 battery issue, including lessons learned as a
result of the review.
DOT SEQUESTRATION FURLOUGH OVERSIGHT
On March 7, 2013, after the FAA announced its intention to
furlough all FAA employees in order to implement sequestration,
Chairman Bill Shuster of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure sent a bicameral letter in conjunction with
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Ranking Member Thune to the DOT requesting information
regarding the agency's decision to furlough employees rather
than pursuing other options to reduce spending.
SEQUESTRATION AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER CLOSURES OVERSIGHT
On March 22, 2013, following the FAA's announcement that it
intended to close over 100 air traffic control towers in its
Federal Contract Tower Program (FCTP) in order to implement
sequestration, Chairman Bill Shuster of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure sent a bicameral letter in
conjunction with Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation Ranking Member Thune to the DOT expressing
concern about the agency's plan to close air traffic control
towers in the FCTP. The letter also requested that the DOT
provide a safety analysis for each proposed tower closing and a
detailed explanation for how each tower would be closed.
OPPOSING AVIATION USER FEES
On April 5, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure and Chairman Frank A.
LoBiondo and Ranking Member Rick Larsen of the Subcommittee on
Aviation sent the President a letter in opposition of imposing
a $100 per flight user fee on commercial and general aviation.
The President's Budget for fiscal year 2014 included a proposal
to impose the per flight user fee on aviation operators.
REVIEW OF PRECLEARANCE FACILITY AT ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
In April 2013, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that they
were in final negotiations with the United Arab Emirates to set
up a preclearance facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The Committee took note that in contrast to existing CBP
preclearance facilities, no American airline currently serves
Abu Dhabi International Airport. On April 17, 2013, Chairman
Frank A. LoBiondo of the Subcommittee on Aviation sent the DOT
a letter in opposition of a CBP preclearance facility at Abu
Dhabi International Airport. On April 18, 2013, Chairman Bill
Shuster and Ranking Member Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure and Chairman Frank A.
LoBiondo and Ranking Member Rick Larsen of the Subcommittee on
Aviation sent a joint letter with the Committee on Homeland
Security to the DHS requesting information about the agency's
decision to provide the CBP preclearance facility at Abu Dhabi
International Airport.
DOT SEQUESTRATION DOCUMENTATION REQUEST AND OVERSIGHT
On April 25, 2013, in a follow-up to its earlier letter
dated February 25, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure sent a letter in
conjunction with House Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform Chairman Darrell Issa to the DOT requesting that the
Department provide both Committees with a comprehensive set of
documents and communications related to the FAA's
implementation of sequestration.
REVIEW OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IMPLEMENTATION
On May 3, 2013, Subcommittee on Aviation Chairman Frank A.
LoBiondo requested that the GAO review the status of
implementation of safety management systems across the aviation
community, including the FAA's internal lines of business,
airports, airlines and other industry segments, and assess the
FAA's oversight.
OPPOSITION TO AIRSHOW FAA AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER FUNDING CUTS
On May 24, 2013, following an announcement that the FAA
would begin charging air shows to provide air traffic control
services, Chairman Bill Shuster of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure sent the FAA a letter asking
the agency reconsider its decision regarding funding for EAA
Air Venture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
REVIEW OF TSA MODIFICATIONS TO THE PROHIBITED ITEMS LIST
On June 24, 2013, Subcommittee on Aviation Chairman Frank
A. LoBiondo requested that the GAO review TSA's process for
modifying their prohibited items list, including how it
consults with private and public stakeholders and how this
process addresses TSA's risk-based approach toward screening
procedures.
REVIEW OF FAA ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
On September 4, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Chairman
Frank A. LoBiondo of the Subcommittee on Aviation requested the
DOT IG review the FAA's current organizational structure,
compare it with other countries' air traffic control
organizations, and identify possible benefits of alternative
structural reforms. The DOT IG is expected to issue their
report in 2014.
NEW PILOT RECORDS DATABASE IMPLEMENTATION
On September 10, 2013, Chairman Frank A. LoBiondo and
Ranking Member Rick Larsen of the Subcommittee on Aviation
requested the DOT IG continue to monitor and examine FAA and
industry progress in implementing the new pilot records
database as mandated by the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation
Administration Extension Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-216). This is
the final major mandate put in place in response to the tragic
February 2009 Colgan Air flight 3407 regional airline accident.
The DOT IG is expected to issue their report in 2014.
RESPONDING TO NEXTGEN CHALLENGES: A REVIEW
On September 26, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Chairman
Frank A. LoBiondo of the Subcommittee on Aviation requested GAO
review how effectively the FAA has responded to the challenges
in NextGen implementation that have been identified by the GAO
and others.
EVALUATION OF FAA INFORMATION SECURITY CONTROLS IMPLEMENTATION FOR AIR
TRAFFIC CONTROL
On September 26, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Chairman
Frank A. LoBiondo of the Subcommittee on Aviation requested
that GAO update its 2005 study evaluating the extent the FAA
has implemented effective information security controls for air
traffic control.
UPDATE ON AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDING
On September 26, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Chairman
Frank A. LoBiondo of the Subcommittee on Aviation requested
that GAO review future demands on airport infrastructure and
the funding capacity of airports to meet national and regional
needs and to maintain a safe and efficient airport system.
AVIATION ACTIVITY FORECAST
On September 26, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Chairman
Frank A. LoBiondo of the Subcommittee on Aviation requested
that GAO study how the levels of aviation activity in the
future will impact FAA operations and funding.
SESAR INTEROPERABILITY STUDY
On September 26, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Chairman
Frank A. LoBiondo of the Subcommittee on Aviation requested
that GAO review progress made by the FAA and key stakeholders
to achieve global air traffic control harmonization and
airspace interoperability, and in particular how the FAA's
NextGen and the European's SESAR (the European air traffic
control modernization program) can be better harmonized to
streamline operations.
REVIEWING FAA'S ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
On October 1, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking
Member Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Chairman Frank A. LoBiondo and Ranking
Member Rick Larsen of the Subcommittee on Aviation requested
that the GAO gather a wide range of stakeholder perspectives,
including labor, airlines, airports, and general aviation
users, on the effectiveness of the FAA's organizational
structure to support both the implementation of NextGen and the
day-to-day operation of the National Airspace System.
UPDATE ON FOREIGN AIR NAVIGATION SERVICE PROVIDERS
On October 1, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure and Chairman Frank A.
LoBiondo of the Subcommittee on Aviation requested that the GAO
update its 2005 study on the characteristics and performance of
international air navigation service providers and include a
review of how international systems differ from the United
States in terms of number and complexity of operations and
safety.
MAXIMIZING PERFORMANCE BASED NAVIGATION PROCEDURES THROUGH AIR TRAFFIC
CONTROLLER AUTOMATION TOOLS
On October 3, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking
Member Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Chairman Frank A. LoBiondo and Ranking
Member Rick Larsen of the Subcommittee on Aviation requested
the DOT IG assess the FAA's progress in developing and
deploying new air traffic controller automation tools needed to
maximize the use of Performance Based Navigation procedures.
The DOT IG accepted this request and is expected to issue their
report in 2014.
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS BASELINE STUDY
On November 20, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking
Member Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Chairman Frank A. LoBiondo and Ranking
Member Rick Larsen of the Subcommittee on Aviation requested
the GAO undertake a study to provide a baseline of information,
status, challenges and recommendations for improvement with
regard to the acquisition of unmanned aircraft systems'
operational and safety data and the coordination of research
and development activities among federal agencies and between
the federal and private sectors.
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS COMPETITIVENESS STUDY
On November 20, 2013,Chairman Bill Shuster of the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure and Chairman Frank A.
LoBiondo and Ranking Member Rick Larsen of the Subcommittee on
Aviation requested GAO undertake a study to address the key
similarities and differences in the progress, development, and
civilian uses of unmanned aircraft systems in key international
markets and our trading partners, their implications for
American competitiveness, and what lessons can be found for the
United States from international approaches to the development
and integration of unmanned aircraft systems.
NEXTGEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE PRIORITIES FOR FAA'S NEXTGEN UNDER
SEQUESTRATION
On November 20, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking
Member Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Chairman Frank A. LoBiondo and Ranking
Member Rick Larsen of the Subcommittee on Aviation requested
that the DOT IG examine the FAA's response to the NextGen
Advisory Committee's recommendations, including any actions the
agency is taking to adjust its budget and plans.
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION'S CERTIFICATION PROCESSES
On November 22, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Chairman
Frank A. LoBiondo of the Subcommittee on Aviation requested GAO
conduct a review of the FAA's progress in carrying out
recommendations developed from section 312 and 313 in the
Reform Act concerning the FAA's attempts to streamline and
reduce regional inconsistencies of interpretation for its
certification processes.
FAA REVIEW AND REFORM
On November 22, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Chairman
Frank A. LoBiondo of the Subcommittee on Aviation requested the
GAO review and analyze the progress that the FAA has made in
addressing its recommendations from section 812 of the Reform
Act, which required the FAA to identify and develop
recommendations to mitigate redundant, duplicative, ineffective
or obsolete processes, positions, or offices.
ALTERNATIVE MECHANISMS OF PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE COLLECTION
On November 22, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Chairman
Frank A. LoBiondo of the Subcommittee on Aviation requested
that the GAO update its earlier study of collection mechanisms
for passenger facility charges and focus on alternative
collection methods that were identified in the GAO's prior
report, or have subsequently been identified, and evaluate the
technological readiness of these alternatives.
Hearings Held
Hearing entitled ``Implementation of the FAA Modernization
and Reform Act: One Year Later'' (February 27, 2013) Committee
Print Number 113-3.
Hearing entitled ``Review of the FAA's Progress in
Implementing the FAA Modernization and Reform Act'' (May 16,
2013) Committee Print Number 113-15.
Hearing entitled ``Lessons Learned from the Boeing 787
Incidents'' (June 12, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-24.
Hearing entitled ``Causes of Delays to the FAA's NextGen
Program'' (July 17, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-30.
Hearing entitled ``Review of FAA's Certification Process:
Ensuring an Efficient, Effective, and Safe Process'' (October
30, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-40.
Hearing entitled ``The State of American Aviation''
(December 12, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-46.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
113TH CONGRESS
DUNCAN HUNTER, California,
Chairman
JOHN GARAMENDI, California,
Ranking Member
ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS, Maryland DON YOUNG, Alaska
RICK LARSEN, Washington HOWARD COBLE, North Carolina
TIMOTHY H. BISHOP, New York FRANK A. LoBIONDO, New Jersey
LOIS FRANKEL, Florida PATRICK MEEHAN, Pennsylvania
CORRINE BROWN, Florida STEVE SOUTHERLAND II, Florida,
JANICE HAHN, California Vice Chair
NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia TOM RICE, South Carolina
(ex officio) TREY RADEL, Florida
MARK SANFORD, South Carolina
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania (ex
officio)
Legislative Activities
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014
H.R. 3304/H.R. 1960
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2014 for
military activities of the Department of Defense, for military
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such
fiscal year, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3304 authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2014
for military activities of the Department of Defense, for
military construction, and for defense activities of the
Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths
for such fiscal year. H.R. 3304 contains provisions within the
jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure. Specifically, provisions within the bill impact
the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation and the Subcommittee on Aviation. The
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure worked with the
Committee on Armed Services to clear provisions in H.R. 3304
within the Committee's jurisdiction.
Legislative History
H.R. 1960 was introduced by the Chairman of the Committee
on Armed Services, Mr. Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon, on May 14,
2013.
H.R. 1960 was reported with amendments by the Committee on
Armed Services (House Report 113-102) on June 7, 2013.
H.R. 1960 was considered in the House under a Rule on June
12-14, 2013, and passed by a rollcall vote of 315 yeas and 108
nays (Rollcall No. 244).
On July 8, 2013, H.R. 1960 was received in the Senate, read
twice and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders. (Calendar No. 126)
H.R. 3304 was introduced by Congressman Theodore E. Deutch
(D-FL) on October 22, 2013.
H.R. 3304 was considered in the House under suspension of
the Rules of the House of Representatives on October 28, 2013,
and passed by voice vote.
On November 19, 2013, H.R. 3304 passed the Senate with
amendments by Unanimous Consent.
On December 12, 2013, the House agreed to Senate amendments
with an amendment pursuant to H. Res. 441. The amendment
contains language similar to H.R. 1960.
Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013
IN CONFERENCE WITH SENATE (H.R. 2642/ H.R. 1947)
To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural
and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through
fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2642 provides for the reform and continuation of
agricultural and other programs of the Department of
Agriculture through fiscal year 2018. H.R. 2642 contains
provisions within the jurisdiction of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure. Specifically, provisions
within the bill impact the jurisdiction of the Subcommittees on
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation; Economic Development,
Public Buildings, and Emergency Management; Highways and
Transit; and Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Legislative Summary
H.R. 1947 was introduced by Congressman Frank D. Lucas (R-
OK) on May 13, 2013.
H.R. 1947 was considered in the House on June 20, 2013, and
failed on passage by recorded vote of 195 yeas to 234 nays
(Rollcall No. 286).
H.R. 2642 was introduced by Congressman Frank D. Lucas (R-
OK) on July 10, 2013. H.R. 2642 contains language similar to
H.R. 1947.
H.R. 2642 passed the House by a rollcall vote of 216 yeas
and 208 nays (Rollcall No. 353).
On July 16, 2013, H.R. 2642 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar.
On July 18, 2013, the Senate struck all after the Enacting
Clause and substituted the language of S. 954 amended.
Subsequently, the Senate passed the measure by unanimous
consent.
On October 11, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure wrote a letter to Speaker
John A. Boehner to request the appointment of conferees from
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
On October 17, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking
Member Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and
Hazardous Materials Chairman Jeff Denham (R-CA) and Ranking
Member Corrine Brown (D-FL) wrote letters to Congressman Frank
D. Lucas, Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Thad Cochran (R-
MS), and Congressman Collin C. Peterson (R-MN) to express
objection to section 6206 of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2642.
On October 25, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking
Member Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and Ranking Member
John Garamendi (D-CA) wrote letters to Congressman Frank D.
Lucas (R-OK), Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Thad Cochran
(R-MS), and Congressman Collin C. Peterson (R-MN) in support of
the House-passed reauthorization of the Food for Peace Program
in H.R. 2642.
On October 30, 2013, the House and Senate began formal
conference committee meetings.
To Amend Tile 46, United States Code, To Extend the Exemption From Fire
Retardant Materials Construction Requirements for Vessels Operating
Within the Boundary Line
H.R. 1961
Summary
H.R. 1961 extends through October 31, 2028, the exemption
from vessel fire-retardant material construction requirements
for certain vessels in operation before 1968 and operating in
internal waters.
Legislative History
H.R. 1961 was introduced by Congressman Chabot on May 14,
2013, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
On July 18, 2013, the Committee met in open markup session
and ordered H.R. 1961 favorably reported to the House by a
voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 1961 to the House on July 24,
2013 (House Report 113-175), and the bill was placed on the
Union Calendar (Calendar No. 127).
On September 25, 2013, H.R. 1961 was considered in the
House under Suspension of the Rules and passed by the yeas and
nays, 280-89 (Roll call No. 484).
On September 26, 2013, H.R. 1961 was received in the
Senate.
Oversight Activities
Hearings, Meetings, and Roundtables
COAST GUARD MISSION PERFORMANCE
On February 26, 2013, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation held a hearing to examine how the Coast
Guard allocates hours and resources among its multiple
statutory missions, as well as how the Service measures mission
performance. The Subcommittee heard testimony from the Coast
Guard.
PORT AND VESSEL SAFETY AND SECURITY
On March 14, 2013, the Coast Guard held a classified
briefing for Members of the Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee on how it collects and disseminates intelligence on
vessels bound for the United States, as well as the tactics the
Service uses, and the capabilities it has, to interdict vessels
which pose a threat. The Coast Guard also discussed the
security of port facilities and other shoreside infrastructure.
PORT AND VESSEL SAFETY AND SECURITY
On April 10, 2013, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation held a hearing to review the efforts of
the federal government to safeguard U.S. and international
interests against acts of piracy off the coast of Africa and
other waters. The Subcommittee heard testimony from the Coast
Guard, the Navy, the Maritime Administration, Department of
State, and Lloyd's Market Association.
COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION AGENCY BUDGETS
On Tuesday, April 16, 2013, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing to examine the
fiscal year 2014 budget requests for the United States Coast
Guard, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), and the Maritime
Administration. The Subcommittee heard testimony from the Coast
Guard, FMC, and the Maritime Administration.
REDUCING REGULATORY BURDENS AND ENCOURAGING JOB CREATION IN THE
MARITIME SECTOR
On May 21, 2013, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation held a hearing to examine the
contributions of U.S.-flagged vessels and American mariners to
our economy and national security. The Subcommittee heard
testimony from the Department of Transportation, the United
States Transportation Command, Shipbuilders Council of America,
American Maritime Partnership, Marine Engineers' Beneficial
Association, and the Seafarers International Union.
COAST GUARD RECAPITALIZATION
On June 26, 2013, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation held a hearing to review the status of
the Coast Guard's current program to recapitalize its aircraft,
cutters and information technology systems, as well as to
examine the program's sustainability. The Subcommittee heard
testimony from the Coast Guard, Congressional Research Service,
the Heritage Foundation, and the Center for American Progress.
PORT AND VESSEL SAFETY AND SECURITY
On July 31, 2013, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation held a hearing to review Coast Guard
maritime domain awareness (MDA) programs and whether such
programs are improving the efficiency, safety, and security of
maritime transportation. The Subcommittee heard testimony from
the Coast Guard, the GAO, and MDA stakeholders in private
industry and academia.
REDUCING REGULATORY BURDENS AND ENCOURAGING JOB CREATION IN THE
MARITIME SECTOR
On September 10, 2013, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation held a hearing to review the status of
regulations by the Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), the FMC, and the Maritime Administration, as well
as examine how such regulations impact the maritime industry.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from the Coast Guard, the FMC,
the Maritime Administration, American Waterways Operators, USA
Maritime, Sportfishing Association of California, National
Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America,
Consortium of State Maritime Academies, and the National
Disability Rights Network.
REDUCING REGULATORY BURDENS AND ENCOURAGING JOB CREATION IN THE
MARITIME SECTOR
On October 29, 2013, The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation met to examine regulatory and other
issues impacting the maritime transportation sector that may be
addressed in legislation. The Subcommittee heard testimony from
the Coast Guard, the EPA, the Maritime Administration, the FMC,
and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
COAST GUARD MISSION PERFORMANCE
On December 11, 2013, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation held a hearing to examine factors
inhibiting the Coast Guard ability to meet its mission
performance targets and whether those targets are truly
achievable, as well as to review what steps the Service might
take to adjust performance targets to address these factors and
to acquire and maintain the capabilities necessary to meet such
revised targets. The Subcommittee heard testimony from the
Coast Guard.
