Senate Report 116-109 - TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2020

[Senate Report 116-109]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

Calendar No. 209
116th Congress } { Report
SENATE
1st Session } { 116-109

======================================================================

TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2020
_______

September 19, 2019.--Ordered to be printed

_______

Ms. Collins, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted the
following

REPORT

[To accompany S. 2520]

The Committee on Appropriations reports the bill (S. 2520)
making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation,
and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2020, and for other purposes,
reports favorably thereon and recommends that the bill do pass.

Amounts of new budget (obligational) authority for fiscal year 2020

Total of bill as reported to the Senate................. $74,293,000,000
Amount of 2019 appropriations........................... 76,850,542,000
Amount of 2020 budget estimate.......................... 58,468,905,000
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
2019 appropriations................................. -2,557,542,000
2020 budget estimate................................ +15,824,095,000

C O N T E N T S

----------
Page
Overview and Summary of the Bill................................. 3
Program, Project, and Activity................................... 3
Reprogramming Guidelines......................................... 4
Congressional Budget Justifications.............................. 5
Transparency Requirement......................................... 6
DATA Act Compliance.............................................. 6
Federally Funded Research........................................ 7
Title I: Department of Transportation:
Office of the Secretary...................................... 9
Federal Aviation Administration.............................. 23
Federal Highway Administration............................... 47
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.................. 56
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration............... 62
Federal Railroad Administration.............................. 70
Federal Transit Administration............................... 81
Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation................ 90
Maritime Administration...................................... 91
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration....... 97
Office of Inspector General.................................. 101
General Provisions--Department of Transportation............. 101
Title II: Department of Housing and Urban Development:
Management and Administration................................ 103
Administrative Support Offices........................... 105
Program Offices.......................................... 107
Public and Indian Housing.................................... 110
Community Planning and Development........................... 127
Housing Programs............................................. 136
Federal Housing Administration............................... 145
Government National Mortgage Association..................... 147
Policy Development and Research.............................. 149
Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity........................... 151
Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes.............. 152
Information Technology Fund.................................. 155
Office of Inspector General.................................. 157
General Provisions--Department of Housing and Urban
Development................................................ 157
Title III: Independent Agencies:
Access Board................................................. 160
Federal Maritime Commission.................................. 161
National Railroad Passenger Corporation: Office of Inspector
General.................................................... 162
National Transportation Safety Board......................... 163
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation........................ 164
Surface Transportation Board................................. 165
United States Interagency Council on Homelessness............ 166
Title IV: General Provisions--This Act........................... 170
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI, of the Standing Rules of
the
Senate......................................................... 172
Compliance With Paragraph 7(c), Rule XXVI, of the Standing Rules
of the Senate.................................................. 173
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of
the Senate..................................................... 174
Budgetary Impact of Bill......................................... 174
Comparative Statement of Budget Authority........................ 175
OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF THE BILL

The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and
Related Agencies appropriations bill provides funding for a
wide array of Federal programs, mostly in the Departments of
Transportation [DOT] and Housing and Urban Development [HUD].
The programs and activities supported by this bill include
significant responsibilities entrusted to the Federal
Government and its partners to protect human health and safety,
support a vibrant economy, and achieve policy objectives
strongly supported by the American people. These programs
include investments in road, transit, rail, maritime, pipeline,
aviation and airport infrastructure; the operation of the
Nation's air traffic control system; resources to support
community and economic development activities; and housing
assistance for those most in need, including the homeless,
elderly, and disabled. The bill also provides funding for the
Federal Housing Administration and the Government National
Mortgage Association to continue their traditional roles of
providing access to affordable homeownership in the United
States.
This bill makes possible the operation of the interstate
highway system, as well as the world's safest, most complex air
transportation system. This bill also includes funding for
competitive grants to communities to support transformative
transportation infrastructure projects of national or regional
importance. It ensures safe and sanitary housing for nearly 5
million low and extremely low-income families and individuals,
over half of whom are elderly and/or disabled. It provides
funding that is leading to the gradual elimination of
homelessness among veterans, youth, victims of domestic
violence, individuals and families.
The bill, as reported, provides the proper balance of
transportation, housing, and community development programs and
activities. It is consistent with the subcommittee's allocation
for fiscal year 2020. All accounts in the bill have been
closely examined to ensure that a sufficient level of funding
is provided to carry out the programs and activities of DOT,
HUD, and related agencies. Details on each of the accounts and
the Committee's justifications for the funding levels are
included in the report.

PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY

During fiscal year 2020, for the purposes of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law
99-177), as amended, with respect to appropriations contained
in the accompanying bill, the terms ``program, project, and
activity'' [PPA] shall mean any item for which a dollar amount
is contained in appropriations acts (including joint
resolutions providing continuing appropriations), accompanying
reports of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations,
or accompanying conference reports and joint explanatory
statements of the committee of conference. This definition
shall apply to all programs for which new budget (obligational)
authority is provided, as well as to discretionary grants and
discretionary grant allocations made through either bill or
report language.

REPROGRAMMING GUIDELINES

The Committee includes a provision (section 405)
establishing the authority by which funding available to the
agencies funded by this act may be reprogrammed for other
purposes. The provision specifically requires the advanced
approval of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations
of any proposal to reprogram funds that:
--creates a new program;
--eliminates a PPA;
--increases funds or personnel for any PPA for which funds
have been denied or restricted by the Congress;
--proposes to redirect funds that were directed in such
reports for a specific activity to a different purpose;
--augments an existing PPA in excess of $5,000,000 or 10
percent, whichever is less;
--reduces an existing PPA by $5,000,000 or 10 percent,
whichever is less; or
--creates, reorganizes, or restructures offices different
from the congressional budget justifications or the
table at the end of the Committee report, whichever is
more detailed. This direction applies to both the bill
and accompanying report.
The Committee retains the requirement that each agency
submit an operating plan to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations not later than 60 days after enactment of this
act to establish the baseline for application of reprogramming
and transfer authorities provided in this act. Specifically,
each agency should provide a table for each appropriation with
columns displaying the prior year enacted level; budget
request; adjustments made by Congress; adjustments for
rescissions, if appropriate; and the fiscal year enacted level.
The table shall delineate the appropriation and prior year
enacted level both by object class and by PPA, as detailed in
this act, accompanying reports of the House and Senate
Committee on Appropriations, or in the budget appendix for the
respective appropriations, whichever is more detailed, and
shall apply to all items for which a dollar amount is specified
and to all programs for which new budget authority
(obligational) authority is provided, as well as to
discretionary grants and discretionary grant allocations. The
report must also identify items of special congressional
interest.
The Committee expects the agencies and bureaus to submit
reprogramming requests in a timely manner and to provide a
thorough explanation of the proposed reallocations, including a
detailed justification of increases and reductions and the
specific impact the proposed changes will have on the budget
request for the following fiscal year. Except in emergency
situations, reprogramming requests should be submitted no later
than June 30.
The Committee expects each agency to manage its programs
and activities within the amounts appropriated by Congress. The
Committee reminds agencies that reprogramming requests should
be submitted only in the case of an unforeseeable emergency or
a situation that could not have been anticipated when
formulating the budget request for the current fiscal year.
Further, the Committee notes that when a Department or agency
submits a reprogramming or transfer request to the Committees
on Appropriations and does not receive identical responses from
the House and Senate, it is the responsibility of the
Department to reconcile the House and Senate differences before
proceeding, and if reconciliation is not possible, to consider
the request to reprogram funds not approved.
The Committee would also like to clarify that this section
applies to the Department of Transportation's Working Capital
Fund, and that no funds may be obligated from such funds to
augment programs, projects or activities for which
appropriations have been specifically rejected by the Congress,
or to increase funds or personnel for any PPA above the amounts
appropriated by this act.

CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET JUSTIFICATIONS

Budget justifications are the primary tool used by the
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations to evaluate the
resource requirements and fiscal needs of agencies. The
Committee is aware that the format and presentation of budget
materials is largely left to the agency within presentation
objectives set forth by the Office of Management and Budget
[OMB]. In fact, OMB Circular A-11, part 6 specifically states
that the ``agency should consult with your congressional
committees beforehand to ensure their awareness of your plans
to modify the format of agency budget documents.'' The
Committee expects that all agencies funded under this act will
heed this directive. The Committee expects all of the budget
justifications to provide the data needed to make appropriate
and meaningful funding decisions.
While the Committee values the inclusion of performance
data and presentations, it is important to ensure vital budget
information that the Committee needs is not lost. Therefore,
the Committee directs that justifications submitted with the
fiscal year 2021 budget request by agencies funded under this
act contain the customary level of detailed data and
explanatory statements to support the appropriations requests
at the level of detail contained in the funding table included
at the end of the report. Among other items, agencies shall
provide a detailed discussion of proposed new initiatives,
proposed changes in the agency's financial plan from prior year
enactment, and detailed data on all programs and comprehensive
information on any office or agency restructurings. At a
minimum, each agency must also provide adequate justification
for funding and staffing changes for each individual office and
materials that compare programs, projects, and activities that
are proposed for fiscal year 2021 to the fiscal year 2020
enacted level.
The Committee is aware that the analytical materials
required for review by the Committee are unique to each agency
in this act. Therefore, the Committee expects that each agency
will coordinate with the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations in advance on its planned presentation for its
budget justification materials in support of the fiscal year
2021 budget request.
The Committee directs each agency to include within its
budget justification a report on all efforts made to address
the duplication identified by the annual GAO reports along with
legal barriers preventing the agency's ability to further
reduce duplication and legislative recommendations, if
applicable.

TRANSPARENCY REQUIREMENT

The Committee is aware that agencies funded in this act use
resources for advertising purposes. The Committee directs the
agencies in this act to state within the text, audio, or video
used for new advertising purposes, including advertising/
posting on the Internet, that the advertisements are printed,
published, or produced and disseminated at U.S. taxpayer
expense. The agencies may exempt any such advertisements from
this requirement if it creates an ad- verse impact on safety or
impedes the ability of these agencies to carry out their
statutory authority.
The Committee is also interested in increasing transparency
and accountability of Federal grant spending. The Departments
of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education are directed
by the Stevens Amendment, Section 505 of title V, Division H of
Public Law 115-141, to require grantees to include the total
cost of the project, the percentage of Federal funds in the
project or program, and identify all of the sources of funding
for the total project or program in all public documents
announcing the grant award. The Committee directs agencies to
collect data on what information Federal grant recipients
currently include in the public documents announcing the grant
award to determine whether recipients of funding in this act
could comply with the Stevens Amendment without unreasonable
burden. The Committee directs agencies in this act to report to
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 180
days of enactment of this act on the feasibility of complying
with the Stevens Amendment.
The Committee is concerned about Federal agencies executing
contracts with certain independent financial auditing and audit
remediation firms that have been penalized for poor auditing
practices. The Committee believes that all firms contracting
with Departments and agencies, funded in this act, particularly
for financial auditing and accounting services, should have
qualified professionals and ethics, and integrity controls in
place to ensure they are in compliance with Federal accounting
and procurement standards. For all contract actions (including
awards, renewals, and amendments), Departments and agencies
provided funding in this act shall require any accounting firm
providing financial auditing or audit remediation services to
provide a statement setting forth the details of any
disciplinary proceedings occurring within 1 year of the
projected performance period related to noncompliance with
rules or laws applying to audit services.

DATA ACT COMPLIANCE

As stewards of the taxpayer's dollar, the Subcommittee is
responsible for ensuring that the funds under its jurisdiction
are wisely invested and properly spent. The Committee expects
agencies to prioritize the submission of timely, accurate,
quality, and complete financial and award information under
existing U.S. Treasury reporting obligations in accordance with
established management guidance, reporting processes, and data
standards established under the requirements of the Digital
Accountability and Transparency Act (Public Law 113-101).

FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH

The Committee urges the Department of Transportation and
the Department of Housing and Urban Development to
affirmatively determine, justified in writing, and made
available on a publically accessible website, that research
grants or agreements promote the progress of science in the
United States or will advance a national security or economic
interest.

TITLE I

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Reauthorization.--The President's
budget request continues its focus on infrastructure by fully
funding commitments for the last year of the Fixing America's
Surface Transportation [FAST] Act for programs funded out of
the Highway Trust Fund. In addition, the budget requests
additional funding for certain priority infrastructure
programs, similar to the approach taken by this Committee over
the last 2 years. Unfortunately, the administration's 10-year
budget proposal ignores the long-term financial insolvency of
the Highway Trust Fund, and offers no solutions to address the
negative impact of decreased investment on our transportation
systems at a time when additional investment is desperately
needed.
The Nation's maintenance and repair backlogs are
substantial across all transportation sectors. According to the
American Society of Civil Engineers, our highway system faces
an $836,000,000,000 backlog of highway and bridge capital
needs, with a $123,000,000,000 need for bridge repair alone.
According to DOT estimates, there is a $90,000,000,000 backlog
of repair projects facing the Nation's public transit systems,
of which 70 percent are considered to be in less than good
condition.
While the administration has committed to working with
Congress on a long-term surface transportation reauthorization
bill, no specific proposal has been submitted to date. The
Committee directs the Department to submit a long-term surface
reauthorization proposal as part of its next budget request.
The proposal should reflect continued support for Federal
investment in our Nation's infrastructure in order to
facilitate the safe and efficient movement of freight and
people across the Nation, while addressing the challenge of a
reliable funding mechanism that generates revenue to meet the
transportation demands of our growing economy. To that end, the
Committee reminds the Department that policy and programmatic
recommendations that devolve the Federal role in Federal-State
transportation infrastructure partnership programs shifts the
financial burden of these investments to State and local
governments. Such policies would be particularly devastating to
small, rural States that require sustained, annual Federal
funding to make the necessary investments in communities that
lack the mechanisms to generate additional revenue in order to
bridge the gap in Federal financing. As such, the Committee has
soundly rejected these policy proposals that do not
appropriately recognize this dynamic and encourages the
Department to refrain from pursuing such recommendations in
future reauthorization bills and future budget requests.
Resilient Infrastructure.--Natural disasters can accelerate
asset deterioration, cause operational and service disruptions,
and contribute to the catastrophic failure of essential
infrastructure. The Committee is concerned that the Department
and State governments lack a common, proactive framework for
addressing ongoing and future risks to our Nation's
transportation system that could help to minimize the impacts
of these disasters. Developing such a framework would allow
States to assess the probability and extent of future
disasters, as well as predict the performance of existing
critical infrastructure assets under such situations. By
incorporating a probabilistic analysis, additional
vulnerabilities and risk considerations that were not included
in previous design considerations could be addressed, thereby
reducing the vulnerability of communities to future disasters
while also supporting sustainable economic development.
In order to further the development of this framework, the
Department is directed to continue to partner with State DOTs,
metropolitan planning organizations, local and Tribal
governments, and other entities to assess vulnerabilities and
analyze opportunities to improve the resiliency of Federal,
State, and local transportation assets. Such partnerships
should include additional pilot projects and ensure geographic
diversity. The Department shall continue to provide user-
friendly tools and resources that will assist in evaluating
adaptation strategies and develop risk-informed policies. The
Committee directs the Department to expand its technical
assistance and trainings to help these entities revise current
practices to develop reliable indicators of vulnerability and
actionable mitigation measures in all phases of transportation
planning, asset management, project-specific planning and
development, and operations toward improving resiliency and
reducing lifecycle costs. It is essential that Federal, State,
and local partners understand the potential consequences of a
major event and the probability of that event occurring in
order to best inform decisions for recovery and resilience
activities. The Committee directs the Department to report to
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on current
efforts to assist these entities, as well as any potential
changes to Federal programs, that could further the adoption of
these policies by State and local transportation partners
within one year of enactment of this act. The Committee also
directs the Department to prioritize research and
demonstrations of new and proven technologies that could make
our infrastructure systems more resilient.

Office of the Secretary

Section 3 of the Department of Transportation Act of
October 15, 1966 (Public Law 89-670) provides for the
establishment of the Office of the Secretary of Transportation
[OST]. OST is comprised of the Secretary and the Deputy
Secretary immediate and support offices; the Office of the
General Counsel; the Office of the Under Secretary of
Transportation for Policy, including the offices of the
Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs and
the Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy; four
Assistant Secretarial offices for Budget and Programs,
Governmental Affairs, Research and Technology, and
Administration; and the Offices of Public Affairs, the
Executive Secretariat, Intelligence, Security and Emergency
Response, and the Chief Information Officer. OST also includes
the Department's Office of Civil Rights and the Department's
Working Capital Fund.

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $113,910,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 117,993,000
Committee recommendation................................ 113,910,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This appropriation finances the costs of policy development
and central supervisory and coordinating functions necessary
for the overall planning and direction of the Department. It
covers the immediate secretarial offices as well as those of
the assistant secretaries, and the general counsel.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a total of $113,910,000 for
salaries and expenses of OST, including $60,000 for reception
and representation expenses. The recommendation is $4,083,000
less than the budget request, and equal to the fiscal year 2019
enacted level. The accompanying bill stipulates that none of
the funding provided may be used for the position of Assistant
Secretary for Public Affairs.
The accompanying bill authorizes the Secretary to transfer
up to 7 percent of the funds from any office within the Office
of the Secretary to another. The Committee recommendation also
continues language that permits up to $2,500,000 of fees to be
credited to the Office of the Secretary for salaries and
expenses.
The following table summarizes the Committee's
recommendation in comparison to the fiscal year 2019 enacted
level and the budget request:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
------------------------------------ Committee
2019 enacted 2020 estimate recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary................................... $3,065,000 ................ $3,065,000
Office of the Deputy Secretary............................ 1,000,000 ................ 1,000,000
Office of the General Counsel............................. 20,428,000 ................ 20,428,000
Office of the Under Secretary for Policy.................. 10,331,000 ................ 10,331,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs. 14,300,000 ................ 14,300,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs 2,546,000 ................ 2,546,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration...... 29,244,000 ................ 29,244,000
Office of Public Affairs.................................. 2,142,000 ................ 2,142,000
Office of the Executive Secretariat....................... 1,859,000 ................ 1,859,000
Office of Intelligence, Security, and Emergency Response.. 12,181,000 ................ 12,181,000
Office of the Chief Information Officer................... 16,814,000 ................ 16,814,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Total............................................... 113,910,000 117,993,000 113,910,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IMMEDIATE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Secretary of Transportation provides leadership and has
the primary responsibility to provide overall planning,
direction, and control of the Department.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $3,065,000 for fiscal year 2020
for the Immediate Office of the Secretary. The recommendation
is equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. The Committee
directs the Department to abide by both the will and intent of
Congress in all funding and policy decisions, and to consult
with the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations prior to
issuing all notices of funding opportunities.
Non-Traditional and Emerging Transportation Technology
[NETT] Council.--The Committee recognizes the growth and
innovation in new transportation technologies that seek to
improve safety, alleviate congestion, expand access and
mobility for rural and urban consumers of all economic
backgrounds, and enable a more efficient flow of commercial
goods. The Committee recognizes ``hyperloop'' technology as an
emerging transportation concept that has the potential to
fulfill some of these objectives. The Committee supports the
Department's establishment of the Non-Traditional and Emerging
Transportation Technology [NETT] Council, which is charged with
identifying and resolving, where possible, the jurisdictional
and regulatory gaps associated with hyperloop and other
``cross-modal'' transportation technologies. The Committee
directs that the NETT Council study the Department of
Transportation's existing authorities and policies that may
apply to such technologies, and identify any jurisdictional or
regulatory gaps that would preclude the Department from
exercising operational safety oversight over some or all of the
features of such technologies. The Council shall provide a
report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations
within 270 days of enactment of this act on the findings and
recommendations from this study.
Preclearance.--Improving the flow of passengers and traffic
between the United States and Canada is essential to the
economy of both nations. The Committee expects the Federal
Aviation Administration [FAA], Federal Railroad Administration
[FRA], and the National Passenger Railroad Corporation [Amtrak]
to comply with the U.S.-Canada Agreement on Land, Rail, Marine,
and Air Transport Preclearance to facilitate air travel and
passenger rail service between United States and Canadian
cities. The Committee directs DOT agencies that have a role in
implementing preclearance operations on the four specific sites
announced by the United States and Canada on March 10, 2016, to
facilitate their preclearance facilities development as
expeditiously as possible. DOT will coordinate efforts between
the FAA, FRA, and Amtrak. The Committee notes that it
previously directed DOT to report on its progress on
preclearance and awaits this report.

IMMEDIATE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY SECRETARY

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Deputy Secretary has the primary responsibility of
assisting the Secretary in the overall planning and direction
of the Department.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $1,000,000 for the Immediate
Office of the Deputy Secretary, which is equal to the fiscal
year 2019 enacted level.

OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Office of the General Counsel provides legal services
to the Office of the Secretary, including the conduct of
aviation regulatory proceedings and aviation consumer
activities, and coordinates and reviews the legal work in the
chief counsels' offices of the operating administrations. The
General Counsel is the chief legal officer of the Department
and the final authority on all legal questions.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $20,428,000 for expenses of the
Office of the General Counsel for fiscal year 2020. The
recommended funding level is equal to the fiscal year 2019
enacted level.
Baggage Fees.--Section 2305 of the FAA Extension, Safety
and Security Act of 2016 required the Department to promulgate
final regulations to require air carriers to refund fees paid
by consumers for delayed checked baggage within 1 year of the
date of enactment of the authorization bill, which established
an implementation deadline of July 16, 2017. To that end, an
Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking [ANPRM] was issued on
October 31, 2016 with comments due by November 30, 2016. Since
then, no further public action has been taken by the
Department. The failure to address this congressional mandate
is unacceptable and allows air carriers to continue to take
advantage of the traveling public with unreasonable fees on
baggage. The Committee directs the Secretary to take immediate
action to implement this requirement.
In-Flight Sexual Misconduct Task Force.--The Department of
Transportation Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2018 and
Section 339A of the FAA Authorization Act of 2018 required the
Secretary to establish a task force to review practices,
protocols and requirements of air carriers in responding to
allegations of sexual misconduct by passengers onboard
aircraft, including training, reporting and data collection, as
well as to provide recommendations to improve passenger
protections. In February 2019, the members of the Task Force
were named and an initial meeting schedule was announced. As
the Task Force proceeds, the Committee directs the Department
to ensure that interested stakeholders who have experienced
sexual misconduct onboard aircraft are able to participate in
task force activities, in a manner of their choosing, if
appropriate, including being able to attend meetings in person
and to provide feedback to members of the Task Force.
National Advisory Committee on Travel and Tourism
Infrastructure.--Section 1431 of the FAST Act established a
National Advisory Committee on Travel and Tourism
Infrastructure to advise the Secretary on current and emerging
priorities, issues, projects, and funding needs related to the
use of the intermodal transportation network of the United
States to facilitate travel and tourism. Based on the advice
and recommendations of the Committee, the Secretary was
required to develop and make publically available a national
travel and tourism infrastructure strategic plan by December 4,
2018. That plan has yet to materialize. In fact, the
Committee's last meeting that finalized recommendations to the
Secretary was March 27, 2019, and it appears significant work
remains to complete this Congressional mandate. The Committee
recognizes the importance of tourism to the U.S. economy and
the critical need for a comprehensive infrastructure plan that
reduces traveler mobility gaps and facilitates an efficient
multimodal system. As such, the Committee directs the
Department to finalize the strategic plan no later than
December 4, 2019 in order to better inform Congress on policy
solutions for the next surface reauthorization bill.

OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLICY

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Under Secretary for Policy is the chief policy officer
of the Department and is responsible for the analysis,
development, and review of policies and plans for domestic and
international transportation matters. The Office administers
the economic regulatory functions regarding the airline
industry and is responsible for international aviation
programs, the essential air service program, airline fitness
licensing, acquisitions, international route awards,
computerized reservation systems, and special investigations,
such as airline delays.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $10,331,000 for the Office of the
Under Secretary for Policy. The recommended funding level is
equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level.

OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR BUDGET AND PROGRAMS

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs serves as
the Chief Financial Officer for the Department and provides
leadership on all financial management matters. The primary
responsibilities of this office include ensuring the
development and justification of the Department's annual budget
submissions for consideration by the Office of Management and
Budget and the Congress. The Office is also responsible for the
proper execution and accountability of these resources. In
addition, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer for the
Office of the Secretary is located within the Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $14,300,000 for the Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs. The recommended
level is equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level.
The Committee recommends that congressional justifications
for the Office of the Secretary be condensed with a focus on
eliminating redundant information and emphasizing important
information that is critical for the budget request, such as
the representation of prior year appropriations line items by
office within the Office of the Secretary. Additionally, cross
agency budget requests should be coordinated to ensure funds
are necessary.

OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs advises
the Secretary on all congressional and intergovernmental
activities and on all departmental legislative initiatives and
other relationships with Members of Congress. The Assistant
Secretary promotes effective communication with other Federal
agencies and regional Department officials, and with State and
local governments and national organizations for development of
departmental programs; and ensures that consumer preferences,
awareness, and needs are brought into the decision-making
process.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a total of $2,546,000 for the
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs. The
recommended level is equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted
level.

OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Assistant Secretary for Administration is responsible
for establishing policies and procedures, setting guidelines,
working with the operating administrations to improve the
effectiveness and efficiency of the Department in human
resource management, security and administrative management,
real and personal property management, and acquisition and
grants management.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $29,244,000 for the Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Administration. The recommended funding
level is equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level

OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Director of Public Affairs is the principal advisor to
the Secretary and other senior departmental officials on public
affairs questions. The Office is responsible for managing the
Secretary's presence in the media, writing speeches and press
releases, and preparing the Secretary for public appearances.
The Office arranges media events and news conferences, and
responds to media inquiries on the Department's programs and
other transportation-related issues. It also provides
information to the Secretary on the opinions and reactions of
the public and news media on these programs and issues.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $2,142,000 for the Office of
Public Affairs, which is equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted
level.

EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Executive Secretariat assists the Secretary and the
Deputy Secretary in carrying out their management functions and
responsibilities by controlling and coordinating internal and
external written materials.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $1,859,000 for the Executive
Secretariat. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year
2019 enacted level.

OFFICE OF INTELLIGENCE, SECURITY, AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Office of Intelligence, Security, and Emergency
Response ensures the development, coordination, and execution
of plans and procedures for the Department to balance
transportation security requirements with the safety, mobility,
and economic needs of the Nation. The Office keeps the
Secretary and her advisors apprised of current developments and
long-range trends in international issues, including terrorism,
aviation, trade, transportation markets, and trade agreements.
The Office also advises the Department's leaders on policy
issues related to intelligence, threat information sharing,
national security strategies and national preparedness and
response planning.
To ensure the Department is able to respond to disasters,
the Office prepares for and coordinates the Department's
participation in national and regional exercises and training
for emergency personnel. The Office also administers the
Department's Continuity of Government and Continuity of
Operations programs and initiatives. Additionally, the Office
provides direct emergency response and recovery support through
the National Response Framework and operates the Department's
Crisis Management Center. The center monitors the Nation's
transportation system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is the
Department's focal point during emergencies.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $12,181,000 for the Office of
Intelligence, Security, and Emergency Response. The
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level.

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Office of the Chief Information Officer serves as the
principal advisor to the Secretary on matters involving
information technology, cybersecurity, privacy, and records
management.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $16,814,000 for the Office of the
Chief Information Officer, which is equal to the fiscal year
2019 enacted level.