Oversight Letters
COAST GUARD RECAPITALIZATION
On February 5, 2013, Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Duncan Hunter wrote a
letter to Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro of the GAO. The
letter requested the GAO review several areas of the Coast
Guard's recapitalization program in response to GAO's September
2012 report outlining the challenges the Coast Guard has faced
in carrying out its ongoing recapitalization initiative.
ROTATIONAL CREWING ON THE NATIONAL SECURITY CUTTER
On June 26, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Chairman Duncan
Hunter transmitted a letter to GAO requesting a study
concerning rotational crewing on the National Security Cutter.
COAST GUARD RECAPITALIZATION
On July 23, 2013, Chairman Duncan Hunter and Ranking Member
John Garamendi of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation, Representative Frank A. LoBiondo, and
Representative Rick Larsen wrote a letter to Defense Secretary
Hagel requesting he begin the transfer of 14 C-27J aircraft
from the Air Force to the Coast Guard. The letter noted the
transfer had the potential to provide up to $826 million in
cost avoidance over the recapitalization program of record.
COAST GUARD RECAPITALIZATION
On September 30, 2013, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation Chairman Duncan Hunter wrote a letter
to Admiral Robert Papp, Jr., the Commandant of the Coast Guard,
requesting information concerning the planned capability of
Offshore Patrol Cutter and its affordability.
REDUCING REGULATORY BURDENS AND ENCOURAGING JOB CREATION IN THE
MARITIME SECTOR
On October 25, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking
Member Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Chairman Duncan Hunter and Ranking Member
John Garamendi of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation wrote identical letters to Congressman Frank D.
Lucas, Senator Debbie Stabenow, Senator Honorable Thad Cochran,
and Congressman Collin C. Peterson to express support for
House-passed reauthorization of the Food for Peace program. The
Food for Peace program supports the viability of the U.S.-flag
maritime sector by financing the transportation of U.S. grown
agricultural commodities on U.S.-flag vessels to those in need
across the globe.
Hearings Held
Hearing entitled ``Coast Guard Mission Balance.'' (February
26, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-2
Hearing entitled ``Updates on Efforts to Combat Piracy.''
(April 10, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-7
Hearing entitled ``President's Fiscal Year 2014 Budget
Request for Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Programs.''
(April 16, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-9
Hearing entitled ``Maritime Transportation: The Role of
U.S. Ships and Mariners.'' (May 21, 2013) Committee Print
Number 113-16
Hearing entitled ``Coast Guard Readiness: Examining Cutter,
Aircraft, and Communications Needs.'' (June 26, 2013) Committee
Print Number 113-26
Hearing entitled ``How to Improve the Efficiency, Safety
and Security of Maritime Transportation: Better Use and
Integration of Maritime Domain Awareness Data.'' (July 31,
2013) Committee Print Number 113-33
Hearing entitled ``Maritime Transportation Regulations:
Impacts on Safety, Security, Jobs, and the Environment.''
(September 10, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-34
Hearing entitled ``Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
Authorization Issues.'' (October 29, 2013) Committee Print
Number 113-39
Hearing entitled ``Coast Guard Mission Execution: How Is
the Coast Guard Meeting Its Goals?'' (December 11, 2013)
Committee Print Number 113-44
SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, AND EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
113TH CONGRESS
LOU BARLETTA, Pennsylvania,
Chairman
ANDRE CARSON, Indiana, Ranking
Member
ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, THOMAS E. PETRI, Wisconsin
District of Columbia JOHN L. MICA, Florida
MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD,
TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota Arkansas
DONNA F. EDWARDS, Maryland BLAKE FARENTHOLD, Texas, Vice
RICHARD M. NOLAN, Minnesota Chair
DINA TITUS, Nevada MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma
NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia MARK MEADOWS, North Carolina
(ex officio) SCOTT PERRY, Pennsylvania
MARK SANFORD, South Carolina
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania (ex
officio)
Legislative Activities
Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013
PUBLIC LAW 113-2 (H.R. 152)
To make supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 152 makes supplemental appropriations for fiscal year
2013 to specified federal agencies and programs for expenses
related to the consequences of Hurricane Sandy. The federal
agencies to receive appropriations are the Department of
Agriculture, Department of the Army, Small Business
Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Department of
the Interior, Department of Health and Human Services,
Department of Defense, DOT, Department of Commerce, and the
Department of Labor.
H.R. 152 also incorporates provisions of H.R. 219 amending
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act to authorize the President, acting through the
Administrator of Federal Emergency Management Agency, to
approve public assistance projects for major disasters or
emergencies under alternative procedures with the goal of:
reducing the costs to the federal government of providing such
assistance; increasing flexibility in the administration of
assistance; expediting the provision of assistance to a state,
tribal or local government, or owner or operator of a private
nonprofit facility; and providing financial incentives and
disincentives for the timely and cost-effective completion of
projects.
Legislative History
H.R. 152 was introduced in the House on January 4, 2013.
On January 15, 2013, the House passed H. Res. 23, which
directed the Clerk, in the engrossment of H.R. 152, to add the
text of H.R. 219. Subsequently H.R. 152 passed the House by 241
yeas and 180 nays (Rollcall No. 23).
On January 22, 2013, H.R. 152 was received in the Senate.
On January 28, 2013, H.R. 152 was considered, and passed
without amendment by the Senate by a vote of 62-36.
On January 29, 2013, the bill was then presented to the
President and signed into law. (Public Law 113-2).
To designate the headquarters building of the Coast Guard on the campus
located at 2701 Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue Southeast in the
District of Columbia as the ``Douglas A. Munro Coast Guard Headquarters
Building'' and for other purposes.
PUBLIC LAW 113-31 (H.R. 2611)
Summary
H.R. 2611 designates the Coast Guard headquarters building
on the campus located at 2701 Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue,
S.E., in the District of Columbia as the ``Douglas A. Munro
Coast Guard Headquarters Building.''
Legislative History
H.R. 2611 was introduced in the House by Congresswoman
Norton on July 8, 2013.
On July 16, 2013, H.R. 2611 was ordered reported by the
Committee (House Report. 113-153).
On July 16, 2013, H.R. 2611 passed the House under the
suspension of the rules by a rollcall vote of 411 yeas and 0
nays (Rollcall No. 356).
On July 30, 2013, the Senate passed H.R. 2611 without
amendment by unanimous consent.
H.R. 2611 was presented to the President on August 1, 2013,
and President signed into law on August 9, 2013 (Public Law
113-31).
To designate the United States Courthouse located at 101 East Pecan
Street in Sherman, Texas, as the ``Paul Brown United States
Courthouse.''
PUBLIC LAW 113-58 (H.R. 185)
Summary
H.R. 185 designates the U.S. courthouse located at 101 East
Pecan Street in Sherman, Texas, as the ``Paul Brown United
States Courthouse.''
Legislative Action
On January 4, 2013, H.R. 185 was introduced by Congressman
Hall (R-TX).
On July 18, 2013, H.R. 185 was ordered reported by the
Committee.
On September 27, 2013, H.R. 185 was reported to the House
(House Report 113-232).
On October 22, 2013, H.R. 185 passed in the House under the
suspension of the rules on a rollcall vote of 402 yeas and 1
nay (Rollcall No. 551).
H.R. 185 was received in the Senate on October 28, 2013.
To designate the U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building Located at 118
South Mill Street, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, as the ``Edward J.
Devitt United States Courthouse and Federal Building.''
PUBLIC LAW 113-60 (H.R. 2251)
Summary
H.R. 2251 designates the U.S. courthouse and federal
building located at 118 South Mill Street, in Fergus Falls,
Minnesota, as the ``Edward J. Devitt United States Courthouse
and Federal Building.''
Legislative History
On June 4, 2013, H.R. 2251 was introduced in the House by
Congressman Peterson (D-MN).
On July 18, 2013, H.R. 2251 was ordered reported, amended,
by the Committee.
On September 27, 2013, H.R. 2251 was reported to the House
(House Report 113-234) and on September 28 passed by the House
under the suspension of the rules by a rollcall vote of 416
yeas and 4 nays (Rollcall No. 496).
On September 30, 2013, H.R. 2251 was received in the
Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on
Environment and Public Works.
On December 17, 2013, H.R. 2251 passed the Senate without
amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Authorizing the Use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace
Officers' Memorial Service
H. CON. RES. 18
Summary
H. Con. Res. 18 permitted the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal
Order of Police and its auxiliary to sponsor a free public
event, the 32nd Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial
Service, on the Capitol Grounds on May 15, 2013, to honor the
law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty during
2012.
Legislative History
H. Con. Res. 18 was introduced in the House by Congressman
Barletta (R-PA) on February 26, 2013.
H. Con. Res. 18 was ordered reported by the Committee on
February 28, 2013. H. Con. Res. 18 was reported to the House
(House Report 113-18) and was considered under the suspension
of the rules and passed by a rollcall vote of 388 yeas and 0
nays (Rollcall No. 77).
On March 21, 2013, H. Con. Res. 18 was agreed to in the
Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Authorizing the Use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington
Soap Box Derby
H. CON. RES. 19
Summary
H. Con. Res. 19 authorized the use of the Capitol Grounds
for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby held on June 15,
2013.
Legislative History
H. Con. Res. 19 was introduced in the House by Congressman
Hoyer (D-MD) on February 26, 2013.
H. Con. Res. 19 was ordered reported by the Committee on
February 28, 2013. H. Con. Res. 18 was reported to the House on
March 18, 2013, and on the same day was considered under the
suspension of the rules and passed by a rollcall vote of 386
yeas and 0 nays (Rollcall No. 78).
On March 21, 2013, H. Con. Res. 19 was agreed to in the
Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent
Authorizing the Use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Honor Guard
and Pipe Band Exhibition
H. CON. RES. 32
Summary
H. Con. Res. 32 permitted the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal
Order of Police and its auxiliary to sponsor a free public
event, the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition, on
the Capitol Grounds on May 14, 2013, in order to allow law
enforcement representatives to exhibit their ability to
demonstrate Honor Guard programs and provide for a bag pipe
exhibition.
Legislative History
H. Con. Res. 32 was introduced in the House by Congressman
Barletta (R-PA) on April 18, 2013, and was referred to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
On May 6, 2013, H. Con. Res. 32 was discharged from further
consideration, and the resolution was agreed to in the House by
Unanimous Consent.
On May 8, 2013, H. Con. Res. 32 was agreed to in the Senate
without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Authorizing the Use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia
Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
H. CON. RES. 44
Summary
H. Con. Res. 44 authorized the use of the Capitol Grounds
for the 28th Annual District of Columbia Special Olympics Law
Enforcement Torch Run on September 27, 2013.
Legislative History
H. Con. Res. 44 was introduced in the House by
Congresswoman Norton on July 8, 2013.
On July 10, 2013, H. Con. Res. 44 was ordered reported by
the Committee. On July 22, 2013, H. Con. Res. 44 was reported
to the House (House Report. 113-163) and was passed by the
House under the suspension of the rules by a rollcall vote of
388 yeas and 0 nays (Rollcall No. 376).
On July 30, 2013, H. Con. Res. 44 was agreed to in the
Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013
IN CONFERENCE WITH SENATE (H.R. 2642/H.R. 1947)
To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural
and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through
fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2642 provides for the reform and continuation of
agricultural and other programs of the Department of
Agriculture through fiscal year 2018. H.R. 2642 contains
provisions within the jurisdiction of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure. Specifically, provisions
within the bill impact the jurisdiction of the Subcommittees on
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation; Economic Development,
Public Buildings, and Emergency Management; Highways and
Transit; and Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Legislative Summary
H.R. 1947 was introduced by Congressman Frank D. Lucas (R-
OK) on May 13, 2013.
H.R. 1947 was considered in the House on June 20, 2013 and
failed on passage by recorded vote of 195 yeas to 234 nays
(Rollcall No. 286).
H.R. 2642 was introduced by Congressman Frank D. Lucas (R-
OK) on July 10, 2013. H.R. 2642 contains language similar to
H.R. 1947.
H.R. 2642 passed the House by a rollcall vote of 216 yeas
and 208 nays (Rollcall No. 353).
On July 16, 2013, H.R. 2642 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar.
On July 18, 2013, the Senate struck all after the Enacting
Clause and substituted the language of S. 954 amended.
Subsequently, the Senate passed the measure by unanimous
consent.
On October 11, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure wrote a letter to Speaker
John A. Boehner to request the appointment of conferees from
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
On October 17, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking
Member Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and
Hazardous Materials Chairman Jeff Denham (R-CA) and Ranking
Member Corrine Brown (D-FL) wrote letters to Congressman Frank
D. Lucas, Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Thad Cochran (R-
MS), and Congressman Collin C. Peterson (R-MN) to express
objection to section 6206 of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2642.
On October 25, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking
Member Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and Ranking Member
John Garamendi (D-CA) wrote letters to Congressman Frank D.
Lucas (R-OK), Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Thad Cochran
(R-MS), and Congressman Collin C. Peterson (R-MN) in support of
the House-passed reauthorization of the Food for Peace Program
in H.R. 2642.
On October 30, 2013, the House and Senate began formal
conference committee meetings.
Water Resources Development Act of 2013
IN CONFERENCE WITH SENATE (H.R. 3080)
To provide for improvements to the rivers and harbors of
the United States, to provide for the conservation and
development of water and related resources, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3080 includes improvements to the National Dam Safety
Program Act which is in the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management's
jurisdiction.
Legislative Summary
H.R. 3080 was introduced by Congressman Shuster (R-PA) on
September 11, 2013, and referred to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on the Budget,
the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Committee on Natural
Resources.
On September 12, 2013, H.R. 3080 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
On September 19, 2013, the Committee met in open markup
session and ordered H.R. 3080 favorably reported to the House,
as amended, by voice vote.
On October 21, 2013, H.R. 3080 was reported as amended by
the Committee (House Report 113-246, Part 1) and placed on the
Union Calendar (Calendar No. 174).
On October 23, 2013, H.R. 3080 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 385, and the bill was
passed by a rollcall vote of 417 yeas and 3 nays (Rollcall No.
560).
On October 28, 2013, H.R. 3080 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 224).
On October 31, 2013, the Senate considered H.R. 3080 by
Unanimous Consent. The Senate insisted on its amendment (the
text of S. 601 as passed by the Senate on May 15, 2013,
requested a conference and appointed conferees). On November
14, 2013, the House disagreed with the Senate amendment, and
agreed to a conference. On the same day, the Speaker appointed
conferees.
From the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure:
Shuster, Duncan of Tennessee, LoBiondo, Graves of Missouri,
Capito, Miller of Michigan, Hunter, Bucshon, Gibbs, Hanna,
Webster of Florida, Rice of South Carolina, Mullin, Rodney
Davis of Illinois, Rahall, DeFazio, Brown of Florida, Eddie
Bernice Johnson of Texas, Bishop of New York, Edwards,
Garamendi, Hahn, Nolan, Frankel of Florida, and Bustos.
From the Committee on Natural Resources: Hastings (WA),
Bishop (UT), and Napolitano
On November 20, 2013, the House and Senate held a formal
conference meeting.
Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013
PENDING IN THE SENATE (H.R. 219)
To improve and streamline disaster recovery efforts by
reducing costs without expanding eligibility or increasing the
amount of disaster assistance currently available under the
law.
Summary
H.R. 219 amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act to streamline the FEMA debris removal
process; to provide cost-effective federal assistance to
individuals and households; to expedite hazard mitigation
projects; to resolve project disputes to avoid cost overruns;
to simplify the environmental review process; to clarify costs
associated with essential state and local employees; to allow
tribal governments to request disaster and emergency
declarations; and to direct FEMA to submit recommendations to
Congress to reduce future costs and loss of life.
Legislative History
H.R. 219 was introduced in the House by Congressman Denham
(R-CA) on January 14, 2013, and was referred to the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure. H.R. 219 was considered
on the same day as introduction under the suspension of the
rules and passed by a rollcall vote of 403 yeas and 0 nays
(Rollcall No. 8).
On January 29, 2013, H.R. 152, making supplemental
appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013,
and for other purposes, was presented to the President and
signed into law. (Public Law 113-2). P.L 113-2 includes H.R.
219.
Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act of 2013
PENDING IN THE SENATE (H.R. 592)
To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act to include houses of worship as an
eligible private nonprofit facility and clarifies their
eligibility for certain disaster assistance programs.
Summary
H.R. 592 ensures that churches, synagogues, mosques,
temples, and other houses of worship are eligible for disaster
relief and emergency assistance on terms equal to other
eligible private nonprofit facilities.
Legislative Summary
H.R. 592 was introduced in the House by Congressman Smith
(R-NJ) on February 8, 2013.
On February 13, 2013, H.R. 592 passed in the House under
suspension of the rules by a rollcall vote of 354 yeas to 72
nays (Rollcall No. 39).
On February 14, 2013, H.R. 592 was received in the Senate
and on March 13, 2013, H.R. 592 was read twice in the Senate
and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
To designate the Building Occupied by the Federal Bureau of
Investigation Located at 801 Follin Lane, Vienna, Virginia, as the
``Michael D. Resnick Terrorist Screening Center.''
PENDING IN THE SENATE (H.R. 3096)
Summary
H.R. 3096 designates the building occupied by the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI) located at 801 Follin Lane,
Vienna, Virginia, as the ``Michael D. Resnick Terrorist
Screening Center.''
Legislative History
On September 12, 2013, H.R. 3096 was introduced by
Congressman Connolly (D-VA)
On September 19, 2013, H.R. 3096 was ordered reported by
the Committee.On September 27, 2013, H.R. 3096 was reported to
the House (House Report 113-235) and passed the House under the
suspension of the rules by a rollcall vote of 403 yeas to 2
nays. On the same day H.R. 3096 was subsequently received in
the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on
Environment and Public Works.
Public Buildings Savings and Reform Act of 2013
H.R. 2612
To amend title 40, United States Code, to improve the
functioning and management of the Public Buildings Service.
Summary
H.R. 2612 amends the Public Buildings Act to improve the
functioning and managing of the Public Buildings Service of
GSA. The bill addresses waste and mismanagement identified by
Committee investigations, GAO studies and the GSA Inspector
General. Waste and mismanagement identified has included the
expanding of the federal real property footprint, a lack of
transparency on federal property information and utilization,
the overbuilding of federal courthouses, and GSA's bonus and
internship systems and conferences.
Legislative Action
On July 8, 2013, H.R. 2612 was introduced by Congressman
Barletta (R-PA).
On July 10, 2013, H.R. 2612 was ordered reported by the
Committee.
To designate the United States Courthouse located at 501 East Court
Street in Jackson, Mississippi, as the ``R. Jess Brown United States
Courthouse.''
H.R. 579
Summary
H.R. 579 designates the U.S. courthouse located at 501 East
Court Street in Jackson, Mississippi, as the ``R. Jess Brown
United States Courthouse.''
Legislative History
On February 6, 2013, H.R. 579 was introduced by Congressman
Thompson (D-MS).
On July 18, 2013, H.R. 579 was ordered reported by the
Committee. H.R. 579 was reported to the House on September 27,
2013.
FEMA Reauthorization Act of 2013
H.R. 3300
To reauthorize the programs and activities of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
Summary
H.R. 3300 reauthorizes FEMA through fiscal year 2016 at
$972 million each year; reauthorizes the Integrated Public
Alert and Warning System; reauthorizes the Urban Search and
Rescue Response System; and reauthorizes the Emergency
Management Assistance Compacts Grants through fiscal year 2016.
Legislative History
On September 18, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a
hearing entitled ``FEMA Reauthorization: Recovering Quicker and
Smarter.'' On October 2, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a
hearing entitled ``FEMA Reauthorization: Ensuring the Nation is
Prepared.'' Both these hearing were held in preparation for
drafting the language of H.R. 3300.
On October 22, 2013, H.R. 3300 was introduced by
Congressman Shuster (R-PA).
On October 29, 2013, the Committee met in open markup
session and ordered H.R. 3300 reported, as amended.
Committee Resolutions (Authorizing the General Services Administration
Capital Investing and Leasing Program)
In 2013, the Committee continued to work to cut waste and
the cost of federal property and leases. The Committee approved
a total of 25 GSA resolutions resulting in a total savings of
more than $668 million.
On February 28, 2013, the Committee approved 16 GSA lease
resolutions and two alteration project resolutions. The lease
resolutions included the Departments of Defense, Agriculture,
Treasury, Interior, Commerce, Health and Human Services,
Homeland Security, Justice, Veterans Affairs, and the National
Labor Relations Board. The two alteration projects included
multiple federally owned buildings to maximize utilization and
address life safety issues. The Committee approved resolutions
represent a $27,574,718 potential reduction in annual lease
payments and $357,045,783 total reduction over the lease terms
from the prospectuses submitted by the Administration or
current leases.
Department of Agriculture-Forest Service--Northern Virginia--
PVA-07-WA12
Rentable Square Feet: 106,000
Lease Term: 15 years
Annual Rent: $4,134,000
Department of the Treasury-Financial Management Service--
Suburban Maryland--PMD-05-WA12
Rentable Square Feet: 327,000
Lease Term: 5 years
Annual Rent: $8,502,000
Alteration-Consolidation Projects--Various Locations--PCO-0001-
VA13
Total Proposed Cost: $16,100,000
Alteration-Exigent Need Projects--Various Locations--PEX-00001
Total Proposed Cost: $122,936,000
Department of the Interior-Fish and Wildlife Service--Northern
Virginia--PVA-09-WA13
Rentable Square Feet: 183,000
Lease Term: 15 years
Annual Rent: $7,137,000
National Labor Relations Board--Washington, DC--PDC-05-WA13
Rentable Square Feet: 155,000
Lease Term: 15 years
Annual Rent: $7,750,000
Department of Commerce-Bureau of Economic Analysis--Washington,
DC--PDC-12-WA13
Rentable Square Feet: 135,000
Lease Term: 15 years
Annual Rent: $6,750,000
Department of Health and Human Services-Administration for
Children and Families--Washington, DC--PDC-11-WA13
Rentable Square Feet: 214,000
Lease Term: 15 years
Annual Rent: $10,700,000
Department of Homeland Security-Office of the Inspector
General--Washington, DC--PDC-02-WA13
Rentable Square Feet: 110,000
Lease Term: 15 years
Annual Rent: $5,500,000
Department of Justice--Washington, DC--PDC-01-WA13
Rentable Square Feet: 77,000
Lease Term: 5 years
Annual Rent: $3,850,000
Department of Veterans Affairs--Washington, DC--PDC-08-WA13
Rentable Square Feet: 170,868
Lease Term: 5 years
Annual Rent: $8,543,400
Department of Homeland Security-United States Customs and
Border Patrol--Queens, NY--PNY-02-QU13
Rentable Square Feet: 146,000
Lease Term: 15 years
Annual Rent: $6,716,000
Department of Defense--Northern Virginia--PVA-04-WA13
Rentable Square Feet: 585,000
Lease Term: 15 years
Annual Rent: $22,815,000
Department of Defense--Northern Virginia--PVA-06-WA13
Rentable Square Feet: 448,000
Lease Term: 15 years
Annual Rent: $17,472,000
Department of Homeland Security-United States Customs and
Border Protection--Northern Virginia--PVA-070WA13
Rentable Square Feet: 169,000
Lease Term: 15 years
Annual Rent: $6,591,000
Department of Health and Human Services-Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality--Suburban Maryland--PMD-04-WA13
Rentable Square Feet: 133,895
Lease Term: 5 years
Annual Rent: $4,686,325
Department of Health and Human Services-Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services--Suburban Maryland--PMD-03-WA13
Rentable Square Feet: 228,020
Lease Term: 2 years
Annual Rent: $7,980,700
Department of Defense--Northern Virginia--PVA-04-WA12
Rentable Square Feet: 281,000
Lease Term: 15 years
Annual Rent: $10,959,000
On May 16, 2013, the Committee approved one GSA alteration
project resolution. The resolution provides for the
reconfiguration of space at the United States Courthouse in
Greenbelt, Maryland. The resolution authorizes $10,000,000 to
accommodate an additional magistrate courtroom and additional
chambers within the existing building. The proposal is in lieu
of the construction of a new 262,000-gross-square-foot annex
that was estimated in 2009 to cost $128 million. As a result,
the Committee estimates savings exceeding $1.8 million.
Alteration-United State Courthouse--Greenbelt, MD--PMD-0232-
GR13
Total Proposed Cost: $10,000,000
On July 10, 2013, the Committee approved one GSA alteration
project resolution. The resolution provides for the repair of
Building 7 in the Auburn Federal Complex, Auburn, WA. The
resolution would authorize $17,000,000 for repairs that are
critical to address structural damages that resulted from
severe snowstorms. This project is necessary given the life
safety concerns.
Alteration-Auburn Federal Complex--Auburn, WA--PWA-0831-AU14
Total Proposed Cost: $17,000,000
On December 4, 2013, the Committee approved five GSA lease
resolutions. The lease resolutions included the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Departments of Justice,
Homeland Security, and Housing and Urban Development. The
Committee approved resolutions represent a $12,907,308
reduction in annual lease payments and $193,609,620 total
reduction over the lease terms from the prospectuses submitted
by the Administration or current leases.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission--Suburban Maryland--PMD-04-WA11
Rentable Square Feet: 348,000
Lease Term: 15 years
Annual Rent: $11,832,000
Department of Homeland Security-Customs and Border Protection--
Washington, DC--PDC-05-WA14
Rentable Square Feet: 109,000
Lease Term: 15 years
Annual Rent: $5,450,000
Department of Housing and Urban Development--Washington, DC--
PDC-01-WA14
Rentable Square Feet: 86,000
Lease Term: 15 years
Annual Rent: $4,300,000
Department of Justice-Federal Bureau of Investigation--
Washington, DC--PDC-04-WA14
Rentable Square Feet: 157,000
Lease Term: 15 years
Annual Lease: $7,850,000
Department of Justice-United States Marshals Service--Northern
Virginia--PVA-03-WA14
Rentable Square Feet: 371,000
Lease Term: 15 years
Annual Lease: $14,469,000
Oversight Activities
Hearings, Meetings, and Roundtables
FBI HEADQUARTERS CONSOLIDATION
On March 13, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a
hearing entitled ``FBI Headquarters Consolidation'' to review
the need for a new FBI headquarters, consider the best solution
to meet the needs of the FBI and protect the taxpayer, options
for financing this major project, and how and whether the
existing FBI headquarters building can and should be leveraged.
The hearing was conducted to inform Members as the Committee
considers whether to authorize the GSA to proceed with the
project. The Subcommittee received testimony from five Members
of Congress representing states and districts in the National
Capital Region, GSA, and the FBI.
SAVING TAXPAYER DOLLARS: FREEZING THE FEDERAL REAL ESTATE FOOTPRINT
On May 22, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic Development,
Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing to
examine efforts by federal agencies to freeze and reduce their
real estate footprint. The Subcommittee received testimony from
GSA, DHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the
NRC.
ROUNDTABLE--BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN
FEDERAL REAL ESTATE
On July 23, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic Development,
Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a roundtable
discussion to explore how public-private partnerships could be
used to meet the real estate needs of the federal government.
Subcommittee Chairman Lou Barletta led a discussion with
private sector real estate executives that specialize in the
designing, construction, development, financing, and operation
of real estate.
FEMA REAUTHORIZATION: RECOVERING QUICKER AND SMARTER
On September 18, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a
hearing to review recovery efforts from Hurricane Sandy, the
tornadoes in Oklahoma, and other recent disasters to ensure
effective coordination among federal, state, tribal, and local
agencies in helping communities to recover in a quicker and
smarter way. The hearing also focused on how reforms enacted in
the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 are helping to
address red tape and streamline the recovery process for recent
disasters. The Subcommittee received testimony from FEMA, the
Department of Housing and Urban Development, Small Business
Administration, and state and local emergency managers and
tribal representatives involved in disaster recovery efforts in
various jurisdictions.
FEMA REAUTHORIZATION: ENSURING THE NATION IS PREPARED
On October 2, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a
hearing to examine FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning
System and National Urban Search and Rescue System to evaluate
the need for reform legislation in the context of a proposed
reauthorization of FEMA. The Subcommittee received testimony
from FEMA, a Central Region Representative of the Urban Search
and RescueSystem, representatives of the wireless and
broadcasting industries, and a local emergency alert user.
FEDERAL TRIANGLE SOUTH: REDEVELOPING UNDERUTILIZED FEDERAL PROPERTY
THROUGH PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
On November 19, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a
hearing to receive testimony related to Federal Triangle South
in Washington, D.C., as a case study for redeveloping
underutilized federal properties through public-private
partnerships. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Congressman Jeff Denham (R-CA), GSA, the National Capital
Planning Commission, and the Urban Land Institute.
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON OPPORTUNITIES AND USES OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE
PARTNERSHIPS IN FEDERAL REAL ESTATE
On December 16, 2013, the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a
roundtable on the topic of exploring how public-private
partnerships could be better utilized to meet the real estate
needs of the federal government. The discussion focused on the
opportunities for public-private partnerships and the obstacles
that are preventing their use. Chairman Bill Shuster and
Subcommittee Chairman Lou Barletta led a discussion with
Members of the Subcommittee, GSA Administrator Tangherlini, and
private sector real estate executives.
Oversight Letters
GAO OFFICE REPORTS
On February 6, 2013, Subcommittee on Economic Development,
Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Chairman Lou
Barletta sent a letter to GAO Comptroller General Gene L.
Dodaro asking to be included as a requester on three reports
that were underway at the beginning of the 113th Congress. The
three reports are titled: Review of the Judiciary's 5-Year
Courthouse Construction Plan; Review of the planning for use,
retention, or disposal of existing Courthouse; and Review of
FEMA's efforts to modernize the Emergency Alert System and
implement the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION'S HOUSING PLAN
On March 26, 2013, Subcommittee on Economic Development,
Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Chairman Lou
Barletta sent a letter to NRC Chairwoman Allison M. Macfarlane
requesting current housing and staff numbers at their White
Flint, Maryland, campus. The letter was in response to the
NRC's request to renew their lease for the White Flint Two
building despite constructing a third building on the campus
that is currently vacant. The Committee must authorize GSA
leases that cost $2.79 million or more annually. The White
Flint Two lease exceeds the $2.79 million threshold. In order
for the Committee to better understand why renewing the White
Flint Two lease makes sense, Subcommittee Chairman Lou Barletta
requested information relating to how much space the NRC owns;
how much space the NRC leases; the total square footage in each
building they operate; total staff levels over the past ten
years; current total staff levels; number of temporary, part
time, and contracted workers; current utilization rates at each
building; and other information. After working with the NRC and
GSA, the Committee brokered an agreement that will put 1,100
additional employees into NRC's buildings by having space
backfilled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a
result, FDA has agreed to relinquish four leases that will save
the taxpayer $145.8 million. The Committee approved the NRC
lease prospectus on December 4, 2013, conditioned on this
agreement.
Hearings Held
Hearing entitled ``FBI Headquarters Consolidation.'' (March
13, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-5.
Hearing entitled ``Saving Taxpayer Dollars: Freezing the
Federal Real Estate Footprint.'' (May 22, 2013) Committee Print
Number 113-18.
Hearing entitled ``FEMA Reauthorization: Recovering Quicker
and Smarter.'' (September 18, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-
35.
Hearing entitled ``FEMA Reauthorization: Ensuring the
Nation is Prepared.'' (October 2, 2013) Committee Print Number
113-37.
Hearing entitled ``Federal Triangle South: Redeveloping
Underutilized Federal Property Through Public-Private
Partnerships.'' (November 19, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-
43.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS AND TRANSIT U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
113TH CONGRESS
THOMAS E. PETRI, Wisconsin,
Chairman
ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, District of
Columbia, Ranking Member
PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon DON YOUNG, Alaska
JERROLD NADLER, New York HOWARD COBLE, North Carolina
EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee
MICHAEL E. CAPUANO, Massachusetts JOHN L. MICA, Florida
MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine FRANK A. LoBIONDO, New Jersey
GRACE F. NAPOLITANO, California GARY G. MILLER, California
TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota SAM GRAVES, Missouri
STEVE COHEN, Tennessee SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West
ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey Virginia
DONNA F. EDWARDS, Maryland DUNCAN HUNTER, California
JANICE HAHN, California ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD,
RICHARD M. NOLAN, Minnesota Arkansas
ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona LOU BARLETTA, Pennsylvania
DINA TITUS, Nevada BLAKE FARENTHOLD, Texas
SEAN PATRICK MALONEY, New York LARRY BUCSHON, Indiana
ELIZABETH H. ESTY, Connecticut BOB GIBBS, Ohio
LOIS FRANKEL, Florida RICHARD L. HANNA, New York
CHERI BUSTOS, Illinois STEVE SOUTHERLAND II, Florida
NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia REID J. RIBBLE, Wisconsin, Vice
(ex officio) Chair
STEVE DAINES, Montana
TOM RICE, South Carolina
MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma
ROGER WILLIAMS, Texas
SCOTT PERRY, Pennsylvania
RODNEY DAVIS, Illinois
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania (ex
officio)
Legislative Activities
To Designate the New Interstate Route 70 Bridge Over the Mississippi
River connecting St. Louis, Missouri, and Southwestern Illinois as the
``Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge''
PUBLIC LAW 113-18 (H.R. 2383)
Summary
The bill names the new Interstate Route 70 bridge over the
Mississippi River that connects St. Louis, Missouri, to
southwestern Illinois as the ``Stan Musial Veterans Memorial
Bridge.''
Legislative History
H.R. 2383 was introduced by Congressman Davis (R-IL) on
June 14, 2013. On June 17, 2013, the bill was referred to the
Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
On June 25, 2013, H.R. 2383 passed the House under
suspension of the rules, 395-2.
On June 27, 2013, the bill passed the Senate without
amendment by unanimous consent.
On July 12, 2013, the President signed the bill and it
became Public Law 113-18.
To Ensure That Any New or Revised Requirement Providing for the
Screening, Testing, or Treatment of Individuals Operating Commercial
Motor Vehicles for Sleep Disorders Is Adopted Pursuant to a Rulemaking
Proceeding, and for other purposes
PUBLIC LAW 113-45 (H.R. 3095)
Summary
The bill ensures that if the Secretary of Transportation
proposes new or revised requirements for the screening,
testing, or treatment of individuals operating commercial motor
vehicles for sleep disorders, the proposed new or revised
requirements must be enacted pursuant to a rulemaking
proceeding.
Legislative History
H.R. 3095 was introduced by Congressman Bucshon (R-IN) on
September 12, 2013. On September 13, 2013, the bill was
referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
On September 19, 2013, the Committee met in open session to
mark up H.R. 3095. The bill was ordered reported by voice vote.
On September 26, 2013, H.R. 3095 passed the House under
suspension of the rules, 405-0 (Rollcall No. 486).
On October 4, 2013, H.R. 3095 passed the Senate without
amendment by unanimous consent.
On October 15, 2013, the President signed the bill and it
became Public Law 113-45.
To Amend Title 23, United States Code, With Respect to the Operation of
Vehicles on Certain Wisconsin Highways, and for Other Purposes
PENDING IN THE SENATE (H.R. 2353)
Summary
The bill grandfathers Wisconsin truck weight laws on U.S.
Route 41 in Wisconsin when that route is designated as part of
the Interstate Highway System. This will allow trucks to
continue to operate on U.S. Route 41 in Wisconsin at the state
weight limits prior to Interstate Highway System designation.
Legislative History
H.R. 2353 was introduced by Congressman Petri (R-WI) on
June 13, 2013. On June 14, 2013, the bill was referred to the
Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
On July 18, 2013, H.R. 2353 was marked up by the Committee.
The bill was ordered reported by voice vote.
On July 22, 2013, H.R. 2353 passed the House under
suspension of the rules, by voice vote.
On July 23, 2013, the bill was received in the Senate and
read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and
Public Works.
To Authorize the Secretary of Transportation To Obligate Funds for
Emergency Relief Projects Arising From Damage Caused by Severe Weather
Events in 2013, and for Other Purposes
PENDING IN THE SENATE (H.R. 3174)
Summary
The bill authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to
obligate previously authorized or appropriated funds from the
Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief Program for
projects resulting from damage caused by severe weather events
in 2013, without regard to any limitation on the amount that
may be obligated for such projects in a particular state.
Legislative History
H.R. 3174 was introduced by Congressman Gardner (R-CO) on
September 25, 2013. On September 26, 2013, the bill was
referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
On September 30, 2013, the bill passed the House under
suspension of the rules, by voice vote.
On October 1, 2013, H.R. 3174 was received in the Senate.
On October 17, 2013, the President signed H.R. 2775, making
continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September
30, 2014, and for other purposes, and it became Public Law 113-
46. P.L. 113-46 included a modified version of the language in
H.R. 3174.
Oversight Activities
Meetings, Hearings, and Roundtables
IMPLEMENTING MAP-21: PROGRESS REPORT FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION MODAL ADMINISTRATORS
On March 14, 2013, the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
held a hearing entitled ``Implementing MAP-21: Progress Report
from U.S. Department of Transportation Modal Administrators.''
The purpose of the hearing was to receive updates from DOT
modal agencies related to implementing programmatic reforms and
meeting deadlines mandated in the Moving Ahead for Progress in
the 21st Century Act (MAP-21; P.L. 112-141). The Subcommittee
received testimony from Administrator Victor Mendez of FHWA,
Administrator Peter Rogoff of FTA, Administrator Anne Ferro of
the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and
Administrator David Strickland of the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA).
IMPLEMENTING MAP-21: THE STATE AND LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
On April 25, 2013, the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
held a hearing entitled ``Implementing MAP-21: The State and
Local Perspective.'' The purpose of the hearing was to obtain
an update of the state and local perspective on the progress of
DOT toward implementing programmatic reforms and meeting
deadlines mandated in MAP-21. The Subcommittee received
testimony from representatives of the American Association of
State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the
American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the
Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, the
National Association of Development Organizations, the National
Conference of State Legislatures, and the San Francisco
Municipal Transportation Agency.