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $8,471,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 22,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 8,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and
Technology has taken over the responsibilities previously held
by the Research and Innovative Technology Administration. The
responsibilities include coordinating, facilitating, and
reviewing the Department's research and development programs
and activities; and overseeing and providing direction to the
Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the Intelligent
Transportation Systems Joint Program Office, the University
Transportation Centers program, the Volpe National
Transportation Systems Center and the Transportation Safety
Institute.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $8,000,000 for
the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and
Technology, of which $2,218,000 shall be available through
September 30, 2022. This amount is $14,000,000 less than the
budget request, and $471,000 less than the fiscal year 2019
enacted level.
University Transportation Centers [UTCs].--The Committee
continues to support UTCs, which are funded through the Federal
Highway Administration. Under the Committee recommendation,
UTCs will continue to receive the levels authorized under the
FAST Act.
Global Positioning System [GPS] Backup.--The Committee
remains concerned that failure to deploy a ground-based GPS
backup timing system by December 2020 will threaten our
national security capabilities. Consistent with the National
Timing Resilience and Security Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-
282), the Committee directs the Secretary to issue a report to
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 60
days of enactment of this act on: (1) DOT actions to avoid
delayed implementation; and (2) an update on anticipated
deployment of this critical technology.
Emergency Planning Transportation Data Initiative.--The
Committee recognizes that emergency planning decision-makers
and the public require real-time roadway weather data to make
important transportation decisions to protect public safety. A
variety of weather events create hazardous driving conditions
that lead to serious transportation accidents that could have
been prevented with better data integration. Within the funds
provided, the Committee directs the Secretary to dedicate
$1,000,000 to establish an emergency planning transportation
data initiative to conduct research and develop models of data
integration of geo-located weather and roadway information for
emergency and other sever weather conditions to improve public
safety, emergency evacuation, and response capabilities.
Autonomous Vehicle Research in Rural Areas.--The Committee
believes that autonomous vehicles have the potential to enhance
roadway safety and increase mobility options for all Americans,
but have additional challenges to overcome in order to bring
these benefits to rural Americans. The Committee encourages the
Department to work with universities and rural communities to
address these challenges.
Transportation Data Hub.--The Committee encourages DOT to
implement tools that support transportation investment
decisions. In 2019, the Committee provided DOT funding to
establish a Transmap hub. The Committee encourages DOT to
distribute these funds as quickly as possible. Greater use of
data management and visualization tools are important for
maintaining our Nation's infrastructure.
Coordination of DOT Research.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of integrating data to decision making processes to
improve the safety of our transportation networks and
encourages the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research
and Technology to work collaboratively and in coordination with
the impacted modes across the Department to prevent duplication
and ensure Federal research investments are optimized.
Small Business Innovation Research [SBIR].--The Committee
recognizes the importance of the Small Business Innovation
Research program and its previous success in commercialization
from federally funded research and development projects. The
SBIR program encourages domestic small business to engage in
Federal research and development and creates jobs in the
smallest firms. The Committee therefore directs the Department
to place an increased focus on awarding SBIR awards to firms
with fewer than 50 people.

NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $900,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 1,000,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,000,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This program provides grants and credit assistance to State
and local governments, transit agencies, or a collaboration of
such entities for capital investments in surface transportation
infrastructure that will have a significant impact on the
Nation, a metropolitan area or a region. Eligible projects
include highways and bridges, public transportation, freight
and passenger rail, and port infrastructure. The Department
awards grants on a competitive basis; however, the Department
must ensure an equitable geographic distribution of funds and
an appropriate balance in addressing the needs of urban and
rural communities and within the timeframes outlined in the
bill.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000,000 for
grants and credit assistance for investment in significant
transportation projects, which is $100,000,000 more than the
fiscal year 2019 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Of the total amount provided, $15,000,000 is available for
planning grants.
The National Infrastructure Investments program has become
integral to the economic success of communities throughout the
country for the last 10 years. The outcome oriented selection
criteria that includes state of good repair, economic
competitiveness, quality of life, environmental sustainability,
safety, innovation, and partnership nurtures stronger
applications and results in successful multimodal projects. For
these reasons, the Committee continues to direct the Secretary
to award grants and credit assistance using the 2017 Notice of
Funding Opportunity selection criteria that stakeholders have
relied upon in previous rounds.
Geographic Distribution.--The Committee continues to
believe that our Federal infrastructure programs must benefit
communities across the country. The Committee continues to
require the Secretary to award grants and credit assistance in
a manner that ensures an equitable geographic distribution of
funds and an appropriate balance in addressing the needs of
urban and rural communities.

NATIONAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION AND INNOVATIVE FINANCE BUREAU

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $5,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 4,000,000
Committee Recommendation................................ 5,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance
Bureau [Bureau] will administer and coordinate or consolidate
aspects of the Department's existing surface transportation
innovative finance programs as authorized in section 9001 of
the FAST Act, contingent upon advance approval by the
Committee.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $5,000,000 to establish and
fulfill the duties of the Bureau, as authorized in section 9001
of the FAST Act, which is $1,000,000 more than the budget
request and equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level.
Consultation with Noncontiguous States.--The Bureau and the
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Aviation and
International Affairs shall consult with noncontiguous States
to review regulatory, financing, and other obstacles to new
investment in cross border rail, road and associated
transportation infrastructure and provide recommendations for
reforms to Congress.
Build America Implementation Plan.--The Committee directs
the Department to compile an implementation plan for how it
plans to meet its objectives as required under 49 U.S.C.
116(d)(5) within 180 days of enactment of this act. This report
should include performance indicators to assess the Bureau's
progress toward meeting its guiding principles or mission to
determine whether the Bureau is meeting its statutory
objectives.
Financing for Transportation Oriented Development [TOD].--
The Committee recognizes the potential of TOD to facilitate
economic development, the construction of affordable housing,
and more livable and healthier communities within walking
distance of, or accessible to, public transit. Unfortunately,
the Department has administered programs where TOD is an
eligible activity with an impracticable, narrow definition of
TOD that leads to near universal rejection of applications for
Federal assistance. The Committee directs the Secretary to
encourage the use of the Department's financing programs for
TOD, where eligible, by issuing clear guidance and working with
applicants to ensure projects meet the congressional intent of
eligibility within 60 days of enactment of this act.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CAPITAL

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $2,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 2,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Financial Management Capital program is a multi-year
business transformation initiative to streamline and
standardize the financial systems and business processes across
the Department. The initiative includes upgrading and enhancing
the commercial software used for DOT's financial systems,
improving the cost and performance data provided to managers,
and instituting new accounting standards and mandates.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee is recommending $2,000,000 to complete the
Secretary's Financial Management Capital initiative, which is
equal to the budget request and fiscal year 2019 enacted level.

CYBER SECURITY INITIATIVE

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $15,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 15,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 15,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Cyber Security Initiative is an effort to close
performance gaps in the Department's cybersecurity. The
initiative includes support for essential program enhancements,
infrastructure improvements, and contractual resources to
enhance the security of the Department's computer network and
reduce the risk of security breaches.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommendation includes $15,000,000 to
support the Secretary's Cyber Security Initiative, which is
equal to the budget request and the fiscal year 2019 enacted
level.

OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $9,470,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 9,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,470,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Office of Civil Rights is responsible for advising the
Secretary on civil rights and equal employment opportunity
matters, formulating civil rights policies and procedures for
the operating administrations, investigating claims that small
businesses were denied certification or improperly certified as
disadvantaged business enterprises, overseeing the Department's
conduct of its civil rights responsibilities, and making final
determinations on civil rights complaints. In addition, the
Civil Rights Office is responsible for enforcing laws and
regulations which prohibit discrimination in federally operated
and federally assisted transportation programs.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a funding level of $9,470,000 for
the Office of Civil Rights. The recommendation is $470,000 more
than the budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2019
enacted level.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND DEVELOPMENT

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $7,879,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 8,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,879,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Office of the Secretary performs those research
activities and studies which can more effectively or
appropriately be conducted at the departmental level. This
research effort supports the planning, research, and
development activities needed to assist the Secretary in the
formulation of national transportation policies. The program is
carried out primarily through contracts with other Federal
agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit research
organizations, and private firms.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $7,879,000 for Transportation
Planning, Research, and Development, which is $121,000 less
than the budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2019
enacted level. The Committee directs the Secretary to dedicate
$1,000,000 to support the Interagency Infrastructure Permitting
Improvement Center.

WORKING CAPITAL FUND

Limitation, 2019........................................ $319,793,000
Budget estimate, 2020...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 319,793,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Working Capital Fund provides technical and
administrative services to the Department's operating
administrations and other Federal entities. The services are
centrally performed in the interest of economy and efficiency,
are funded through negotiated agreements with Department
operating administrations and other Federal customers, and are
billed on a fee-for-service basis to the maximum extent
possible.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a limitation of $319,783,000 on
activities financed through the Working Capital Fund. The
recommended limit is equal to the limit enacted for fiscal year
2019. As in past years, the bill specifies that the limitation
on the Working Capital Fund shall apply only to the Department
and not to services provided for other entities. The Committee
directs services to be provided on a competitive basis to the
maximum extent possible.
The Committee reminds the Department that in 2019 the
Committee only approved the migration of commodity IT to the
Working Capital Fund and permission to expand activities to
human capital and information technology activities was not
approved. In fiscal year 2020, the Department shall only
finalize the migration of commodity IT and any additional scope
of work is not approved.

OFFICE OF SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS UTILIZATION AND OUTREACH

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $3,488,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 3,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,488,000

program description

This appropriation provides contractual support to assist
small, women-owned, Native American, and other disadvantaged
business firms in securing contracts and subcontracts for
transportation-related projects that involve Federal spending.
Separate funding is provided for these activities since this
program provides grants and contract assistance that serve
Department-wide goals and not just OST purposes.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $3,488,000 for grants and
contractual support, which is equal to the fiscal year 2019
enacted level, and $488,000 more than the budget request.

PAYMENTS TO AIR CARRIERS

(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This appropriation provides funding for the Essential Air
Service [EAS] program, which was created to continue air
service to communities that had received federally mandated air
service prior to deregulation of commercial aviation in 1978.
The program currently provides subsidies to air carriers
serving small communities that meet certain criteria.
The Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] collects user
fees that cover the air traffic control services the agency
provides to aircraft that neither take off from, nor land in,
the United States. These fees are commonly referred to as
``overflight fees'' and the receipts from the fees are used to
help finance the EAS program.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations Mandatory Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, 2019....................................... $175,000,000 $145,437,000 $320,437,000
Budget estimate, 2020..................................... 125,000,000 150,512,000 275,512,000
Committee recommendation.................................. 162,000,000 150,512,000 312,512,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $162,000,000
for the EAS program, which fully funds all EAS communities.
This appropriation would be in addition to an estimated
$150,512,000 from overflight fees collected by the FAA,
allowing the Department to support a total program level for
EAS of $312,512,000. The Committee's recommendation for the
appropriation is $37,000,000 more than the budget request and
$13,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. The
total program level under the Committee's recommendation is
$7,925,000 less than the total program level enacted for fiscal
year 2019 and $37,000,000 less than the program level in the
budget request.
Proximity to the Nearest Hub Airport.--The Committee
continues to include a provision that prohibits the Department
from entering into a new contract with an EAS community located
less than 40 miles from the nearest hub airport before the
Secretary has negotiated with the community over a local cost
share.
Aircraft Size Requirement.--The Committee continues to
include a provision that removes the requirement for 15-
passenger seat aircraft. This requirement adds to the cost of
the EAS program because the fleet of 15-passenger seat aircraft
continues to age and grow more difficult for airlines to
maintain. The Committee, however, expects that the Department
will use this flexibility judiciously. The Department should
use it for communities where historical passenger levels
indicate that smaller aircraft would still accommodate the
great majority of passengers, or for communities where viable
proposals for service are not available. The Committee does not
expect the Department to use this flexibility simply to lower
costs if a community can show regular enplanement levels that
would justify larger aircraft.
EAS Airports.--The Committee recognizes that seasonal
airports may need to operate beyond current dates and therefore
recommends that the Department utilize existing budget
authority to ensure seasonal EAS airports are able to operate
when airport resources and weather permit.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION

Section 101 prohibits the Office of the Secretary of
Transportation from obligating funds originally provided to a
modal administration in order to approve assessments or
reimbursable agreements, unless the Department follows the
regular process for the reprogramming of funds, including
congressional notification.
Section 102 requires the Secretary of Transportation to
post on the Internet a schedule of all Council on Credit and
Finance meetings, agendas, and meeting minutes.
Section 103 allows the Department of Transportation Working
Capital Fund to provide payments in advance to vendors for the
Federal transit pass fringe benefit program and to provide full
or partial payments to, and to accept reimbursements from,
Federal agencies for transit benefit distribution services.
Section 104 requires approval from the Assistant Secretary
for Administration for retention or senior executive bonuses
for all DOT employees.

Federal Aviation Administration

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for the
safe movement of civil aviation and the evolution of a national
system of airports. The Federal Government's regulatory role in
civil aviation began with the creation of an Aeronautics Branch
within the Department of Commerce pursuant to the Air Commerce
Act of 1926. This act instructed the agency to foster air
commerce; designate and establish airways; establish, operate,
and maintain aids to navigation; arrange for research and
development to improve such aids; issue airworthiness
certificates for aircraft and major aircraft components; and
investigate civil aviation accidents. In the Civil Aeronautics
Act of 1938, these activities were transferred to a new,
independent agency named the Civil Aeronautics Authority.
Congress streamlined regulatory oversight in 1957 with the
creation of two separate agencies, the Federal Aviation Agency
and the Civil Aeronautics Board. When DOT began its operations
in 1967, the Federal Aviation Agency was renamed the Federal
Aviation Administration [FAA] and became one of several modal
administrations within DOT. The Civil Aeronautics Board was
later phased out with enactment of the Airline Deregulation Act
of 1978, and ceased to exist in 1984. Responsibility for the
investigation of civil aviation accidents was given to the
National Transportation Safety Board in 1967. FAA's mission
expanded in 1995 with the transfer of the Office of Commercial
Space Transportation from the Office of the Secretary, and
decreased in December 2001 with the transfer of civil aviation
security activities to the Transportation Security
Administration.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The total recommended funding level for the FAA for fiscal
year 2020 amounts to $17,688,542,000 including new budget
authority and a limitation on the obligation of contract
authority. This funding level is $583,542,000 more than the
budget request and $236,684,000 more than the fiscal year 2019
enacted level.
The following table summarizes the Committee's
recommendations for fiscal year 2020 in comparison to the
budget request and the fiscal year 2019 enacted level:

OPERATIONS

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $10,410,758,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 10,340,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 10,540,511,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This appropriation provides funds for the operation,
maintenance, communications, and logistical support of the air
traffic control and air navigation systems. It also covers
administrative and managerial costs for the FAA's regulatory,
international, commercial space, medical, research, engineering
and development programs, as well as policy oversight and
agency management functions. The Operations appropriation
includes the following major activities:
--the Air Traffic Organization which operates, on a 24-hour
daily basis, the national air traffic system, including
the establishment and maintenance of a national system
of aids to navigation, the development and distribution
of aeronautical charts and the administration of
acquisition, and research and development programs;
--the regulation and certification activities, including
establishment and surveillance of civil air regulations
to ensure safety and development of standards, rules
and regulations governing the physical fitness of
airmen, as well as the administration of an Aviation
Medical Research Program;
--the Office of Commercial Space Transportation; and
--headquarters and support offices.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a total of $10,540,511,000 for FAA
Operations. This funding level is $200,511,000 more than the
budget request, and $129,753,000 more than the fiscal year 2019
enacted level. As in past years, the FAA is directed to report
immediately to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations in the event resources are insufficient to
operate a safe and effective air traffic control system. The
following table summarizes the Committee's recommendation in
comparison to the budget estimate and the fiscal year 2019
enacted level:

FAA OPERATIONS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
------------------------------------ Committee
2019 enacted 2020 estimate recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air traffic organization.................................. $7,841,720,000 $7,777,357,000 $7,925,734,000
Aviation safety........................................... 1,336,969,000 1,327,779,000 1,359,607,000
Commercial space transportation........................... 24,949,000 25,598,000 26,040,000
Finance and Management.................................... 816,398,000 784,832,000 800,646,000
NextGen Operations and Planning........................... 61,258,000 60,145,000 61,538,000
Security and hazardous materials safety................... 114,165,000 117,694,000 118,642,000
Staff offices............................................. 215,299,000 246,595,000 248,304,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Total............................................... 10,410,758,000 10,340,000,000 10,540,411,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Funding level.--The Committee recommendation includes all
baseline adjustments and base transfers in the budget estimate,
and additional funding and FTE for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
requirements, aviation security, and cybersecurity. The
Committee also supports FAA's efforts to examine the potential
impact and benefits of new aviation technologies on the
national airspace. However, the Committee recommendation does
not include any additional funding or FTE for the Innovation
Office and directs the FAA to provide a briefing to the House
and Senate Committees on Appropriation prior to creating any
such office within existing resources.
Funding Availability and Transfer Authority.--The bill
provides 2-year funding availability for the entire operations
account. This funding flexibility is provided to enhance
assurance of continuity of air traffic operations during the
annual transition from one fiscal year to the next. In
addition, the bill includes funding transfer authority of 5
percent among the activities in this account. This transfer
authority is provided to meet emerging requirements as FAA
works to accelerate the modernization of the Nation's air
traffic control system.
Air Traffic Control Privatization.--The United States has
the largest, safest, most efficient, and most complex air
traffic control system in the world, and the FAA should remain
a global leader with a singular and unified mission of safety.
The Committee does not support any efforts to transfer the
FAA's air traffic functions to a not-for-profit, independent,
private corporation.
Contract Towers.--The Committee recommendation provides not
less than $170,000,000 for the contract tower program,
including the cost-share contract towers, which is $2,000,000
above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. Contract towers serve
as vital public safety and economic development assets to
hundreds of communities. Municipalities depend on the contract
tower program to provide commercial and general aviation
services, jobs, and public safety, such as air ambulance
services. The Committee continues to express strong support for
the FAA contract tower program as a cost-effective and
efficient way to provide air traffic control services to
smaller airports across the country. For fiscal year 2020, the
Committee directs the FAA to continue to operate the 256
contract towers currently in the program, including the
contract tower cost share program, as well as expeditiously add
qualified eligible airports.
Contract Tower Traffic Controller Staffing.--The Committee
is concerned that some contract towers may have insufficient
staffing and hours of operation. The Committee suggests that
the FAA collaborate with contract towers to ensure sufficient
staffing at small hub airports to ensure adequate staffing at
ground control and air traffic control during scheduled air
carrier operations. Further, the Committee directs the DOT
Inspector General [IG] to provide a report to the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations within 120 days of the
enactment of this act on the policies, standards, methods, and
practices employed by the FAA to establish staffing levels at
contract towers. The IG should assess the program's ability to
adjust to significant air traffic growth as well as local
requirements, and examine the relationship and coordination
between the FAA and contracting organizations. In undertaking
this programmatic evaluation, the IG shall consider the
findings and recommendations of the 2014 National Academy of
Sciences report entitled: ``Federal Aviation Administration's
Approach for Determining Future Air Traffic Controller Staffing
Needs.''
Boeing 737-MAX Aircraft.--The FAA maintains the largest,
safest, and most complex airspace system in the world, but
recent crashes of two Boeing 737-MAX aircraft have hurt the
credibility of the agency. The Committee is aware of concerns
with the FAA's organization designation authorization [ODA]
program, including with delegation of the MCAS to the
manufacturer, as well as concerns with the flight training.
However, the Committee commends the Secretary for asking the IG
to audit the certification of the Boeing 737-MAX aircraft, and
expects the FAA to promptly respond to any IG and National
Transportation Safety Board recommendations that come out of
the crash investigations, as well as to close an open
recommendation from a 2015 OIG report regarding evaluation
criteria and tools used to target safety oversight. The
Committee recommendation for aviation safety is $31,828,000
above the budget request, and the FAA is directed to use the
additional funding to implement recommendations from the OIG
review of FAA's certification, the DOT Special Committee to
Review FAA's Aircraft Certification Process, and the Joint
Authorities' Technical Review. Within the total amount for
aviation safety, the recommendation provides not less than
$240,720,000 for aircraft certification services. The Committee
will re-evaluate aviation safety and aircraft certification
funding levels upon completion of the various investigations
and audits. The Committee directs the FAA to notify the House
and Senate Committees on Appropriations prior to changing the
organizational structure of aircraft certification services or
any other office that works on the ODA program.
Organization Designation Authorization [ODA].--Since its
creation, the FAA has possessed the authority to allow
manufacturers to conduct certain certification activities on
its behalf. The current ODA framework, which has been in place
since 2005, allows the agency to grant ODA holders the
responsibilities to issue airworthiness certifications,
production certifications, and type certifications, but with
specific terms to maintain public safety. The FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) requires the
FAA to establish a multidisciplinary expert review panel to
assess and make recommendations concerning the ODA programs,
processes, and procedures. The Committee directs the FAA to
submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations on the impact of these recommendations for its
resource and funding needs. The reauthorization also requires
the FAA to establish a central ODA policy office, assess ODA
staffing needs, and develop additional tools to help target ODA
oversight activities. The Committee directs the FAA to report
to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on its
response to recommendations from the OIG investigation and from
the Special Committee to Review FAA's Aircraft Certification
Process prior to reorganizing, centralizing, or expanding its
ODA activities.
GAO Report.--The Committee is aware of concerns with the
differences between the oversight regime of the FAA and the
European Aviation Safety Agency [EASA] for aircraft
certification, particularly with respect to use of delegation
authority. The Committee directs the GAO to examine and review
the differences in use of delegation authority and type
certification and approval in aircraft certification between
the FAA and the EASA and to provide recommendations to the FAA
on any changes it should make to improve safety outcomes.
Safety Management System [SMS].--The Committee is aware of
the benefits of SMS across various modes of transportation and
urges the FAA to finalize a rulemaking requiring design and
production approval holders for aviation products to establish
a SMS, consistent with the International Civil Aviation
Organization Annex 19 SMS standards, and in consideration of
the recommendations made by the FAA Part 21/Safety Management
System Aviation Rulemaking Committee. The Committee is aware
that certain aviation manufacturers have voluntarily
implemented SMS, but believes that the FAA should oversee and
audit the manufacturer's SMS for appropriate and effective
processes.
Safety Workforce Training Strategy.--The FAA's workforce is
critical to maintaining an effective safety oversight of the
aviation industry. Section 231 of the FAA Reauthorization Act
of 2018 directs the FAA to review and revise its workforce and
training strategy to improve its safety oversight. The
Committee supports these efforts as a priority and expects the
FAA to provide an update on its implementation of this strategy
by December 31, 2019. The FAA should also consider GAO's
assessment of the FAA's Office of Aviation Safety in terms of
future workforce and training needs, including the
qualifications and skills needed for the future workforce,
knowledge-sharing opportunities, and performance incentives.
Centralized Safety Guidance Database.--The Committee
supports the FAA's efforts to implement a Centralized Safety
Guidance Database, encompassing all regulatory guidance, to
increase public accessibility and transparency on FAA
regulatory matters. This initiative will support improved
regulatory consistency between different FAA regions and
offices. The FAA is directed to report on its progress by
November 30, 2019, including a specific timetable for full
implementation.
Helicopter Safety.--In fiscal year 2019 the Committee
provided $5,000,000 for the FAA to research, design, test, and
implement a Statewide low-level helicopter route system, deploy
low-level infrastructure capabilities, and explore vision
enhancing technologies as part of a national demonstration
project consistent with Continental United States Low Altitude
Recommendation number 31 from the RTCA report and Safety
Enhancement number 91 from the USHST. For fiscal year 2020, the
Committee recommendation provides up to $5,000,000 in
additional funding to expand this activity to support the
development of performance based navigation and precision
approach/departure procedures for the Heliport industry in
order to provide increased reliability and safety of low level
helicopter operations. The Committee directs the FAA to
consider areas that feature high density populations or medical
facilities with heliports serving remote or underserved
populations that may have significant terrain or weather
challenges for medical helicopter transportation.
Radar Approach Control.--The Committee finds that radar
approach control enhances aviation safety and efficiency for
regularly scheduled commercial airline service and recommends
that the FAA utilize existing funding to promptly provide radar
to all FAA ``Type 4'' air traffic control towers.
FAA Public Hearing.--The Committee remains concerned with
the proposed modifications to the Condor 1 and Condor 2
military operating areas and encourages the FAA to continue
working with its partner agencies by holding a public hearing
with representatives from the relevant Federal agencies in
western Maine upon completion of the Air National Guard's
environmental impact statement [EIS] and the record of
decision. The Committee recognizes that the Air National Guard,
as the lead agency under the National Environmental Policy Act
process, has sought to meet the minimum legal requirements for
public participation and comment. However, the Committee
remains troubled with how the authorization of low-altitude
military training in the proposed airspace would affect areas
that significantly contribute to the local economy and areas
that are culturally and environmentally sensitive. Furthermore,
the Committee notes the FAA is the only Federal agency that can
modify special airspace and that the FAA may adopt the Air
National Guard's EIS in whole, or in part, once the Final EIS
has been issued. In addition, the Committee directs the FAA to
report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations
prior to the issuance of a record of decision regarding the
modification of the Condor 1 and Condor 2 military operations
areas that includes a summary of any public meeting and hearing
and a list of the comments, questions, and responses presented
at these meetings and hearings.
Landing Strips.--Backcountry landing strips on Federal
lands are important assets to the national aviation
infrastructure. The Committee directs the FAA to assist Federal
Land Managers, including but not limited to the Bureau of Land
Management, United States Forest Service, and National Park
Service, in charting airstrips located on Federal Lands that
are and may be useful for administrative, recreational, and
emergency purposes.
Contract Weather Observers.--The FAA's Contract Weather
Observer [CWO] program provides operationally significant
weather information and support to the entire aviation
community. CWO safety professionals observe and report
operationally significant weather conditions at airports across
the country. These trained specialists augment the Automated
Surface Observing System, which detects and reports basic
weather information for aviation and forecasting. The Committee
continues to prohibit the FAA from eliminating the CWO program
at any airport.
Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts.--The Committee is aware of
concerns brought forward by Part 121 supplemental operators
regarding FAA's decision in 2016 to require terminal aerodrome
forecasts [TAFs], which are not available in most of Alaska.
While the FAA occasionally changes its guidance related to
flight operations to improve the overall safety of our nation's
airspace, the decision to require TAFs appears to have been
made without stakeholder engagement, was contrary to the extant
regulations, and led to unanticipated grounding of certain
flight operations. As a result, Congress included a provision
in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 to provide alternate
criteria for airports without such forecasts. The Committee
reminds the FAA that operation specifications, policies, or
guidance documents are not law, and do not trump regulations
that have been promulgated through the rulemaking process. The
Committee believes that the FAA should ensure that any
operation specification, policy, or guidance document that is
more restrictive than, or requires procedures that are not
expressly stated in regulations, are based on a need for
safety.
Aviation Events.--The Committee directs the FAA to use
existing resources to provide air traffic control and safety
support services at major aviation events hosted annually for
the general aviation community. These services are paid for
using the aviation fuel excise tax collected from general
aviation users. The Committee directs the FAA to use
appropriate resources to maintain the safe and efficient
movement of aircraft based on projected airspace congestion at
major aviation events.
Contracting.--The Committee is concerned that while the FAA
surpasses government averages for key performance acquisition
metrics, the FAA has made limited progress in reducing the
number of no-bid or sole source contracts awarded. Consistent
with recommendations from the OIG report ZA-2016-065, the
Committee directs the FAA to establish and implement actions to
reduce the use of sole-source contracting, including the use of
performance measures. Further, the Committee directs the FAA to
provide a report to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations outlining these performance measures and
providing the number and percentage of contracts awarded
through the no-bid process, as well as the amount of those no-
bid contracts that meet OMB requirements for such contracts.
Noise and Community Outreach.--The Committee directs the
FAA to improve the development of flight procedures in ways
that will give fair consideration to public comment and reduce
noise through procedure modification and dispersion to reduce
the impact on local communities. The FAA should utilize state-
of-the-art technologies, metrics, and methodologies to measure
actual noise at ground level experienced in communities
affected by flight paths and not rely solely on computer
modeling or other theoretical measures. The FAA should give
high priority to evaluating where increased noise levels
disrupts homes and businesses, and threatens public health, and
should provide appropriate resources to regional offices to
work with local communities to meet this objective. The
Committee directs the FAA to provide a report to the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations within 90 days of enactment
of this act that details the efforts made by the FAA during the
last two fiscal years to comply with Committee's directives on
this topic. The report must include detailed information on
specific locations that have been reevaluated using the
requested methodologies, the number of flight paths that have
been altered as a result of that testing and community input,
the number of properties that have been purchased, and any
other mitigation efforts undertaken by the FAA.
Pilot Medical Certifications.--The Committee supports the
FAA's Aeromedical Office's work to ensure commercial pilots
with medical conditions can fly safely. Under FAA regulations,
insulin-dependence is a disqualifying condition, but the FAA
issues special third-class medical certificates to private
pilots who are insulin-dependent. The FAA guidance for Aviation
Medical Examiners requires first and second class applicants to
be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Federal Air
Surgeon's Office, but the FAA has never granted any special
issuance medical certificates for first or second class pilots.
The Committee directs the FAA to report on the number of
airline pilots that held 1st class medical certification that
applied for a special issuance medical certificate for insulin
dependency, the number who have received these special issuance
certificates, the number who have been denied these special
issuance certificates, and the methodology used to determine
which special issuance applications have been approved and
denied.
Veteran's pilot training grant program.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of an adequate future supply of
qualified pilots, particularly for rural access to air service.
The Committee encourages the FAA to use up to $1,000,000 for
competitive grants to part 141 pilot schools that have
established employment pathways with part 121 or part 135
commercial air carriers to provide flight training services to
veterans. Grants should be used to recruit and enroll veterans
for flight training services, provide flight training services
to veterans enrolled, and to provide applicable program
tuition, training materials, and equipment in coordination with
veterans' education benefits. The FAA is directed to submit a
report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on
implementation of this program, how the FAA will use these
funds, and any potential challenges, within 60 days of
enactment of this act.
Cybersecurity Training.--As the aviation industry continues
to makes technological advances in aviation, the Committee
recognizes that cyber-attacks will require innovations in
artificial and human intelligence to respond to these cyber
threats and attacks. The Committee encourages the FAA to work
with higher education institutions on ways to prevent, detect
and respond to cyber threats and cyber-attacks on our air
traffic navigation and control systems.
Commercial Space.--The FAA recently released a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking [NPRM] to reform the current prescriptive
launch and reentry regulations. Prior to drafting the
rulemaking, the FAA convened an Aviation Rulemaking Committee
[ARC] consisting of both traditional and emerging commercial
space companies. However, the draft rule does not include
relevant language approved by a majority of ARC members, and as
a result, the proposed rule fails to implement a streamlined
and performance based approach to regulating an industry whose
continued growth and innovation is critical to national
security and civilian space exploration. The draft rule creates
unnecessary barriers to entry for new companies, may prevent
many operators from achieving or maintaining flight rates and
cost efficiencies to support new space applications and
markets, and fails to address the application of the
regulations to future space port locations. The Committee
encourages the FAA to reconvene the Streamlined Launch and
Reentry Licensing Requirements ARC and consider a supplemental
NPRM prior to issuing a final rule in order to meet an
artificial deadline.
UAS Test Sites.--The Committee recommendation includes
$6,000,000 for providing matching funds to commercial entities
that contract with a FAA designated UAS test site to
demonstrate or validate technologies that the FAA considers
essential to the safe integration of UAS in the National
Airspace System. In addition, the Committee directs the FAA to
continue to identify essential integration technologies that
could be demonstrated or validated at test sites designated in
accordance with the preceding sentence.
UAS Information Management System.--The Committee supports
the FAA's efforts to integrate UAS into the national airspace
through a comprehensive unmanned traffic management [UTM]
network maintained by UTM Service Suppliers [USS]. This UTM
network will require the integration of remote identification,
registration, and Low Altitude Authorization and Notification
Capability [LAANC] information to assist public safety
organizations to evaluate risks. To implement section 376 of
the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, the Committee
recommendation includes not less than $1,000,000 to the FAA UAS
Integration Office to oversee the development of an information
management system that serves as a USS-USS communications
network for a commercial USS to integrate remote
identification, registration, and LAANC data and validate the
data of individual operators.
UAS Public Awareness.--The Committee is aware of the
increased need for outreach and education among UAS users,
especially with new FAA regulations being promulgated, allowing
greater use of UASs. The Committee recommendation includes up
to $1,000,000 for the existing ``Know Before You Fly''
initiative.
UAS Integration Pilot Program.--The Committee supports the
use of the UAS Integration Pilot Program to evaluate reasonable
time, manner, and place limitations on low-altitude UAS. The
Committee directs the Administrator to report to Congress no
later than December 31, 2019 on the program's demonstration of
such limitations.
LAANC Public Private Partnerships.--The Committee is
pleased that Federal investment by the FAA and private
investment by industry partners towards the LAANC program has
safely and efficiently opened more airspace to UAS innovation.
The LAANC program is the first operational building block
towards an UTM system. To date, LAANC UTM Service Suppliers
participate at no cost to the FAA. The Committee recommendation
supports FAA's budget request to support the LAANC program and
directs the FAA to enable UTM Service Suppliers to improve the
safety of additional UAS operations by extending the reach of
LAANC through application program interfaces.
Counter-UAS.--The Committee is aware of the increasing
reports of UAS sightings by manned aircraft pilots near
airspace and at altitudes where UAS are not authorized.
Congress provided Counter-UAS [C-UAS] authority to the U.S.
Departments of Defense, Energy, Homeland Security, and Justice
and has directed the FAA Administrator to review the
interagency coordination process for C-UAS activity. The
Committee believes that Counter-UAS technology will need to be
integrated with UTM system in order to identify credible
threats and distinguish between compliant and non-compliant UAS
operations. As part of its review of C-UAS technology, the
Committee directs the FAA to report to the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations on how the FAA is coordinating
with its Federal partners to implement their authorities and
processes for safely integrating C-UAS technology into UTM
networks in the national airspace. The Committee also directs
the FAA to deploy technologies that detect and mitigate
potential aviation safety risks posed by UAS at 5 airports as
required by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $3,000,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 3,295,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,153,801,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Facilities and Equipment appropriation provides funding
for modernizing and improving air traffic control and airway
facilities, equipment, and systems. The appropriation also
finances major capital investments required by other agency
programs, experimental research and development facilities, and
other improvements to enhance the safety and capacity of the
National Airspace System [NAS]. The program aims to keep pace
with the increasing demands of aeronautical activity and remain
in accordance with the FAA comprehensive 5-year capital
investment plan.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,153,801,000
for the Facilities and Equipment account of the FAA. The
recommended level is $141,199,000 less than the budget request
and $153,801,000 more than the fiscal year 2019 enacted level.
The following table shows the Committee's recommended
distribution of funds for each of the budget activities funded
by this appropriation:

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
------------------------------------ Committee
2019 enacted 2020 estimate recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Activity 1--Engineering, Development, Test and Evaluation
Advanced Technology Development and Prototyping....... 33,000,000 40,900,000 40,900,000
William J. Hughes Technical Center Laboratory 21,000,000 20,000,000 20,000,000
Sustainment..........................................
William J. Hughes Technical Center Infrastructure 15,000,000 15,000,000 15,000,000
Sustainment..........................................
Separation Management Portfolio....................... 16,000,000 33,500,000 22,500,000
Traffic Flow Management Portfolio..................... 14,000,000 27,500,000 21,500,000
On Demand NAS Portfolio............................... 21,000,000 10,500,000 8,500,000
NAS Infrastructure Portfolio.......................... 20,000,000 17,000,000 11,500,000
NextGen Support Portfolio............................. 12,800,000 13,000,000 11,000,000
Unmanned Aircraft Systems [UAS]....................... 25,000,000 68,400,000 68,400,000
Enterprise, Concept Development, Human Factors, & 16,500,000 32,000,000 19,000,000
Demonstrations Portfolio.............................
-----------------------------------------------------
Total Activity 1.................................... 194,300,000 277,800,000 238,300,000
Activity 2-- Air Traffic Control Facilities and Equipment

a.En Route Programs
En Route Automation Modernization [ERAM]--System 115,250,000 105,950,000 95,950,000
Enhancements and Tech Refresh........................
En Route Communications Gateway [ECG]................. 1,650,000 2,650,000 2,650,000
Next Generation Weather Radar [NEXRAD]--Provide....... 7,500,000 3,000,000 3,000,000
Air Route Traffic Control Center [ARTCC] & Combined 88,050,000 96,900,000 96,900,000
Control Facility [CCF] Building Improvements.........
Air Traffic Management [ATM].......................... 12,055,000 ................ ................
Air/Ground Communications Infrastructure.............. 8,750,000 7,850,000 7,850,000
Air Traffic Control En Route Radar Facilities 6,600,000 5,300,000 5,300,000
Improvements.........................................
Voice Switching and Control System [VSCS]............. 11,400,000 ................ ................
Oceanic Automation System............................. 23,100,000 15,900,000 15,900,000
Next Generation Very High Frequency Air/Ground 60,000,000 50,000,000 55,000,000
Communications [NEXCOM]..............................
System-Wide Information Management.................... 55,300,000 100,950,000 83,278,000
ADS-B NAS Wide Implementation......................... 139,150,000 174,400,000 166,900,000
Windshear Detection Service........................... ................ 1,000,000 1,000,000
Air Traffic Management Implementation Portfolio....... ................ 77,100,000 77,100,000
Collaborative Air Traffic Management Technologies..... 17,700,000 ................ ................
Time Based Flow Management Portfolio.................. 28,150,000 30,700,000 23,200,000
NextGen Weather Processors............................ 28,650,000 31,300,000 27,800,000
Airborne Collision Avoidance System X [ACASX]......... 7,700,000 6,900,000 6,900,000
Data Communications in Support of NG Air 118,902,000 136,248,013 136,248,000
Transportation System................................
Non-Continental United States [Non-CONUS] Automation.. 14,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000
Reduced Oceanic Separation............................ 17,500,000 32,300,000 32,300,000
En Route Service Improvements......................... 1,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000
Commercial Space Integration.......................... 9,000,000 33,000,000 23,000,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Subtotal En Route Programs........................ 771,407,000 914,448,013 863,276,000
b.Terminal Programs
Airport Surface Detection Equipment--Model X [ASDE-X]. 2,500,000 ................ ................
Terminal Doppler Weather Radar [TDWR]--Provide........ 4,500,000 2,200,000 2,200,000
Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System 66,900,000 41,300,000 41,300,000
[STARS] [TAMR Phase 1]...............................
Terminal Automation Modernization/Replacement Program 8,000,000 ................ ................
[TAMR Phase 3].......................................
Terminal Automation Program........................... 8,500,000 6,500,000 6,500,000
Terminal Air Traffic Control Facilities--Replace...... 19,200,000 24,326,987 24,327,000
ATCT/Terminal Radar Approach Control [TRACON] 95,850,000 96,200,000 96,200,000
Facilities--Improve..................................
Terminal Voice Switch Replacement [TVSR].............. 10,000,000 ................ ................
NAS Facilities OSHA and Environmental Standards 41,900,000 40,400,000 40,400,000
Compliance...........................................
Airport Surveillance Radar [ASR-9].................... 12,800,000 ................ ................
Terminal Digital Radar [ASR-11] Technology Refresh and 1,000,000 ................ ................
Mobile Airport Surveillance Radar [MASR].............
Runway Status Lights.................................. 2,000,000 ................ ................
National Airspace System Voice System [NVS]........... 43,150,000 ................ ................
Integrated Display System [IDS]....................... 18,000,000 24,000,000 24,000,000
Remote Monitoring and Logging System [RMLS]........... 18,100,000 14,400,000 14,400,000
Mode S Service Life Extension Program [SLEP].......... 15,400,000 ................ ................
Terminal Flight Data Manager [TFDM]................... 119,250,000 135,450,000 117,923,000
National Air Space [NAS] Voice Recorder Program [NVRP] 14,000,000 ................ ................
Integrated Terminal Weather System [ITWS]............. 2,100,000 ................ ................
Performance Based Navigation & Metroplex Portfolio.... 20,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000
Unmanned Aircraft System [UAS] Implementation......... ................ 58,400,000 58,400,000
Airport Ground Surveillance Portfolio................. ................ 19,000,000 19,000,000
Terminal and En Route Surveillance Portfolio.......... ................ 68,500,000 68,500,000
Terminal and Enroute Voice Switch and Recorder ................ 49,750,000 49,750,000
Portfolio............................................
NextGen Implementation of FOXs and FIM Cloud.......... ................ 35,000,000 18,000,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Subtotal Terminal Programs........................ 523,150,000 620,426,987 585,900,000
c.Flight Service Programs
Aviation Surface Observation System [ASOS]............ 10,000,000 4,000,000 4,000,000
Future FlightServices Program......................... 10,100,000 19,200,000 19,200,000
Alaska Flight Service Facility Modernization [AFSFM].. 2,650,000 2,650,000 2,650,000
Weather Camera Program................................ 1,100,000 ................ 1,800,000
Juneau Airport Wind System [JAWS]--Technology Refresh. 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Subtotal Flight Service Programs.................. 24,850,000 26,850,000 28,650,000
d.Landing and Navigational Aids Program
VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range [VOR] Minimum 20,000,000 18,000,000 21,000,000
Operating Network [MON]..............................
Instrument Landing System [ILS]--Establish............ 25,000,000 ................ 15,000,000
Wide Area Augmentation System [WAAS] for GPS.......... 96,320,000 90,000,000 80,000,000
Instrument Flight Procedures Automation [IFPA]........ 1,400,000 1,100,000 1,100,000
Runway Safety Areas--Navigational Mitigation.......... 2,000,000 1,400,000 1,400,000
NAVAIDS Monitoring Equipment.......................... 3,000,000 ................ ................
Legacy Navigation Aids Portfolio...................... 31,000,000 ................ ................
Landing and Lighting Portfolio........................ ................ 48,245,000 32,445,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Subtotal Landing and Navigational Aids Programs... 178,720,000 158,745,000 150,945,000
e.Other ATC Facilities Programs
Fuel Storage Tank Replacement and Management.......... 25,700,000 26,400,000 26,400,000
Unstaffed Infrastructure Sustainment.................. 51,050,000 36,800,000 36,800,000
Aircraft Related Equipment Program.................... 13,000,000 10,900,000 10,900,000
Airport Cable Loop Systems--Sustained Support......... 10,000,000 10,000,000 10,000,000
Alaskan Satellite Telecommunications Infrastructure 16,300,000 4,300,000 4,300,000
[ASTI]...............................................
Facilities Decommissioning............................ 9,000,000 9,000,000 9,000,000
Electrical Power Systems--Sustain/Support............. 140,700,000 150,000,000 150,000,000
Energy Management and Compliance [EMC]................ 2,400,000 6,400,000 6,400,000
Child Care Center Sustainment......................... 1,000,000 1,500,000 1,500,000
FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure................. 40,000,000 48,500,000 43,500,000
Data Visualization, Analysis and Reporting System 4,500,000 7,100,000 7,100,000
[DVARS]..............................................
TDM-to-IP Migration................................... 38,000,000 20,000,000 20,000,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Subtotal Other ATC Facilities Programs............ 351,650,000 330,900,000 325,900,000
=====================================================
Total Activity 2.................................. 1,849,777,000 2,051,370,000 1,954,671,000
Activity 3--Non-Air Traffic Control Facilities and
Equipment

a.Support Equipment
Hazardous Materials Management........................ 29,800,000 20,000,000 20,000,000
Aviation Safety Analysis System [ASAS]................ 18,700,000 19,700,000 19,700,000
National Air Space [NAS] Recovery Communications 12,000,000 12,000,000 12,000,000
[RCOM]...............................................
Facility Security Risk Management..................... 17,800,000 15,100,000 15,100,000
Information Security.................................. 20,900,000 33,300,000 33,300,000
System Approach for Safety Oversight [SASO]........... 25,400,000 23,100,000 23,100,000
Aviation Safety Knowledge Management Environment 6,000,000 5,300,000 5,300,000
[ASKME]..............................................
Aerospace Medical Equipment Needs [AMEN].............. 14,000,000 13,800,000 13,800,000
System Safety Management Portfolio.................... 14,200,000 19,500,000 19,500,000
National Test Equipment Program....................... 5,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000
Mobile Assets Management Program...................... 2,200,000 1,800,000 1,800,000
Aerospace Medicine Safety Information Systems [AMSIS]. 16,100,000 13,800,000 13,800,000
Tower Simulation System [TSS] Technology Refresh...... 500,000 ................ ................
Logistics Support Systems and Facilities [LSSF]....... 7,100,000 4,000,000 9,000,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Subtotal Support Equipment........................ 189,700,000 184,400,000 189,400,000
=====================================================
b.Training, Equipment and Facilities
Aeronautical Center Infrastructure Modernization...... 14,000,000 18,000,000 18,000,000
Distance Learning..................................... 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Subtotal Training, Equipment and Facilities....... 15,000,000 19,000,000 19,000,000
=====================================================
Total Activity 3.................................. 204,700,000 203,400,000 208,400,000
Activity 4--Facilities and Equipment Mission Support

a.System Support and Services
System Engineering and Development Support............ 39,700,000 38,000,000 38,000,000
Program Support Leases................................ 47,000,000 48,000,000 48,000,000
Logistics and Acquisition Support Services............ 12,500,000 11,800,000 11,800,000
Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center Leases.............. 20,200,000 20,600,000 20,600,000
Transition Engineering Support........................ 22,000,000 21,000,000 21,000,000
Technical Support Services Contract [TSSC]............ 28,000,000 28,000,000 28,000,000
Resource Tracking Program [RTP]....................... 6,000,000 8,000,000 8,000,000
Center for Advanced Aviation System Development 57,000,000 57,000,000 57,000,000
[CAASD]..............................................
Aeronautical Information Management Program........... 5,000,000 5,300,000 5,300,000
Cross Agency NextGen Management....................... 1,000,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------
Total Activity 4.................................. 238,400,000 237,700,000 237,700,000
=====================================================
Activity 5--Personnel and Related Expenses

Personnel and Related Expenses........................ 512,823,000 524,730,000 514,730,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Sub-total All Activities.......................... 3,000,000,000 3,295,000,000 3,153,801,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enterprise, Concept Development, Human Factors, and
Demonstration Portfolio.--The Committee directs the FAA to use
funds to implement the remote tower pilot program authorized in
section 161 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. Funds may
be expended on the remote tower technology, as well as other
equipment on the FAA minimum equipment list necessary for a
functioning tower. Consistent with previous fiscal years, the
Committee directs the FAA to take into account the interest of
the airport sponsor in participating in the pilot program.
Next Generation Very High Frequency Air/Ground
Communications [NEXCOM].--FAA has made significant progress in
upgrading unsupportable and obsolete air traffic control ground
based radio communication infrastructure as part of the NEXCOM
2 initiative. This initiative will ensure the air traffic
system's capability to grow to meet future capacity
requirements while also ensuring that radio infrastructure has
the safest and most modern technology available. The current
NEXCOM 2 initiative will complete upgrades of 50 percent of the
ground based radio infrastructure, and delays in completing the
full upgrade across the air traffic control infrastructure will
increase costs associated with maintaining legacy radio
equipment and unnecessarily extend the timeframe and cost for
completion of the upgrade of this critical nationwide
capability. The Committee directs the FAA to develop and submit
a plan for review to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations within 90 days of enactment of this act on
resources necessary to complete the upgrade of the nationwide
ATC ground radio infrastructure under the existing NEXCOM 2
initiative.
Reduced Oceanic Separation.--The Committee recommendation
includes $32,300,000 for reduced oceanic separation and directs
the FAA to prioritize funds for the implementation of space-
based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast [ADS-B] for
use in oceanic operations. The FAA's current timeline for
space-based ADS-B would not occur until 2024. The Committee
directs the FAA to execute a revised phased strategy that
initiates operational use of space-based ADS-B no later than
the end of fiscal year 2020.
Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System [STARS]
[TAMR Phase 1].--The Committee is pleased with the deployment
of the TAMR/STARS infrastructure throughout the NAS. In order
to gain efficiencies and capabilities to support NextGen
performance based navigation operations, the FAA should develop
and implement further new software-based toolsets, such as the
replacement of manual flight strips with Electronic Flight Data
at remaining air traffic control towers and terminal radar
control facilities, as well as the replacement of the aging
STARS system weather interface with the Integrated Terminal
Weather Systems. These two important capabilities will enhance
terminal operational safety and decreased weather-induced
delays. The Committee directs the FAA to provide a TAMR/STARS
roadmap that details the investment decision milestones for
these efforts within 180 days of the enactment of this act.
Terminal and En Route Surveillance Portfolio.--The ASR-8
Primary Surveillance Radar Systems were fielded between 1975
and 1980 to provide primary surveillance radar data to air
traffic controllers at low and medium activity airports. As of
2019, forty ASR-8 systems (38 operational systems, two support
systems) currently remain in use in the NAS. The Committee
directs the FAA to work to address airports concerns with
existing ASR-8 radar systems interference with surrounding
topography and local economic development and to incorporate
the potential needs for radar relocation into its ongoing ASR-8
technology refresh program.
Weather Camera Program.--The FAA's weather camera system in
Alaska helps inform safety decisions for pilots, particularly
in mountainous terrain and at rural airports. The Committee
recommendation includes $1,800,000 for the Weather Camera
Program and encourages the FAA to implement the program in
areas outside of Alaska to enable broader use. Expansion of
this program into locations outside of Alaska could mitigate
accidents due to a loss of control and controlled flight into
terrain accidents, both of which are the leading causes of
fatal general aviation accidents.
VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range [VOR] Minimum Operational
Network [MON].--The VOR MON system is designed to enable
aircraft, having lost Global Navigation Satellite System
service, to revert to conventional navigation procedures. The
system provides a level of redundancy that is vital to the
safety of our Nation's air traffic control system. As critical
legacy equipment, FAA safety technicians have unparalleled
experience and training regarding the maintenance of these
systems. As the FAA evaluates the recapitalization needs of
this legacy equipment, the Committee expects that the
maintenance of the existing and any replacement system continue
to be maintained by FAA employees. The Committee also sees the
value in installing retrofitted VORs at locations seeking to
relocate VORs and funding provided above the request level
should be used for this purpose. The Committee urges the FAA to
provide the support necessary to ensure timely installation.
Instrument Landing Systems [ILS].--Instrument Landing
Systems are the backbone of FAA precision landing capability,
providing capability for aircraft to land in low ceilings and
poor visibility. Currently more than 800 deployed ILS exceed
their service life. Accelerating the procurement of new ILS
will increase safety and reliability while significantly
decreasing the long term sustainment costs of this critical
program. The Committee recommendation includes $15,000,000 for
the procurement of the fourth generation ILS.
FAA Enterprise Network Services.--The FAA Enterprise
Network Services is an effort to modernize the
telecommunications infrastructure by enabling the Next
Generation Air Traffic Management Systems to process large
volumes of data in real-time. The Committee supports moving
towards a secure, IP-based architecture that has limited
customization, provides for continuous modernization, and
utilizes commercial capabilities and best practices to operate
and maintain our NAS. The Committee believes that for this
program to be successful and provide the vision and
capabilities of a modern NAS, certain criteria should be
included. The FAA must detail a plan to safely transition to a
modern network architecture in a short period of time without
disruption to air traffic and mission functions, install a
governance structure that ensures current and future
requirements evolve over the life of the contract, and leverage
telecommunications industry advancements appropriately.
Continuous modernization throughout the life of the contract,
minimal customization, and outcome-based requirements should be
clearly stated in the program objectives, specifications, and
evaluation criteria. The Committee also believes the FAA should
evaluate the use of wireless technology that could greatly
enhance the capabilities and survivability necessary to achieve
the agency's goals. Finally, security is a critical component
of the architecture and must be detailed and built into the
system from the onset. The FAA must evaluate new security
technologies on a reoccurring basis and implement them to
ensure new threats and security practices do not penetrate
their communications infrastructure. Therefore, the Committee
directs the FAA to provide the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations a briefing within 60 days of enactment of this
act on the detailed plans for the criteria above and how they
are addressed in the program and throughout the life of the
proposed contract.
TDM-to-IP.--The FAA is continually evaluating and deploying
new technologies to modernize and improve the efficiency and
safety of the National Airspace System [NAS]. In many cases,
the lengthy procurement and deployment processes can render
some technologies outdated before their full deployment into
the NAS. The FAA should utilize commercially available
technologies in order to streamline the procurement and
deployment of new technologies unless commercial items are not
available. In addition, the FAA should continue to conduct full
and open competitions for the acquisition of new technologies.
Aging Facilities.--The Committee instructs the FAA to work
to address aging and antiquated air traffic control facilities
that it leases from airport authorities to ensure they are
fully compliant with current building codes consistent with
being occupied by air traffic controllers. The Committee
recognizes that this, in many cases, may require the
construction of new air traffic facilities to replace existing
ones. The Committee instructs the FAA to consider creative
financing options and to include consideration of long-term
cost recovery leases, when conditions warrant the construction
of new air traffic control towers.
Military Operations Areas.--The Committee finds that radar
and future NextGen systems capable of controlling airspace down
to 500 feet above ground level enhances aviation safety in
Military Operations Areas that overlay public use airports. The
Committee recommends that the FAA utilize existing resources to
promptly provide radar or NextGen capability in areas with more
than 5,000 operations per year.

RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT

(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $191,100,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 120,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 194,230,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Research, Engineering, and Development appropriation
provides funding for long-term research, engineering, and
development programs to improve the air traffic control system
by increasing its safety and capacity, as well as reducing the
environmental impacts of air traffic, as authorized by the
Airport and Airway Improvement Act and the Federal Aviation
Act, as amended. The programs are designed to meet the expected
air traffic demands of the future and to promote flight safety
through improvements in facilities, equipment, techniques, and
procedures to ensure that the system will safely and
efficiently handle future volumes of aircraft traffic.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $194,230,000 for the FAA's
Research, Engineering, and Development activities. The
recommended level of funding is $74,230,000 more than the
budget request and $3,130,000 more than the fiscal year 2019
enacted level. The Committee recommendation supports the
request to move funding and staff to cover accident
investigations conducted by the Civil Aerospace Medical
Institute to the ``FAA--Operations'' account.
A table showing the fiscal year 2019 enacted level, the
fiscal year 2020 budget estimate and the Committee
recommendation is as follows:

RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
------------------------------------ Committee
2019 enacted 2020 estimate recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Safety:
Fire Research & Safety................................ 7,200,000 7,562,000 7,200,000
Propulsion & Fuel Systems............................ 12,100,000 3,708,000 2,100,000
Advanced Materials /Structural Safety................. 14,720,000 1,799,000 14,720,000
Aircraft Icing/Digital System Safety/Aircraft Cyber... 9,253,000 7,450,000 9,000,000
Continued Air Worthiness.............................. 11,269,000 10,006,000 11,269,000
Aircraft Catastrophic Failure Prevention Research..... 1,570,000 ................ 1,565,000
Flightdeck/Maintenance/System Integration Human 7,305,000 5,973,000 7,300,000
Factors..............................................
Safety System Management.............................. 5,500,000 4,309,000 5,500,000
Air Traffic Control/Technical Operations Human Factors 5,800,000 5,474,000 5,800,000
Aeromedical Research.................................. 9,080,000 9,575,000 7,919,000
Weather Research..................................... 15,476,000 6,391,000 15,476,000
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research.................... 24,035,000 7,546,000 24,035,000
Alternative Fuels for General Aviation................ 1,900,000 ................ 1,900,000
Commercial Space...................................... 2,500,000 5,971,000 2,500,000
NextGen--Wake Turbulence.............................. 6,831,000 3,697,000 6,000,000
NextGen--Air Ground Integration...................... 6,757,000 1,717,000 5,800,000
NextGen--Weather Technology in the Cockpit............ 3,644,000 1,963,000 3,644,000
NextGen--Flight Data Exchange......................... 1,035,000 1,005,000 1,005,000
Information Security/Cyber Security Program........... 1,232,000 2,675,000 2,675,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Total Safety...................................... 137,207,000 86,821,000 135,408,000

Reduce Envrionmental Impacts:
Environment & Energy.................................. 18,013,000 15,103,000 18,013,000
NextGen Environmental Research--Aircraft Technologies, 29,174,000 12,500,000 29,174,000
Fuels and Metrics....................................
Airliner Cabin Environment Research................... ................ ................ 1,000,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Total Reduce Envrionmental Impacts................ 47,187,000 27,603,000 48,187,000