ROUNDTABLE: CONNECTED VEHICLES AND THE IMPACTS OF SPECTRUM SHARING
On May 7, 2013, the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
held a roundtable discussion entitled ``Connected Vehicles and
the Impacts of Spectrum Sharing.'' The purpose of the
discussion was to identify the challenges and potential safety
benefits of implementing connected vehicle technology.
Participants included DOT, the National Telecommunications and
Information Administration, the Alliance of Automobile
Manufacturers, the Intelligent Transportation Society of
America, the Connected Vehicle Trade Association, Cisco, and
Qualcomm.
THE IMPACTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S COMMERCIAL DRIVER
HOURS-OF-SERVICE REGULATIONS
On June 18, 2013, the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
held a hearing entitled, ``The Impacts of the Department of
Transportation's Commercial Driver Hours-of-Service
Regulations.'' The purpose of the hearing was to learn how the
revised hours-of-service regulations would potentially
negatively impact drivers, motor carriers, and the American
economy. The Subcommittee received testimony from
representatives of FMCSA, the American Trucking Associations,
the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, the
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, the National Ready Mixed
Concrete Association, and Advocates for Highway and Auto
Safety.
HOW THE FINANCIAL STATUS OF THE HIGHWAY TRUST FUND IMPACTS SURFACE
TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS
On July 23, 2013, the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
held a hearing entitled, ``How the Financial Status of the
Highway Trust Fund Impacts Surface Transportation Programs.''
The purpose of the hearing was to obtain information on the
current financial status of the Highway Trust Fund and its
impact on federal surface transportation programs. The
Subcommittee received testimony from representatives of the
Congressional Budget Office and DOT.
HOW AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE OF SURFACE TRANSPORTATION
On November 19, 2013, the Subcommittee on Highways and
Transit held a hearing entitled, ``How Autonomous Vehicles Will
Shape the Future of Surface Transportation.'' The purpose of
the hearing was to learn how the introduction of autonomous
vehicles would impact current policy and other challenges. The
Subcommittee received testimony from representatives of NHTSA,
General Motors, Nissan North America, Inc., Carnegie Mellon
University, AASHTO, and the Eno Center on Transportation.
EXAMINING THE CURRENT AND FUTURE DEMANDS ON THE FEDERAL TRANSIT
ADMINISTRATION'S CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS
On December 11, 2013, the Subcommittee on Highways and
Transit held a hearing entitled, ``Examining the Current and
Future Demands on the Federal Transit Administration's Capital
Investment Grants.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
understand changes made to the New Starts program in the Moving
Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21; P.L. 112-
141) and highlight the growth in eligible projects and
applications for the program's approximately $2 billion in
annual funding. The Subcommittee received testimony from
representatives of the FTA, the Chicago Transit Authority, Utah
Transit Authority, and the Cato Institute and a local mayor.
Oversight Letters
COMMERCIAL DRIVER HOURS-OF-SERVICE REGULATIONS
On March 18, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking Member
Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Chairman Thomas E. Petri and then-Ranking
Member Peter A. DeFazio of the Subcommittee on Highways and
Transit sent a letter to the Secretary of Transportation Ray
LaHood that requested a stay on the Final Rule on Hours of
Service of Drivers (HOS) (76 Fed. Reg. 81134 (December 27,
2011)), which was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2013. The
Chairmen and Ranking Members requested DOT delay implementation
of the HOS rule until three months after a decision was issued
by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit on a petition for review of the rule. On April
23, 2013, Secretary LaHood denied the request for a stay citing
the interest of highway safety.
SPECTRUM FOR CONNECTED VEHICLES
On June 3, 2013, Chairman Thomas E. Petri and then-Ranking
Member Peter A. DeFazio of the Subcommittee on Highways and
Transit sent a letter to the Acting Chairman Mignon Clyburn of
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to express interest
in opening the 5 GHz band for use by unlicensed wireless
devices, in particular the potential interference issues with
unlicensed wireless devices and connected vehicle technology.
On September 30, 2013, Chairman Clyburn responded, indicating
that the FCC is dedicated to reviewing the extensive record and
facts before making any determination regarding the rules in
the specific range discussed.
HOURS OF SERVICE
On September 16, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Chairman
Thomas E. Petri of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
sent a letter regarding hours-of-service regulations to the
Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx. The Chairmen included
a letter sent to the Secretary on August 29, 2013, by 51
Members of the House of Representatives pertaining to the
field-study on the efficacy of the 34-hour restart rule, which
is applicable to operators of commercial motor vehicles. The
study remains unfinished despite being mandated by MAP-21 to be
completed by March 31, 2013. This study was intended to help
Congress better understand the true costs and benefits of the
new hours-of-service rule and the information will be
beneficial to drafting the next surface transportation
reauthorization bill. The Subcommittee has not received a
response.
NONEMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION
In a letter to the GAO sent on October 3, 2013, Chairman
Bill Shuster and Ranking Member Nick J. Rahall of the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure and Chairman Thomas E.
Petri and Ranking Member Eleanor Holmes Norton of the
Subcommittee on Highways and Transit asked for assistance in
reviewing key areas of nonemergency medical transportation
coordination efforts. Providing nonemergency transportation for
medical care and services is an ongoing challenge for states as
transportation needs and costs continue to rise. In 2012, GAO
previously reported that federal interagency coordination
efforts pertaining to human services transportation could be
strengthened and that barriers to successful transportation
coordination are still evident. In the letter, the Chairmen and
Ranking Members asked for assistance in the following areas:
the extent of efforts to coordinate nonemergency transportation
between agencies and programs; how, if at all, nonemergency
medical providers at the state and local level are cording
funding and service for such transportation; and key challenges
to coordination of such services and potential solutions. On
November 18, 2013, GAO accepted the request and the issue is
currently under review.
PHASE 2 DRIVER DISTRACTION GUIDELINES
On November 12, 2013, Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
Chairman Thomas E. Petri sent a letter to Administrator David
Strickland of the NHTSA regarding pending Phase 2 Driver
Distraction Guidelines. NHTSA plans to release guidelines on
portable and aftermarket electronic devices brought into motor
vehicles by drivers or passengers, including GPS navigation
systems, smartphones, electronic tablets and pads, and other
mobile communications devices. Chairman Thomas E. Petri
requested that NHTSA adhere to its statutory regulatory
authority in this matter. The Subcommittee has not received a
response.
IN-KIND MATCH FOR INTERCITY BUS TRANSPORTATION
On November 22, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking
Member Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure sent a letter to the Secretary of Transportation
Anthony Foxx urging the FTA to allow both the operating and
capital costs of the unsubsidized segment of an intercity bus
project to be used as the in-kind local match. FTA proposed in
its Formula Grants for Rural Areas: Program Guidance and
Application Instructions (FTA C 9040.1G) that the in-kind match
for intercity bus transportation projects be limited to the
capital costs of the unsubsidized segment, which is contrary to
congressional intent in MAP-21.
Hearings Held
Hearing entitled ``Implementing MAP-21: Progress Report
from U.S. Department of Transportation Modal Administrators.''
(March 14, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-6.
Hearing entitled ``Implementing MAP-21: The State and Local
Perspective.'' (April 25, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-14.
Hearing entitled ``The Impacts of the Department of
Transportation's Commercial Driver Hours-of-Service
Regulations.'' (June 18, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-25.
Hearing entitled ``How the Financial Status of the Highway
Trust Fund Impacts Surface Transportation Programs.'' (July 23,
2013) Committee Print Number 113-31.
Hearing entitled ``How Autonomous Vehicles Will Shape the
Future of Surface Transportation.'' (November 19, 2013)
Committee Print Number 113-42.
Hearing entitled ``Examining the Current and Future Demands
on the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment
Grants.'' (December 11, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-45.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON RAILROADS, PIPELINES, AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS U.S.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 113TH CONGRESS
JEFF DENHAM, California, Chairman
CORRINE BROWN, Florida, Ranking
Member
JERROLD NADLER, New York JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee
ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS, Maryland JOHN L. MICA, Florida
MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine GARY G. MILLER, California
GRACE F. NAPOLITANO, California SAM GRAVES, Missouri
TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West
ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey Virginia
JANICE HAHN, California CANDICE S. MILLER, Michigan
ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona LOU BARLETTA, Pennsylvania
ELIZABETH H. ESTY, Connecticut LARRY BUCSHON, Indiana
PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon BOB GIBBS, Ohio
MICHAEL E. CAPUANO, Massachusetts PATRICK MEEHAN, Pennsylvania
NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia RICHARD L. HANNA, New York
(ex officio) DANIEL WEBSTER, Florida
THOMAS MASSIE, Kentucky
ROGER WILLIAMS, Texas
TREY RADEL, Florida
SCOTT PERRY, Pennsylvania
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania (ex
officio)
Legislative Activities
To Amend Title 49, United States Code, To Modify Requirements Relating
to the Availability of Pipeline Safety Regulatory Documents, and for
Other Purposes
PUBLIC LAW 113-30 (H.R. 2576)
Summary
H.R. 2576 revises certain minimum pipeline safety standards
to delay from January 3, 2012, to January 3, 2015, the
requirement that the Secretary of Transportation issue a
regulation that incorporates by reference any pipeline safety
regulatory documents or portions only if such documents are
made available to the public, free of charge, on an internet
website, and for other purposes. The legislation corrects an
unintended consequence of the Pipeline Safety and Regulatory
Certainty and Job Creation Act of 2011 (P.L. 112-90) by
protecting intellectual property rights.
Legislative History
H.R. 2576 was introduced by Congressman Denham (R-CA) on
June 28, 2013.
On July 1, 2013, H.R. 2576 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
On July 10, 2013, H.R. 2576 was considered and marked up in
Full Committee. The bill was ordered reported by voice vote.
On July 16, H.R. 2576 was reported by the Committee (House
Report 113-152, Part I). On the same date, it was passed and
agreed to in the House under suspension, by a vote of 405-2
(Rollcall No. 354).
On August 1, 2013, the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation discharged the bill and passed the
Senate by unanimous consent.
On August 9, 2013, H.R. 2576 became Public Law 113-30.
Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013
IN CONFERENCE WITH SENATE (H.R. 2642/H.R. 1947)
To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural
and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through
fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2642 provides for the reform and continuation of
agricultural and other programs of the Department of
Agriculture through fiscal year 2018. H.R. 2642 contains
provisions within the jurisdiction of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure. Specifically, provisions
within the bill impact the jurisdiction of the Subcommittees on
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation; Economic Development,
Public Buildings, and Emergency Management; Highways and
Transit; and Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Legislative Summary
H.R. 1947 was introduced by Congressman Frank D. Lucas (R-
OK) on May 13, 2013.
H.R. 1947 was considered in the House on June 20, 2013 and
failed on passage by recorded vote of 195 yeas to 234 nays
(Rollcall No. 286).
H.R. 2642 was introduced by Congressman Frank D. Lucas (R-
OK) on July 10, 2013. H.R. 2642 contains language similar to
H.R. 1947.
H.R. 2642 passed the House by a rollcall vote of 216 yeas
and 208 nays (Rollcall No. 353).
On July 16, 2013, H.R. 2642 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar.
On July 18, 2013, the Senate struck all after the Enacting
Clause and substituted the language of S. 954 amended.
Subsequently, the Senate passed the measure by unanimous
consent.
On October 11, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure wrote a letter to Speaker
John A. Boehner to request the appointment of conferees from
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
On October 17, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking
Member Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and
Hazardous Materials Chairman Jeff Denham (R-CA) and Ranking
Member Corrine Brown (D-FL) wrote letters to Congressman Frank
D. Lucas, Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Thad Cochran (R-
MS), and Congressman Collin C. Peterson (R-MN) to express
objection to section 6206 of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2642.
On October 25, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking
Member Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and Ranking Member
John Garamendi (D-CA) wrote letters to Congressman Frank D.
Lucas (R-OK), Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Thad Cochran
(R-MS), and Congressman Collin C. Peterson (R-MN) in support of
the House-passed reauthorization of the Food for Peace Program
in H.R. 2642.
On October 30, 2013, the House and Senate began formal
conference committee meetings.
Northern Route Approval Act
PENDING IN THE SENATE (H.R. 3)
To approve the construction, operation, and maintenance of
the Keystone XL pipeline, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3 gives TransCanada congressional approval to
construct the Keystone XL pipeline, deeming a presidential
permit unnecessary for construction. The legislation also deems
the final environmental impact statement issued by the
Secretary of State on August 26, 2011, coupled with the Final
Evaluation Report issued by the Nebraska Department of
Environmental Quality in January 2013 and approved by the
Nebraska governor, to satisfy all requirements of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and of the National Historic
Preservation Act. The bill also grants original jurisdiction to
the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit to determine specified issues (except for review by the
Supreme Court on writ of certiorari).
Legislative History
H.R. 3 was introduced by Congressman Terry (R-NE) on March
3, 2013.
On May 16, 2013, H.R. 3 was considered and marked up by the
Committee, and ordered reported as amended by the yeas and
nays: 33-24.
On May 17, 2013, H.R. 3 was reported to the House (House
Report 113-61, Part III).
On May 21, 2013, the Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 228
was reported to the House, providing for H.R. 3 to be
considered under a structured rule with specific amendments
made in order.
On May 22, 2013, H.R. 3 was considered under the rule. The
same day, the bill was passed and agreed to in the House by
recorded vote: 241-175, 1 Present (Rollcall No. 179).
On June 3, 2013, H.R. 3 was read twice and placed on the
Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders, Calendar No.
81.
Oversight Activities
Hearings, Meetings, and Roundtables
FREIGHT AND PASSENGER RAIL IN AMERICA'S TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
On March 5, 2013, the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines,
and Hazardous Materials held a hearing entitled ``Freight and
Passenger Rail in America's Transportation System.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to discuss the role of railroads in
America's transportation network and explore the importance of
railroads to the American economy. The Subcommittee received
testimony from the States for Passenger Rail Coalition,
AASHTO's High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Leadership
Group, Secretary of Transportation for Washington State, the
Association of American Railroads, the United Transportation
Union, and Amtrak.
AMTRAK'S FISCAL YEAR 2014 BUDGET: THE STARTING POINT FOR
REAUTHORIZATION
On April 11, 2013, the Subcommittee on Railroads,
Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on Amtrak's
grant request for fiscal year 2014, and how it relates to
Amtrak's on-going reorganization and the upcoming
reauthorization of the Passenger Rail Investment and
Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA; P.L. 110-432). In addition, the
Subcommittee discussed the Administration's past proposals for
intercity passenger rail activities. The Subcommittee heard
testimony from the President and CEO of Amtrak, Joseph H.
Boardman, and the Administrator of FRA, Joseph C. Szabo.
UNDERSTANDING THE COST DRIVERS OF PASSENGER RAIL
On May 21, 2013, the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines,
and Hazardous Materials held a hearing to discuss Amtrak's
recent financial performance by service type and overall trends
in labor, fuel, and operational costs. The purpose of this
hearing was to explore how Amtrak spends its federal funds and
how it runs as a business. Additionally, the Subcommittee
discussed the Administration's past proposals for intercity
passenger rail activities. The Subcommittee heard testimony
from Amtrak, the Brookings Institution, Capital Corridor, and
the National Association of Railroad Passengers.
FIELD HEARING: OVERSIGHT OF CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL
On May 28, 2013, the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines,
and Hazardous Materials held a hearing in Madera, California,
to obtain a status update of the California High-Speed Rail
Project. The project has fluctuated in its costs, completion
dates, and its goals since 2008 and the witnesses presented
testimony regarding some concerns that still remain. The
Subcommittee heard testimony from the California High-Speed
Rail Authority, Preserve Our Heritage, the Kings County Board
of Supervisors, the Madera County Farm Bureau, the Peer Review
Group for the California High-Speed Rail Project, and the
Fresno Chamber of Commerce.
NORTHEAST CORRIDOR ROLLING ROUNDTABLE
On June 6, 2013, the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines,
and Hazardous Materials hosted a roundtable on an Amtrak train
to New York, New York, to assess and discuss the importance of
the Northeast Corridor (NEC) to the states it serves. The NEC
is 437 miles of rail line extending from Washington, D.C., to
Boston, Massachusetts. The NEC carries 153 daily Amtrak trains,
over 2,000 commuter trains, and 70 freight trains. It is the
most valuable and heavily traveled piece of Amtrak's network.
Participants in the ``Rolling Roundtable'' included
representatives from NEC state departments of transportation
and Members of Congress.
NEW YORK CITY FIELD HEARING: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE NORTHEAST CORRIDOR
On June 7, 2013, the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines,
and Hazardous Materials held a hearing in New York, New York,
to assess and discuss the importance of the NEC to rail
transportation. As Amtrak's most profitable route, the NEC and
its ridership provide an economically viable opportunity for
future infrastructure investment and improvement. The
Subcommittee heard testimony from Amtrak, New York State, the
Regional Plan Association, and an academic on the importance of
the NEC and potential investment opportunities.
ROUNDTABLE: CHICAGO CREATE: PASSENGER AND FREIGHT RAIL SYNERGIES
On June 10, 2013, the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines,
and Hazardous Materials held a roundtable discussion in
Chicago, Illinois. The purpose of the discussion was to obtain
information on the Chicago Region Environmental and
Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE), established ten
years ago as a public-private partnership between Chicago
Department of Transportation, Illinois Department of
Transportation, freight railroads, DOT, Metra, and Amtrak to
help mitigate the rail-related congestion in the Chicagoland
region. Participants included Metra, Chicago Department of
Transportation, the Association of American Railroads (AAR),
the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, and the United Transportation
Union.
ROUNDTABLE: IMPACT OF RAIL IN ILLINOIS
On June 11, 2013, the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines,
and Hazardous Materials held a roundtable discussion in
Springfield, Illinois. The rail industry in Illinois has grown
from a 59-mile route connecting Meredosia and Springfield in
1842 to 7,400 miles of track serving passengers and the
manufacturing, warehousing/distribution, agricultural, and
energy industries in the state. This constitutes the second
largest rail system in the United States, and is the only state
in which all seven Class I railroads operate. Participants in
the roundtable included representatives from the City of
Springfield, City of Decatur, Sangamon County Board, the City
of Champaign, the River Bend Growth Association, the Archer
Daniels Midland Company, the Illinois Department of
Transportation, the Indiana Railroad Company, the University of
Illinois, the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission, and
Champaign County First.
NATIONAL RAIL POLICY: EXAMINING GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
On June 27, 2013, the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines,
and Hazardous Materials heard from major stakeholders on
developing the Nation's rail policy for the next
reauthorization. The purpose of the hearing was to discuss with
these stakeholders major issues and objectives that could be
included or instrumental in a future rail bill. The
Subcommittee heard testimony from the FRA, APTA, AAR, AASHTO,
and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.