Mission Support:
System Planning and Resource Management............... 2,135,000 2,717,000 7,135,000
WJHTC Lab Facilities.................................. 4,571,000 2,859,000 3,500,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Total Mission Support............................. 6,706,000 5,576,000 10,635,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Total......................................... 191,100,000 120,000,000 194,230,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Advanced Materials/Structural Safety.--The Committee
recommendation includes a total of $14,720,000 for advanced
materials/structural safety. The Committee is aware that the
primary challenge in additive manufacturing for aerospace
applications is the certification of airworthiness of complex
processes used within the additive manufactured components. The
Committee recommendations includes $6,000,000 to advance the
use of these new additive materials (both metallic and non-
metallic based additive processes) into the commercial aviation
industry, as well as $4,000,000 to advance the use of fiber
reinforced composite materials into the commercial aviation
industry through the FAA Joint Advanced Materials and
Structures Center of Excellence.
Additive Manufactured Continued Airworthiness.--The
Committee recommendation includes $11,269,000 for continued air
worthiness. The Committee is encouraged by the potential impact
that stitched resin composites can have on the aviation
industry, and the Committee recommendation includes $2,000,000
for the FAA to work with public and private partners who
provide leading-edge research, development, and testing of
composite materials and structures.
UAS Research Center of Excellence [COE].--The Committee
recognizes the valuable role of the UAS COE in assisting the
FAA in a host of research challenges associated with the
integration of UAS into the NAS. The Committee recommendation
includes $24,035,000 for UAS research, equal to the fiscal year
2019 enacted level. Of the funds provided for UAS research,
$12,035,000 is directed to support the expanded role of the UAS
COE in areas of UAS research, including cybersecurity,
agricultural applications, beyond visual line of sight
technology, and studies of advanced composites and other non-
metallic engineering materials not common to manned aircraft,
but utilized in UAS. Furthermore, the COE shall establish a UAS
safety research facility at the Center to study appropriate
safety standards for UAS and to develop and validate
certification standards for such systems. Of the total funding,
$2,000,000 is for the Center's role in transportation disaster
preparedness and response, partnering with institutions that
have demonstrated experience in damage assessment,
collaboration with State transportation agencies, and applied
UAS field testing; and $10,000,000 is to support UAS research
activities at the FAA technical center and other FAA
facilities.
Community and Technical College Centers of Excellence [COE]
in Small UAS Technology Training Program.--The Committee
supports workforce development efforts to increase the number
of technically trained drone technicians and pilots as industry
demands continue to grow. Operating and maintaining autonomous
flight vehicles requires specialized education and training.
Workforce development initiatives in this area will help
support the continued growth of the UAS industry, enable
additional businesses across a variety of industries to utilize
unmanned aircraft in their operations, and will encourage more
individuals to pursue careers in aviation professions. In
response, section 631 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018
requires the FAA to establish a process for designating a
consortia of community colleges and technical colleges as
Community and Technical College COE in Small Unmanned Aircraft
System Technology Training, and section 632 of the Act directs
the FAA to create a Collegiate Training Initiative program
relating to UAS. However, the Committee understands that these
workforce development goals are different than the traditional
role of COEs established to perform research on behalf of the
FAA in accordance with statutory requirements in 49 U.S.C.
44513. While the FAA works to meet the requirements of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2018, the Committee directs the FAA to
continue working with stakeholders to develop a strategy for
these UAS workforce development initiatives and provide an
update to the Committee within 120 days of enactment of this
Act. Further, the Committee directs the FAA to develop a
funding request for these critical programs in future budget
requests.
In the development of this program, the Committee
encourages the FAA and interested academic institutions to
leverage existing partnerships and programs, such as the
Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International's
Trusted Operator Program, which has established curriculum for
drone operator certification and training at the community
college level, or the Technical Training and Human Performance
Centers of Excellence, which conducts research and development
on technical training across aviation professions including air
traffic controllers, aviation safety inspectors, engineers,
technicians, and pilots. Leveraging existing programs to
achieve highly regarded industry certification would allow
community and technical colleges, in the near term, to utilize
such certification in their recruitment and marketing efforts
to students and families while the FAA works on its long-term
implementation plan.
Airliner Cabin Environment Research COE.--Section 326 of
the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 directs the FAA to
commission a research program to develop techniques to monitor
bleed air quality in commercial aircraft and to conduct a pilot
program to evaluate the effectiveness of technologies
identified by such research. The Committee recommendation
includes $1,000,000 for this research.
Environmental Sustainability.--The Committee recommendation
includes $47,187,000 for research related to environmental
sustainability, of which $18,013,000 is for ``Environment and
Energy'' and $29,174,000 is for ``Next Gen--Environmental
Research Aircraft Technologies, Fuels and Metrics''. The FAA is
directed to provide $15,000,000 for the Center.
The Committee supports NextGen's five pillar strategy in
conducting research through the Center of Excellence, which
includes: (1) improved scientific knowledge and integrated
modeling; (2) new aircraft technologies; (3) sustainable
alternative aviation fuels; (4) air traffic management
modernization and operational improvements; and (5) policies,
environmental standards, and market-based measures. The
Committee is concerned with the removal of the sustainable
alternative aviation fuels pillar in the budget request and
directs the FAA to continue research on alternative fuels
following performance, economic, and environmental principals.
This sustained investment will lead to reducing emissions and
expanding alternative domestic energy sources that diversify
fuel supplies, contribute to price and supply stability, and
support economic development in rural communities. Further, the
Committee directs the FAA to utilize the comprehensive five
pillar strategy as outlined in the fiscal year 2019 budget
request.
Noise Health Effects Research.--The Committee has included
language for 2 years requesting the FAA to prioritize research
conducted through FAA's Center of Excellence for Alternative
Jet Fuel and Environment, and the Aviation Sustainability
Center on the impact of aviation noise on both sleep and
cardiovascular health. The Committee has also previously
directed the FAA to evaluate alternative metrics to the current
day night level 65 standard and other methods to address
community airplane noise concerns, including cumulative noise
impacts from increased frequency of flights. Communities across
the country contend with an increased frequency of passing
aircraft on a daily basis and the Committee is concerned that
the FAA is not heeding this direction and therefore requests
the FAA to provide a report to the House and Senate Committees
on Appropriations within 90 days of enactment of this act that
details the efforts made by the FAA during the last two fiscal
years to comply with the Committee's direction. The report must
include detailed findings of the research completed to date and
the alternative metrics identified to evaluate noise impacts
that will adequately address community concerns.
Aviation Workforce Development Programs.--The Committee is
concerned with the shortage of trained pilots and aviation
technicians for our Nation's commercial, recreational, and
military aviation industries. The Committee recommendation
includes $5,000,000 within Systems Planning and Resource
Management for the Aviation Workforce Development Programs as
authorized by section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of
2018. Funding shall be used for both aircraft pilot workforce
and aviation maintenance workforce.
Human Intervention Motivational Study [HIMS] Program and
the Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program.--The Committee
notes the importance of the HIMS program and the Flight
Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program in helping to rehabilitate
those struggling with substance abuse disorders so they are
able to successfully return to work. Section 554 of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) directs the
Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Transportation
Research Board to conduct a study on the HIMS program, the
Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program, and any other drug
and alcohol programs within the other modal administrations
within the Department of Transportation, and issue
recommendations on how to implement programs, or change
existing programs, that seek to help transportation workers get
treatment for drug and alcohol abuse and return to work. The
Committee supports these efforts as a priority and directs the
FAA to use existing resources to complete this study. The
Committee expects FAA to provide an update on the progress of
this study by December 31, 2019.

GRANTS-IN-AID FOR AIRPORTS

(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Funding for Grants-in-Aid for Airports pays for capital
improvements at the Nation's airports, including those
investments that emphasize capacity development, safety
improvements, and security needs. Other priority areas for
funding under this program include improvements to runway
safety areas that do not conform to FAA standards, investments
that are designed to reduce runway incursions, and aircraft
noise compatibility planning and programs.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a limitation on obligations of
$3,350,000,000 for Grants-in-Aid for Airports for fiscal year
2020. The recommended limitation on obligations is equal to the
enacted level for fiscal year 2019 and the budget request.
The Committee recommends a liquidating cash appropriation
of $3,000,000,000 for Grants-in-Aid for Airports. The
recommended level is equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted
level and the budget request. This appropriation is sufficient
to cover the liquidation of all obligations incurred pursuant
to the limitation on obligations set forward in the bill.
Administrative Expenses.--The Committee recommends
$113,000,000 to cover administrative expenses. This funding
level is $647,000 more than the budget request and $400,000
more than the fiscal year 2019 enacted level.
Airport Cooperative Research.--The Committee recommends
$15,000,000 for the Airport Cooperative Research program. This
funding level is equal to the budget estimate and the fiscal
year 2019 enacted level.
Airport Technology.--The Committee recommends $39,224,000
for Airport Technology Research. This funding level is
$6,000,000 more than the budget request and $6,014,000 more
than the fiscal year 2019 level. Of this amount, $6,000,000 is
for the airfield pavement technology program authorized under
section 744 of Public Law 115-254, of which $3,000,000 is for
concrete pavement research and $3,000,000 is for asphalt
pavement research.
Small Community Air Service Development Program.--The
Committee recommends $10,000,000. This funding level is equal
to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. The budget request
included no funds for this program for fiscal year 2020.
Cost Share.--The bill includes a provision that allows
small airports to continue contributing 5 percent of the total
cost for unfinished phased projects that were underway prior to
the passage of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.
Allocation of Resources.--The Committee recognizes many
States have short construction seasons due to inclement weather
and require certainty about airport grant allocations when
making planning decisions. The FAA is encouraged to work
expeditiously to make entitlement and discretionary grant
allocations, in order to provide certainty to northern State
airports. The Committee also understands that certain physical
topography, environments, and circumstances prohibit certain
existing airports that are in critical need of expansion due to
their essential economic impact on their surrounding
communities from expanding, and as such are required to
physically relocate their premises. Therefore, the Committee
directs the FAA to ensure sufficient funding is available to
relocate these airports in a timely and expedited manner.
Policy and Procedure Concerning the Use of Airport
Revenue.--The Committee is aware of several self-help counties
that have enacted sales tax measures to fund local
transportation improvements. These sales tax measures are
difficult to enact and provide critical funding to address
local highway, public transportation, and other transportation
requirements. Several of these counties contain airports and
have been receiving funds raised through the sales tax on
aviation fuel. In 2014, the FAA finalized a rule construing the
term ``local taxes on aviation fuel'' to apply to all sales
taxes rather than specific excise taxes on aviation fuel. This
change in definition diverts funding away from projects
outlined in local sales tax measures, violating promises made
to the voters who approved these measures. According to the FAA
rules, local transportation sales taxes collected on the sale
of aviation fuel would have to be spent in accordance with FAA
rules governing such expenditures. Given the utility of sales
tax measures to address local transportation needs and reduce
the burden on Federal spending, the Committee encourages the
Secretary to continue working with state and local governments
and the FAA to develop a path forward to allow the use of local
sales tax revenues generated on the sale of aviation fuel to be
used in a manner consistent with their enactment.
Airport Improvement Program [AIP] Formula.--AIP formula
funding for primary airports is allocated based primarily on
commercial enplanements. The current definition of
``enplanements'' does not capture the full range of airport
activities. For example, certain primary airports with more
non-commercial flight activities such as pilot training do not
factor into the current enplanement calculation. Therefore, the
Committee directs the FAA to consider the full range of flight
activities (such as flight training, air cargo, emergency
response, pilot training, etc.) and associated metrics when
considering AIP discretionary grants.
Relocation.--The Committee directs the FAA to give greater
consideration to projects at public-use airports that will
relocate existing aviation runways, taxiways, aprons or other
airfield infrastructure that do not meet current FAA safety
standards related to runway/taxiway separation distances,
safety area and object-free area requirements, and obstruction
standards, especially in cases where the existing aviation
runway, taxiway, apron or other airfield infrastructure has
deteriorated such that it is at the end of its service life.
Furthermore, for such projects at public use airports that
would have a material impact on the safety of operations at
that airport and, the FAA shall not require the completion of a
cost-benefit analysis as long as that project is funded using
non-primary entitlement funding and no additional State
apportionment or discretionary funding from the FAA.
Construction of Certain Control Towers.--The Committee
expects the FAA to expeditiously implement section 152 of the
2018 FAA Reauthorization Act that makes contract tower
construction/equipment a priority consideration for grants to
eligible airports under the Small Airport account of the
Airport Improvement Program. These grants would allow qualified
airports an opportunity to access AIP funds that would enhance
air traffic safety at smaller airports nationwide.
Zero-Emission Vehicle and Infrastructure Pilot Program.--
The Committee supports the use of AIP funds for the zero-
emission airport vehicles and infrastructure pilot program as
authorized under 49 U.S.C. 47136.
Burdensome Regulations.--The Committee recommends the FAA
identify opportunities to eliminate unnecessary regulations and
streamline burdensome regulations to ensure the FAA is a good
steward of limited tax payer resources and produces physical
infrastructure that supports long-term economic growth.
Further, in reducing the regulatory burden, the FAA should
identify areas where more autonomy can be given to local
jurisdictions with a better understanding of needs and
challenges in building and maintaining infrastructure.
Temporary Flight Restrictions.--Section 119G of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 made $3,500,000 available
to the FAA to reimburse certain airport sponsors that are
closed during temporary flight restrictions for any residence
of the President that is designated or identified to be secured
by the United States Secret Service. The Committee believes
this amount is sufficient to cover all applicable financial
losses for the current term of the President, and directs the
FAA to notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations
if additional funding is necessary.
Boarding Bridges.--The Committee is aware of a passenger
boarding bridge manufacturer created by a foreign state-owned
enterprise that was found in U.S. Federal district court to
have committed industrial espionage. The manufacturer
subsequently attempted to compete for AIP funded contracts for
passenger boarding bridges, but the contract was terminated
once the airport was made aware of the manufacturer's history.
The Committee directs the FAA to consult with the U.S. Trade
Representative [USTR] and the U.S. Attorney General to develop,
to the extent practicable, a list of entities that have been
determined by a Federal court to have misappropriated
intellectual property or trade secrets from an entity organized
under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within
the United States. The FAA shall make such list available to
the public and work with the USTR, to the extent practicable,
to utilize the System for Award Management database to exclude
such entities from being eligible for Federal non-procurement
awards. The FAA is expected to notify the Committee of any
significant challenges the agency faces in completing these
actions.
Airport Designation.--The Committee encourages that any
designation that was changed under 81 FR 19861 should not be
restored unless the Secretary first convenes a schedule
reduction meeting as outlined in 49 U.S.C. 41722.

GRANTS-IN-AID TO AIRPORTS

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $500,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 450,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommendation includes $450,000,000 in
discretionary funding for additional grants for airport
infrastructure. The recommended level of funding is $50,000,000
less than the fiscal year 2019 enacted level and $450,000,000
more than the budget request. The Committee is attuned to the
needs of small hub and general aviation airports with a
regional role.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

Section 110 limits the number of technical staff years at
the Center for Advanced Aviation Systems Development to no more
than 600 in fiscal year 2020.
Section 111 prohibits funds in this act from being used to
adopt guidelines or regulations requiring airport sponsors to
provide the FAA ``without cost'' buildings, maintenance, or
space for FAA services. The prohibition does not apply to
negotiations between the FAA and airport sponsors concerning
``below market'' rates for such services or to grant assurances
that require airport sponsors to provide land without cost to
the FAA for air traffic control facilities.
Section 112 permits the Administrator to reimburse FAA
appropriations for amounts made available for 49 U.S.C.
41742(a)(1) as fees are collected and credited under 49 U.S.C.
45303.
Section 113 allows funds received to reimburse the FAA for
providing technical assistance to foreign aviation authorities
to be credited to the Operations account.
Section 114 prohibits the FAA from paying Sunday premium
pay except in those cases where the individual actually worked
on a Sunday.
Section 115 prohibits the FAA from using funds provided in
the bill to purchase store gift cards or gift certificates
through a Government-issued credit card.
Section 116 requires that, upon request by a private owner
or operator of an aircraft, the Secretary block the display of
that owner or operator's aircraft registration number in the
Aircraft Situational Display to Industry program.
Section 117 prohibits funds in this act for salaries and
expenses of more than nine political and Presidential
appointees in the Federal Aviation Administration.
Section 118 requires the FAA to conduct public outreach and
provide justification to the Committee before increasing fees
under section 44721 of title 49, United States Code.
Section 119 requires the FAA to notify the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations at least 90 days before closing a
regional operations center or reducing the services it
provides.
Section 119A prohibits funds from being used to change
weight restrictions or prior permission rules at Teterboro
Airport in New Jersey.
Section 119B prohibits funds from being used to withhold
from consideration and approval any new application for
participation in the Contract Tower Program, including
applications from Cost Share Program participants if the
Administrator determines such tower is eligible.
Section 119C prohibits the FAA from closing, consolidating,
or re-designating any field or regional airports office without
a reprogramming request.

Federal Highway Administration

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The principal mission of the Federal Highway Administration
[FHWA] is, in partnership with State and local governments, to
foster the development of a safe, efficient, and effective
highway and intermodal system nationwide, including ensuring
access to and within national forests, national parks, Indian
lands, and other public lands.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

Under the Committee recommendations, a total program level
of $49,804,092,000 is provided for the activities of FHWA in
fiscal year 2020. The recommendation is $2,609,722,000 more
than the budget request and $546,496,000 more than the fiscal
year 2019 enacted level. The following table summarizes the
Committee's recommendations:

LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Limitation, 2019........................................ $449,692,304
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 456,797,689
Committee recommendation................................ 456,797,689

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This limitation on obligations provides for the salaries
and expenses of FHWA for program management, direction, and
coordination; engineering guidance to Federal and State
agencies; and advisory and support services in field offices.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a limitation on obligations of
$453,549,689 for the administrative expenses of FHWA and an
additional $3,248,000 for the administrative expenses of the
Appalachian Regional Commission in accordance with section 104
of title 23, United States Code. The total limitation is equal
to the budget request and $7,105,385 more than the fiscal year
2019 enacted level.

FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS

(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

Limitation, 2019........................................ $45,268,596,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 46,365,092,000
Committee recommendation................................ 46,365,092,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Federal-aid highway program provides financial support
to States and localities for the development, construction, and
repair of highways and bridges through grants. This program is
financed from the Highway Trust Fund, and most of the funds are
distributed through apportionments and allocations to States.
Title 23 of the United States Code and other supporting
legislation provide authority for the various activities of
FHWA. Funding is provided by contract authority, with program
levels established by annual limitations on obligations set
forth in appropriations acts.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends limiting fiscal year 2020
obligations for the Federal-aid highway program to
$46,365,092,000, which is equal to the budget request and
$1,096,496,000 more than the fiscal year 2019 enacted level.
The Committee includes a provision that allows FHWA to collect
and spend fees to pay for the services of expert firms in the
field of municipal and project finance in order to assist the
agency in the provision of credit instruments. The Committee
does not eliminate the off-system bridge set-aside within the
Surface Transportation Block Grant program, as proposed in the
budget request.
Research Plan.--The Committee notes the recent completion
of the Truck Size and Weight Research Plan by the
Transportation Research Board [TRB]. This report identifies 27
additional research projects, the results of which will be
vital to determinations by the Department and Congress as to
whether any national changes in truck size and weight policy
should be pursued. In order to ensure a timely and
comprehensive approach to truck size and weight issues, the
Committee directs the Department to expeditiously develop an
implementation plan for conducting the research recommended by
TRB on this issue, including projected timelines for the
completion of the listed projects.
Additionally, in fiscal year 2018, the Committee directed
the Department to report on its efforts to establish best
practices with State agencies for data collection relating to
truck configurations and to begin accumulating this data in
order to better inform its future research. This report is
outstanding. The Committee directs the Department to submit
this report to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations within 30 days of enactment of this act.
Automated Vehicles and Pavement Performance.--The Committee
is aware that researchers have identified a potential problem
in which pavement service life is reduced due to automated
vehicle [AVs] systems. AVs have the potential to increase
stress concentrations on pavements by operating vehicles in
specific travel paths within highway lanes, rather than the
more random driving paths done by human drivers, which
distribute stresses over pavement on a more varied basis. The
Committee commends FHWA for studying the impacts of AVs on
highway infrastructure, as well as the potential needs to be
considered in the design of new infrastructure. The Committee
strongly encourages FHWA to complete this study and to report
on its results to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations.
Timber Bridge Initiative.--The Committee recognizes that
the use of cross-laminated and other forms of mass timber can
provide value for bridge structures, including reduced weight
and cost-effectiveness. When used to reinforce existing
structures, mass timber can also upgrade live load capacity.
The Committee notes with appreciation that FHWA has worked
successfully in partnership with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's Forest Products Laboratory to research the
benefits of mass timber in bridge construction. The Committee
urges the Department to renew this work, as well as to use mass
timber in demonstration projects, and recommends continued
collaboration with other Federal agencies for deploying mass
timber into our Nation's highway and bridge systems.
Regional Transportation Workforce Centers.--The Committee
notes that the workforce needs of the transportation sector
continue to evolve as new technologies and construction
practices are developed. In many instances, however, education
curricula have not kept pace with civil engineering practices.
The Committee directs FHWA to provide resources to the Center
for Transportation Workforce Development in order to align
educational efforts to support: the advancement of
environmental career paths, the deployment and delivery of
innovative transportation solutions in rural areas, planning
for smart city and community design in rural areas, and
improved technology transfer.
Emergency Route Working Group [ERWG].--Section 5502 of the
Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (Public Law 114-94)
requires the Department to create the ERWG in order to provide
advice and recommendations to the Secretary with regard to best
practices for expeditious State approval of permits for
vehicles involved in emergency response and recovery. The
Committee is aware that the ERWG has submitted its report.
However, the Secretary has not yet met the statutory deadlines
for publicly releasing that report or for notifying Congress of
actions taken to implement its recommendations. The Committee
directs the Department to publicly release this report and to
notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations of the
actions that the Secretary and States have taken or intend to
take to implement the ERWG's recommendations within 120 days of
enactment of this act. As part of this notification, the
Secretary is directed to address the recommendation to create
interstate compacts in order to increase the efficient movement
of emergency response vehicles.
Permeable Pavements.--The Committee encourages the
Secretary to continue to conduct structural evaluations of
flood-damaged pavements, with an emphasis on local roads and
highways subject to flooding and extended periods of
inundation, in order to better understand how permeable
pavements and other technologies might be used to prevent or
reduce damage. The Committee also encourages the Secretary to
further the ongoing research, demonstration, and deployment of
permeable pavements to achieve other potential benefits,
including pollutant reduction, stormwater runoff reduction,
environmental conservation, and resilience for new road
construction and retrofitting existing roads.
Guardrails.--The Committee continues to support the
Department's research and demonstrations with regard to geo-
synthetically reinforced soil integrated bridge systems. The
Committee encourages the Secretary to consider testing of geo-
synthetically reinforced soil guardrails for performance under
vehicle impact and to use this data to develop specifications
for use in future roadway construction.
Timely Response.--While the Committee fully supports Buy
America requirements, the Committee is concerned about FHWA's
inaction with regard to Buy America waiver requests for
products for which there is no comparable product made in the
United States. Therefore, the Committee directs FHWA to review
and respond to Buy America waiver requests within 60 days of
submission.
Composites.--The incorporation of lightweight, high-
strength, corrosion-resistant, and durable composites into
transportation assets can improve their safety and lower
lifecycle costs. The Committee directs FHWA to fund projects
under the Technology and Innovation Deployment Program that use
innovative materials, including composites, in novel ways.
These projects should seek to accelerate adoption of proven
technologies, advance less-developed technologies, and better
inform State DOTs of the benefits of these technologies' uses.
As such, projects should include ongoing in-service evaluation
of the demonstrated technology and dissemination of those
results, including cost implications and effects on asset
performance stemming from the incorporation of these
technologies.
Categorical Exclusions.--The purpose of qualifying certain
projects with minimal Federal involvement and environmental
impact as ``categorical exclusions'' is to achieve cost savings
and to accelerate projects to construction. The Committee
directs FHWA to work with stakeholders, including State DOTs,
to determine how to best minimize the bureaucratic burdens of
the qualification process.
Changeable Message Signs.--The Committee directs FHWA to
allow States to continue to test the use of changeable message
signs on roadways. The content of that messaging should be
determined by each State to the extent that safe, efficient
utilization of highways is still maintained, including during
emergency and severe-weather operating conditions. Furthermore,
the Committee notes that a report summarizing joint action by
FHWA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
regarding coordination with State DOTs on options for
flexibility in highway sign messaging to address and combat
local emergency priorities, including the reduction of impaired
driving, is now overdue. The Committee directs FHWA to submit
this report within 30 days of enactment of this act.
Appalachian Development Highway System [ADHS].--The ADHS
was created to promote economic development in the Appalachian
region where commerce and communication had previously been
inhibited by a lack of adequate access. In order to further the
original purpose of the ADHS, FHWA is directed to work with the
Appalachian Regional Commission and relevant State DOTs to
identify segments of existing, unfinished, and potential
corridors that share many of the same attributes as the
original corridors within the ADHS and discuss the
justification for expanding the 3,090 mile cap to designate
those corridors for inclusion in the ADHS.
Transparency in the Deployment of Automated Vehicles.--To
promote transparency in its decision-making with regard to the
safe deployment of automated vehicles on public highway
infrastructure, the Committee directs FHWA to make publicly
available, as appropriate, information pertaining to its
Request for Information on Integration of Automated Driving
Systems into the Highway Transportation System; its National
Dialogue on Highway Automation, cooperative agreements and
other collaborative and internal efforts by the Turner-Fairbank
Highway Research Center; and active projects being undertaken
by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program and the
American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials in which FHWA provides assistance, as well as any
other past or ongoing work FHWA deems relevant. This
information shall also include status updates of ongoing
research, including any deliverables, and shall be organized in
an accessible manner on FHWA's website in order to provide the
public with this information comprehensively.
Resilient Infrastructure.--In fiscal year 2018, the
Committee directed the Department to produce a report which
provides recommendations for States, metropolitan planning
organizations, and cities to develop contextually-sensitive,
resilient Federal-aid highways and discuss cost-effective
solutions for improving shoreline protections for existing
highways. That report is now overdue. The Committee directs the
Department to complete this report within 30 days of enactment
of this act and to include a discussion of the eligibility of
certain resiliency projects under existing Federal-aid highway
programs. It is also essential that the Department develop
robust design and construction standards to withstand future
disasters. The Committee directs the Department to develop
resilient design criteria for transportation projects by
infrastructure type, hazard, and hazard magnitude that
emphasize the ability to resist degradation and to return to
functionality following a disaster. Finally, the Committee
directs the Department to fully implement all recommendations
contained in the DOT IG's report regarding guidance on
infrastructure resilience for emergency relief projects within
one year of enactment of this act and to provide to the House
and Senate Committees on Appropriations a summary of emergency
relief projects approved from fiscal year 2011 to date that
incorporate resilience improvements.
Visitation and Commuting.--As personal mobility continues
to rapidly expand, the Committee is becoming increasingly
concerned that Federal-aid highway formulas do not account for
visitation and cross-state commuting in their distribution of
funding. This disadvantages communities with large volumes of
seasonal visitors and areas with consistent visitation and
commuting traffic by not awarding additional funds to help
those states address increased demands on their roads and
bridges. The Committee directs FHWA to study available means of
collecting information on vehicle visitation to other states
for both commuting and recreational purposes and to report to
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 1 year
of enactment of this act.
Advanced Digital Management Systems.--The incorporation of
digital technologies and processes into the oversight and
management of infrastructure projects, including those
utilizing advanced construction techniques and digital 3D
models, offers the potential for significant savings as
compared to traditional techniques for project design,
engineering, construction, and maintenance. The Committee
encourages the Department to provide not less than $5,000,000
for demonstrations that will accelerate the adoption of these
digital management systems under the Technology and Innovation
Deployment Program. FHWA is further directed to conduct a
survey of States' digital management and project delivery
technological capabilities within 1 year of enactment of this
act. This survey should help to determine the preparedness of
States to adopt and incorporate technology into their
infrastructure planning, construction, and maintenance
practices, as well as highlight best practices from leading
State DOTs.
Non-Highway Recreational Fuel Taxes.--In an effort to
better inform Federal-aid highway formula funding levels for
the Recreational Trails Program, the Committee directs FHWA to
determine the best available estimate of the total amount of
non-highway recreational fuel taxes received by the Secretary
of the Treasury and transferred to the Highway Trust Fund
during the previous three fiscal years. For this purpose,
``non-highway recreational fuel taxes'' means taxes under
sections 4041 and 4081 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
with respect to fuel used in vehicles on recreational trails or
back-country terrain, as well as evaluate whether the current
Recreational Trails Program funding level reflects the amount
of non-highway recreational fuel taxes collected and
transferred to the Highway Trust Fund. FHWA shall report on its
finding to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations
within 1 year of the date of enactment of this act.
Recreational Trails and Pedestrian and Cyclist
Infrastructure.--In 2018, pedestrian and cyclist fatalities are
projected to have increased by 4 and 10 percent, respectively,
as compared to 2017. The Committee recognizes the importance of
cyclist and pedestrian infrastructure in improving the safety
of these groups. In fiscal year 2019, the Committee directed
the Department to compile, analyze, and issue best practices to
better inform State agencies of available financing options for
this infrastructure. The Committee is concerned that confusion
exists regarding the eligibility of certain projects that serve
both recreational and non-recreational purposes in suburban,
rural, and urban areas to receive funding under certain
Federal-aid highway programs. As the previously-directed best
practices have not yet been issued, the Committee directs the
Department to include in these explanations information as to
the eligibility of certain trail projects under Federal-aid
highway programs, including, but not limited to, the Surface
Transportation Block Grant Program (23 U.S.C. 133(b)), the
Recreational Trails Program (23 U.S.C. 133(h)(5), 23 U.S.C.
206); the Highway Safety Improvement Program (23 U.S.C. 148);
and the Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality Improvement Program
(23 U.S.C. 149).
Alternative Fuel Infrastructure.--The Committee is pleased
that the Department has completed the report required under 23
U.S.C. 151(e). This report not only sets forth the national
network of alternative fuel corridors, which will be essential
to improving the mobility of passenger and commercial vehicles
that employ electric, hydrogen fuel cell, propane, and natural
gas fueling technologies, but also explains the Department's
vision for strategic deployment of future infrastructure. The
Committee is also pleased that the Department has now completed
three rounds of alternative fuel corridor designations and
developed signage for these corridors in the Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways. The Committee
directs the Department to provide technical assistance and
support to State and local agencies, private industry, and
other stakeholders, including identifying any barriers related
to the installation of this infrastructure and discussing
potential sources of funding to install or construct these
facilities, such as the Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality
Improvement Program (23 U.S.C. 149).
Curb Productivity.--The Committee notes that our Nation's
roadways now serve an ever-growing set of stakeholders,
including, but not limited to, vehicular traffic, pedestrians,
cyclists, public transportation riders, on-demand
transportation riders, delivery drivers, and various micro-
mobility users. As a result, many areas are required to have
mixed usage of curb space for both motorized and non-motorized
traffic, and must develop creative ways to manage demands by
those populations. The Committee recognizes the need for
strategic approaches to the management of these assets and
encourages the Department to conduct a study, in partnership
with State and local governments, public transportation
agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, and other
interested parties, to identify challenges faced by these
growing demands on our country's curb space and infrastructure
and to explore potential solutions.
Grade Crossing Safety.--In 2017, there were more than 2,100
crashes, resulting in 273 fatalities, at highway-rail grade
crossings. While Federal investment in grade crossing safety
improvement has noticeably reduced the historical number of
deaths and injuries at these crossings, the number of accidents
has remained relatively static since 2009. FHWA's Railway-
Highway Crossings Program is the primary Federal funding source
for states to address safety issues at these crossings. In a
recent report, the Government Accountability Office found that
it was unclear whether that program remains effective in
continuing to reduce the risk of crashes or fatalities at grade
crossings. The Committee directs FHWA to conduct an evaluation
of this program in order to identify challenges that could
allow States to more strategically address problem areas. This
evaluation should include: a comprehensive assessment of
nationwide crash trends over multiple years in order to
determine why crashes are continuing and what types of projects
would be effective in eliminating those crashes; a re-
examination of eligibility requirements that limit the
flexibility of States to consider other types of projects,
including research into and demonstrations of new types of
pavement markings at grade crossings to improve driver
behavior, as well as technology that would enable crossing
infrastructure to communicate wirelessly with vehicles or
mobile devices; and recommendations of any needed statutory
changes to improve the program's effectiveness in reducing
crashes and fatalities. The Committee directs the Department to
produce a report summarizing the results of this evaluation
within 1 year of enactment of this act.
Engineer's Estimates.--The DOT IG recently identified
deficiencies in FHWA's oversight of and guidance for State
DOTs' development of engineer's estimates. FHWA's role is
essential for ensuring that State and local partners employ
competitive procurement practices to deter fraud, waste, and
abuse, as well as for deploying Federal funds effectively to
address critical infrastructure improvements. The Committee
directs FHWA to expeditiously complete the IG's
recommendations, including developing an action plan for
implementing the recommendations of the 2015 National Review of
State Cost Estimation Practice; updating FHWA's Guidelines on
Preparing Engineer's Estimate, Bid Reviews, and Evaluation;
developing or enhancing existing indicators or thresholds for
measuring the accuracy of engineer's estimates and evaluating
bids; and implementing an oversight process for ensuring that
States are following FHWA's guidance and thresholds. The
Committee directs FHWA to report on its progress in
implementing these recommendations within 90 days of enactment
of this act.
Overdue Rulemakings.--The Committee is concerned that FHWA
has not yet finalized certain rulemakings. The Committee
directs FHWA to expeditiously complete the following: a
rulemaking on National Bridge Inventory and Inspection
Standards, which was required by section 1111 of the Moving
Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act [MAP-21] (Public Law
112-141); and a rulemaking on Highway Worker Safety
Requirements, which was required by section 1405 of MAP-21 and
section 1427 of the FAST Act. The Committee directs the
Department to report to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations on its schedule and plan for promulgating these
regulations within 180 days of enactment of this act.
Infrastructure for Rebuilding America [INFRA] Grants.--The
Committee is aware of concerns raised in the GAO report on
Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the
Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies grants [GAO-18-
38], now known as INFRA grants, specifically related to the
documentation of decisions. The Committee encourages DOT to
notify unsuccessful applicants as recommended. The Committee is
also aware of GAO's current review of the INFRA program and
looks forward to reviewing that report and its recommendations.
Interstate Highway System [IHS] Withdrawal.--The Committee
is aware of State and local governments withdrawing from parts
of the IHS. In order to better understand the impacts of
withdrawal on safety and mobility, following significant
Federal investment, the Committee directs the National Academy
of Sciences' Transportation Research Board to conduct a study
on the impacts of withdrawing elements of the IHS, and to
submit the findings to the Committee within 1 year of enactment
of this act. This study shall include consequential effects on
safety, mobility, the movement of goods and services, national
defense, and the environment.

LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION

(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $46,007,596,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 47,104,092,000
Committee recommendation................................ 47,104,092,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Federal-aid highway program is funded through contract
authority paid out of the Highway Trust Fund. Most forms of
budget authority provide the authority to enter into
obligations and then to liquidate those obligations. Put
another way, it allows a Federal agency to commit to spending
money on specified activities and then to actually spend that
money. In contrast, contract authority provides only the
authority to enter into obligations, but not the authority to
liquidate those obligations. The authority to liquidate
obligations--to actually spend the money committed with
contract authority--must be provided separately. The authority
to liquidate obligations under the Federal-aid highway program
is provided under this heading. This liquidating authority
allows FHWA to follow through on commitments already allowed
under current law; it does not provide the authority to enter
into new commitments for Federal spending.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a liquidating cash appropriation
of $47,104,092,000. The recommended level is equal to the
budget request and $1,096,496,000 more than the fiscal year
2019 enacted level. This level of liquidating authority is
necessary to pay outstanding obligations from various highway
accounts pursuant to this and prior appropriations acts.

HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $3,250,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 300,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,700,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Committee provides funding for Highway Infrastructure
Programs to improve highway safety and efficiency for all
Americans through general fund investments in addition to
levels authorized in the FAST Act.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The FAST Act provides contract authority for programs
administered by FHWA and funded through the Highway Trust Fund.
The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$1,250,000,000 for certain programs funded by formula under the
FAST Act; $1,250,000,000 for a national risk-based formula
program which is directed to states with high rates of bridges
not in good condition; $100,000,000 for the Nationally
Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Program; and
$100,000,000 for the unfinished sections of the Appalachian
Development Highway System.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

Section 120 distributes obligation authority among Federal-
aid highway programs.
Section 121 continues a provision that credits funds
received by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to the
Federal-aid highways account.
Section 122 sets forth parameters for any waiver of Buy
America requirements.
Section 123 mandates congressional notification before the
Department provides credit assistance under the Transportation
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program.
Section 124 mandates 60-day notification for any grants for
a project under 23 U.S.C. 117 and requires these notifications
to be made within 180 days of enactment of this act.
Section 125 allows State DOTs to repurpose certain highway
project funding and for those funds to be used within 100 miles
of its original designation.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA] was
established within the Department of Transportation by the
Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act [MCSIA] (Public Law 106-
159) in December 1999. Prior to this legislation, motor carrier
safety responsibilities were under the jurisdiction of the
Federal Highway Administration.
MCSIA; the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users; the Moving Ahead
for Progress in the 21st Century Act; and the Fixing America's
Surface Transportation Act each provide funding authorization
for FMCSA's Motor Carrier Safety Operations and Programs and
Motor Carrier Safety Grants.
FMCSA's mission is to promote safe commercial motor vehicle
and motor coach operations, as well as reduce the number and
severity of accidents involving those vehicles. Agency
resources and activities prevent and mitigate commercial motor
vehicle and motor coach accidents through education,
regulation, enforcement, stakeholder training, technological
innovation, and improved information systems. FMCSA is also
responsible for ensuring that all commercial vehicles entering
the United States along its southern and northern borders
comply with all Federal motor carrier safety and hazardous
materials regulations. To accomplish these activities, FMCSA
works with Federal, State, and local enforcement agencies, the
motor carrier industry, highway safety organizations, and the
public.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a total level of $679,135,561 for
obligations and liquidations from the Highway Trust Fund. This
level is $3,335,561 more than the budget request and
$12,335,561 more than the fiscal year 2019 enacted level.

MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY OPERATIONS AND PROGRAMS

(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

Limitation, 2019........................................ $284,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 288,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 288,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This account provides necessary resources to support motor
carrier safety program activities and to maintain the agency's
administrative infrastructure. This funding supports nationwide
motor carrier safety and consumer enforcement efforts,
including Federal safety enforcement activities at the United
States-Mexico border in order to ensure that Mexican carriers
entering the United States are in compliance with FMCSA
regulations. Resources are also provided to fund motor carrier
regulatory development and implementation, information
management, research and technology, safety education and
outreach, and the 24-hour safety and consumer telephone
hotline.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a limitation on obligations and
authority to liquidate an equal amount of contract
authorization of $288,000,000 for FMCSA's Operations and
Programs. The recommendation is $4,000,000 more than the fiscal
year 2019 enacted level and equal to the budget request. Of the
total limitation on obligations, $9,073,000 is for research and
technology, and $35,334,000 is for information management.
Protecting Workforce Safety and Taxpayer Investments at
FMCSA Checkpoints.--Six million trucks moved across our
Nation's southern border in 2017, hauling $384,700,000 in
merchandise, employing nearly 27,000 individuals, and
generating $3,810,000,000 billion in U.S. trucking revenue.
FMCSA performs inspections of commercial motor vehicles
entering the United States that complement the border security
activities performed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection
[CBP]. The Committee believes that FMCSA and CBP should work in
coordination to ensure they are both able to achieve their
shared goal of increasing domestic safety.
In order to ensure this ongoing cooperation, the Committee
directs the Department to coordinate efforts with the Office of
Management and Budget, the U.S. General Services
Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security,
including CBP, regarding the opening and closing of ports of
entry [POE] that affect commercial motor vehicle traffic,
including providing sufficient time to plan for operational and
staffing changes. The Committee strongly encourages DOT to
share relevant information with these entities, when
appropriate, and to consider economic impacts to United States
commerce, safety goals, and input from stakeholders
transporting commercial goods when weighing operational changes
to POEs.
Furthermore, in fiscal year 2018, the Committee provided
$87,000,000 to construct and modernize up to 26 FMCSA
inspection facilities for commercial motor vehicles entering
the United States, ensuring that inspectors will have a safe,
efficient workspace by replacing trailers with permanent
modular buildings and providing canopy coverage and pits for
ongoing inspections. The Committee recognizes that Federal
agencies must often react to dynamic situational changes.
However, the prudent use of these resources is critical to
ensuring the safety and security of the Federal workforce that
for far too long has been subject to workplace conditions that
compromise inspectors' personal wellbeing. The Committee
directs FMCSA and other interested parties, including CBP, to
coordinate and establish a clear long-term plan for the
construction and modernization of FMCSA's inspection facilities
and to consider this plan when POEs are under consideration for
closure. The Committee directs the Department to produce a
report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations
within 270 days of enactment of this act summarizing its
efforts pursuant to these directives and updating the
activities of the border facilities capital improvement
program, including any changes to cost, scope, or schedule, as
well as any other challenges faced and relevant safety
inspection data, until such facilities are constructed.
Automated Vehicles and Workforce Development.--For several
years, the Committee has raised concerns regarding the
potential effects on drivers as automated vehicle [AV]
technologies enter the market, and has repeatedly directed the
Department to coordinate with the Department of Labor to
prepare for the impact of this transition on truck drivers.
However, the Committee is concerned the Department is not
handling this matter with the attention it deserves. In fiscal
year 2018, the Committee directed the Department to produce a
joint report with the Department of Labor analyzing the impact
of automated vehicle technologies on drivers and operators of
commercial motor vehicles. This report is now overdue. This
document will be essential to setting forth a vision for a
government-wide initiative to proactively prepare our workforce
to transition to new professions that offer upward mobility.
The Department shall complete and submit this report to the
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 30 days of
enactment of this act.
GAO found that the Department lacked commitment and vision
for addressing the ongoing and long-term ramifications of fleet
incorporation of automated vehicle technologies beyond the
completion of Congressionally-mandated directives. GAO
recommended that the Department continue to convene key groups
of stakeholders and to consult with the Department of Labor to
gather information and further analyze the effects of AV
technologies on drivers in order to inform potential workforce-
related regulatory changes.
Ongoing dialogue between stakeholders and the Departments
of Transportation and Labor will be essential to understanding
how these technologies will impact the commercial
transportation labor market. As part of those ongoing efforts,
the Department shall focus on the following policy areas.
First, the Department should work to foster a data-based
understanding of the potential changes to this workforce and
what impacts these changes could have on FMCSA's safety
mission. The Department should continue to work with the
Department of Labor to improve data collection across various
segments of the trucking industry, which will allow for better
identification of shifts in demand, workforce needs, and
impacts on trucking safety. Further, the Department should
better understand the scope of labor force training needs. The
Department should continue to work with the Department of Labor
to determine if effective state and/or Federal labor market
programs already exist and whether those programs will be able
to meet training needs. Following the publication of its joint
report with the Department of Labor, the Committee directs the
Department to report annually in the budget request anticipated
programmatic changes based on advances in AV technologies on
the driving workforce and noting the relevance of those actions
to the policy areas identified above. The Committee further
encourages FMCSA to examine new ways of expanding the driving
workforce, given the driver shortage and adaptations in
technology and enhanced safety features, as AV technology
progresses.
Information Technology Capital Investment Plan.--In fiscal
year 2018, the Committee directed the Department to submit a
Capital Investment Plan, which addresses key milestones,
investment decisions, and operational and lifecycle costs, as
well as anticipated costs, cost overruns, and cost savings, for
IT investments that will meet FMCSA's needs. This report is now
over a year past due. The Committee directs the Department to
submit this plan within 30 days of enactment of this act, and
50 percent of the allotment of funding for the Office of Chief
Information Officer shall be held by the Secretary until the
Administrator submits a plan to the House and Senate Committees
on Appropriations that meets the requirements set forth in
fiscal year 2018.
Research Spend Plan.--In fiscal year 2018, the Committee
directed the Department to submit a research spend plan prior
to obligating the $38,000,000 provided during that fiscal year
for direct research on autonomous vehicles and advanced driver
assist systems. This plan was required to identify research
topics and goals, estimated costs per topic, estimated time of
completion for each goal, the lead modal administration for
each topic, and roles and responsibilities of any supporting
modal administrations. The Committee is disappointed in the
delays in obligating this funding and directs the Department to
complete this report within 60 days of enactment of this act.
High-Risk Carriers.--In January 2016, FMCSA revised its
scoring and standards for the inspection of high-risk carriers
in response to a July 2014 Independent Review Team assessment
and section 5305 of the FAST Act. Under revised FMCSA
regulations, carriers identified as high risk must have a
compliance review conducted within 90 days. The Committee is
encouraged that the agency was able to achieve a 95.8 percent
high-risk carrier inspection rate in fiscal year 2017, as
compared to 87 percent in fiscal year 2016. The Committee
continues to direct the agency to provide the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations with an updated report on its
ability to meet its requirements to evaluate high-risk carriers
by April 15, 2021, for the preceding fiscal year for which
inspection data is available.
Additionally, in June 2018, FMCSA produced a corrective
action plan to address the recommendations contained in a
National Academies' review of the Compliance, Safety,
Accountability program and the Safety Measurement System [SMS].
SMS is the scoring and standards system through which FMCSA
currently identifies patterns of non-compliance and prioritizes
certain motor carriers for high-risk interventions. The
Committee is aware that FMCSA has begun testing to expand upon
the value of data. The Committee encourages FMCSA to continue
testing and analyzing statistical models by which the
Department's data collection can be further improved.
Detention.--The DOT IG recently found that accurate
industry-wide data on driver detention times is not currently
available and that FMCSA intends to neither perform detailed
analysis of reliable or representative data, nor verify the
voluntary data provided by motor carriers through FMCSA's
website. The OIG's report asserts a 15-minute increase in
detention time raises the average expected crash rate by 6.2
percent. The Committee is aware that FMCSA recently requested
comment from stakeholders to better determine existing or
potential sources of data to better understand driver detention
times, and the potential impact of such delays on roadway
safety. The Committee directs FMCSA to thoroughly review
stakeholder input to update its current methodology, which does
not accurately describe how the diverse trucking industry
experiences detention, in order to collect and analyze
reliable, accurate, and representative data on the frequency
and severity of driver detention times.
Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol
Clearinghouse.--The Committee is aware that historically,
recording and tracking license suspensions has been inhibited
due to inconsistencies in State laws. The Committee encourages
FMCSA's efforts in developing the Drug and Alcohol
Clearinghouse, which will ensure that drug and alcohol
violations are compiled and accessible to FMCSA and
stakeholders, as mandated by Public Law 112-141.
Large Truck Crash Causation Study.--The Motor Carrier
Safety Improvement Act of 1999 mandated a study to determine
the cause of, and contributing factors to, crashes involving
commercial motor vehicles. The Committee is aware that the last
thorough review produced by the Department to determine areas
needing updates related to the existing data was produced in
2006, and that many advancements in vehicle and roadway safety
have been developed since. In an effort to ensure the
Department formulates policies based on the best available
safety statistics and vehicle collision information, the
Committee directs FMCSA to include a research proposal in its
fiscal year 2021 budget request. This proposal should include
the sample size of truck crashes FMCSA would review in a new
Crash Causation Study, detail the ways in which updated data
will assist the Department in designing and implementing
effective policies to ensure roadway safety, as well as the
estimated costs to carry out such a study.

MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY GRANTS

(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

Limitation, 2019........................................ $382,800,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 387,800,000
Committee recommendation................................ 391,135,561

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This account provides resources for Federal grants to
support compliance, enforcement, and other programs performed
by States. Grants are also provided to States for enforcement
efforts at both the southern and northern borders in order to
ensure that all points of entry into the United States are
fortified with comprehensive safety measures; improvement of
State commercial driver's license [CDL] oversight activities to
prevent unqualified drivers from being issued CDLs; and the
Performance Registration Information Systems and Management
[PRISM] program, which links State motor vehicle registration
systems with carrier safety data in order to identify unsafe
commercial motor carriers.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a limitation on obligations and
authority to liquidate an equal amount of contract
authorization of $391,135,561 for motor carrier safety grants.
The recommended limitation is $8,335,561, more than the fiscal
year 2019 enacted level and $3,335,561 more than the budget
request. The Committee recommends a separate limitation on
obligations for each grant program funded under this account
with the funding allocation identified below.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Motor carrier safety assistance program [MCSAP]... $308,700,000
High priority activities program.................. 45,900,000
Commercial motor vehicle operator grants program.. 3,335,561
Commercial driver's license program implementation 33,200,000
program..........................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION--FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

Section 130 requires FMCSA to send notice of 49 CFR 385.308
violations by certified mail, registered mail, or some other
manner of delivery that records receipt of the notice by the
persons responsible for such violations.
Section 131 prohibits funds from being used to enforce the
electronic logging device rule with respect to carriers
transporting livestock or insects.
Section 132 requires rear underride guards on commercial
motor vehicles to be inspected annually.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA]
was established as a separate organizational entity within the
Department of Transportation in March 1970 in order to
administer motor vehicle and highway safety programs. It was
the successor agency to the National Highway Safety Bureau,
which was housed within the Federal Highway Administration.
NHTSA is responsible for administering motor vehicle safety,
highway safety behavioral, motor vehicle information, and
automobile fuel economy programs.
NHTSA's mission is to reduce deaths, injuries, and economic
losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. To accomplish
these goals, NHTSA establishes and enforces safety performance
standards for motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment,
investigates safety defects in motor vehicles, and conducts
research on driver behavior and traffic safety. NHTSA provides
grants and technical assistance to State and local governments
to enable them to conduct effective local highway safety
programs. Together with State and local partners, NHTSA works
to reduce the threat of drunk, impaired, and distracted
driving, and to promote policies and devices with demonstrated
safety benefits, including helmets, child safety seats,
airbags, and graduated license. NHTSA establishes and ensures
compliance with fuel economy standards, investigates odometer
fraud, establishes and enforces vehicle anti-theft regulations,
and provides consumer information on a variety of motor vehicle
safety topics.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $972,317,000, including both
budget authority and limitations on the obligation of contract
authority. This funding is $43,000,000 more than the
President's request and $6,009,000 more than the fiscal year
2019 enacted level. The following table summarizes the
Committee's recommendations:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Highway trust
General fund fund Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation 2019........................................ $204,000,000 $762,308,000 $966,308,000
Budget estimate, 2020..................................... 151,000,000 778,317,000 929,317,000
Committee recommendation.................................. 194,000,000 778,317,000 972,317,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

These programs support traffic safety programs and related
research, demonstrations, technical assistance, and national
leadership for highway safety programs conducted by State and
local governments, the private sector, universities, research
units, and various safety associations and organizations. These
highway safety programs emphasize alcohol and drug
countermeasures, vehicle occupant protection, traffic law
enforcement, emergency medical and trauma care systems, traffic
records and licensing, State and community traffic safety
evaluations, protection of motorcycle riders, pedestrian and
bicyclist safety, pupil transportation, distracted driving
prevention, young and older driver safety, and improved
accident investigation procedures.

OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Highway trust
General fund fund Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2019........................... $190,000,000 $152,100,000 $342,100,000
Budget estimate, 2020..................................... 151,000,000 155,300,000 306,300,000
Committee recommendation.................................. 194,000,000 155,300,000 349,300,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee provides $349,300,000 for Operations and
Research, which is $43,000,000 more than the President's budget
request and $7,200,000 more than the fiscal year 2019 enacted
level. Of the total amount recommended for Operations and
Research, $194,000,000 is derived from the general fund, and
$155,300,000 is derived from the Highway Trust Fund. For
vehicle safety research, the Committee recommendation includes
$21,486,000 for rulemakings, of which $2,041,000 is for safety
standards support and $12,000,000 is for the new car assessment
program, $25,000,000 for enforcement, including not less than
$14,000,000 for the Office of Defects Investigation, and
$32,805,000 for research and analysis. For highway safety
research and development, the Committee recommendation includes
$63,121,000 for highway safety programs and $42,983,000 for the
National Center for Statistics and Analysis.
The Committee supports the Department's proposed
reorganization of research activities relating to driver
behavior. This research will be critical for improving the
safety of our roads and includes the study of human-machine
interfaces, drivers' reactions to advanced driver assistance
systems, and behavioral response rates to vehicle recalls. The
Highway Safety Research and Development account conducts the
agency's research related to driver behavior; therefore, it is
appropriate that these matters also be conducted within that
account. In an effort to supplement funding for highway safety
research and development, the Committee provides $6,000,000 for
these activities from the general fund, including $2,000,000
for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, $2,000,000 for
Automated Driving Systems, and $2,000,000 for the Recall
Management program, which is administered by the Office of
Defects Investigation.
Additionally, the Committee provides the following general
funds for other activities: $4,000,000 for grants, pilot
program activities, and innovative solutions to reduce impaired
driving fatalities; and $5,000,000 for grants, pilot program
activities, and innovative solutions to evaluate driver
behavior with technologies that could protect law enforcement,
first responders, roadside crews, and others while on the job,
including close range digital alerting and movable barrier
systems. The recommendation also includes $499,000 from the
general fund to complement in-vehicle alcohol detection device
research.
Highway Fatalities.--An estimated 36,760 people died in
motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2018, a decrease of 1 percent
as compared to the 37,133 deaths that occurred in 2017. The
Committee is pleased that the overall number of highway-related
deaths has decreased at a time when vehicle miles traveled
increased by 12 billion miles. However, it remains concerned
that, on average, more than 100 highway fatalities occurred in
our Nation every day last year. The Committee believes that
substantial gains toward a goal of zero highway deaths can be
realized in the coming years through a combination of
technology and a renewed emphasis on drunk, drug-impaired, and
distracted driving prevention, increased seat belt and child
safety seat use, as well as innovative tools to improve
motorcyclist, bicyclist, and pedestrian safety. The Committee
encourages the Department to remain engaged with Road to Zero,
which is committed to a goal of zero roadway fatalities by
2050. The Committee urges NHTSA to continue programs that will
consistently reduce highway fatalities, including conquering
persistent problems with speeding, seat belt use, distraction,
and alcohol- and drug-impaired driving.
Crashworthiness Research.--Vehicle manufacturers are
increasingly relying on innovative lightweight plastic and
polymer composite materials in order to improve automotive
structural safety, meet consumer demand for innovative
vehicles, increase fuel efficiency, and support new highly-
skilled manufacturing jobs. NHTSA is directed to update
countermeasures for frontal, side, rollover, front seatbacks,
and lower interior impacts for children and small adults, as
well as pedestrian crashworthiness projects, with an emphasis
on vehicle light-weighting in both traditional and automated
vehicle structural designs. NHTSA should leverage lessons
learned from lightweight materials research performed by the
Department, the Department of Energy, and industry stakeholders
in its review of safety-centered approaches for future
lightweight automotive design.
Research on the Accessibility of Automated Vehicles.--
Nearly one in five people in the United States have a
disability and face personal challenges regarding access to
healthcare, education, housing, or employment. These
difficulties are often compounded by a lack of accessible
transportation in their communities. As automated driving
systems are increasingly incorporated into both personal and
commercial vehicles, manufacturers could consider significant
changes to vehicle design. This presents a unique opportunity
to reconsider both restraint systems and human-machine
interfaces to improve the accessibility of vehicles for people
with disabilities, as well as for the elderly. Whether people
with disabilities or other physically-limiting driving
restrictions can benefit from this transportation will depend
on how early and to what extent vehicle manufacturers take
accessibility into consideration in the design process of their
vehicles. The Committee directs NHTSA to develop goals and
considerations for future amendments to the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards related to the accessibility of
vehicles incorporating automated driving systems. These goals
and considerations should ensure that the needs of people with
communicative, physical, cognitive, mental, and other
disabilities are properly and thoroughly considered. The
Committee directs NHTSA to coordinate this research with the
Access Board and other relevant stakeholders, and to provide a
report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations
within 1 year of enactment of this act summarizing efforts
pursuant to these directives.
Move Over Laws.--Roadway infrastructure does not always
offer necessary public safety and work-zone protections and, at
times, can create hazardous conditions for road crews and
public safety officials both in and out of vehicles. The scope
and magnitude of this problem is not always clear, however, due
to a lack of concise reporting and common data standards
regarding accidents affecting public safety, fire, police,
emergency medical service [EMS], utility, towing, construction,
and roadside maintenance crews. The Committee directs the
Department to report to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations within 1 year of enactment of this act on deaths
and motor vehicle accidents involving these personnel while on
duty in order to better understand the extent of the problem,
under what conditions these events are occurring, gaps in
available data and reporting, and potential solutions.
Additionally, up-to-date information about dynamic
conditions on roads can help drivers navigate more safely and
efficiently. It is essential that technologies and physical
protections, such as close range digital alerting and movable
barrier systems, be incorporated in order to ensure that public
safety, fire, police, EMS, utility, towing, construction, and
roadside maintenance crews are safe while performing their
duties. The Committee provides $5,000,000 for grants, pilot
program activities, and innovative solutions to evaluate driver
behavior with technologies and moveable barriers that protect
law enforcement, first responders, roadside crews, and others
while on the job. A portion of this funding should be used for
field testing of these technologies. Upon completion of these
studies, the Department shall provide a report to the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations summarizing its results.
Recall Management.--Recalls of vehicles and related
equipment have surpassed previously recorded levels in recent
years. NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigations reviews
potential defects, and, when appropriate, seeks recalls of
vehicles or vehicle equipment that pose an unreasonable risk to
safety. The DOT OIG released a report in July 2018 finding that
NHTSA's process for monitoring recalls did not ensure remedies
are reported completely and in a timely manner to consumers and
that the agency did not verify recall completion rates reported
by manufacturers. The Committee is pleased that NHTSA has taken
steps to implement the OIG's recommendations, and directs NHTSA
to submit a report summarizing NHTSA's efforts to improve its
system for recall monitoring and oversight to the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations within 180 days of
enactment of this act.
Furthermore, completion of safety recalls by vehicle and
equipment owners is voluntary, and understanding what
influences the public to complete those recalls is critical.
The Committee directs the Department to conduct research into
what data is needed and what analytical tools, such as
predictive modeling, may need to be developed to increase
recall response and completion rates. The Committee believes
this research can enhance NHTSA's existing oversight of recall
completion rates and allow the agency to better assess what
factors are responsible for a particular recall's completion.
The Department shall report to the House and Senate Committees
on Appropriations on means to improve recall completion rates
within 1 year of enactment of this act, and this research
should include consultation with stakeholders, including
vehicle and equipment manufacturers.
Drug-Impaired Driving.--The use of marijuana before or
while driving is a critical public safety issue. The Committee
recognizes the importance of impaired driving countermeasures
at the community level in protecting public safety and
encourages NHTSA to expand its efforts with law enforcement to
increase awareness and use of Drug Recognition Expert and
Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement training. The
Committee is encouraged by NHTSA's announcement of a Drugged
Driving Initiative to combat this problem and directs NHTSA to
provide the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations with
an annual update of its ongoing research to address the gaps
that exist in what is known about drug-impaired driving. This
update shall also discuss ongoing and future efforts to engage
key stakeholders in identifying steps to improve safety and
reduce fatalities.
Drunk Driving Prevention.--The Committee continues to be
concerned about the rate of drunk driving fatalities on our
highways. In 2017, alcohol-impaired driving was the leading
cause of highway fatalities, playing a role in 10,874 out of
37,133 deaths. The Committee continues to provide substantial
support for the ``Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over'' high
visibility enforcement campaigns and encourages the Department
to further engage with law enforcement and other stakeholders
to make these campaigns more pervasive and effective.
To further address this problem, NHTSA has partnered with
leading automobile manufacturers in the Automotive Coalition
for Traffic Safety to develop in-vehicle technology to prevent
alcohol-impaired driving. The Committee continues to strongly
support this promising research partnership, which has the
potential to prevent thousands of drunk-driving deaths
annually. The Committee recommendation includes $5,447,000 for
the continuation of this research in fiscal year 2020. These
additional general funds will ensure that there is stable
funding during the final year of the FAST Act (Public Law 114-
94) for the continued development of the Driver Alcohol
Detection System for Safety [DADSS] technology.
The Committee also provides $4,000,000 for grants, pilot
program activities, and innovative solutions to reduce impaired
driving fatalities, a portion of which shall be used for field
testing of the DADSS technology in different climates and sites
that would be scientifically informative for accelerating the
commercial availability of this technology. This funding is in
addition to the previously discussed contract authority and
general funds.
The Committee is pleased that the research and development
of the DADSS technology is progressing and that the first
derivative of the breath-based technology could be released for
licensing for use in business fleet applications by the end of
2020. However, the last official report made available to the
Committee summarizing the activities of the program is from
fiscal year 2016. The Committee directs NHTSA and the
Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety to submit to the House
and Senate Committees on Appropriations a report describing the
progress made by the DADSS program in fiscal year 2017 and each
year thereafter. This report should discuss the progress made
in research and a general accounting of the Federal funds
obligated or expended since fiscal year 2016 in carrying out
the effort.
Finally, the Committee directs the Department to ensure the
testability of the DADSS technology for the purposes of future
incorporation into the New Car Assessment Program. The
Committee directs NHTSA to work with vehicle manufacturers and
developers of the DADSS technology to begin considering whether
and what kind of standardized testing could be conducted on
this technology upon its commercial availability in new
vehicles as standard or optional equipment.
Tire Efficiency.--Section 24331 of the FAST Act includes
three tire-related provisions, which make up the ``Tire
Efficiency, Safety, and Registration Act of 2015.'' The
implementation of the regulations contained in these provisions
will contribute significantly to consumer safety, vehicle fuel
economy, and the competitiveness of the U.S. tire manufacturing
industry, and deserves the Department's timely attention and
resources. The Committee encourages the Secretary to implement
these regulations promptly and directs the Department to submit
a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations
within 120 days of enactment of this act on the Department's
schedule and plan for promulgating these regulations.
Underride Safety.--An underride crash occurs when a vehicle
slides under the body of a commercial motor vehicle during an
accident. During these accidents, a vehicle's safety features
are generally unable to protect passengers because components
of the commercial motor vehicle crash through the windshield
and into the passengers, often resulting in severe head and
neck injuries. Federal regulations have required that the rear
end of trailers have a guard meeting specific crashworthiness
standards since 1998. NHTSA initiated a rulemaking to improve
truck underride safety and strengthen those rear guard
standards in December 2015. The Committee strongly encourages
NHTSA to finalize this rulemaking within 1 year of enactment of
this act and to consult with relevant experts and stakeholders,
including researchers, engineers, the trucking industry, and
safety advocates, to facilitate the further adoption of
underride protection devices. The Committee supports the
recommendations contained in the GAO report from March 2019,
which directed NHTSA to develop a standardized definition of
underride crashes and data, and to share information with
police departments in order to improve the quality and
completeness of underride crash data collection. The Committee
directs the Department to implement those recommendations.
Odometer Disclosure Requirements.--Section 31205 of the
Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (Public Law
112-141) required NHTSA to adopt standards for electronic
odometer disclosure statements. The Committee notes that NHTSA
issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Odometer Disclosure
Requirements in 2016, but has yet to promulgate a final rule.
The Committee is aware that electronic titling capability
promises immense efficiencies for States and those industries
that process motor vehicle titles. However, the delay in
promulgating this rule is discouraging States from moving
forward with electronic titling initiatives as they fear that
they may ultimately fall short of the requirements set forth in
the final rule. The Committee therefore directs NHTSA to
finalize this rulemaking no later than 90 days after enactment
of this act.
Modern Safety Systems in New Car Assessments.--Crash
avoidance technologies, including forward collision warning,
automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection, rear
automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure
warning, and pedestrian detection, have been shown to reduce
roadway injuries and fatalities. Section 24321 of the FAST Act
required NHTSA to incorporate information on crash avoidance
technologies into the safety rating system listed on the
stickers placed on motor vehicles by their manufacturers, also
known as Monroney labels by December 2, 2016.
The Committee believes that educating our Nation's
consumers about new technologies at the point of sale will
likely cause the rapid deployment of crash avoidance systems in
vehicles. The Committee understands that NHTSA is now in the
second phase of field operational testing to account for major
technological improvements and to examine real-world
performance of current generation systems that offer improved
detection, greater precision, and new features. The Committee
directs that, once testing results have been verified, the
Department shall report to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriation within 30 days on its plan and timeline to
complete this rulemaking.
In furtherance of these consumer awareness goals, the
Committee also encourages NHTSA to include ratings on vehicle
designs and systems related to pedestrian and bicyclist safety
and injury criteria specific to older occupants when updating
the New Car Assessment Program.
Automated Vehicle Testing in Rural and Geographically
Challenging Areas.--Any widespread deployment of automated
vehicles will face challenges from the unique geographic and
meteorological difficulties posed by some rural areas. The
Committee urges the Department to consider these challenges as
it develops and completes its spend plan for research on
automated vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems, as
directed by the Committee in fiscal year 2018.
Seat Belts.--The national seat belt use rate is now at 90
percent, an approximately 75 percent increase over the last 35
years. The adoption of strong State seat belt use laws and the
incorporation of high visibility enforcement programs, such as
Click It or Ticket, have been instrumental in bringing about
this major cultural shift. In 2016 alone, more than 14,000
lives were saved as a result of seatbelt usage. However, some
States still lag in their belt use rates. An estimated 50
percent of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities are unbelted,
and millions are not using the most effective safety equipment
in their vehicles. A technology solution, such as enhanced belt
use reminders, might be useful to reach the goal of universal
belt use. The Committee urges NHTSA to continue its research on
potential types of technology enhancements to increase seat
belt use.
Child Hyperthermia Prevention.--In 2018, 51 children died
from hyperthermia as a result of being left alone in hot motor
vehicles, the most on record. The Committee continues to
recognize these safety concerns and has favorably cited the
awareness programs conducted by NHTSA. The Committee directs
NHTSA to continue and expand upon its public education and
outreach efforts on child hyperthermia prevention, specifically
seeking to raise awareness of parents and caregivers. These
efforts should include public messaging and involvement from a
broad group of organizations, government agencies, medical
professionals, and others who regularly interact with parents
and the public.
The Committee also directs NHTSA to provide an update on
previously-mandated hyperthermia studies and outreach efforts,
including findings on effectiveness, as well as statistics and
trends on injuries and deaths associated with hyperthermia. The
Committee directs NHTSA to continue to work to identify
potential areas of research related to technological
advancements in unattended child reminder warning technology
and to counteract deaths of children from hyperthermia.
Speed Limiters.--On August 26, 2016, NHTSA and FMCSA issued
a joint proposed rule requiring speed limiter devices on heavy
vehicles. The Committee continues to direct the agencies to
fully and expeditiously address all public comments from this
proposed rule. The Committee directs the Department to report
to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on its
schedule and plan for promulgating this regulation within 180
days of enactment of this act.

HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS

(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

Limitation, 2019........................................ $610,208,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 623,017,000
Committee recommendation................................ 623,017,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The most recent surface transportation authorization, the
FAST Act, re-authorizes the section 402 State and community
formula grants, the high visibility enforcement grants, and the
consolidated National Priority Safety Program, which consists
of occupant protection grants, State traffic safety information
grants, impaired driving countermeasures grants, distracted
driving grants, motorcycle safety grants, State graduated
driver license grants, and non-motorized safety grants.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a limitation on obligations of
$623,017,000 and authority to liquidate an equal amount of
contract authorization for the highway traffic safety grant
programs funded under this heading. The recommended limitation
is equal to the budget estimate and $12,809,000 above the
fiscal year 2019 enacted level.
The Committee continues to prohibit the use of section 402
funds for construction, rehabilitation, or remodeling costs, or
for office furnishings and fixtures for State, local, or
private buildings or structures.
The authorized funding for administrative expenses and for
each grant program is as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Highway Safety Programs (section 402)............. $279,800,000
National Priority Safety Programs (section 405)... 285,900,000
High Visibility Enforcement Program............... 30,500,000
Administrative Expenses........................... 26,817,000
---------------------
Total....................................... 623,017,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY
ADMINISTRATION

Section 140 makes available $130,000 of obligation
authority for 23 U.S.C. 402 to pay for travel and expenses for
State management reviews and highway safety staff core
competency development training.
Section 141 exempts obligation authority, which was made
available in previous public laws, from limitations on
obligations for the current year.

Federal Railroad Administration

The Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] became an
operating administration within the Department of
Transportation on April 1, 1967. It incorporated the Bureau of
Railroad Safety from the Interstate Commerce Commission, the
Office of High Speed Ground Transportation from the Department
of Commerce, and the Alaska Railroad from the Department of the
Interior. FRA is responsible for planning, developing, and
administering programs to achieve safe operating and mechanical
practices in the railroad industry. Grants to the National
Railroad Passenger Corporation [Amtrak] and other financial
assistance programs to rehabilitate and improve the railroad
industry's physical infrastructure are also administered by the
Federal Railroad Administration.

SAFETY AND OPERATIONS

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $221,698,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 213,134,000
Committee recommendation................................ 221,698,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Safety and Operations account provides support for FRA
rail safety activities and all other administrative and
operating activities related to staff and programs.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recognizes the importance of taking a
holistic approach to improving railroad safety and supports a
comprehensive strategy of data-driven regulatory and inspection
efforts, proactive approaches to identify and mitigate risks,
and strategic capital investments in order to improve safety.
The Committee recommends $221,698,000 for Safety and Operations
for fiscal year 2020, which is $8,564,000 more than the budget
request and equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. The
bill provides sufficient funding for all authorized safety
inspectors and to administer all FRA programs.
Automated Track Inspection Program [ATIP].--ATIP provides
track geometry information, as well as other track-related
performance data, to assess compliance with FRA Track Safety
Standards. The data collected by ATIP is used by FRA inspectors
and railroads to ensure proper track maintenance and to assess
track safety trends within the industry. The Committee
recommendation includes up to $16,500,000 for ATIP and urges
FRA to continue to expand the use of ATIP vehicles to support
the inspection of routes transporting passengers and hazardous
materials like crude oil and energy products. FRA should also
encourage the freight industry to increase the use of ATIP and
other similar technologies that increase the amount of track
inspected annually.
Positive Train Control [PTC].--As of December 31, 2018,
four railroads self-reported that they fully implemented an
FRA-certified interoperable PTC system on all required route
miles, and 37 railroads demonstrated that they met the six
statutory criteria necessary to qualify for an alternative
schedule. The Committee commends the Department for meeting the
Congressional mandate, which occurred during a lapse in
appropriations for FRA. As of June 30, 2019, 50,300 of the
58,000 route miles required to implement PTC had done so, but
only 50 of the 232 host-tenant PTC relationships were fully
interoperable. The Committee expects the Department to continue
its work to ensure that all railroads are able to fully
implement PTC and achieve interoperability by the December 31,
2020 deadline.
Loss of Shunt Report.--In August 2014, the FRA prepared a
draft, final report entitled ``Track Circuit Loss of Shunt
Prevention,'' which analyzed temporary lack of electrical
continuity incidents between the rails and wheels of a train.
Given the national priority for railroad safety, and the risks
associated with these rare, but potentially dangerous loss of
shunt events, it is imperative that this FRA report be made
available to Congress and the general public in the interest of
transparency. Therefore, the Committee directs the FRA to
transmit the Track Circuit Loss of Shunt Prevention report to
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, as well as
post the report on the FRA's public website, within 30 days of
enactment of this act.

RAILROAD RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $40,600,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 19,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 40,600,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Railroad Research and Development program provides
science and technology support for FRA's rail safety rulemaking
and enforcement efforts. It also supports technological
advances in conventional and high-speed railroads, as well as
evaluations of the role of railroads in the Nation's
transportation system.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $40,600,000
for railroad Research and Development, which is $21,600,000
more than the budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2019
enacted level.
Short Line Safety Institute [SLSI].--Short line railroads
operate approximately 50,000 miles of track, which is one-third
of the national railroad network, and are an important feeder
system for the larger Class I railroads. There are 550 short
line railroads operating in the United States, many with
limited personnel and financial capital to conduct hazardous
materials safety training and other operational safety
assessments. The Committee continues to support FRA's efforts,
in partnership with short line and regional railroads, to build
a stronger, more sustainable safety culture in this segment of
the rail industry. To date, 71 Class III railroads, including
6,760 railroaders, have received safety culture assessments.
The Committee's recommendation includes $2,500,000 to fund the
SLSI and its mission, including continued efforts to improve
the safe transportation of crude oil, other hazardous
materials, freight, and passenger rail. While the Committee
supports the use of Federal funds for this purpose, SLSI should
consider assessing a user fee or other sustainable funding
mechanisms to increase its capacity.
Research Partnerships with Universities.--The Committee's
recommendation includes up to $5,000,000 for partnerships with
qualified universities on research related to improving the
safety, capacity, and efficiency of the Nation's rail
infrastructure, including $1,000,000 for research on
intelligent railroad systems. This includes basic and applied
research related to rolling stock, operational reliability,
infrastructure, inspection technology, maintenance, energy
efficiency, the development of rail safety technologies, such
as positive train control, grade crossing safety improvements,
and derailment prevention, particularly for trains carrying
passengers and hazardous materials. Research conducted in
conjunction with FRA at universities should also be structured
to facilitate the education and training of the next generation
of professionals in rail engineering and transportation.
Natural Gas Research.--The Committee supports funding for
high-horsepower natural gas engine research, development and
deployment opportunities in rail applications. The Committee
directs the Department to undertake comprehensive research
efforts, with stakeholder input, to examine the operational and
emission impacts of converting rail operations to natural gas.
The research should consider the emissions benefits when
converting freight-switchers and short-line railroad operations
to natural gas, as well as the possible impacts of natural gas-
powered railroad operations in non-attainment areas. The
Department should consider stakeholder input and previous
research activities underway or previously conducted by the
railroad industry.
Blocked Crossings.--The Committee recognizes that blocked
grade crossings are an increasing problem in communities across
the country and that more data is required to track and prevent
blocked crossings. Currently, FRA collects data through formal
complaints received via correspondence and by information
voluntarily submitted by some States and uses geospatial
mapping tools to analyze the State-reported data. FRA
regulations (49 CFR Part 225) also require railroads to report
collisions between a human or object and a train at a highway
rail-grade crossing to FRA on a specified accident reporting
form (i.e., a FRA F 6180.57--Highway-Rail Grade Crossing
Accident/Incident Report) within 30 days of the month during
which the accident or incident occurred. While this data is
collected continuously by FRA as reports are received from
railroads and is available for public viewing on FRA's website,
FRA lacks a mechanism for the general public to report blocked
highway rail-grade crossings in an effort to prevent train
delays, collisions, property damage, injury or loss of life.
The Committee directs the FRA to establish a website and
corresponding database that will allow the agency to collect
and track blocked crossings in order to identify the locations
of frequent and long duration blocked crossings, and serve as a
basis for outreach to the communities and railroads, and
support collaboration to prevent an incident from occurring.
PTC Cybersecurity.--The Committee urges FRA to prioritize
funding to establish enhanced cybersecurity methods, standards,
and best practices, especially as it relates to the
implementation of PTC technology and future versions of this
technology. The FRA should work with industry to identify
current vulnerabilities and prepare for threats that could
arise from future updates and the migration to future designs.
Safety Technologies.--The Committee recognizes that
continued investments in critical rail infrastructure programs
and technology will make our rails, railcars, and trains safer
for all who use them. The Committee urges investments in
electronic safety systems, as well as the development of
technologies designed to verify the functional performance of
these systems. The Committee recognizes the importance of
deploying these technologies in both new and existing track and
railcars around the country. The Committee further acknowledges
the challenges that rail operators face in maintaining these
highly advanced systems over their lifetime and urges the FRA
to work with industry to develop standardized performance
verification, test, diagnostics and repair for such systems.
Passenger Rail in Rural States.--The Committee encourages
the Department to examine the potential for new intercity or
commuter passenger rail service connecting urban and suburban
areas within States where a majority of residents live in rural
areas. The study should examine the potential public benefits
of such service to passengers, the flow of commerce, and the
environment within a larger region or group of States. The
study should also examine the costs of such service and develop
potential funding mechanisms for such service from Federal,
State, and local governments, as well as the private sector. In
addition, the study should consider the unique challenges of
providing passenger rail service over short line railroads.

RAILROAD REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT FINANCING PROGRAM

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing
[RRIF] program was established by Public Law 109-178 to provide
direct loans and loan guarantees to State and local
governments, Government-sponsored entities, and railroads.
Credit assistance under the program may be used for
rehabilitating or developing rail equipment and facilities.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommendation allows the credit risk premium
for RRIF loans to be eligible for grants under the National
Infrastructure Investments account.
RRIF Credit Risk Premium [CRP].--In fiscal year 2019, the
Committee required DOT and OMB to define cohorts of RRIF loans
in order to make CRP repayments for cohorts of loans that have
satisfied the terms of their loan agreements. In addition, the
Committee provided an appropriation for DOT to pay the
modification cost of repaying CRP for a cohort of loans that
were satisfied but where CRP payments could not have been made
through the re-estimates process because of a defaulted loan.
The Committee directs DOT to expedite repayments for cohorts
that have satisfied the terms of their loan agreements, and to
diligently oversee the remaining cohort that has outstanding
loans to ensure borrowers who have repaid their loans are able
to receive their CRP once all loans have been satisfied.

FEDERAL-STATE PARTNERSHIP FOR STATE OF GOOD REPAIR GRANTS

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $400,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 300,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair
Grant program provides support for capital projects that reduce
the state of good repair backlog with respect to qualified
railroad assets, as authorized under 49 U.S.C. 24911.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $300,000,000 for the Federal-State
Partnership for State of Good Repair Grants [SOGR], which is
$300,000,000 more than the budget request and $100,000,000 less
than the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. The recommendation is
consistent with the level authorized under section 11103 of
Public Law 114-94. The Committee is aware of the growing
backlog of state of good repair and improvement needs on many
of the country's important passenger routes.
Notice of Funding Opportunity [NOFO].--The Committee
directs the Department to issue a NOFO for fiscal year 2019
funds within 30 days of enactment of this act and make awards
for fiscal year 2019 funds within 210 days after the enactment
of this act. The Committee directs the Department to issue a
NOFO for fiscal year 2020 funds within 210 days of enactment of
this act and make awards for fiscal year 2020 funds within 450
days of enactment of this act.

CONSOLIDATED RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS GRANTS

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $255,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 330,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 255,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety
Improvements [CRISI] Grants provide support for projects
authorized under 49 U.S.C. 24407(c).

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $255,000,000 for the CRISI Grants,
which is $75,000,000 less than the budget request and equal to
the fiscal year 2019 enacted level, of which 25 percent shall
be available for projects in rural areas. The Committee notes
that PTC-related implementation costs are eligible expenses and
directs the Department to prioritize these funds for railroads
most at risk of not meeting the PTC deadline. The Committee
recognizes the importance of improving the safety of rail
transportation, both freight and passenger, as well as
improving the safety of our entire transportation network.
Notice of Funding Opportunity [NOFO].--The Committee
directs the Department to make awards for fiscal year 2019
funds within 210 days after the enactment of this act. The
Committee directs the Department to issue a NOFO for fiscal
year 2020 funds within 270 days of enactment of this act and
make awards for fiscal year 2020 funds within 450 days of
enactment of this act.
Use of CRISI Funds.--The Committee encourages the Secretary
to allow CRISI grantees to use grant funds for eligible non-
construction expenses, such as the installation of onboard
locomotive apparatuses, back office server technology, and
other core functionalities of PTC. After obligation, the
Secretary may reimburse recipients for such expenses even if
such expenses were incurred before the completion of Federal
environmental reviews conducted to support the obligation, as
permitted by law. Maintenance and operations costs incurred
after a PTC system is placed in revenue service are not
eligible. FRA should also consider CRISI planning grants that
re-evaluate infrastructure capacity and scheduling to
accommodate restoration of passenger service.
Quiet Zones.--The Committee is aware of the negative impact
noise pollution can have on the residents, businesses, and
schools in close proximity to crossings, particularly in urban
areas with high numbers of crossings in a relatively short
distance. In evaluating applications for CRISI funding, the
Secretary shall give consideration to proposals that would
mitigate crossing safety concerns on high volume tracks in
populated areas and reduce the negative impacts on the
community through implementation of a Quiet Zone.

RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT GRANTS

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $5,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 550,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Restoration and Enhancement Grant program provides
support for operating assistance and capital investments to
initiate, restore, or enhance intercity passenger rail service,
as authorized under 49 U.S.C. 24408.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $2,000,000 for Restoration and
Enhancement Grants, which is $548,000,000 less than the budget
request and $3,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2019 enacted
level.

THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $1,941,600,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 936,466,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,000,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The National Railroad Passenger Corporation [Amtrak]
operates intercity passenger rail services in 46 States and the
District of Columbia, in addition to serving as a contractor in
various capacities for several commuter rail agencies. Congress
created Amtrak in the Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970
(Public Law 91-518) in response to private carriers' inability
to profitably operate intercity passenger rail service.
Thereafter, Amtrak assumed the common carrier obligations of
the private railroads in exchange for the right to priority
access to their tracks for incremental cost.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a total appropriation of
$2,000,000,000 for Amtrak, which is $1,063,534,000 more than
the budget request and $58,400,000 more than the fiscal year
2019 enacted level.
The Committee directs FRA to make a timely disbursement of
funds in accordance with the FAST Act to maximize the
Corporation's ability to efficiently manage its cash flow. Each
year, Amtrak is responsible for significant one-time cash
overflows at the beginning of the calendar year. In order to
help facilitate these payments, the Committee directs the FRA
to release adequate funding in the first quarter of the fiscal
year in order to allow Amtrak to efficiently manage its
financial obligations in a timely manner.
Amfleet Replacement.--In January 2019, Amtrak issued a
request for proposal for a new fleet of passenger rail vehicles
to replace its aging Amfleet I cars, which currently serve the
Northeast Corridor and adjacent State corridor routes. Amtrak
expects to have responses by November 20, 2019, at which point
States will work with Amtrak to evaluate the proposals
according to State supported route needs. The Committee
recommendation includes $100,000,000 for Amtrak's initial phase
of its Amfleet replacement. Since half of the Amfleet
replacement will be for State-supported routes, the Committee
directs Amtrak to collaborate with the State-Amtrak Intercity
Passenger Rail Committee and other relevant stakeholders to
develop a financial plan for this procurement. The Committee is
also concerned that under the most recent NOFO for certain FRA
grant programs, the Administration prohibited states from
applying for or receiving Federal grant dollars for
acquisitions that have been completed. The Committee directs
the FRA to allow state acquisition costs and on-going capital
charges related to Amtrak's new fleet to be an eligible
activity in any future NOFOs for the CRISI and SOGR grant
programs.
Charter Trains and Private Cars.--The Committee continues
to applaud Amtrak's efforts to make itself financially more
sustainable through a business-like approach to its operations.
However, stakeholders continue to remain concerned with
Amtrak's communication and implementation of new policies. In
fiscal year 2019, the Committee directed Amtrak to report on
the effects of its changes in policy to charter trains, special
trains, and private trains, but stakeholders continue to
express concerns with Amtrak's billing and pricing for private
cars and charter trains. Amtrak is directed to once again
report on the impact of its policies to charter trains and
private trains in the fiscal year 2021 budget request, and to
include the amounts and percentages by which revenues and usage
declined. Amtrak should also continue to update the list of
eligible locations for private car moves and continue to
evaluate such locations going forward. Amtrak should continue
to strive to improve public outreach and offer its stakeholders
an opportunity to comment on policies that affect services
prior to finalizing any such decisions.
Amtrak Station Agents.--The explanatory statement to the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 required Amtrak to
provide station agents, which included either Amtrak ticket
agents or caretakers, at all Amtrak stations that had a ticket
agent position eliminated in fiscal year 2018. However, the
Committee remains concerned that certain rural communities that
do not have reliable Internet access are impacted by the lack
of ticket agents, and that caretakers, while not explicitly
prohibited, may not be able to provide assistance to minors and
individuals requiring ADA assistance. The Committee directs
Amtrak to re-staff stations with ticket agents from which
agents have been removed after January 1, 2018, and that
averaged not less than 25 passengers per day during the period
beginning on January 1, 2013, and ending on December 31, 2017.
Budget and Business Plan.--The Committee continues to
direct Amtrak to submit a business plan in accordance with
section 11203(b) of Public Law 114-94 for fiscal year 2020. The
Corporation shall continue to submit a budget request for
fiscal year 2021 to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations in similar format and substance to those
submitted by executive agencies of the Federal Government.
FRA Grant Administration and Report Streamlining.--The
Committee recognizes that Amtrak fields a myriad of grant
requirements from the FRA. The Committee is supportive of
robust oversight by the FRA; however, to the extent
practicable, the FRA is encouraged to work with Amtrak to
reduce duplication and streamline their reporting requirements.
Food and Beverage.--Since 2015, the Committee has required
Amtrak to report on its savings initiatives. The FAST Act
formalized this planning and implementation process providing
specific requirements to eliminate operating losses associated
with providing food and beverage services on board Amtrak
trains by 2020. The Committee urges Amtrak to continue to take
actions that would allow it to produce a net loss of zero on
its food and beverage services consistent with the FAST Act
deadline. The Committee directs Amtrak to provide a report to
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than
120 days after enactment of this act comparing the actual
fiscal year 2019 savings with Amtrak projections.
Amtrak Police Department.--The Amtrak Police Department
[APD] is responsible for the safety of Amtrak's employees,
customers, patrons and infrastructure, with a workforce of more
than 450 commissioned and 80 civilian staff deployed across the
rail network. The Committee recommendation also includes
$5,000,000 for the Amtrak Police Department for radios,
repeaters, and related technology to improve emergency response
and coordination. The Committee is aware of recent actions APD
has taken to restructure its current workforce, including
offering voluntary separation incentive packages and making
adjustments to existing personnel duties in order to revise its
enforcement strategy. However, the Committee is concerned that
APD is undergoing changes without transparent communication
with labor or Congress and has yet to identify its long-term
strategies and goals for restructuring its workforce. In 2015,
the Amtrak Office of Inspector General released the audit
report, ``Safety and Security: Opportunities to Improve
Controls Over Police Department Workforce Planning'' which
assessed best practices across rail transit police departments
and organizations that conduct police department staffing
studies to come up with six best practices for effective
strategic and formal workforce planning processes that could
improve APD's workforce planning. Although the OIG found that
APD had incorporated various aspects of industry best
practices, there were several ways the Department could improve
its workforce planning. Specifically, the OIG found that APD:
lacked a formal workforce planning process; exercised limited
use of risk assessments to identify security needs and allocate
resources; did not incorporate workload data to determine the
best allocation of resources; and had not established a formal
process to monitor and evaluate workforce planning efforts. In
response to the OIG audit, APD hired a third party to undergo a
workforce planning process, which assessed APD's workforce
planning practices and provided the Department with a detailed
plan for assessing, evaluating, reforming and reprioritizing
its workforce planning, which included several recommendations.
However, the Committee is unaware of how APD has used this
workforce assessment and planning guide to evaluate its current
workforce or future needs, and subsequently, to inform its
currents efforts to restructure its workforce. The Committee is
concerned that without addressing the underlying weaknesses of
its workforce planning and evaluation processes, APD will lack
the strategic planning and performance goal setting that is
necessary to successfully meet the current and future mission
requirements of the Department and company. As a result, before
APD undertakes any restructuring of its workforce, the Amtrak
Police Department must submit for approval to the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations a comprehensive workforce
analysis, which shall include: how the workforce structure does
not meet the current and future safety needs of the Department
and company; an overview of the data and calculations used to
inform the need for a proposed workforce restructure; a
detailed description of the restructure activities for each
Amtrak station, APD region, and route; specific performance
goals and metrics for the workforce restructure; and a plan for
evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed workforce
restructure.
Booking and Cancellation Policies.--Tourism is one of
Amtrak's largest attractions and in order to connect groups and
families to specialized destinations, Amtrak relies on
effective partnerships with commercial tour operators and
private tour groups. The Committee is aware of changes made by
Amtrak to alter booking, deposit, and cancellation policies
which have impacted how tour operators and groups are able to
provide services to customers, including the amount of and time
by which fees are imposed on customers for booking and
cancellations. The Committee is concerned that these policies
impact both commercial tour companies and private tour groups
and have resulted in a decline in a number of groups riding on
Amtrak routes. As a result, the Committee directs Amtrak to
reevaluate its booking, deposit, and cancellation policies for
groups in order to prevent a decline in ridership with this
industry and in its evaluation, take into consideration the
classification of certain types of groups to ensure group
policies do not adversely impact commercial tour operators.