THE ROLE OF INNOVATIVE FINANCE IN INTERCITY PASSENGER RAIL
On July 9, 2013, the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines,
and Hazardous Materials held a hearing entitled ``The Role of
Innovative Finance in Intercity Passenger Rail.'' The purpose
of this hearing was to receive testimony related to the role of
innovative financing tools to advance intercity passenger rail
projects. At the hearing, the Subcommittee heard from DOT, the
Union Station Redevelopment Corporation, Parallel
Infrastructure, and Reconnecting America.
Oversight Letters
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL
On February 22, 2013, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines,
and Hazardous Materials Chairman Jeff Denham wrote a letter
addressed to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) regarding
the California High-Speed Rail Authority's (Authority) planned
construction of a passenger rail line to connect the San
Francisco Transbay Terminal to Los Angeles Union Station
(project). Given that the STB has authority under the
Interstate Commerce Act to approve the construction and
operation of rail lines that cross state borders, the Authority
never sought a determination by the STB regarding its proposed
project which would eventually connect to Amtrak routes.
Chairman Denham asked the Board to take all reasonable action
to ensure that the Authority complies with the Interstate
Commerce Act. Chairman Denham sent two similar letters on the
same date to the California High-Speed Rail Authority and the
FRA, respectively, with a similar request, stating the
Authority should take all steps necessary to clarify whether
the Board has jurisdiction over the project and construction
activities. Incidentally, after these letters were circulated,
the Authority went to the STB for determination and the STB
granted it authority within the necessary timeframe for
construction.
On November 26, 2013, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines,
and Hazardous Materials Chairman Jeff Denham and the
Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development
and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations
Chairman Tom Latham sent a letter to Comptroller General Gene
Dodaro of GAO to address concerns over recent litigation in
California implying that the California High-Speed Rail Project
would not be able to use state bonds to finance its
construction. The Chairmen asked the GAO to investigate whether
the Authority was currently violating or on the verge of
violating its grant agreements with the federal government by
failing to supply a match to federal funds. The letter also
requested that the GAO look at the expenditure of grant funds
by the FRA and the responsibility of the FRA to re-evaluate the
grant agreement in light of recent events. No response to this
letter has been received.
On December 3, 2013, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines,
and Hazardous Materials Chairman Jeff Denham wrote a letter
addressed to the DOT IG requesting an audit of the FRA's
policies and procedures for negotiating and amending High-Speed
and Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) grant agreements and FRA's
oversight procedures for ensuring HSIPR grant agreement terms
are met. Chairman Denham's request was spurred by California
state court decisions that called into question the
availability of state matching funds for the $3.9 billion in
HSIPR grants provided to the California high-speed rail
project. It is of particular concern that FRA amended its grant
agreement to allow the expenditure of federal funds in advance
of state matching funds. As a result, taxpayer funds may be at
significant risk with questionable likelihood of recovery if
the Authority fails to comply with the terms of the agreement.
POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL
On August 8, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking Member
Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Chairman Jeff Denham and Ranking Member
Corrine Brown of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and
Hazardous Materials wrote a letter addressed to the FCC raising
concerns about delays to the installation of communication
towers due to the FCC's environmental and historic preservation
review process. The Committee members noted that the Rail
Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (RSIA) requires the installation
of positive train control (PTC) throughout the country by the
end of 2015, and urged the FCC to move expeditiously to put a
process in place to facilitate the timely deployment of PTC.
The letter also requested periodic updates from Acting
Chairwoman Clyburn or her staff regarding the Commission's
involvement with PTC implementation.
Hearings Held
Hearing entitled ``Freight and Passenger Rail in America's
Transportation System.'' (March 5, 2013) Committee Print Number
113-4
Hearing entitled ``Amtrak's Fiscal Year 2014 Budget: The
Starting Point for Reauthorization.'' (April 11, 2013)
Committee Print Number 113-8
Hearing entitled ``Understanding the Cost Drivers of
Passenger Rail.'' (May 21, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-17
Field hearing entitled ``Oversight of California High-Speed
Rail.'' (May 28, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-20
Field hearing entitled ``The Importance of the Northeast
Corridor.'' (June 7, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-23
Hearing entitled ``National Rail Policy: Examining Goals,
Objectives, and Responsibilities.'' (June 27, 2013) Committee
Print Number 113-28
Hearing entitled ``The Role of Innovative Finance in
Intercity Passenger Rail.'' (July 9, 2013) Committee Print
Number 113-29
SUBCOMMITTEE ON WATER RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT U.S. HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVE 113TH CONGRESS
BOB GIBBS, Ohio, Chairman
TIMOTHY H. BISHOP, Ranking Member
DONNA F. EDWARDS, Maryland DON YOUNG, Alaska
JOHN GARAMENDI, California GARY G. MILLER, California
LOIS FRANKEL, Florida SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West
ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, Virginia
District of Columbia CANDICE S. MILLER, Michigan
EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD,
GRACE F. NAPOLITANO, California Arkansas
STEVE COHEN, Tennessee RICHARD L. HANNA, New York
JANICE HAHN, California DANIEL WEBSTER, Florida
RICHARD M. NOLAN, Minnesota JEFF DENHAM, California
ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona REID J. RIBBLE, Wisconsin
DINA TITUS, Nevada THOMAS MASSIE, Kentucky
SEAN PATRICK MALONEY, New York STEVE DAINES, Montana
NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia TOM RICE, South Carolina
(ex officio) MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma
MARK MEADOWS, North Carolina
RODNEY DAVIS, Illinois
MARK SANFORD, South Carolina
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania (ex
officio)
Legislative Activities
Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013
IN CONFERENCE WITH SENATE (H.R. 3080)
To provide for improvements to the rivers and harbors of
the United States, to provide for the conservation and
development of water and related resources, and for other
purposes.
Summary
This legislation will authorize water infrastructure
projects to be carried out by the Army Corps of Engineers
(Corps) to improve ports, harbors, inland waterways, flood risk
management, and environment restoration. H.R. 3080 will also
reform the process by which the Corps conducts project review
and environmental studies, as well as expand the ability of
non-federal interests to contribute funds to authorized studies
and projects.
Legislative History
H.R. 3080 was introduced by Congressman Shuster (R-PA) on
September 11, 2013, and referred to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on the Budget,
the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Committee on Natural
Resources.
On September 12, 2013, H.R. 3080 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
On September 19, 2013, the Committee met in open session
and ordered H.R. 3080 favorably reported to the House, as
amended, by voice vote.
On October 21, 2013, H.R. 3080 was reported as amended by
the Committee (House Report 113-246, Part 1) and placed on the
Union Calendar (Calendar No. 174).
On October 23, 2013, H.R. 3080 was considered in the House
pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 385, and the bill was
passed by a Roll Call vote of 417 yeas and 3 nays (Roll call
No. 560).
On October 28, 2013, H.R. 3080 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 224).
On October 31, 2013, the Senate Considered H.R. 3080 by
Unanimous Consent. The Senate insisted on its amendment (the
text of S. 601 as passed by the Senate on May 15, 2013,
requested a conference and appointed conferees). On November
14, 2013, the House disagreed with the Senate amendment, and
agreed to a conference. On the same day, the Speaker appointed
conferees.
From the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure:
Shuster, Duncan of Tennessee, LoBiondo, Graves of Missouri,
Capito, Miller of Michigan, Hunter, Bucshon, Gibbs, Hanna,
Webster of Florida, Rice of South Carolina, Mullin, Rodney
Davis of Illinois, Rahall, DeFazio, Brown of Florida, Eddie
Bernice Johnson of Texas, Bishop of New York, Edwards,
Garamendi, Hahn, Nolan, Frankel of Florida, and Busto.
From the Committee on Natural Resources: Hastings (WA),
Bishop (UT), and Napolitano.
On November 20, 2013, the House and Senate held a formal
conference meeting.
Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act
of 2013
IN CONFERENCE WITH SENATE (H.R. 2642/H.R. 1947)
To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural
and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through
fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2642 provides for the reform and continuation of
agricultural and other programs of the Department of
Agriculture through fiscal year 2018. H.R. 2642 contains
provisions within the jurisdiction of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure. Specifically, provisions
within the bill impact the jurisdiction of the Subcommittees on
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation; Economic Development,
Public Buildings, and Emergency Management; Highways and
Transit; and Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Legislative Summary
H.R. 1947 was introduced by Congressman Frank D. Lucas (R-
OK) on May 13, 2013.
H.R. 1947 was considered in the House on June 20, 2013, and
failed on passage by recorded vote of 195 yeas to 234 nays
(Rollcall No. 286).
H.R. 2642 was introduced by Congressman Frank D. Lucas (R-
OK) on July 10, 2013. H.R. 2642 contains language similar to
H.R. 1947.
H.R. 2642 passed the House by a rollcall vote of 216 yeas
and 208 nays (Rollcall No. 353).
On July 16, 2013, H.R. 2642 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar.
On July 18, 2013, the Senate struck all after the Enacting
Clause and substituted the language of S. 954 amended.
Subsequently, the Senate passed the measure by unanimous
consent.
On October 11, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster of the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure wrote a letter to Speaker
John A. Boehner to request the appointment of conferees from
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
On October 17, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking
Member Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and
Hazardous Materials Chairman Jeff Denham (R-CA) and Ranking
Member Corrine Brown (D-FL) wrote letters to Congressman Frank
D. Lucas, Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Thad Cochran (R-
MS), and Congressman Collin C. Peterson (R-MN) to express
objection to section 6206 of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2642.
On October 25, 2013, Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking
Member Nick J. Rahall of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and Ranking Member
John Garamendi (D-CA) wrote letters to Congressman Frank D.
Lucas (R-OK), Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Thad Cochran
(R-MS), and Congressman Collin C. Peterson (R-MN) in support of
the House-passed reauthorization of the Food for Peace Program
in H.R. 2642.
On October 30, 2013, the House and Senate began formal
conference committee meetings.
Northern Route Approval Act
PENDING IN THE SENATE (H.R. 3)
To amend title 40, United States Code, to improve the
functioning and management of the Public Buildings Service.
Summary
H.R. 3 gives TransCanada congressional approval to
construct the Keystone XL pipeline. H.R. 3 requires the
Secretary of the Army to issue, within 90 days of the receipt
of an application, the permits under section 404 of the Clean
Water Act and section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act which
are necessary for construction, operation, and maintenance of
the pipeline. The bill also authorizes the Secretary to waive
procedural requirements of law or regulation in order to issue
these permits, and restricts the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency from prohibiting or restricting
an activity or use of an area that is authorized by the
permits. The bill deems these permits issued, if the Secretary
of the Army does not issue such permits within the required
timeframe. The legislation also deems the final environmental
impact statement issued by the Secretary of State on August 26,
2011, coupled with the Final Evaluation Report issued by the
Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality in January 2013
and approved by the Nebraska governor, to satisfy all
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969,
and of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Legislative History
On March 15, 2013, H.R. 3 was introduced in the House.
On March 16, 2013, H.R. 3 was ordered reported by the
Committee.
On March 17, 2013, H.R. 3 was reported to the House by the
Committee on Energy and Commerce (House Report 113-61, Part I),
the Committee on Natural Resources. (House Report 113-61, Part
II), and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
(House Report 113-61, Part III).
On May 22, 2013, H.R. 3 passed the House by recorded vote:
241-175, 1 Present (Rollcall No.179).
On May 23, 2013, H.R. 3 was received in the Senate.
Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship Act
ORDERED REPORTED BY COMMITTEE (H.R. 311)
To direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency to change the Spill Prevention, Control, and
Countermeasure rule with respect to certain farms.
Summary
This legislation reforms the way the EPA implements the
Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule with respect
to farms. Farms with an aboveground storage capacity greater
than 10,000 gallons, an aggregate aboveground storage capacity
of at least 42,000 gallons, or a history that includes a spill
must be certified as being in compliance by either a
professional engineer with the farm or by the owner or operator
of the farm. It also directs the EPA to exempt any farm with an
aggregate aboveground storage capacity of 10,000 gallons or
less and no history of spills from the certification
requirement.
Legislative History
H.R. 311 was introduced by Congressman Crawford (R-AR) on
January 1, 2013.
On January 21, 2013, H.R. 311 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
On October 29, 2013, the Committee met in open markup
session and ordered H.R. 311 reported by voice vote.
Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2013
REPORTED BY COMMITTEE (H.R. 935)
To amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to
clarify congressional intent regarding the regulation of the
use of pesticides in or near navigable waters, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 935 amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act to prohibit the EPA or state agencies from requiring a
permit to discharge pesticides that have already been approved
for sale and use under FIFRA into navigable waters. Pesticide
discharges in violation of FIFRA and stormwater, manufacturing,
or industrial effluent discharges regulated under the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System are exempted from that
prohibition.
Legislative History
H.R. 935 was introduced by Congressman Gibbs (R-OH) on
March 4, 2013, and was referred to both the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure as well as the Committee on
Agriculture.
On March 4, 2013, H.R. 935 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Water Resources and Environment.
On October 29, 2013, the Committee met in open markup
session and ordered H.R. 935 reported by voice vote.
Silviculture Regulatory Consistency Act of 2013
REPORTED BY COMMITTEE (H.R. 2026)
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to exempt
certain silvicultural activities from national pollutant
discharge elimination system permitting requirements, and for
other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2026 amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to
prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring a
permit for stormwater discharge resulting from silvicultural
activities. It does not, however, exempt the discharge of
dredged fill material into navigable waters from the existing
permitting process.
Legislative History
H.R. 2026 was introduced by Congresswoman Herrera Beutler
(R-WA) on May 16, 2013.
On May 17, 2013, H.R. 2026 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Water Resources and Environment.
On October 29, 2013, the Committee met in open markup
session and ordered H.R. 2026 reported by voice vote.
Oversight Activities
Hearings, Meetings, and Roundtables
ROUNDTABLE: PORTS: JOBS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TRADE
On March 6, 2013, the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment held a roundtable discussion in Washington, D.C.
This discussion was intended to obtain background information
in preparation for the Committee's development of H.R. 3080.
Key issues included streamlining the feasibility process, the
use of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, and how projects are
prioritized. Participants included the American Association of
Port Authorities, Maersk, Inc., the Port of Tampa, and the Port
of Skagit.
ROUNDTABLE: WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT: MAXIMIZING SYSTEMWIDE BENEFITS
On April 10, 2013, the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment held a roundtable discussion to continue
preparation for the Committee's development of H.R. 3080. The
roundtable focused on environmental streamlining, the use of
the Inland Waterway Trust Fund, as well as how the Corps
prioritizes projects to be improved. Participants included the
Waterways Council, Inc., the National Waterways Conference,
Inc., American Shore and Beach Preservation Association,
National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management
Agencies, The Nature Conservancy, and International Union of
Operating Engineers.
HEARING ON THE FOUNDATIONS FOR A NEW WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT
On April 16, 2013, the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment held a hearing titled ``The Foundations for a New
Water Resources Development Act.'' The purpose of the hearing
was to discuss the current projects and programs of the Corps
and the priorities for H.R. 3080. Also discussed was the
collection of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund and the Inland
Waterways Trust Fund. The Subcommittee received testimony from
the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association, the
National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management
Agencies, the Waterways Council, Inc., American Association of
Port Authorities, Stony Brook University, and the National
Waterways Conference, Inc.
THE PRESIDENT'S FISCAL YEAR 2014 BUDGET: ADMINISTRATION PRIORITIES FOR
THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
On April 24, 2013, the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment held a hearing on the Corps' budget request for
fiscal year 2014 to provide Members with an opportunity to
review the Corps' budgetary priorities. The Subcommittee
received testimony from the Assistant Secretary of the Army,
Civil Works, and the Chief of Engineers of the Army Corps of
Engineers.
THE PRESIDENT'S FISCAL YEAR 2014 BUDGET: ADMINISTRATION PRIORITIES FOR
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
On May 22, 2013, the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment held a hearing on the EPA's budget request for
fiscal year 2014 to provide Members with an opportunity to
review the Agency's budgetary priorities with regards to the
Clean Water Act. The Subcommittee heard testimony from the
Acting Assistant Administrator of EPA's Office of Water, and
from the Acting Assistant Administrator of the EPA's Office of
Solid Waste and Emergency Response.
A REVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS CHIEF'S REPORTS
On June 5, 2013, the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment held a hearing to review the 25 pending Army Corps
of Engineers Chief's Reports that have been submitted to
Congress since the passage of the last Water Resources
Development Act in 2007. Members also reviewed the process the
Corps undertakes when developing its projects. The Deputy
Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations, Army
Corps of Engineers and the Chief for Planning and Policy, Army
Corps of Engineers testified before the Subcommittee.
Oversight Letters
INLAND WATERWAYS USERS BOARD CHARTER RENEWAL
On April 2, 2013, Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment Chairman Bob Gibbs wrote a letter addressed to the
Secretary of Defense regarding the charter of the Inland
Waterways Users Board. The Users Board had been created by
Congress in the 1986 Water Resources Development Act to advise
the Corps and the Congress on the implementation of water
infrastructure projects. Chairman Gibbs requested that the
Secretary take action to renew the charter of the Inland
Waterways Users Board, last filed on March 16, 2011, and to
appoint the required 11 members of the Users Board, as all
existing appointments had expired. The Subcommittee is still
awaiting a response.
MOHAWK VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GROWTH ENTERPRISE PERMIT APPLICATION
On April 12, 2013, Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment Chairman Bob Gibbs wrote a letter addressed to the
Buffalo District of the Corps regarding the Mohawk Valley
Economic Development Growth Enterprise (MVEDGE) application for
a permit under section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA).
Following up on a meeting held by Subcommittee staff the
previous day, Chairman Gibbs requested that the Corps provide
the Subcommittee with any information that will assist staff in
understanding MVEDGE's permit application and in the decision-
making associated with that permitting process. Specifically,
Chairman Gibbs requested the complete administration record for
the MVEDGE project, including the complete administrative
records, communications, and appeal records of the Buffalo
District, the Corps Great Lakes and Ohio River Division and
Corps Headquarters, as well as relevant Corps communication
with the EPA. Chairman Gibbs requested this information be
submitted to the Subcommittee no later than May 13, 2013. The
Subcommittee is still awaiting a response.
FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY AFTER
SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING
On June 21, 2013, Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment Chairman Bob Gibbs wrote a letter addressed to the
EPA to pose additional questions for the record related to
testimony delivered at the Subcommittee's May 22, 2013, hearing
titled ``The President's Fiscal Year 2014 Budget:
Administrative Priorities for the Environmental Protection
Agency.'' The follow-up questions focus on proposals by the EPA
and the Corps to change the joint regulatory definition of fill
material with regards to discharge permitting. The Subcommittee
is still awaiting a response.
Hearings Held
Hearing entitled ``The Foundations for a New Water
Resources Development Act.'' (April 16, 2013) Committee Print
Number 113-10
Hearing entitled ``The President's Fiscal Year 2014 Budget:
Administration Priorities for the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers.'' (April 24, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-12
Hearing entitled ``The President's Fiscal Year 2014 Budget:
Administration Priorities for the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency.'' (May 22, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-19
Hearing entitled ``A Review of the United States Army Corps
of Engineers Chief's Reports.'' (June 5, 2013) Committee Print
Number 113-22
PANEL ON 21ST CENTURY FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
113TH CONGRESS
(April 24-October 23, 2013)
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee,
Chairman
JERROLD NADLER, New York, Ranking
Member
CORRINE BROWN, Florida GARY G. MILLER, California
DANIEL LIPINSKI, Illinois ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD,
ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey Arkansas
JANICE HAHN, California RICHARD L. HANNA, New York
DANIEL WEBSTER, Florida
MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma
Legislative Activities
Improving the Nation's Freight Transportation System: Findings and
Recommendations of the Panel on 21St Century Freight Transportation
On October 29, 2013, the Panel on 21st Century Freight
Transportation released its report on the current state of
freight transportation in the United States and a set of
recommendations for freight improvements to directly benefit
and strengthen the Nation's economy. The Panel was established
by Full Committee Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking Member Nick
J. Rahall on April 24, 2013, and was led by Panel Chairman John
J. Duncan, Jr., and Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler. Examining
specific freight transportation issues, the Panel held six
public hearings, three roundtable discussions, and conducted
four site visits to freight facilities in regions across the
Nation. The bipartisan Panel made specific and substantive
recommendations for Congress to consider, including the
following:
Recommending the establishment of a comprehensive
national freight transportation policy and the designation of a
national, multimodal freight network;
Ensuring robust public investment in all modes of
transportation on which freight movement relies;
Incentivizing the private sector to invest as
well;
Promoting the development and delivery of projects
and activities that improve and facilitate the efficient
movement of goods;
Authorizing dedicated, sustainable funding for
multimodal freight projects;
Requiring the Secretary of Transportation to
identify and recommend sustainable sources of revenue across
all modes of transportation that would provide the necessary
investment in the Nation's multimodal freight network and align
contributions with use of, and expected benefit of increased
investment in, such network;
Reviewing and working through the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Ways and
Means, the Secretary's freight funding and revenue
recommendations and developing specific funding and revenue
options for freight transportation projects prior to Congress'
consideration of the surface transportation reauthorization
bill in 2014.
Oversight Activities
Hearings, Meetings, and Roundtables
OVERVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
On April 24, 2013, the Panel on 21st Century Freight
Transportation held a hearing entitled ``Overview of the United
States Freight Transportation System.'' The purpose of this
hearing was to gain a general overview of the current operation
of the freight network, what challenges impact its performance,
and what can be done to improve the efficiency and safety of
freight transportation. The Panel received testimony from FedEx
Corporation, Norfolk Southern Corporation, the South Carolina
Ports Authority, Werner Enterprises, and the Transportation
Trades Department of the AFL-CIO.
ROUNDTABLE: COORDINATING FEDERAL EFFORTS TO IMPROVE FREIGHT
TRANSPORTATION
On May 15, 2013, the Panel on 21st Century Freight
Transportation hosted a roundtable with a discussion focused on
federal efforts to improve freight transportation. The Panel
heard from participants from DOT and the Corps.
SITE VISIT--SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
From May 28-31, 2013, the Panel on 21st Century Freight
Transportation traveled to southern California to gain a better
understanding of freight movement in the region and to hear
from local stakeholders. Sites visited included the Los Angeles
International Airport, the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of
Long Beach, and the Alameda Corridor.
ROUNDTABLE: NAVIGATING THE COMPLEXITIES OF AMERICA'S LARGEST PORT
FACILITIES
On May 29, 2013, the Panel on 21st Century Freight
Transportation held a roundtable discussion in San Pedro,
California, on ``Navigating the Complexities of America's
Largest Port Facilities.'' The purpose of this discussion was
to hear from stakeholders in southern California freight and
port facilities. Participants included the Port of Long Beach,
the Port of Los Angeles, Pasha Stevedoring & Terminals, APM
Terminals, Total Transportation Services, Inc., Metropolitan
Transportation Authority, Crowley, and International Longshore
and Warehouse Union.
HOW SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES IMPACT THE
NATION
On May 30, 2013, the Panel on 21st Century Freight
Transportation held a hearing at the historic Santa Fe Depot in
San Bernardino, California, to learn how the freight challenges
of southern California impact the Nation. During this hearing,
the Panel received updates on the current operation of the
freight network in southern California, the unique challenges
that impact its performance, and how these issues resonate
throughout the country and impact the freight system as a
whole. The Panel received testimony from the California
Department of Transportation, the Southern California
Association of Governments, Mobility 21, Union Pacific, Fox
Transportation, and the Alameda Corridor-East Construction
Authority.
SITE VISIT: MEMPHIS REGION
From June 20-21, 2013, the Panel on 21st Century Freight
Transportation traveled to the Memphis region for a series of
site visits, meetings, and a working lunch discussion. Sites
visited included FedEx facilities and the Port of Memphis.
HOW LOGISTICS FACILITATE AN EFFICIENT FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
On June 26, 2013, the Panel on 21st Century Freight
Transportation held a hearing on ``How Logistics Facilitate an
Efficient Freight Transportation System'' to learn how the
logistics industry impacts the freight network of the United
States. During the hearing, the Panel received testimony
concerning the correlation between logistics and a productive,
efficient, and safe National freight system and suggestions to
strengthen this relationship. The Panel heard testimony from
the United Parcel Service (UPS), Wal-Mart Corporation, C.H.
Robinson, International Development Systems, Falcon Global
Edge, and the Association of American Railroads.
ROUNDTABLE: EFFECTIVELY COORDINATING FREIGHT PLANNING ACTIVITIES
On July 17, 2013, the Panel on 21st Century Freight
Transportation hosted a roundtable on ``Effectively
Coordinating Freight Planning Activities.'' The purpose of this
roundtable policy discussion was to hear from planning
officials at the federal, state, regional, and local levels on
effective coordination of freight activity. Participants
included DOT, the Florida Department of Transportation, the
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, the North Central
Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, and
the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
SITE VISIT: NEW YORK CITY REGION
From July 25-27, 2013, the Panel on 21st Century Freight
Transportation traveled to the New York City region to gain a
better understanding of freight movement in the region and to
hear from local stakeholders. Sites visited included Norfolk
Southern facilities at Oak Island Rail Yard, the Port of
Newark, the Greenville Yard in Jersey City, New Jersey, the New
York and Atlantic Railway facility in Brooklyn, the World Trade
Center, and the Port-Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) transit
terminal at the World Transit Center.
HOW FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES IN URBAN AREAS IMPACT THE NATION
On July 26, 2013, the Panel on 21st Century Freight
Transportation held a hearing at the Alexander Hamilton Custom
House in New York, New York, to explore the ways in which urban
freight challenges impact the Nation. During this hearing, the
Panel received testimony concerning the operation of the
freight network in urban areas, the unique challenges that
impact performance in these areas, and how these issues impact
the rest of the Nation's freight system. The Panel heard
testimony from representatives of the Port Authority of New
York and New Jersey, the Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Evans
Network, and CSX Transportation.
SITE VISIT: NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
From August 22-23, 2013, staff for the Panel on 21st
Century Freight Transportation traveled to Norfolk, Virginia,
to gain a better understanding of the operations at the Port of
Virginia and at the Norfolk Southern Coal Pier 6. Sites visited
included the Norfolk International Terminal, the APM Terminal,
the Craney Island facility, and Norfolk Southern Coal Pier 6.
PERSPECTIVES FROM USERS OF THE NATION'S FREIGHT SYSTEM
On October 1, 2013, the Panel on 21st Century Freight
Transportation held a hearing to explore how the agriculture
and manufacturing industries rely on the Nation's freight
transportation system to remain competitive. The Panel received
testimony on the specific freight transportation needs of these
industries and the impact that the level of performance of the
freight system has on the ability of these industries to remain
competitive. The Panel received testimony from representatives
of International Paper, DuPont, Nucor Steel Berkeley, and
Riceland Foods, Inc.
FUNDING THE NATION'S FREIGHT SYSTEM
On October 10, 2013, the Panel on 21st Century Freight
Transportation held a hearing to receive testimony related to
the ways in which freight projects can be funded. At this
hearing, the Panel learned of various proposals on ways to
raise new revenue and use existing revenue more wisely in the
funding of freight infrastructure projects across the Nation.
The Panel received testimony from the Virginia Department of
Transportation, the Maryland Department of Transportation, the
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Covington &
Burling, LLP, and Mercator Advisors.
Hearings Held
Hearing entitled ``Overview of the United States Freight
Transportation System.'' (April 24, 2013) Committee Print
Number 113-13.
Field hearing entitled ``How Southern California Freight
Transportation Challenges Impact the Nation.'' (May 30, 2013)
Committee Print Number 113-21.
Hearing entitled ``How Logistics Facilitate an Efficient
Freight Transportation System.'' (June 26, 2013) Committee
Print Number 113-27.
Field hearing entitled ``How Freight Transportation
Challenges in Urban Areas Impact the Nation.'' (July 26, 2013)
Committee Print Number 113-32.
Hearing entitled ``Perspectives from Users of the Nation's
Freight System.'' (October 1, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-
36.
Hearing entitled ``Funding the Nation's Freight System.''
(October 10, 2013) Committee Print Number 113-38.
OVERSIGHT PLAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
113TH CONGRESS
In accordance with Rule X of the House of Representatives,
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is
responsible for determining whether laws and programs within
its jurisdiction are being implemented according to
congressional intent and whether they should be continued,
curtailed, or eliminated. In the 113th Congress, the Committee
will review the activities of government agencies and entities
within its jurisdiction and the public and private interests
they affect or regulate. As appropriate, the Committee will
investigate ways to improve the overall performance and
operation of the agencies and entities it oversees, promote
reform and cost savings, and eliminate fraud, wasteful
spending, abuse and mismanagement where possible.
The oversight and investigation functions are vested at the
Full Committee level. Oversight and investigation activities
will be coordinated between the Full Committee and the
Subcommittees. This structure will facilitate oversight of
issues that cut across the jurisdiction of several
Subcommittees. The Committee will continue to exercise its
oversight duties through its own staff as well as through work
performed at the Committee's request by the GAO and the various
Inspectors General within their respective agencies and
departments. Oversight activities will include hearings,
briefings, correspondence, reports, media releases, and public
statements.
The GAO provides Congress a biennial update on its High
Risk Program, which identifies federal programs and operations
that it considers to be at high risk for waste, fraud, abuse,
or mismanagement, or in need of broad reform. Consistent with
the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee will
hold hearings on the programs within the Committee's
jurisdiction on GAO's ``high-risk'' list. The rules also
require the Committee to hold at least one hearing every 120
days on ``waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement in Government
programs which that committee may authorize.'' These hearings
will focus on ``the most egregious instances of waste, fraud,
abuse, or mismanagement,'' as documented by any report that the
Committee has received from an Inspector General or GAO.
Finally, the Committee will hold hearings if any agency has
received disclaimers on its agency financial statements.
The Committee has identified several particular areas for
oversight and investigation in the 113th Congress. These areas
are organized by Subcommittee and discussed below:
Subcommittee on Aviation
1. Implementation of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act
of 2012. The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA)
was signed into law on February 14, 2012. The FMRA authorizes
funding for and reforms and revises the safety programs, air
traffic control modernization (NextGen) efforts, and operations
of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through fiscal
year 2015. This law also contains over 100 deadlines for
federal government action, including: rulemakings, program
implementations, plans, studies and task force actions. The
Subcommittee will closely oversee the FAA's efforts to
implement the mandates contained in the FMRA.
2. Safety Programs. The Subcommittee has held numerous
safety hearings and will continue its oversight in the new
Congress. Maintaining a safe and efficient aviation system is
critical to the aviation industry, passengers, the U.S.
economy, job creation, and U.S. competitiveness in the global
marketplace. Issues to be addressed include: regional airline
safety, general aviation safety, the safe integration of
unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), pilot and controller training,
ways to reduce operational errors, the FAA's enforcement and
certification activities, and the FAA's volunteer reporting and
data sharing and assessment programs.
3. Evaluation of FAA's NextGen Air Traffic Control
Modernization. Since the early 1980's, the FAA has been trying
to modernize the air traffic control system, a program referred
to as ``NextGen.'' NextGen is essential if the United States is
to remain competitive and a leader in aviation in the global
marketplace. The modernization program is now moving beyond the
research and development phase and into the implementation
phase. The FAA and industry must work together to reap the many
benefits of a modern, satellite-based system. Benefits of this
project include: greater system efficiency; reduced noise
exposure; reduced emissions and fuel burn; improved safety;
increased accuracy and reliability in the equipment and
software; and the capability for future computer enhancements.
Over the years, the FAA's efforts have often been behind
schedule and over budget. The Subcommittee will continue to
monitor and examine the FAA's efforts to establish performance
metrics, meet deadlines, stay within budget, put in place an
aircraft equipage program, and streamline implementation of the
NextGen program.
4. Oversight of the Office of the Secretary. The Office of
the Secretary within DOT inherited several aviation functions
when the Civil Aeronautics Board was abolished. These functions
include ensuring that air carriers do not engage in unfair and
deceptive practices that could harm consumers and ensuring that
business agreements among air carriers do not result in harmful
effects. Many of these functions have a dramatic impact on the
industry, competition, and job creation. Hearings may be held
to evaluate various DOT programs and policies affecting
aviation, including slots, essential air service, air carrier
alliances, aviation consumer issues, international air service,
key safety treaties, and the European Union's Emissions Trading
Scheme.
5. Airline Financial Condition and Passenger Service. Much
of the last decade has been a difficult one for the airline
industry. The cumulative impacts of 9/11, the severe acute
respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak, spikes in fuel prices,
and the global recession have taken their toll, although the
industry has been profitable over the last few years. Moreover,
over the next decade, the FAA predicts that air traffic
operations will increase. When the economy improves, passenger
complaints about delays, cancellations, overbooking, customer
service, and transparency in airfares and ancillary fees
charged by airlines may rise again as passenger traffic
rebounds. The Subcommittee will continue to examine ways to
maintain the airline industry, review recently established
regulations to ensure the proper balance is maintained between
safety and commerce, and refocus its attention on service
issues.
6. Streamlining the FAA's Policies, Programs, and
Procedures. The Subcommittee is interested in an expected
assessment of the FAA's existing policies, programs and
procedures in order to seek ways to streamline processes and
eliminate wasteful and redundant programs and overly burdensome
regulations. In the FMRA, the FAA is given the authority to
carry out any efforts needed to achieve the efficiencies
outlined in the assessment. The FAA is also directed to work
with labor and industry and provide Congress with a plan for
the realignment and consolidation of the FAA's facilities. The
Subcommittee will carefully oversee these and other efforts by
the FAA to achieve much needed efficiencies and cost savings.
7. Oversight of the National Transportation Safety Board.
Authorization for NTSB expired in 2008. A reauthorization bill
passed the House in 2010 but was not enacted. Reauthorization
of NTSB may be considered in the 113th Congress. This would be
preceded by oversight hearings by the Subcommittee.
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
1. Coast Guard Budget. The Coast Guard is currently
functioning under a continuing resolution for fiscal year 2013
which expired March 27, 2013. The continuing resolution
provides funding for all Coast Guard accounts and activities at
the fiscal year 2012 level plus 0.612 percent. On December 20,
2012, the President signed into law H.R. 2838, the Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012, which authorized $8.6
billion for the Service in fiscal year 2013 and $8.7 billion in
fiscal year 2014.
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee will hold hearings
on the President's fiscal year 2014 and 2015 budget requests
and consider legislation to authorize the Coast Guard. The
Subcommittee will explore ways to implement cost savings at the
Service by leveraging efficiencies and eliminating waste,
fraud, abuse, and mismanagement.
2. Coast Guard Recapitalization. The Coast Guard is
currently undergoing a major recapitalization of its offshore
operating assets. The recapitalization is intended to replace
or modernize more than 90 ships and 200 aircraft, as well as
replace outdated command, control, and communications systems.
The recapitalization is facing serious challenges related to
schedule, budget, and engineering.
The Coast Guard has failed to develop a recapitalization
program that reflects the current budget environment, and
continues to pursue a plan not supported by either
Administration budget requests or congressional appropriations.
Since 2001, expanding mission demands have been placed on the
Service. These increased demands require aging and
deteriorating legacy assets to operate well beyond planned
service lives. Legacy assets are deteriorating at increasing
rates as tightened budgets delay the acquisition of replacement
assets. These intersecting trend lines jeopardize readiness.
The recapitalization program has had several successes,
including major upgrades to the Coast Guard's helicopters, and
the ongoing acquisition of new classes of ocean-going and near-
shore cutters. Despite these successes, the Subcommittee
remains concerned with the escalating costs of the program, the
mission readiness of existing assets, the failure of certain
new assets to meet performance goals, inattention to icebreaker
recapitalization needs, and the lack of a realistic Capital
Investment Plan.
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee will continue to
closely review the Coast Guard's recapitalization program, as
well as any changes to the program which may be necessary to
ensure the men and women of the Coast Guard who risk their
lives for the Nation have the best equipment possible at the
best price for the American taxpayers.
3. Coast Guard Mission Balance and Alignment. The
Subcommittee remains concerned about the balance of resources
and assets assigned to the Service's different missions. Since
September 11, 2001, the Coast Guard has received significantly
increased resources to carry out homeland security missions,
including ports, waterways, and coastal security and migrant
interdiction. The Subcommittee wants to assure the Service's
equally critical missions, including maritime transportation,
safety of life at sea, and environmental stewardship, are given
sufficient weight when allocating resources and assigning
assets.
The Subcommittee is also concerned with the training and
experience requirements for Coast Guard servicemen and women,
as well as whether the Service is properly aligned to
successfully conduct its critical missions in the most
efficient and cost-effective manner possible. A structural
reorganization has gone through several iterations in the last
seven years, and the Subcommittee will examine the final
outcome of these organizational changes.
The Coast Guard must assure the safety, as well as the
security, of the Nation's maritime commerce every day. Failure
to provide adequate resources to the Coast Guard's marine
safety and environmental stewardship programs are as much of a
threat to the United States' economic interests as failure to
provide adequate resources for maritime security.
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee will conduct
oversight of the Coast Guard's mission balance and alignment to
ensure the Service maintains and appropriately distributes the
necessary resources, expertise, and organizational structure to
successfully conduct all of its critical missions.
4. Maritime Domain Awareness. In order to prevent
accidents, protect U.S. borders, and effectively respond to
incidents in the waters under the control of the United States,
the Coast Guard must maintain Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
In other words, the Service must have real-time knowledge of
the location and intention of vessels operating in U.S. waters,
as well as such other background information as weather, tides,
and currents. MDA requires access to many sources of data,
including visual observations, weather predictions, long-range
vessel tracking information, and data provided by vessel-based
transponders. The integration of these data sources into a
``Common Operating Picture'' shared by shore-side facilities,
ships, and aircraft, forms the basis of the Coast Guard's
future plans to deploy its assets more wisely and cost
effectively, while also improving safety and security of our
maritime transportation system.