NORTHEAST CORRIDOR GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER
CORPORATION

The Committee recommends $680,000,000 for Northeast
Corridor Grants to Amtrak. The funding level provided includes
no more than $5,000,000 for the use of the Northeast Corridor
Commission established under section 24905 of title 49, United
States Code, no less than $50,000,000 between the Northeast
Corridor and National Network grants for ADA compliance, and
$100,000,000 for Amfleet replacement.

NATIONAL NETWORK GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION

The Committee recommends $1,320,000,000 for National
Network Grants to Amtrak. The funding level provided includes
no more than $2,000,000 for use of the State-Supported Route
Committee established in the FAST Act and at least $50,000,000
shall be for installation of safety technology on certain
State-supported routes.
National Network Services.--Amtrak's long-distance routes
provide much needed transportation access in hundreds of
communities and for rural areas where mobility options are
limited. Equally important are routes that provide service to
rural areas from urban areas along the Northeast Corridor.
During floor consideration of the Committee's fiscal year 2019
bill, the Senate voted 95-4 in favor of an amendment to express
a sense of Congress that long-distance passenger routes should
be sustained to ensure connectivity for the 4.7 million riders
in 325 communities in 40 States that rely on this service. The
budget request, however, proposes to reduce long-distance
service by requiring cost-sharing between States and the
Federal Government for operations of long-distance routes,
similar to State-supported routes. This proposal will
inevitably lead to service cuts or segmentation of routes,
which will lead to less service for rural communities. The
proposal would also shift significant shared and system-related
costs to the NEC and State-supported routes if long-distance
routes are terminated. The Committee does not support this
proposal.
On-Time Performance.--Amtrak's national network trains
currently face significant delays, with on-time performance
averaging below 50 percent. The Committee is aware of long-term
negotiations between Amtrak and Class I freights on safety
related features that have yet to be resolved, affecting
service and on-time performance on certain State-supported
routes. The Committee remains concerned that these delays
compromise safety and reduce customer satisfaction, which
inevitably reduces ridership and leads to increased reliance on
Federal subsidies. The Committee is also aware of safety issues
that can cause delays and lead to poor on-time performance, and
encourages FRA to assist with developing interim and long-term
solutions to improve safety where appropriate.
Passenger Rail in the Bakken Region.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of improving the financial viability
of Amtrak's Empire Builder and the growth in demand for
passenger rail service in the Bakken region and the northern
corridor. The Committee directs Amtrak to continue to work with
local officials, taking into account the results of the updated
Amtrak Empire Builder feasibility study, to address the
prospect of adding new passenger rail stops that generate
revenue and reduce operating costs of the Empire Builder and
other national network routes.
Quad Cities to Chicago Rail.--The Committee is encouraged
by recent progress between the State of Illinois and the Iowa
Interstate Railroad on planning for the new Quad Cities to
Chicago State-supported Amtrak route. To ensure Federal funding
remains available for the completion of the project, the
Committee urges the FRA to provide a multi-year extension of
the current grant agreement and encourages the FRA to increase
its oversight role to ensure the project remains on track.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Section 150 limits overtime payments to employees at Amtrak
to $35,000 per employee. However, Amtrak's president may waive
this restriction for specific employees for safety or
operational efficiency reasons. If the cap is waived, Amtrak
must notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations
within 30 days and specify the number of employees receiving
waivers and the total amount of overtime payments made to
employees receiving waivers.
Section 151 expresses the sense of Congress on Amtrak's
long-distance passenger routes.

Federal Transit Administration

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Federal Transit Administration [FTA] was established as
a component of the Department of Transportation by
Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1968, effective July 1, 1968,
which transferred most of the functions and programs under the
Federal Transit Act of 1964, as amended (78 Stat. 302; 49
U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development. The missions of the FTA are: to help develop
improved mass transportation systems and practices; to support
the inclusion of public transportation in community and
regional planning to support economic development; to provide
mobility for Americans who depend on transit for transportation
in both metropolitan and rural areas; to maximize the
productivity and efficiency of transportation systems; and to
provide assistance to State and local governments and agencies
in financing such services and systems.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

Under the Committee recommendations, a total program level
of $12,956,513,000 is provided for FTA programs in fiscal year
2020. The recommendation is $540,423,000 more than the budget
request and $457,159,000 less than the fiscal year 2019 enacted
level.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Highway trust
General fund fund Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation 2019........................................ $3,474,292,000 $9,939,380,030 $13,413,672,030
Budget estimate, 2020..................................... 2,265,742,000 10,150,348,462 12,416,090,462
Committee recommendation.................................. 2,806,165,000 10,150,348,462 12,956,513,462
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $113,165,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 110,552,000
Committee recommendation................................ 113,165,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Administrative expenses fund personnel, contract resources,
information technology, space management, travel, training, and
other administrative expenses necessary to carry out FTA's
mission to support, improve, and help ensure the safety of
public transportation systems.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a total of $113,165,000 from the
general fund for the agency's salaries and administrative
expenses. The recommended level of funding is $2,613,000 more
than the budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2019
enacted level.
Project Management Oversight [PMO] Activities.--The
Committee directs FTA to continue to submit to the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations the quarterly PMO reports
for each project with a full funding grant agreement.
Full Funding Grant Agreements [FFGAs].--Section 5309(k) of
title 49, U.S.C. requires that FTA notify the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations, as well as the House Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, 30 days before executing a
FFGA. In its notification to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations, the Committee directs FTA to submit the
following information: (1) a copy of the proposed FFGA; (2) the
total and annual Federal appropriations required for the
project; (3) the yearly and total Federal appropriations that
can be planned or anticipated for existing FFGAs for each
fiscal year through 2021; (4) a detailed analysis of annual
commitments for current and anticipated FFGAs against the
program authorization, by individual project; (5) a financial
analysis of the project's cost and sponsor's ability to finance
the project, which shall be conducted by an independent
examiner and which shall include an assessment of the capital
cost estimate and finance plan; (6) the source and security of
all public and private sector financing; (7) the project's
operating plan, which enumerates the project's future revenue
and ridership forecasts; and (8) a listing of all planned
contingencies and possible risks associated with the project.
The Committee also directs FTA to inform the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations in writing 30 days before
approving schedule, scope, or budget changes to any FFGA.
Correspondence relating to all changes shall include any budget
revisions or pro- gram changes that materially alter the
project as originally stipulated in the FFGA, including any
proposed change in rail car procurement.
The Committee directs FTA to continue to provide a monthly
Capital Investment Grant program update to the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations, detailing the status of each
project. This update should include anticipated milestone
schedules for advancing projects, especially those within 2
years of a proposed FFGA. It should also highlight and explain
any potential cost and schedule changes affecting projects.
Procurement of Rail Cars and Buses.--The Committee notes
that the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization
Act [NDAA], currently in conference, includes a provision
prohibiting the use of FTA funds for the procurement of rail
cars and buses from companies that are owned, controlled, or
subsidized by a foreign government that represents a national
security threat to the United States. The Senate has passed
similar language to the Senate provision in the NDAA and this
Committee supports inclusion of the Senate NDAA language in
conference. Should this measure be enacted, the Committee
directs the Secretary of Transportation to swiftly effectuate
the requirements of this provision.
Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility.--In 2019, the
Committee directed the Coordinating Council on Access and
Mobility to develop a plan, and report to Congress within 180
days, with options to eliminate duplication, provide efficient
service for people in need, and increase coordination between
the various Federal departments operating programs for the
transportation-disadvantaged. The Committee maintains the
requirement and directs the Department to provide a status
update on the report.
Commuter Rail Service in States Neighboring Washington,
DC.--The Committee is concerned that public transportation
service for Federal workers in the Washington, DC area may
become disrupted for those living in nearby States if service
is suspended or terminated on lines relied upon by employees.
The Committee encourages FTA to work with States to help them
maintain rail service providing commuter access to Washington,
DC.
Commuter Rail in Rural Areas.--The Committee recognizes
that operating costs are a challenge for commuter rail
transportation around the country, particularly for systems
that operate in rural areas where local or state taxes, fares,
or bonds are insufficient to meet the full operating costs of
these transportation systems. The Committee is aware that there
are limited Federal funds for operating assistance to commuter
rail. Without new sources of funding at the Federal, state and
local levels, the Committee is concerned that small and rural
communities that rely on continued commuter rail service to
connect residents to jobs and urban cores are at risk of losing
critical commuter rail service. However, little is known about
the cost of operating commuter rail transportation systems in
small and rural communities in order to address the overall
challenges of funding such service. As a result, the Committee
directs the Government Accountability Office within 120 days of
enactment of this act, to submit a report to the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations on the cost of operating,
including extending current service and adding additional
frequency to, commuter rail transportation systems in small and
rural communities. This report shall also include any impacts
that discontinuation of service would have on small and rural
communities and identify any statutory and regulatory barriers
at the Federal, state, and local levels to reducing or covering
the costs of operating commuter rail transportation in these
areas. In addition, the report shall make recommendations about
potential sources of Federal funding to support the operation
of commuter rail transportation systems in small and rural
communities with special attention given to existing Federal
rail support programs that prioritize communities with a
population of less than 200,000.

FORMULA GRANTS

(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORITY)

(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Obligation
limitation (trust
fund)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2019.............................. $9,939,380,030
Budget estimate, 2020............................. 10,150,348,462
Committee recommendation.......................... 10,150,348,462
------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Communities use Formula Grants funds for bus and railcar
purchases, facility repair and construction, maintenance, and
where eligible, planning and operating expenses. The Formula
Grants account includes funding for the following programs:
transit-oriented development; planning programs; urbanized area
formula grants; enhanced mobility for seniors and individuals
with disabilities; a pilot program for enhanced mobility;
formula grants for rural areas; public transportation
innovation; technical assistance and workforce development,
including a national transit institute; a bus testing facility;
the national transit database; state of good repairs grants;
bus and bus facilities formulas grants; and growing States and
high-density States formula grants. Set-asides from formula
funds are directed to a grant program for each State with rail
systems not regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration to
meet the requirements for a State Safety Oversight program. The
account also provides funding to support passenger ferry
services and public transportation on Indian reservations.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends limiting obligations in the
transit formula and bus grants account in fiscal year 2020 to
$10,150,348,462. The recommendation is equal to the budget
request, and $210,968,432 more than the fiscal year 2019
enacted level. The recommendation is also consistent with the
currently authorized level under the FAST Act. The Committee
recommends $10,800,000,000 in authority to liquidate contract
authorizations. This amount is sufficient to cover outstanding
obligations from this account. The following table displays the
distribution of obligation limitation among the program
categories of formula grants:

DISTRIBUTION OF OBLIGATION LIMITATION AMONG MAJOR CATEGORIES OF FORMULA GRANTS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2020
Formula grants (obligation -----------------------------------
limitation) Section number Fiscal year 2019 Administration Committee
proposal assumption
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transit Oriented Development....... 20005(b)............. $10,000,000 $10,000,000 $10,000,000
Planning Programs.................. 5305................. 139,087,757 142,036,000 142,036,000
Urbanized Area Formula Grants...... 5307................. 4,827,117,606 4,929,452,000 4,929,452,000
Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and 5310................. 279,646,188 285,575,000 285,575,000
Individuals with Disabilities.
Pilot Program for Enhanced Mobility 3006(b).............. 3,500,000 3,500,000 3,500,000
Formula Grants for Rural Areas..... 5311................. 659,322,031 673,300,000 673,300,000
Public Transportation Innovation... 5312................. 28,000,000 28,000,000 28,000,000
Technical Assistance and Workforce 5314................. 9,000,000 9,000,000 9,000,000
Development.
Bus Testing Facilities............. 5318................. 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000
National Transit Database.......... 5335................. 4,000,000 4,000,000 4,000,000
State of Good Repair Grants........ 5337................. 2,638,366,859 2,683,798,000 2,683,798,000
Buses and Bus Facilities Grants.... 5339................. 777,024,469 808,654,000 808,654,000
Growing States and High Density 5340................. 561,315,120 570,033,000 570,033,000
States.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total........................ ..................... 9,939,380,030 10,150,348,462 10,150,348,462
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Buses and Bus Facilities Grant Program.--The Committee
continues to support the FAST Act's inclusion of competitive
grants in the buses and bus facilities grant program and
continues to encourage FTA to follow the guidance set forth in
the FAST Act when developing selection criteria for the
program. Consistent with section 3017 of the FAST Act, the age
and condition of buses, bus fleets, related equipment, and bus-
related facilities should be the primary consideration for
selection criteria.
Low-Emissions Transit in Non-Attainment Areas.--The
Committee directs FTA to partner with experienced transit
research consortia to research best practices for increasing
deployment of low-emissions public transportation in non-
attainment areas.
Improving Rural Transit Access.--The Committee continues to
recognize the importance of ensuring safe, private
transportation is made available for seniors and people who do
not drive, especially in small and rural communities where
distance and low population density make traditional mass
transportation difficult. The efficiencies of information
management can help to provide on-demand transportation
services and bring together underutilized private
transportation capacity through ride share, car share,
volunteer transport, and private community transport. The
Committee encourages FTA to consider innovative transportation
networks that leverage community volunteerism and private
resources in various forms to access underutilized private
transportation capacity to promote inclusive community mobility
and provide transportation for seniors and disadvantaged
populations in small and rural communities. Further, the
Committee supports increasing the capacity of consumers to plan
their travel safely, independently, and reliably through a
variety of techniques and tools.
Small and Rural Transit Agencies.--The Committee is
concerned that the FTA has awarded some competitive grants that
are lower than the minimum funding amount identified by the
applicant. Small and rural transit agencies, in particular,
have a difficult time making up the funding differential,
effectively leaving them far behind larger transit agencies
when it comes to implementing the newest U.S.-made clean
technologies and maintaining their fleets in a state of good
repair. To better ensure the effectiveness of grant awards, the
Committee directs the FTA to award grants at levels that are
adequate for transit agencies to initiate their projects.
Innovative Procurement.--The Committee directs FTA to
continue to permit procurement partnerships in fiscal year 2020
grant awards for the Low-No Program in the same manner as in
previous fiscal years. The Committee also encourages FTA to
promote greater use of the innovative procurement authorities
for technologically advanced buses that were established by
section 3019 of the FAST Act, including separate battery lease
agreements. The FTA should provide technical assistance to
States regarding the development of State schedules that are
consistent with Federal law, take steps to ensure that FTA
funds purchases by transit agencies off of State schedules from
other States that comply with Federal requirements, and use
webinars and stakeholder events to make transit agencies more
aware that they may purchase off of State schedules regardless
of location.

TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $700,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 500,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 560,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Committee provides funding for Transit Infrastructure
Grants to address targeted capital, operating, and state of
good repair needs for public transportation providers and
services across America.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an additional $560,000,000 in
transit infrastructure grants to remain available until
expended, which is $140,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2019
enacted level and $60,000,000 more than the budget request. Of
the funds provided, $390,000,000 is available for buses and bus
facilities grants authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5339, of which
$195,000,000 is provided for formula grants, and $195,000,000
is provided for competitive grants. Further, $40,000,000 is
provided for state of good repair grants authorized under 49
U.S.C. 5337; $40,000,000 is provided for high density State
apportionments authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5340(d); $40,000,000
is provided for low or no emission grants authorized under 49
U.S.C. 5339(c); $40,000,000 is provided for formula grants for
rural areas authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5311; $7,000,000 is
provided for innovative mobility innovation program authorized
under 49 U.S.C. 5312; and $3,000,000 is provided for bus
testing facilities authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5312(h). The
Committee recommendation includes funding from the general
fund, and the funding is not subject to any limitation on
obligations.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $5,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 5,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The FAST Act authorizes FTA to provide technical assistance
under section 5314 of title 49 for human resource and training
activities, and workforce development programs.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a total of $5,000,000 for
technical assistance and training. The Committee recognizes the
need among transit providers serving small cities and rural
communities for technical assistance to help them take
advantage of new technologies, including ride-hailing
applications, autonomous shuttles, and micro-transit
innovations, that are transforming how Americans use public
transportation. This funding will provide rural and small city
transit operators with hands-on technical assistance that will
assist with the adoption of these new tools.
The Committee expects funding under this heading to address
workforce development needs within the public transportation
industry, in addition to technical assistance and training to
increase mobility for people with disabilities and older
adults.
Cooperative Agreements.--In 2019, the Committee provided
$1,500,000 for cooperative agreements to assist small urban,
rural and tribal public transit recipients and planning
organizations with applied innovation and capacity building.
The Committee directs the Department to expeditiously implement
these agreements.

CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $2,552,687,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 1,505,190,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,978,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Under the Capital Investment Grants [CIG] program, FTA
provides grants to fund the building of new fixed guideway
systems or extensions and improvements to existing fixed
guideway systems. Eligible services include light rail, rapid
rail (heavy rail), commuter rail, and bus rapid transit. The
program includes funding for four categories of eligible
projects authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5309, and section 3005(b)
of the FAST Act: New Starts, Small Starts, Core Capacity, and
the Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Program. New Starts are
projects with a Federal share under this section of at least
$100,000,000 or a total net capital cost of at least
$300,000,000. By comparison, Small Starts are projects with a
Federal share under this section of less than $100,000,000--and
total net capital cost less than $300,000,000. Core Capacity
projects are those that will expand capacity by at least 10
percent in existing fixed-guideway transit corridors that are
already at or above capacity, or are expected to be at or above
capacity within 5 years. The FAST Act authorizes eight projects
under the Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Program, consisting
of New Starts, Small Starts, or Core Capacity, that require no
more than a 25 percent Federal share and are supported, in
part, by a public private partnership.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $1,978,000,000 for capital
investment grants, which is $574,687,000 less than the fiscal
year 2019 enacted level, and $472,810,000 more than the
request. The Committee recommendation includes $1,500,000,000
for new starts projects authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5309(d)
$300,000,000 for core capacity projects authorized under 49
U.S.C. 5309(e), $78,000,000 for small starts projects
authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5309(h), and $100,000,000 for
expedited project delivery for capital projects authorized
under section 3005(b) of the FAST Act.
Project Pipeline.--The Committee is deeply concerned by
indications that the Department is not advancing eligible
transit projects into Project Development, Engineering, and
Construction through the statutory capital investment grant
evaluation, rating, and approval process contrary to the
Committees clear directives. These delays are costly for local
project sponsors and create uncertainty for transit planners
and providers across the country. The Committee directs the
Secretary to continue to advance eligible projects into project
development and engineering in the capital investment grant
evaluation, rating, and approval process pursuant to 49 U.S.C.
5309 and section 3005(b) of the FAST Act in all cases when
projects meet the statutory criteria. Current law and this act
prohibit the Department from discriminating against projects
based on the extent of local financial commitment or geographic
diversity. Further, the FTA is prohibited from publishing any
revised programmatic guidance.
Program Implementation.--FTA has failed to issue
regulations establishing the evaluation and rating process for
Core Capacity Improvement projects, and has failed to establish
a program of interrelated projects that would allow for the
simultaneous development of more than one project within the
CIG program. The Committee is dismayed that FTA continues to
ignore statutory mandates and directs the Department to
implement the May 2018 GAO recommendations within 60 days of
the date of enactment of this act.
Pilot Program for Expedited Project Delivery Program.--The
Committee strongly supports exploration of the use of public-
private partnerships in public transportation as authorized
under the Pilot Program for Expedited Project Delivery Program.
The Committee commends the FTA for issuing a solicitation of
interest and urges the FTA to continue efforts to implement the
pilot program expeditiously. The Committee directs the FTA to
continue to work with project sponsors to provide transparent
information about the selection process and the method by which
future interested project sponsors are able to participate in
the program. The Committee directs the FTA within 180 days of
enactment of this act to make publically available information
to potential project sponsors when FTA will solicit or accept
information from potential project sponsors seeking to access
the program, what information project sponsors will need to
provide to the FTA in order to have a project access the
program and be evaluated, and what criteria the FTA will use to
evaluate projects.
Letters of No Prejudice.--The Department is directed to
respond to requests for ``Letters of No Prejudice'' in a timely
manner and approve such requests by project applicants that
seek authority to expend non-Federal funds at the risk of the
applicant for eligible project costs, as authorized by section
5309, if the applicant commits to carry out the part of the
project specified in the request in the same way as other
projects under the capital investment grants program.
Annual Report on Funding Recommendations.--The Committee
directs the Secretary to submit the fiscal year 2021 annual
report on funding recommendations required by 49 U.S.C.
5309(o), and directs the Secretary to maintain the Federal
Government funding commitments for all existing grant
agreements and identify all projects with a medium or higher
rating that anticipate requesting a grant agreement in fiscal
year 2021.

GRANTS TO THE WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $150,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 150,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 150,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This appropriation provides assistance to the Washington
Metropolitan Area Transit Authority [WMATA].

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommendation includes $150,000,000 for
grants to WMATA for capital and preventive maintenance
expenses, including pressing safety-related investments, which
is equal to the budget request and the fiscal year 2019 enacted
level. These grants are in addition to the Federal formula and
competitive grant funding WMATA receives and funding local
jurisdictions have committed to providing to WMATA. The
Committee directs WMATA, the local jurisdictions, and FTA to
continue to work with the authorizing committees on a surface
transportation authorization bill and on reforms necessary to
ensure that any future Federal resources will be used
efficiently.
Financial Management.--The bill directs the Secretary to
provide grants to WMATA only after receiving and reviewing a
request for each specific project to be funded under this
heading. The bill requires the Secretary to determine that
WMATA has placed the highest priority on funding projects that
will improve the safety of its public transit system before
approving these grants, using the recommendations and
directives of the NTSB and FTA as a guide. The Committee
encourages the Secretary and WMATA to consider efficiencies
that can be leveraged in the procurement of capital and
preventative maintenance expenses.
National Capital Region.--The Committee believes that the
safe and reliable operation of the Washington Metropolitan Area
Transit Authority is important to the National Capital Region.
The Authority plays an important role in transporting hundreds
of thousands of employees daily and millions of visitors to the
Nation's Capital annually. It is critical that the Authority
prioritize projects that support the safe operation of the
transit system.
Wireless Service Extension.--The Committee provides another
1-year extension for the wireless service requirement in the
authorization statute. The Committee reminds WMATA of its
direction to provide the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations with a quarterly report 90 days after enactment
and continuing on a quarterly basis detailing its progress
installing wireless service. The Committee directs WMATA to
incorporate the installation of wireless infrastructure into
any anticipated track and station closures and regularly
scheduled maintenance where feasible to expedite provision of
wireless service.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

Section 160 exempts authority previously made available for
programs of the FTA under section 5338 of title 49, United
States Code, from the obligation limitations in this act.
Section 161 allows funds provided in this act for fixed-
guideway capital investment projects that remain unobligated by
September 30, 2023 to be available for projects to use the
funds for the purposes for which they were originally provided.
Section 162 allows funds appropriated before October 1,
2019 that remain available for expenditure to be transferred to
the most recent appropriation heading.
Section 163 sets conditions for the processing of FFGAs.
Section 164 prohibits the use of funds to implement or to
further new CIG policies such as those detailed in the June 29,
2018 FTA ``Dear Colleague'' letter.

Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation [SLSDC]
is a wholly-owned government corporation established by the
Saint Lawrence Seaway Act of May 13, 1954 (33 U.S.C. 981). The
Saint Lawrence Seaway [Seaway] is a vital transportation
corridor for the international movement of bulk commodities,
such as steel, iron, grain, and coal, serving the North
American region that contains one-quarter of the United States'
population and nearly one-half of the Canadian population.
SLSDC is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and
development of the United States' portion of the Seaway between
Montreal and Lake Erie.

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (HARBOR MAINTENANCE TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $36,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 28,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 36,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund [HMTF] was established by
the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-
662). Since 1987, the HMTF has supported the operations and
maintenance of commercial harbor projects maintained by the
Federal Government. Appropriations from the HMTF and revenues
from non-Federal sources finance the operation and maintenance
of those portions of the Seaway for which SLSDC is responsible.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $36,000,000 for the operations,
maintenance, and capital asset renewal activities of SLSDC, of
which not less than $16,000,000 is provided for capital asset
renewal activities. This amount is $8,000,000 more than the
budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level.
The Committee directs SLSDC to continue to submit an annual
report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations,
not later than April 30, summarizing the activities of the
Asset Renewal Program during the immediate preceding fiscal
year.
Over 41 million tons of cargo moved through the Seaway
during the 2018 navigation season, the highest figure since
2007. This growth is encouraging for both the long- and short-
term impacts that the Seaway will have on the regional economy
and jobs. The Committee has provided a total of $184,000,000
for capital asset renewal activities since fiscal year 2009 in
order to address SLSDC's existing capital backlog and to best
prepare to accommodate this future growth. These previously
provided resources will permit SLSDC to complete two major
projects in fiscal year 2019--the delivery of a new ice-class
tugboat and the installation of hands-free mooring technology
at all remaining locks. These improvements are expected to
increase the number of vessels worldwide that can traverse the
Seaway by tenfold. The Committee encourages SLSDC to continue
to invest resources provided for capital asset renewal
activities to improve and expand its operations.

Maritime Administration

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Maritime Administration [MARAD] is responsible for
programs authorized by the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as
amended (46 App. U.S.C. 1101 et seq.). MARAD is also
responsible for programs that strengthen the U.S. maritime
industry in support of the Nation's security and economic
needs. MARAD prioritizes the Department of Defense's [DoD] use
of ports and intermodal facilities during DoD mobilizations to
guarantee the smooth flow of military cargo through commercial
ports. MARAD manages the Maritime Security Program, the
Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement Program, and the Ready
Reserve Force, which assure DoD access to commercial and
strategic sealift and associated intermodal capacity. MARAD
also continues to address the disposal of obsolete ships in the
National Defense Reserve Fleet that are deemed a potential
environmental risk. Further, MARAD administers education and
training programs through the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
[USMMA] and six State maritime schools that assist in providing
skilled merchant marine officers who are capable of serving
defense and commercial transportation needs. The Committee
continues to fund MARAD in its support of the United States as
a maritime Nation.

MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $300,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 300,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 300,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Maritime Security Program [MSP] provides resources to
maintain a U.S.-flag merchant fleet crewed by U.S. citizens to
serve both the commercial and national security needs of the
United States. The program provides direct payments to U.S.-
flag ship operators engaged in U.S. foreign trade.
Participating operators are required to keep the vessels in
active commercial service and provide intermodal sealift
support to DoD in times of war or national emergency.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $300,000,000
for the MSP. This amount is equal to the budget request and
equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. The Committee
recommendation does not rescind unobligated balances as
proposed in the budget request.