The Coast Guard relies on several new and developing
technologies to assist in implementing MDA. The Subcommittee
has been concerned with delays in fielding these new
technologies, cost overruns, the development of seemingly
duplicative systems, performance failures, and poor contract
management. The Subcommittee is also concerned that plans to
upgrade command, control, communication, computer,
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, popularly known
as C4ISR, are not achieving the level of integration needed to
fully take advantage of existing and rapidly improving sensor
and communication technologies.
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee will continue its
oversight of the Service's development and implementation of
MDA to ensure the best system is fielded in a timely manner and
at the best price for the American taxpayers.
5. Maritime Transportation Safety. Over the next year, the
Coast Guard will be implementing or proposing new regulations
intended to improve the safety of commercial fishing vessels
and towing vessels, as well as to enhance the mariner
credentialing and fitness determination process. The Service
may also propose new safety regulations on cruise vessels in
the wake of the COSTA CONCORDIA marine casualty. Finally, later
this year, the Coast Guard is expected to publish a major new
rule governing the deployment of electronic readers for the
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
The recently enacted Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Act modified some of these rulemakings to afford
the Coast Guard adequate time to fairly enforce them. In the
113th Congress, the Subcommittee will continue oversight of the
Coast Guard's regulatory program to ensure these regulations
improve the safety of the maritime transportation system
without unduly increasing costs and undermining job growth in
the maritime industry.
6. Marine Environmental Protection. In recent years, the
Coast Guard and EPA have implemented several new regulations
governing the transportation of oil and other hazardous
substances on water; air emissions from vessels; and the
discharge from vessels of plastics, ballast water, and over 25
other ``discharges incidental to the normal operation of a
vessel,'' such as bilge water, deck wash, and air conditioning
condensate. In addition, over 25 states have put in place
regulations to govern ballast water and other incidental
discharges. Many of these new requirements are inconsistent,
costly, and burdensome. If not properly addressed, these
regulations could significantly complicate vessel operations,
drive up costs, threaten jobs, and impede the flow of commerce
along our coasts, the Great Lakes, and inland rivers.
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee will conduct
oversight of these regulations. The Subcommittee will also work
to address the challenges posed by these new regulations and
ensure the efficient movement of maritime commerce, defend
seafaring and port jobs, and protect the environment.
7. Oil Spill Prevention and Response. In fiscal year 2012,
the Coast Guard received over 32,000 reports of an oil or
hazardous materials spill. The Service continues to respond to
the April 2010 explosion and sinking of the DEEPWATER HORIZON
and has deployed assets to the Arctic to oversee permitted
drilling activities.
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee will continue
oversight of oil spill prevention laws and regulations, as well
as the Coast Guard's capability to respond to such incidents.
The Subcommittee will work to ensure the Nation's oil spill
prevention and response capabilities protect human lives and
the environment while protecting U.S. jobs.
8. Port and Vessel Security. On an annual basis, U.S. ports
handle more than 2 billion tons of freight, 3 billion barrels
of oil, more than 134 million ferry passengers, and more than 7
million cruise ship passengers. Approximately 7,500 foreign
ships, manned by 200,000 foreign sailors, enter U.S. ports
every year to offload approximately six million truck-size
cargo containers onto U.S. docks. Additionally, many of these
seaports are critical military strategic sealift ports whose
availability must be constantly assured.
There are 361 public ports in the United States that handle
over 95 percent of U.S. overseas trade. The top 50 ports in the
United States account for over 90 percent of total cargo
tonnage. Twenty-five U.S. ports account for over 98 percent of
all container shipments. Cruise ships visiting foreign
destinations embark from at least 16 U.S. ports. Generally,
ports are often very open and exposed and are potentially
susceptible to large-scale acts of terrorism that could cause
catastrophic loss of life and economic disruption.
In 2002, Congress enacted the Maritime Transportation
Security Act (MTSA), now chapter 701 of title 46, United States
Code. The measure establishes a comprehensive national maritime
transportation security system; requires the Coast Guard to
conduct vulnerability assessments of U.S. ports; requires the
Coast Guard to develop national and regional area maritime
transportation security plans; requires seaports, waterfront
terminals, and certain types of vessels to develop security and
incident response plans for the Coast Guard; and requires the
Coast Guard to conduct an antiterrorism assessment of certain
foreign ports. Vessel and facility plans went into effect on
July 1, 2004.
MTSA also established the TWIC program to ensure that
transportation workers who have access to secure areas of
maritime facilities do not pose a terrorism security risk. The
Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 (SAFE
Port Act) set deadlines for the deployment of TWIC to workers
and the installation of TWIC reader devices at access points to
secure areas. The TSA and Coast Guard missed the July 30, 2007,
deadline to begin the deployment of TWIC and did not begin
deployment of the credentials until October 2007. The TSA also
missed the April 2009 deadline for the installation of TWIC
readers. The Coast Guard does not anticipate issuing final
rules for the installation of readers until 2013.
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee will continue to
conduct oversight of these critical security issues with the
goal of providing the highest level of security possible that
does not impede the efficient flow of maritime commerce or
interrupt employment opportunities in the maritime sector.
9. Piracy. In 2012, pirates in the waters off the Horn of
Africa captured 13 commercial vessels and held over 200
merchant seamen hostage. Although these numbers have fallen in
recent months, the pirates continue their violent attacks on
vessels transiting those waters. Pirates are using larger
vessels, more advanced weaponry, and traveling further into the
Indian Ocean to intercept vessels traveling outside the regular
shipping lanes. Ransoms are increasing and reports indicate
that conditions for hostages are worsening. Incidents of piracy
are also on the rise in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of
Nigeria further impacting commercial shipping around the
African continent.
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee will continue
oversight of this issue. The Subcommittee will work to find
ways to improve the security of U.S. seafarers, their vessels,
and their cargo as they transit these high-risk waters.
10. Arctic Transportation. The percentage of the Arctic
Circle covered in ice during the summer months continues to
shrink. As a result, waters previously blocked by ice have
become navigable in the summer. This opens opportunities for
ships to transit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
through the Northwest Passage and the Northern Sea Route. It
may also ease the difficulties faced in extracting potential
oil and gas resources, as well as expand fishing and tourism
activities.
As the ice cap recedes, human presence in the Arctic may
expand. The Coast Guard will likely need to deal with a growing
caseload of search and rescue, marine pollution response, law
enforcement, and defense missions. The Service currently lacks
the infrastructure or assets required for extended operations
in the Arctic.
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee will continue its
oversight of these issues. The Subcommittee will work to find
ways to improve the safety and security of Arctic
transportation routes, as well as enhance Coast Guard presence
in the region in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
11. Federal Maritime Commission, Maritime Administration,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Budget and
Programs. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Federal
Maritime Commission (FMC) and the non-defense related programs
of the Maritime Administration (MARAD). The FMC is responsible
for the economic regulation of waterborne foreign commerce and
unfair shipping practices. MARAD oversees several programs
related to defense readiness, as well as programs designed to
promote and develop the domestic merchant marine industry. The
Subcommittee also has jurisdiction over the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office of Response and
Restoration (ORR). ORR provides technical and scientific
assistance in the response to, and environmental restoration
from, oil and hazardous material spills. It also administers
the Marine Debris Program. The Subcommittee is also interested
in NOAA programs that acquire and distribute data necessary for
the safe operation of the Maritime Transportation System.
Each of these agencies is operating under a fiscal year
2013 continuing resolution which expired March 27, 2013. In
fiscal year 2012, these agencies had a combined budget of over
$399 million.
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee will continue to
conduct oversight of the FMC, MARAD, and ORR. The Subcommittee
will explore ways to promote job growth in the domestic fleet,
while improving operations and reducing costs at these
agencies.
Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency
Management
1. Federal Courthouses. In June of 2010, GAO issued a
report on the federal courthouse program and found that of the
33 courthouses built since 2000, there was 3.56 million square
feet of extra space, costing the taxpayer $835 million plus $51
million annually to operate and maintain. The Subcommittee will
continue its oversight of the authorization of new federal
courthouses, encourage the full implementation of courtroom
sharing formulae, and place strict requirements on any proposed
courthouses to minimize overbuilding and reduce costs. The
Subcommittee will also closely oversee the progress made on
courthouses already authorized to ensure they are constructed
within the limitations placed upon them by the Committee and to
ensure they stay below or within budget. The Subcommittee will
also work to ensure that courthouse construction projects
include credible judgeship projections; courtroom sharing in a
robust and efficient fashion in accordance with the empirical
courtroom use data collected by the Federal Judicial Center;
and faithful adherence by GSA to congressionally authorized
square-footage limitations, as well as dollar limitations, when
executing projects.
2. Leasing. On or about July 17, 2012, GSA entered into a
lease agreement to occupy space on six floors at One World
Trade Center. The lease agreement includes an initial lease
term of 20 years starting in 2015 at a rent of approximately
$17.5 million per year for a total of $351.4 million over the
initial term of the lease. The lease also includes four 15-year
renewal options. GSA entered into this lease agreement despite
the fact that a resolution approving the lease had not yet been
adopted by the Committee.
While a prospectus as required by the Public Buildings Act
was submitted to the Committee on June 6, 2012, the prospectus
did not include a customary housing plan, identifying the
proposed tenant agencies for the leased space and indicating
how GSA proposed utilizing the space. Notwithstanding that the
Committee had not passed a Committee resolution approving the
lease or the fact GSA had submitted an incomplete prospectus,
GSA obligated the government to more than $350 million. This
broke decades of legal precedent. Subsequently, former Chairman
Mica, former Subcommittee Chairman Denham and former
Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services Chairwoman Jo
Ann Emerson requested GSA provide a written legal analysis and
briefing explaining the basis for GSA to sign the lease.
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee will conduct
oversight of GSA to ensure effective oversight of GSA's
authority to enter into leases that bind the taxpayer to
significant sums of money.
During the 112th Congress, problems with independent
leasing authorities of agencies outside of GSA were made
apparent. In 2010, the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC), which has its own independent leasing authority, signed
a sole-source ten-year lease for a state-of-the-art building,
binding the taxpayer to more than $500 million. Not long after
signing the lease, SEC determined it did not need the space.
The Subcommittee conducted an investigation and held hearings
that revealed serious questions about SEC's management of its
space and its leasing authority. In prior years, the Committee
has also found similar mismanagement by other agencies,
including the NTSB, in which poor decisions on leases resulted
in taxpayer dollars being wasted. As a result, the Subcommittee
will continue its oversight of leases outside of GSA.
3. Real Property Management. The management of federal real
property has been on the GAO's ``high risk'' list since 2003
due to a number of mismanagement issues, including the
overreliance on costly leasing to meet long-term space needs
and the overabundance of underused or vacant space. In
addition, with nearly half of GSA's assets over 50 years old,
GSA has faced challenges maintaining a balanced inventory,
draining federal resources and costing more to maintain old
buildings that are often inefficient. At the same time, GSA
continues to over-rely on expensive new commercial leases that
very often result in the taxpayer paying for a building several
times over without any ownership interest. The Office of
Management and Budget's budget scorekeeping rules are key
drivers on ``own vs. lease'' asset decision making. Current
budget scorekeeping rules generally leave GSA with only two
options for meeting the federal government's general purpose
space needs: direct appropriations for new construction or
long-term leases. In addition, with the tight budget
constraints and the lack of funds for new construction, GSA has
begun exploring alternative arrangements for space acquisition
and redevelopment.
The Subcommittee will continue to conduct investigations
and oversight of GSA's management of its real property
portfolio and examine ways to ensure cost-effective choices are
made. In addition, the Subcommittee will work to ensure GSA
maximizes the utilization of existing space, renegotiates
existing leases to reduce costs, and sells under-used or vacant
properties that will generate revenue. Finally, the
Subcommittee will work to ensure GSA fully utilizes its
enhanced property management authority to make better use of
space it retains, such as out-leasing empty federal space to
generate income for GSA's Federal Buildings Fund (FBF) and help
offset costs, but will conduct close oversight of GSA's use of
these authorities to ensure they are managed and used
appropriately.
4. Federal Buildings Fund. Congress established the FBF
with the intent of making GSA's management of space self-
financed. Federal agencies who are tenants in GSA-owned or
managed facilities, generally, pay rent to GSA for use of the
space. Those funds are deposited into the FBF, which then is
used to reinvest in GSA's assets for repairs and maintenance,
as well as for construction or purchasing of new property. With
nearly half of GSA's assets over 50 years old coupled with the
increase in commercial leasing to fill space needs, serious
questions have been raised regarding the viability of the FBF
in the future. Old assets drain the resources of the FBF in
repair and maintenance costs.
In addition, the administrative expenses of GSA's Public
Buildings Service (PBS) are paid out of the FBF. There has been
little or no transparency in how PBS spends its administrative
funds. The scandals related to conferences and bonuses and
GSA's inability to fully respond to Committee questions about
how it budgets for such activities have revealed the potential
for significant waste. As a result, the Subcommittee will
continue to conduct oversight of PBS's administrative costs and
take steps to ensure greater transparency and accountability.
5. Capital Investment and Leasing Program. As part of the
Committee's annual work to review and authorize GSA's requests
for authority to repair, alter, construct, and lease property
for use by federal agencies, the Subcommittee will review each
prospectus presented to the Committee and recommend approval
only after the Subcommittee is satisfied that the requests are
cost-effective and in the best interest of the government. The
Subcommittee will work aggressively with GSA and tenant
agencies to shrink the space footprint.
6. Federal Protective Service. As a part of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002, the Federal Protective Service (FPS) was
transferred from the Public Buildings Service of GSA to the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS). However, responsibility
for the protection of federal buildings, generally, remains
with the GSA. The Subcommittee will continue to monitor and
review the policies, procedures, and requirements of security
at public buildings, including a review of the implementation
of these policies, procedures, and requirements of the FPS.
7. Major Development Projects. The construction of the DHS
headquarters is a multibillion-dollar federal construction
project that, when completed, will relocate much of DHS
operations in the District of Columbia area into one campus
located at the historic Saint Elizabeths Hospital site in the
Southeast quadrant of the District of Columbia. Currently, the
construction of the Coast Guard headquarters is underway at the
site. In addition, various DHS components remain in leased
space until the phased construction is completed. The
Subcommittee plans to continue close oversight of this major
project and its associated leases to guard against waste, and
ensure jobs are maintained and created accordingly throughout
the project.
In addition, there are a number of other major construction
and development projects proposed, underway, or anticipated by
the GSA, including a proposal for a new FBI headquarters, the
redevelopment of Federal Triangle South, and the redevelopment
of the Old Post Office. The Subcommittee plans to conduct close
review and oversight of these major development projects.
8. Architect of the Capitol. The Subcommittee will continue
ongoing oversight of projects being undertaken by the Architect
of the Capitol, including redevelopment of the Federal Office
Building 8 as well as other development pursuant to the Master
Plan for the Capitol Complex. Consistent oversight will ensure
proper prioritization and cost savings.
9. Smithsonian Institution Facilities. The Subcommittee
will continue its oversight of projects undertaken by the
Smithsonian Institution including the acquisition,
construction, and use of local and remote museum, research, and
storage facilities of the Institution. The Subcommittee will
continue to ensure the cost-effective solutions to the
Smithsonian's space needs such as leveraging private dollars
and disposal or effective reuse of underused assets. In
addition, the Smithsonian is currently in the process of
constructing the National Museum of African American History
and Culture. Continued oversight of the construction is
important to ensure the project stays within budget and on
schedule.
10. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. As a
part of its ongoing oversight of the Kennedy Center's programs,
the Subcommittee will regularly review the construction,
alteration, and modernization activities of the Kennedy Center
that are conducted using federal funds to ensure appropriate
management and cost savings.
11. Economic Development Administration. The Economic
Development Administration (EDA) was created in 1965 by the
Public Works and Economic Development Act to leverage federal
funding to help spur economic growth in areas that are
experiencing: chronic high unemployment, out-migration, and
severe economic dislocations due to plant closings and natural
disasters. Over the years, EDA's programs have generated new,
permanent jobs with minimal federal investment. For example,
reviews of EDA's programs have revealed that its programs, on
average, create jobs at a cost of $4,000 per job. In addition,
studies have shown that $1 invested by EDA attracts $11 in
private or other public funding. The leveraging of federal
dollars ensures that projects funded are viable and include a
private interest that will ensure the jobs created are long-
lasting. In preparation for EDA's reauthorization, the
Subcommittee will continue to oversee EDA programs to ensure
they continue to leverage private dollars and create jobs. The
Subcommittee will also identify and remove regulatory
stovepipes that add costs and administrative hurdles to job
creation.
12. Appalachian Regional Commission. The Subcommittee will
closely examine the activities of the Appalachian Regional
Commission including how it meets the needs of distressed
counties in Appalachia, how it uses new and innovative ways to
promote economic development, and its track record of success
since its last reauthorization to ensure, as with EDA, projects
funded result in economic growth and job creation.
13. Other Regional Economic Development Authorities. The
Subcommittee will closely examine the activities of the other
established development authorities, which are the Denali
Commission, Delta Regional Authority, Northern Great Plains
Regional Authority, Southeast Crescent Regional Commission,
Southwest Border Regional Commission, and Northern Border
Regional Commission. The Subcommittee will review these
commissions and identify ways to streamline these programs and
reduce any overlap to produce cost savings.
14. Emergency Management. The Subcommittee intends to
undertake a review and assessment of the Nation's ability to
prevent, prepare for, mitigate against, respond to, and recover
from disasters and emergencies of all types including
terrorism. In the 113th Congress, continued oversight will be
needed as states continue to recover from prior disasters, such
as Hurricane Sandy. In addition, the Subcommittee will continue
its oversight of the implementation of reforms to the national
preparedness system by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) as required under the Post-Katrina Emergency Management
Reform Act of 2006, as well as its oversight of FEMA's
development of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.
Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
1. MAP-21 Implementation. The Moving Ahead for Progress in
the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) reauthorized federal surface
transportation programs for the first time since 2005. Enacted
in July of 2012, MAP-21 represents an investment in the
Nation's transportation infrastructure that translates into
safer travel, more efficient commerce, faster project approval
and delivery, and the creation of thousands of jobs. A large
part of the Subcommittee's oversight activities in the 113th
Congress will focus on implementation of MAP-21, specifically
in the following areas:
Streamlining Project Delivery. MAP-21 reformed the
project approval and delivery process for transportation and
infrastructure projects. Time delays and inefficiencies in
project delivery not only postpone needed improvements in our
Nation's transportation infrastructure, but often result in
increases in the cost of projects. MAP-21 streamlined this
process by: allowing federal agencies to carry out their
obligations for a project concurrently with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review for that
project; instituting a financial penalty to each federal agency
that misses a deadline as part of the NEPA environmental review
process; and providing categorical exclusions from the NEPA
process for repair or reconstruction of an existing facility
damaged by an emergency, for projects within the right-of-way,
and for projects that receive limited federal funding. Most
significantly, MAP-21 requires that all environmental reviews
for a project be completed within four years. The Subcommittee
will monitor and evaluate DOT's implementation of these project
delivery provisions.
Program Consolidation and Elimination. MAP-21
consolidated or eliminated nearly 70 DOT programs. Many of
these programs served similar purposes and several of them were
no longer necessary because the nature of our transportation
system has changed over time. By consolidating some DOT
programs and eliminating others, MAP-21 allows DOT to become
more effective and efficient. The Subcommittee will monitor the
implementation and effectiveness of program consolidation, as
well as the organizational and staffing level changes at DOT,
to ensure the agencies are structured and staffed in a way that
is consistent with the changes made in MAP-21.
Performance and Accountability. MAP-21 emphasized
performance management by incorporating performance measures
into the highway, transit, and highway safety programs. These
performance measures will provide a more efficient federal
investment by focusing federal funding on national
transportation goals, increasing accountability and
transparency, and improving transportation planning and project
selection. These changes require state departments of
transportations, localities, and public transit agencies to
consider performance objectives in their transportation plans
and project selection. The Subcommittee will monitor DOT's
implementation of these performance management requirements, as
well as the ability of states and public transit agencies to
accurately collect and utilize relevant performance data.
Efficient Movement of Freight. The United States
economy relies heavily on the surface transportation network
for the efficient movement of freight. MAP-21 recognizes the
importance of freight movement to all aspects of American life
and incentivizes projects that improve freight movement by
increasing the federal share for such projects. The
Subcommittee will conduct oversight of freight-related issues
and the relevant provisions in MAP-21 to determine whether the
surface transportation network is adequately accommodating
current and future freight movement needs.
New Starts. MAP-21 streamlines the project
development process for the New Starts program by setting time
limits on environmental reviews and consolidating the steps FTA
must take in the project approval process. The Subcommittee
will continue to conduct oversight on FTA's management of the
New Starts program to ensure that the MAP-21 reforms are
implemented in a way that expedites the lengthy process of
moving a new fixed guideway transit project through development
and into construction. The Subcommittee will also monitor the
New Starts program to determine whether further reforms are
warranted.
Transit Safety Oversight. Statistically, rail
transit is among the safest modes of transportation. However,
there have been some high-profile rail transit accidents
resulting in fatalities and injuries around the country in
recent years. MAP-21 included several provisions related to
transit safety. Rather than granting FTA broad regulatory
authority, MAP-21 built on the transit State Safety Oversight
model that was already established in law and provided a
dedicated stream of federal funding for the state agencies that
oversee the safety of rail transit systems. MAP-21 also
required each recipient of federal transit funding to institute
a public transportation agency safety plan before it can
obligate federal funding. The Subcommittee will closely oversee
FTA's implementation of the transit safety provisions in MAP-21
to ensure that it is being done in a way that is consistent
with Congressional intent.
Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program.
MAP-21 establishes a public transportation emergency relief
program to fund transit projects that have suffered damage as a
result of a natural disaster or a catastrophic failure. This
program may also fund transit operating expenses in areas
impacted by a disaster or catastrophic failure if the area
meets certain eligibility criteria. In October 2012, Hurricane
Sandy caused substantial damage to transit systems in New
Jersey and New York. However, in October 2012, FTA was still in
the process of implementing the provisions in MAP-21
establishing the Public Transportation Emergency Relief
program. The Subcommittee will oversee the implementation of
the Public Transportation Emergency Relief program to ensure
that the program is being established and implemented in
accordance with congressional intent and to ensure that the
funding distributed through the program meets the eligibility
requirements in law. The Subcommittee will also evaluate
funding expenditures from the Public Transportation Emergency
Relief program to determine whether projects to mitigate the
impacts of future disasters should be funded through the
Emergency Relief program or through other FTA programs.
2. Sustainability of Surface Transportation Programs. The
federal highway, highway safety, and public transportation
programs are user-fee financed through federal excise taxes
levied on motor fuels and on various highway-related products
such as tires and heavy trucks. Revenues from these user fees
are deposited into the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) and may be used
only for eligible transportation projects and activities.
Current projections show that the cash balances in the HTF's
Highway Account will be depleted sometime in fiscal year 2015,
while the HTF's Mass Transit Account will be depleted at some
point late in fiscal year 2014. The Subcommittee will monitor
the status and solvency of the HTF, and its ability to fully
fund the programs authorized under MAP-21 and to meet future
surface transportation investment needs.
3. Innovative Financing. In order to provide the greatest
number of project financing options to state departments of
transportations, Congress has focused on implementing
innovative financing measures. The Transportation
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program,
tolling options, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) are all
tools that state departments of transportations can use when
capitalizing surface transportation projects. The Subcommittee
will continue to evaluate and determine the proper role that
innovative financing tools and private investment may play in
financing transportation projects and the factors that should
be considered in making such determinations. The Subcommittee
will also assess the extent to which states and localities are
already using innovative techniques to finance projects and the
extent to which states and localities have the fiscal and
technical capacity to take advantage of these innovative
financing options.
Transportation Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Act. MAP-21 amended the TIFIA program in order to
increase the impact and efficacy of these funds. MAP-21
increased the eligible federal share of TIFIA projects to 49
percent, increased the amount of TIFIA funds to $1.75 billion
over two years, made key reforms to ensure that funds were more
readily available for projects that qualify for the TIFIA
program, and eliminated the unofficial political ``super-
qualifications'' that were sometimes imposed on TIFIA
applications. The Subcommittee will monitor how these changes
are implemented and determine whether any further amendments
are necessary to maximize the usefulness of this program, as
well as DOT's management of the program and oversight of
projects receiving TIFIA credit assistance.
Tolling. MAP-21 also expanded the ability of
states to collect toll revenue from facilities on the federal-
aid highway system. Specifically, any project that adds new
lane capacity to the Interstate System can be tolled. States
continue to have the ability to toll roads that are not on the
Interstate System. Toll revenues can be used for debt service
for the project, operating costs of the toll facility, or, if
the toll facility is adequately maintained, then the revenue
can be used for any other highway or transit project for which
federal funds may be used. The Subcommittee will evaluate how
DOT is implementing the tolling provisions in MAP-21 and how
states use this expanded tolling authority and determine
whether any further changes are warranted.
Innovative Finance Guidance to State and Local
Governments. MAP-21 requires that DOT develop best practices
for how state and local governments can work with the private
sector to develop, finance, construct, and operate surface
transportation projects in a manner that advances the public
interest. While the decision to pursue a PPP is a state or
local decision, MAP-21 requires DOT to provide technical
assistance to states and local officials who are interested in
pursuing PPPs for transportation projects. The Subcommittee
will monitor DOT to ensure that they are providing requisite
guidance to state and local governments interested in PPPs.
4. Transportation Planning and Major Construction Projects.
The Subcommittee will conduct oversight of statewide and
metropolitan transportation planning, as well as major highway
and transit construction projects. The Subcommittee will
analyze the board structure of metropolitan planning
organizations (MPOs) to determine whether they contain a
requisite level of technical expertise. Furthermore, the
Subcommittee will examine the relationship between MPOs and
state departments of transportations and public transit
agencies to determine the appropriate level of interaction and
cooperation between these three entities. As part of the
Subcommittee's oversight of transportation planning, major
surface transportation construction projects will also be
examined to ensure that the planned cost for these projects is
not being overrun. Many of the Nation's largest transportation
projects experience significant cost overruns, and the
Subcommittee will investigate these overruns to determine if
they are due to changes in the construction market, project
mismanagement, or other causes.
5. Compliance, Safety, Accountability Program. FMCSA
identified limitations in its compliance and enforcement model
used to measure the safety performance of motor carriers and
target carriers for enforcement by the agency. On December 13,
2010, FMCSA launched its new Compliance, Safety, Accountability
(CSA) Program, which uses existing safety data collected by
FMCSA and state agencies to better target enforcement
activities at truck and bus companies that have a history of
safety violations. FMCSA believes that CSA will allow them to
``do more with less'' by identifying high-risk companies,
focusing resources where they are most needed, and improving
the safety records of those companies. During the 112th
Congress, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the effectiveness
of the CSA program and the impacts on truck and bus companies.
As a result of the hearing, the Subcommittee requested an audit
of the program by the DOT's Inspector General. The requested
date for completion of the audit is late 2013, and the
Subcommittee will continue to monitor developments with the CSA
program.
6. Hours of Service. Since 1937, the federal government has
set limits on the number of hours commercial drivers may be on
duty and spend behind the wheel in order to promote the safety
of truck and bus operations. On January 4, 2003, in response to
a Congressional mandate enacted in 1995, FMCSA published new
hours-of-service (HOS) regulations for all property-carrying
interstate motor carrier operators. The HOS rules have been the
subject of ongoing litigation since 2003. On December 27, 2011,
FMCSA issued a final rule revising the HOS requirements for
commercial truck drivers. The new HOS final rule limits a truck
driver's work week to 70 hours and stipulates that drivers
cannot drive after working eight hours without first taking a
break of at least 30 minutes. In addition, the rule requires
truck drivers to take a ``34-hour restart'' in order to restart
the clock on their work week. The ``34-hour restart'' provision
must overlap during two periods between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
The new HOS regulations become effective on July 1, 2013. The
trucking industry has raised concerns that the proposed changes
are overly complex, potentially reducing productivity. Law
enforcement personnel have questioned whether the rules will
require additional training for effective enforcement. The
Subcommittee will maintain close oversight of the rulemaking
process to ensure it furthers FMCSA's primary mission of
safety, while ensuring the efficient movement of freight
throughout the U.S. economy.
7. Highway Safety and Traffic Fatalities and Injuries.
NHTSA reported that highway fatalities fell to 32,367 in 2011,
marking the lowest level since 1949 and a 1.9-percent decrease
from the previous year. This represents a 26-percent decline in
traffic fatalities overall since 2005. However, fatalities
increased in 2011 among large truck occupants (20 percent),
bicyclists (8.7 percent), pedestrians (3.0 percent), and
motorcycle riders (2.1 percent). Highway fatalities have high
societal costs. According to FHWA estimates, the average cost
of a roadway fatality is $6 million and the average cost of a
roadway injury is $126,000. The Subcommittee will monitor the
efforts and effectiveness of programs carried out by NHTSA,
FMCSA and FHWA to improve highway safety.
8. Innovative Technologies. The Subcommittee will provide
oversight on the development and demonstration of new
transportation technologies that improve efficiency and safety
on our Nation's highways and transit systems. Research in this
area will help create jobs by encouraging development of
sophisticated technologies that many state departments of
transportations and localities could implement on their roads,
transit systems, and bridges. Implementation of these
technologies can improve operational performance of the surface
transportation network, which allows for the better use of the
existing capacity on roads and transit systems. DOT is
currently researching connected vehicle technologies, which are
designed to increase situational awareness and reduce or
eliminate crashes through vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-
infrastructure data transmission that supports: driver
advisories, driver warnings, and vehicle and infrastructure
controls. The Subcommittee will monitor developments in this
area and ensure that such developments maximize the efficiency
of the Nation's transportation system and the safety of its
users to ensure the research carried out under these programs
achieves the objectives established by Congress, and is being
conducted and deployed in an effective manner.
9. Research Structure at the Department of Transportation.
The Department of Transportation's research, development, and
technology program is established to foster innovations leading
to effective, integrated, and intermodal transportation
solutions. MAP-21 established the following objectives for DOT
research activities: improving highway safety, improving
infrastructure integrity, strengthening transportation planning
and environmental decision-making, reducing congestion,
improving highway operation, enhancing freight productivity,
and exploratory advanced research. The Research and Innovative
Technology Administration (RITA) oversees the Intelligent
Transportation Systems (ITS) program. RITA's Joint Program
Office has Department-wide authority in coordinating the ITS
program and initiatives among FHWA, FMCSA, FTA, and NHTSA, as
well as the Federal Railroad Administration, and the Maritime
Administration. Research activities at DOT are scattered among
many different agencies and offices. Concerns have been raised
in regards to how this structure affects the overall research
effectiveness of the Department. The Subcommittee will conduct
oversight activities to determine the appropriate way to
administer the Department's research programs.
Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials
1. DOT Fiscal Year 2014 and 2015 Budgets. The Subcommittee
will review and evaluate the fiscal year 2014 and fiscal year
2015 budget proposals for FRA, Amtrak, the Surface
Transportation Board, the Railroad Retirement Board, the
National Mediation Board, and the Pipelines and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
2. Reauthorization of the Federal Railroad Administration's
Safety Program. The FRA's rail safety program was last
authorized in the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (RSIA),
which expires at the end of fiscal year 2013. In preparation
for reauthorizing the FRA safety programs, the Subcommittee
will conduct oversight on FRA's enforcement and rulemaking
activities since the last authorization in RSIA, as well as the
various safety laws that govern railroad operations.
3. Reauthorization of the Federal Railroad Administration's
Rail Infrastructure Programs. The FRA also administers several
rail infrastructure programs, including the Railroad
Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loan program,
the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) program, and
the Rail Line Relocation and Improvement Capital Grant (RLR)
program. RRIF is a direct and guaranteed loan program for rail
and rail-intermodal infrastructure projects with $35 billion in
loan authority. The HSIPR program is a consolidation of two
capital grant programs authorized in the Passenger Rail
Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA)--the intercity
passenger rail service grants to states, and the high-speed
rail corridor development grants. These programs were
appropriated a total of $10.1 billion and 99 percent of the
funds have been obligated as of December 2012. The RLR program
is a state grant program to aid in the mitigation of adverse
effects caused by the presence of rail infrastructure. A total
of $90 million has been appropriated to the program and all
funding has been awarded. The Subcommittee will conduct
oversight of these rail infrastructure programs, with a view
toward reauthorization.
4. Reauthorization of Amtrak. The Amtrak Reform and
Accountability Act of 1997 fundamentally altered the statutory
status of Amtrak, a corporation, by freeing Amtrak from a
variety of detailed statutory restrictions governing the
company's route system, capital structure, labor relations, and
corporate governance. In 2008, PRIIA established more reforms
and operational improvements along with authorizing
appropriations for Amtrak capital grants, operating grants, and
the Amtrak Inspector General. The Subcommittee will examine
various aspects of Amtrak's performance with a view to
reauthorization.
5. Pipeline Safety Programs. The Pipeline Safety,
Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 reauthorized
federal pipeline safety programs through fiscal year 2015. It
provides for enhanced safety and reliability in pipeline
transportation and ensures regulatory certainty, which will
help create a positive environment for job development. The
legislation was enacted on January 3, 2012. The Subcommittee
will conduct oversight of the Office of Pipeline Safety at
PHMSA regarding implementation of the Act.
6. Hazardous Materials Safety Programs. The Moving Ahead
for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) reauthorized
PHMSA's hazardous materials safety programs. MAP-21 secured
regulatory reforms, enhanced hazardous materials safety and
enforcement, improved training, data collection, and research.
As PHMSA's Office of Hazardous Materials Safety continues
implementation of MAP-21, the Subcommittee will conduct
oversight on that progress.
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment
1. Clean Water Act and Water Infrastructure Programs. The
Subcommittee will conduct oversight of wastewater treatment and
water pollution control funding issues, including levels and
sources of funding and management of grant and loan programs;
wastewater security; and infrastructure needs. Oversight also
will include a review of the effectiveness of watershed,
market, and performance-based approaches to addressing local
water pollution concerns; issues involving the development and
implementation of total maximum daily loads, water quality
standards, effluent limitations, and permitting; nutrients
policies under the Clean Water Act; data quality issues; and
continued efforts to improve the management of combined and
sanitary sewer overflows, stormwater, and nonpoint source
pollution. Additionally, the Subcommittee's oversight will
include a review of the Environmental Protection Agency's
implementation of integrated approaches to municipal stormwater
and wastewater management through EPA's integrated planning
approach framework. The Subcommittee will investigate whether
non-regulatory approaches, such as market-based approaches and
other innovative approaches undertaken by state and local
governments, may result in improvements to the environment. The
Subcommittee may review the implications of addressing certain
pollutant discharges, including discharges of pesticides,
ballast water, incidental discharges from vessels, stormwater,
and water transfers, through traditional Clean Water Act
permitting requirements.
Continued improvement of water quality will likely require
a combination of regulatory and non-regulatory approaches, as
well as continued investment in water infrastructure programs.
The Subcommittee will pursue and examine finding innovative
ways to finance new and replacement of old water infrastructure
projects; providing states, counties, and towns with additional
tools and flexibility to address local environmental
challenges; and demanding increased efficiency from federal
expenditures.
2. Army Corps of Engineers Water Resources Program. The
Subcommittee will review efforts to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the organization and the management and
mission of the civil works program of the Army Corps of
Engineers (Corps), including the selection, planning, and
implementation of water resources projects; financing of harbor
and inland waterways infrastructure, and utilization of large,
medium, and small harbors; the backlog of uninitiated Corps
construction projects, including prioritization of projects;
asset management of projects in its operation and maintenance
account, including existing and future levels of service; and
efforts to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and
consistent implementation of the agency's regulatory programs,
including those pertaining to wetlands (including the scope and
procedural and substantive requirements of the permitting
programs) and dredging activities. The Subcommittee will review
the Corps' implementation of provisions of the Water Resources
Development Act of 2007, including those that were intended to
streamline the project planning process.
Continued investments in our Nation's infrastructure will
create jobs and support a healthy economy. The Subcommittee
will focus on getting projects for the Nation built more
efficiently and cost effectively, thereby more quickly
delivering project benefits to the public, while ensuring
compliance with existing planning and environmental laws.
3. EPA--Superfund/Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act and Brownfields. The
Subcommittee will review efforts to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the contaminated site cleanup process and the
process of assessing natural resources damages; review the
liability, financing, and settlement mechanisms and procedures
under the current Superfund program, including implementation
of the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields
Revitalization Act; review the role of the states in conducting
and financing cleanups; review the relationships among the
states, EPA, and other federal entities in implementing the
Superfund/Brownfields program; and review ongoing federal,
state, and local efforts to revitalize brownfields, including
implementation of the expired Small Business Liability Relief
and Brownfields Revitalization Act.
Brownfields and Superfund sites drive down property values
and tax revenues and are a major blight on many of our cities
and towns. The Subcommittee will work to promote state, local,
and private efforts to clean up and redevelop Superfund and
brownfields sites.
4. Tennessee Valley Authority. The Subcommittee will review
the management of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and its
programs, including its energy program and operations in the
current marketplace and the impact of TVA debt on its long-term
goals. Until mid-2006, the Tennessee Valley Authority had made
significant payments on its long-term debt in an attempt to
reduce its total financing obligations. Since 2006, however,
TVA's debt has begun to steadily climb to levels that may place
the taxpayer at risk. TVA's debt is statutorily capped at $30
billion and at the end of fiscal year 2012 carried just over
$25 billion in total debt. The Subcommittee will initiate a
review of TVA's commitment to long-term financial
sustainability to lessen the risk posed to bondholders,
ratepayers, and the taxpayer.