OPERATIONS AND TRAINING

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $149,442,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 135,217,000
Committee recommendation................................ 142,619,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Operations and Training appropriation primarily funds
the salaries and expenses for MARAD headquarters and regional
staff in the administration and direction for all MARAD
programs. The account includes funding for the U.S. Merchant
Marine Academy, port and intermodal development, cargo
preference, international trade relations, deep-water port
licensing, maritime environmental and technical assistance, the
short sea transportation program, and administrative support
costs.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $142,619,000 for Operations and
Training. The following table provides funding levels for
activities within this account:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
2020
2020 Request Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
USMMA Operations.................. $77,944,000 $73,351,000
USMMA Capital Improvement and 4,000,000 8,000,000
Facilities Maintenance and
Repair, Equipment................
MARAD Headquarters................ 53,273,000 51,268,000
Marine Enviro. & Tech. Assistance. ................ 3,000,000
Short Sea Transportation Program ................ 7,000,000
(Marine Highways)................
-------------------------------------
Total....................... 135,217,000 142,619,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment [SASH] at USMMA.--
While the most recent preliminary survey results of SASH for
the 2017-2018 academic year indicate a reduction in unwanted
sexual contact at the USMMA, significant work remains to be
done in order to create a culture intolerant of sexual
harassment, sexual assault, and victim blaming, as well as to
improve midshipmen's confidence in senior leadership. The
survey found that the unwanted sexual contact prevalence rate
dropped from 18.4 percent in 2016 to 10.8 percent for females.
The rate for males increased from 0.8 percent in 2016 to 1.4
percent.
The location and timing of incidents is relatively
consistent, with roughly 70 percent of incidents taking place
on academy grounds and over 50 percent occurring after duty
hours, either on a weekend or holiday. Since most incidents
occur on academy grounds, where local law enforcement do not
have jurisdiction to bring charges, Congress authorized the
Secretary in section 3506 of Public Law 115-232 to relinquish
jurisdiction over parts of the USMMA grounds to New York State.
This will allow local law enforcement to prosecute SASH crimes
that occur on campus. The Committee directs the Secretary to
file such notice of relinquishment within 60 days of enactment
of this act.
The rate of incidents occurring during sea-year training
dropped from 35 percent in 2016 to 21 percent indicating that
the revised Sea Year Shipboard Compliance regime has made
progress towards improving midshipmen conditions during this
critical training period. The Committee is pleased that the
Academy now has a 24/7 global hotline and has equipped
midshipmen with GPS communications devices for their time at
sea. Similar to previous years, the Committee directs the
Secretary to provide the annual report required by section 3507
of Public Law 110-417 to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations no later than January 12, 2020. The Committee
further directs USMMA to fully implement all recommendations
from past studies, reports, and action plans using a risk-based
prioritized approach, and directs MARAD to fully staff the
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office and to meet all
staffing and training needs.
The Committee is also deeply disturbed by the OIG's report
of sexual assault by members of the men's soccer team, which
occurred on a bus, and, according to some witnesses, occurred
repeatedly and in the presence of Academy coaches. While such
cases of systemic abuse are rare, they have occurred at USMMA,
and therefore the Committee directs MARAD to provide
specialized SASH training for USMMA's athletics faculty, staff,
and midshipmen.
United States Merchant Marine Academy Capital Improvements
Plan [CIP].--The Committee directs the Administrator to provide
an annual report by March 31, 2020, on the current status of
the CIP. The delivery of this report in a timely manner is
essential to the Committee's oversight and funding
determinations for the future fiscal years. The report should
include: a list of all projects that have received funding and
all proposed projects that the Academy intends to initiate
within the next 5 years; cost overruns and cost savings for
each active project; specific target dates for project
completion; delays and the cause of delays; schedule changes;
up-to-date cost projections for each project; and any other
deviations from the previous year's CIP. The Committee
encourages the Academy to consider its ability to sequence and
manage contracts as it establishes its capital priorities.
Master Installation Plan.--The Committee is aware of
MARAD's efforts to develop a new master installation plan for
the USMMA to assess, prioritize, and sequence the remaining
facility and renovation needs of the campus. A revised master
plan will provide the USMMA the opportunity to re-evaluate the
modernization of its core infrastructure, simulation systems,
training facilities, classrooms (including equipage), and
information technology needs. The plan should examine the
Academy's administration of CIP and facilities, maintenance,
repair, and equipment [FMRE], including quality control,
personnel limitations, contracting mechanisms, and financial
management processes, and make recommendations to improve
internal capacity and project management and execution. MARAD
should engage with all relevant stakeholders in developing the
master installation plan. This plan should in no way impede
progress on current and planned CIP and FMRE projects. Congress
has provided over $274,000,000 to improve the safety, security,
and quality of academic life on campus since 2001 and expects
such resources to be obligated for such purposes in a timely
manner. The Committee directs MARAD to provide the plan to the
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations upon completion.
Environment and Compliance.--The Committee directs MARAD to
notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not
less than 3 business days before any grant, contract, or
cooperative agreement is announced by the Department or MARAD
for the maritime environment and technology assistance program
as authorized by 46 U.S.C. 50307.
Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce
Training and Education.--The Committee is aware of the shortage
of qualified U.S. maritime workers, who are required to have
specialized technical skills, training, and licensing. While
the USMMA and the six State Maritime Academies [SMAs] provide
the core of the merchant mariner workforce, community and
technical colleges across the country also provide critical
training for the maritime workforce. The fiscal year 2018
National Defense Authorization Act authorizes Federal
designation of community and technical college centers of
excellence [COEs] to help provide technical education and
training programs that will secure the talent pipeline for the
Nation's maritime workforce. MARAD may use up to $2,000,000 of
the funds provided for MARAD operations to assist these
community and technical colleges COEs in expanding their
capacity to provide maritime and marine technology workforce
training.

STATE MARITIME ACADEMY OPERATIONS

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $345,200,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 242,280,000
Committee recommendation................................ 342,280,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Committee provides funding for the six State Maritime
Academies [SMAs] to support the training and education of the
Nation's marine transportation work force. Funding provided
supports financial assistance for the SMAs as well as upkeep,
maintenance and operation of the school's training ships.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $342,280,000
for State Maritime Academy Operations. The following table
provides funding levels for activities within this account.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
2020
2020 Request Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schoolship Maintenance and Repair, $30,080,000 $30,080,000
Training Vessel Sharing..........
NSMV Schoolship Construction...... 205,000,000 300,000,000
Student Incentive Program......... 2,400,000 2,400,000
Fuel Assistance Payments.......... 1,800,000 3,800,000
Direct Payments for SMAs.......... 3,000,000 6,000,000
-------------------------------------
Total....................... 242,280,000 342,280,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

National Security Multi-Mission Vessel [NSMV].--The
Committee is disappointed in the Administration's proposal to
build ``a new smaller capacity training ship scaled to meet the
at sea training needs of the smaller SMAs''. The budget request
is antithetical to years of planning and design work for the
NSMV program and fails to take into consideration the number of
students requiring at-sea training and the number of cruises
that each SMA can take per year. The Committee recommendation
prohibits the Department from spending any funds on planning,
design, or construction work for a smaller capacity training
ship. Instead, the Committee recommendation includes
$300,000,000 for a third new special purpose NSMV to replace
school ships currently in service. The Committee directs MARAD
to replace current SMA training vessels with a new NSMV based
on the planned end-of-service-life of existing training
vessels, with preference based on meeting training capacity
needs, as delineated in the conference report to the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019. The Committee expects
the Secretary to prioritize oversight of the construction
vessel managers [VCM], and prevent any cost escalation or
delays in delivery. The Committee also expects the Department
and the VCM to achieve cost savings through the use of a single
shipyard for all NSMVs. MARAD should provide quarterly updates
to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the
construction of the NSMVs.
Ship-Sharing.--According to MARAD, the first NSMV will be
constructed and delivered in time for the May, 2023 summer
training cruise. Until delivery of the NSMVs, the SMAs will
continue to rely on the existing training vessels, of which one
has an end-of-service life of December 2019, another has a
propulsion engine that is no longer supported by the
manufacturer, and another has limited capacity far below the
training demands. As a result, SMAs will continue to rely on
one another to provide space on available ships, which leads to
significant costs for critical training. The Committee
recommendation includes $8,080,000 to support the cost of
sharing training ships and the Committee directs MARAD to work
with the SMAs to determine how to best allocate resources to
ensure that all training needs are met. In addition, the
Committee directs MARAD to submit a 5-year training ship
recapitalization plan, including necessary maintenance and
repair, in conjunction with an assessment of training needs for
the SMAs and expected ship sharing costs. The Committee directs
the plan to be submitted to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations within 30 days of enactment of this act.
Protection and Indemnity [P&I] Marine Insurance.--The
Committee is aware of the need for the current training vessels
to seek P&I marine insurance since these vessels operate as
dormitories, classrooms, and training laboratories. The
Committee supports MARAD's desire to obtain such insurance on
behalf of the SMAs, but is concerned that the agency has moved
forward with paying for such insurance from the direct payments
provided to the SMAs, which are intended for campus operations.
Therefore, the bill includes language allowing MARAD to provide
P&I insurance through the schoolship maintenance and repair
line item and the Committee prohibits MARAD from reducing
direct payments provided to the SMAs without consulting the
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.

ASSISTANCE TO SMALL SHIPYARDS

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $20,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 20,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

As authorized under section 54101 of title 46, the
Assistance to Small Shipyards program provides assistance in
the form of grants, loans, and loan guarantees to small
shipyards for capital improvements and training programs.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommendation includes $20,000,000 for
assistance to small shipyards. This level of funding is equal
to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level, and $20,000,000 above
the President's request. Funding for this program is intended
to help small shipyards improve the efficiency of their
operations by providing funding for equipment and other
facility upgrades. The funding recommended by the Committee
will help improve the competitiveness of our Nation's small
shipyards, as well as workforce training and apprenticeships in
communities dependent upon maritime transportation.

SHIP DISPOSAL

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $5,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 5,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Ship Disposal account provides resources to dispose of
obsolete merchant-type vessels of 150,000 gross tons or more in
the National Defense Reserve Fleet. MARAD contracts with
domestic shipbreaking companies to dismantle these vessels in
accordance with guidelines established by the Environmental
Protection Agency.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,000,000 for
MARAD's Ship Disposal program. This level of funding is equal
to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level and the budget request.

MARITIME GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM [TITLE XI]

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $3,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 3,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Maritime Guaranteed Loan program was established
pursuant to title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as
amended. The program provides for a full faith and credit
guarantee by the U.S. Government of debt obligations issued by:
(1) U.S. or foreign ship-owners for the purposes of financing
or refinancing either U.S.-flag vessels or eligible export
vessels constructed, reconstructed, or reconditioned in U.S.
shipyards; and (2) U.S. shipyards, for the purpose of financing
advanced shipbuilding technology of privately owned general
shipyard facilities located in the United States. Under the
Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, appropriations to cover the
estimated costs of a project must be obtained prior to the
issuance of any approvals for title XI financing.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee provides an appropriation of $3,000,000 for
administrative expenses of the maritime guaranteed loan title
XI program. This level of funding is $3,000,000 above the
President's budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2019
enacted level. The Committee rejects the budget request to move
Title XI to the Office of the Secretary.

PORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $292,730,000
Budget estimate, 2020...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 91,600,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Port Infrastructure Development program is authorized
in section 50302 of title 46, United States Code to provide
grants for the improvement of port facilities.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommendation includes $91,600,000 for the
port infrastructure development program, which is $201,130,000
below the enacted level and $91,600,000 above the budget
request.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--MARITIME ADMINISTRATION

Section 170 authorizes MARAD to furnish utilities and to
service and make repairs to any lease, contract, or occupancy
involving Government property under the control of MARAD.
Rental payments received pursuant to this provision shall be
credited to the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

Pipeline And Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
[PHMSA] was established within the Department of Transportation
on November 30, 2004, pursuant to the Norman Y. Mineta Research
and Special Programs Improvement Act (Public Law 108-426).
PHMSA is responsible for the Department's pipeline safety
program as well as oversight of hazardous materials
transportation safety operations. The agency is dedicated to
safety, including the elimination of transportation-related
deaths and injuries associated with hazardous materials and
pipeline transportation, and to promoting transportation
solutions, which enhance communities and protect the
environment.

OPERATIONAL EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $23,710,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 24,215,000
Committee recommendation................................ 24,215,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This account provides funding for program support costs for
PHMSA, including policy development, civil rights, management,
administration, and other agency-wide expenses.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $24,215,000 for this account, of
which $1,500,000 shall be for Pipeline Safety Information
Grants to Communities. The Committee's recommendation is equal
to the budget request and $505,000 more than the fiscal year
2019 enacted level.
Tank Car Phaseout.--The FAST Act provides a schedule for
the phaseout of certain rail tank cars used to transport Class
3 flammable materials, and, in August 2016, PHMSA published a
final rule to codify these requirements. The FAST Act also
requires the Secretary to report on industry-wide progress with
modifying rail tank cars in order to comply with those
applicable deadlines. The Secretary is directed to continue to
comply with this reporting requirement. Further in September
2018, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that 20
percent of all tank cars transporting Class 3 flammable liquids
in 2016 met the new requirements. The Committee encourages the
Department to continue to work with industry stakeholders to
ensure progress and to promote acceleration of the tank car
phaseout process.
Unlocatable Pipe Research.--The Committee is encouraged by
PHMSA's ongoing efforts to address safety and damage prevention
issues surrounding unlocatable plastic pipe and the resultant
excavation hazards. In order to ensure the continued safe
transportation of natural gas and the reduction of pipeline
damage incidents, the Committee encourages the agency to
continue to research and analyze the deployment of related
technologies in this area.
Real-Time Emergency Response Information.--In January 2017,
PHMSA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to
require Class 1 railroads, which transport hazardous materials,
to generate accurate, real-time train information in an
electronic format that could be shared with emergency
responders and law enforcement personnel. Through the advance
notice of proposed rulemaking process, stakeholders across the
safety, security, and railroad sectors identified industry- and
geographic-specific barriers to the statutory requirements for
real-time emergency response. The Committee recognizes that in
order for PHMSA to adequately address these concerns, some
statutory changes may need to be considered. As a result, the
Committee directs the agency to work with the respective
authorizing committees of jurisdiction to address any statutory
barriers, if warranted, that prevent PHMSA from moving forward
with a final rule.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $58,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 53,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 60,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

PHMSA oversees the safety of more than 1 million hazardous
materials shipments daily within the United States, using risk
management principles and security threat assessments in order
to fully review and reduce the risks inherent in hazardous
materials transportation.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $60,000,000
for hazardous materials safety, of which $7,600,000 shall
remain available until September 30, 2022. The Committee
recommendation includes $1,000,000 for the Community Safety
Grant Program. The amount provided is $7,000,000 more than the
administration's budget request and $2,000,000 more than the
fiscal year 2019 enacted level.

PIPELINE SAFETY

(PIPELINE SAFETY FUND)

(OIL SPILL LIABILITY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $165,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 149,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 165,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Office of Pipeline Safety [OPS] promotes the safe,
reliable, and sound transportation of natural gas and hazardous
liquids through the Nation's more than 2.6 million miles of
privately-owned and operated pipeline.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The OPS has the important responsibility of ensuring the
safety and integrity of the pipelines, which run through every
community in our Nation. Efforts by Congress and the OPS to
invest in promising safety technologies, increase civil
penalties, and educate communities about the potential risks of
pipelines have resulted in a reduction in serious pipeline
incidents. It is essential that PHMSA continue to make strides
in protecting communities from pipeline failures and incidents.
To that end, the Committee recommends an appropriation of
$165,000,000 for the OPS. The amount is equal to the fiscal
year 2019 enacted level and $16,000,000 more than the budget
request. Of the funding provided, $23,000,000 shall be derived
from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, $134,000,000 shall be
derived from the Pipeline Safety Fund, and $8,000,000 shall be
derived from the Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility
Safety Account. Some of the funds recommended for research and
development, shall be used for the Pipeline Safety Research
Competitive Academic Agreement Program to focus on near-term
solutions in order to improve the safety and reliability of the
Nation's pipeline transportation system.
Interstate Pipeline Safety.--The Committee is concerned
about national reports of emergencies and incidences along
interstate pipelines that have resulted in prolonged natural
gas outages that have impacted businesses and created
unanticipated cost-burdens on States. As the Federal regulator
for the safety and integrity of interstate pipelines, PHMSA is
responsible for working with natural gas transmission and
distribution companies, and State regulators across State
boundaries to investigate the source of outages and to identify
compliance issues related to the Federal pipeline safety
regulations after an emergency or incident. PHMSA may also
authorize a State entity to regulate and conduct investigations
into pipeline emergencies or incidences within its
jurisdiction. However, State regulators operating under such
delegated authority are not entitled to pertinent information
from another regulator or company outside its boundaries,
including information related to supply and demand, which are
regulated by the Department of Energy's Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission [FERC]. This is particularly complex for
interstate pipeline outages or emergencies that require
separate investigations, by State regulators, FERC or PHMSA,
and where transmission and distribution companies cross State
boundaries. The Committee is concerned that without adequate
information sharing between regulators, key findings, including
precipitating events, contributing factors, underlying
conditions, and an analysis of the pipeline system's overall
response to an emergency or incident cannot be validated by an
independent entity before the respective investigations are
complete and made public. In order to improve the safety of
interstate pipelines and coordination between State regulators,
regulated companies, FERC and PHMSA, the Committee encourages
PHMSA to work with State regulators, other Federal agencies,
and industry stakeholders to identify administrative and
statutory barriers that can impede investigations into
emergency incidents and supply disruptions and develop a
solution that improves information sharing between regulators
and regulated companies during interstate pipeline
investigations in order to enhance emergency responses and the
regulation of interstate pipeline systems.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANTS

(EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FUND)

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $28,318,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 28,318,000
Committee recommendation................................ 28,318,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act
of 1990 (Public Law 101-615) requires PHMSA to: (1) develop and
implement a reimbursable emergency preparedness grant program;
(2) monitor public sector emergency response training and
planning, and provide technical assistance to States, political
subdivisions, and Indian tribes; and (3) develop and
periodically update a mandatory training curriculum for
emergency responders.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $28,318,000 for emergency
preparedness grants. The recommendation continues to provide
PHMSA the authority to use prior year carryover and recaptures
for the development of Web-based, off-the-shelf training
materials that can be used by emergency responders across the
country. The Committee encourages PHMSA to continue to enhance
its training curriculum for local emergency responders,
including response activities for crude oil, ethanol, and other
flammable liquids transported by rail. The Committee also
encourages PHMSA to train public sector emergency response
personnel in communities on or near rail lines, which transport
a significant volume of high-risk energy commodities or toxic
inhalation hazards. The Committee continues a provision
increasing the funding available for administrative costs from
2 percent to 4 percent in order to address the OIG's
recommendations.

Office of Inspector General

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $92,600,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 92,152,000
Committee recommendation................................ 92,600,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-452)
established the Office of Inspector General [OIG] as an
independent, objective organization with a mission to: conduct
and supervise audits and investigations relating to the
programs and operations of the Department; provide leadership
and recommend policies designed to promote economy, efficiency,
and effectiveness in the administration of programs and
operations; prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse; and
keep the Secretary and the Congress informed regarding problems
and deficiencies.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommendation provides $92,600,000 for the
activities of the OIG, which is $448,000 more than the
President's budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2019
enacted level.
Audit Reports.--The OIG is directed to continue to provide
copies of all audit reports to the House and Senate Committees
on Appropriations as soon as they are issued and to continue to
make the Committees aware immediately of any review that
recommends cancellation of, or modifications to, any major
acquisition project or grant, or significant budgetary savings.
The OIG is also directed to withhold from public distribution
for a period of 15 days any final audit or investigative report
which was requested by the House or Senate Committees on
Appropriations.

General Provisions--Department of Transportation

Section 180 allows funds for maintenance and operation of
aircraft; motor vehicles; liability insurance; uniforms; or
allowances, as authorized by law.
Section 181 limits appropriations for services authorized
by 5 U.S.C. 3109 not to exceed the rate for an executive level
IV.
Section 182 prohibits recipients of funds from
disseminating personal information obtained by State
Departments of Motor Vehicles in connection to motor vehicle
records, with an exception.
Section 183 prohibits funds in this act for salaries and
expenses of more than 125 political and Presidential appointees
in the Department of Transportation.
Section 184 allows funds received by the Federal Highway
Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and the Federal
Railroad Administration from States, counties, municipalities,
other public authorities, and private sources for expenses
incurred for training may be credited to each agency's
respective accounts.
Section 185 prohibits the use of funds in this act to make
a grant or announce the intention to make a grant unless the
Secretary of Transportation notifies the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations at least 3 full business days
before making the grant or the announcement.
Section 186 allows rebates, refunds, incentive payments,
minor fees, and other funds received by the Department of
Transportation from travel management center, charge card
programs, subleasing of building space, and miscellaneous
sources, to be credited to appropriations of the Department of
Transportation.
Section 187 requires amounts from improper payments to a
third-party contractor that are lawfully recovered by the
Department of Transportation to be available to cover expenses
incurred in recovery of such payments.
Section 188 establishes requirements for reprogramming
actions by the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
Section 189 prohibits funds appropriated in this act to the
modal administrations from being obligated for the Office of
the Secretary for costs related to assessments or reimbursable
agreements unless the obligations are for services that provide
a direct benefit to the applicable modal administration.
Section 190 authorizes the Secretary to carry out a program
that establishes uniform standards for developing and
supporting agency transit pass and transit benefits authorized
under section 7905 of title 5, United States Code.
Section 191 prohibits the use of funds for any geographic,
economic, or other hiring preference pilot program, regulation,
or policy unless certain requirements are met related to
availability of local labor, displacement of existing
employees, and delays in transportation plans.

TITLE II

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Management and Administration

The Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] was
established by the Housing and Urban Development Act (Public
Law 89-174), effective November 9, 1965. This Department is the
principal Federal agency responsible for programs concerned
with the Nation's housing needs, fair housing opportunities,
and improving and developing communities.
Rural Areas.--The Committee urges the Secretary to enhance
its efforts to provide decent, affordable housing and to
promote economic development for rural Americans. When
designing programs and making funding decisions, the Secretary
shall take into consideration the unique conditions,
challenges, and scale of rural areas.
Appropriations Attorneys.--During consideration of the
fiscal year 2003 appropriations legislation, it became apparent
to the Committee that both the Committee and the Department
would be best served if the attorneys responsible for
appropriations matters were housed in the Office of the Chief
Financial Officer [OCFO]. Since that time, the Committee has
routinely received prompt, accurate, and reliable information
from the OCFO on various appropriations law matters. For fiscal
year 2020, the Committee continues to fund appropriations
attorneys in the OCFO and directs HUD to refer all
appropriations law issues to such attorneys within the OCFO.
Reprogramming and Congressional Notification.--The
Committee reiterates that the Department must secure the
approval of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations
for the reprogramming of funds between programs, projects, and
activities within each account. Unless otherwise identified in
the bill or report, the most detailed allocation of funds
presented in the budget justifications is approved, with any
deviation from such approved allocation subject to the normal
reprogramming requirements. Except as specifically provided
otherwise, it is the intent of the Committee that all carryover
funds in the various accounts, including recaptures and de-
obligations, are subject to the normal reprogramming
requirements outlined under section 405. No change may be made
to any program, project, or activity if it is construed to be
new policy or a change in policy, without prior approval of the
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. The Committee
notes its concern about the lack of awareness of section 405
among program offices, and directs the Office of the Chief
Financial Officer to develop and issue guidance to program
offices on their obligations under this authority. The
Committee also directs HUD to include a separate delineation of
any reprogramming of funds requiring approval in the operating
plan required by section 405 of this act. Finally, the
Committee shall be notified regarding reorganizations of
offices, programs or activities prior to the implementation of
such reorganizations. The Department is directed to submit, in
consultation with the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations, current and accurate organizational charts for
each office within the Department as part of the fiscal year
2021 congressional justifications. The Committee further
directs the Department to submit any staff realignments or
restructuring to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations 30 days prior to their implementation.
Assisting Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence.--The
Committee remains concerned that HUD-assisted residents fleeing
domestic violence that are seeking emergency transfers from one
HUD-assisted unit or property to another HUD-assisted unit or
property still lack clarity on how to effectively transfer to
permanent housing. In fiscal year 2019, the Committee directed
HUD to report on its efforts to improve the emergency transfer
process and describe how communities can design effective
emergency transfer models. The Committee believes this work
will help assist vulnerable residents in securing safe and
stable housing and looks forward to the Department's completion
of this work.
Human Capital.--According to HUD's Office of Inspector
General, many, if not all, of the Department's top management
challenges are affected by its reduced staffing levels. From
its peak staffing levels in 1991, HUD's workforce has fallen
more than 49 percent. During the 10-year period from 2008 to
2017, HUD lost 18.5 percent of its full-time staff. This human
capital loss is the greatest of any cabinet-level department
during this time. The low staffing levels will be further
impacted by retirements. Nearly a quarter of HUD's staff are
currently eligible to retire, and over the next 5 years, 45
percent of HUD's staff will be eligible to retire. In response
to this challenge, the Committee is making personnel
investments in several key program areas to ensure that HUD has
the staff to carry out its mission to meet the housing needs of
the Nation, as well as to facilitate community and economic
development. The Committee also encourages the Department to
continue its efforts to evaluate and assess where staffing
levels have an adverse impact on program operations and directs
the Department to brief the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations on a quarterly basis on HUD's progress to
restore staffing levels and address its administration and
human capital challenges.

EXECUTIVE OFFICES

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $14,900,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 16,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 14,217,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Executive Offices account provides the salaries and
expenses funding to support the Department's senior leadership
and other key functions, including the immediate offices of the
Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Congressional and
Intergovernmental Relations, Public Affairs, Adjudicatory
Services, the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives,
and the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $14,217,000
for this account, which is $683,000 less than the fiscal year
2019 enacted level and $1,783,000 less than the budget request.
The Secretary is directed to submit a spend plan to the House
and Senate Committees on Appropriations that outlines how
budgetary resources will be distributed among the seven offices
funded under this heading.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT OFFICES

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $541,500,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 556,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 563,378,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Administrative Support Offices account is the backbone
of HUD's operations, and consists of several offices that aim
to work seamlessly to provide the leadership and support
services to ensure the Department performs its core mission and
is compliant with all legal, operational, and financial
guidelines. This account funds the salaries and expenses of the
Office of the General Counsel, the Office of the Chief
Financial Officer, the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer,
the Office of Departmental Equal Employment Opportunity, the
Office of Field Policy and Management, the Office of the Chief
Human Capital Officer, the Office of Administration, and the
Office of the Chief Information Officer.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $563,378,000
for this account, which is $21,878,000 more than the fiscal
year 2019 enacted level and $6,878,000 more than the budget
request.
Funds are made available as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Chief Financial Officer............... $73,562,000
Office of the General Counsel....................... 103,916,000
Office of Administration............................ 206,849,000
Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer........... 39,827,000
Office of Field Policy and Management............... 57,861,000
Office of the Chief Procurement Officer............. 19,445,000
Office of Departmental Equal Employment Opportunity. 4,242,000
Office of the Chief Information Officer............. 57,676,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hiring and Separation Report.--The Committee directs HUD's
Office of the Chief Financial Officer [OCFO] and the Office of
the Human Capital Officer to submit quarterly reports to the
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on hiring and
separations by program office. This report shall include
position titles, location, associated full-time equivalent, and
include the Office of the Inspector General and the Government
National Mortgage Association.
Expired Balances Report.--The Committee directs HUD's OCFO
to submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations within 30 days of enactment of this act on
expired balances. The report shall cover fiscal years 2015-
2019, and for each fiscal year, identify by account and line
item the amount of funding that expired in that fiscal year.
Amounts shall include carryover and recaptures in addition to
any expiring amounts appropriated for each fiscal year.
Office of the Chief Financial Officer.--The Committee
recommendation includes $73,562,000 for the OCFO. Of the amount
provided, $19,000,000 is for the financial transformation
initiative to strengthen HUD's fiscal capabilities and
controls. The Committee also includes language directing HUD to
submit an expenditure plan for approval prior to obligating
more than 10 percent of the funds provided for this initiative
and expects that HUD will engage in frequent and transparent
communication with the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations regarding this initiative. Additionally, the
Committee is aware that OCFO is in the initial phase of
planning a reorganization of the Office's structure. While the
Committee has agreed to permit OCFO to absorb aspects of the
Office of Business Transformation, it does not at this time
provide any approval for a broader, and systemic, reshaping of
the organization as a whole.
Appropriations Liaison Division [ALD].--The ALD is intended
to coordinate and streamline communications between HUD and the
Committees on Appropriations. While the Committee is not
approving this reorganization, it recognizes that effective
communication within the Department is required to meet this
goal. The Committee is concerned that ineffective communication
within the Department has resulted in significant delays in
information sharing between the Committees and HUD. Therefore,
HUD is directed to develop an internal communication plan to
address these challenges to ensure the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations receive, in a timely and
expeditious manner, the information and technical drafting
necessary to carry out oversight and appropriations
responsibilities. The Department is reminded that it does not
have Congressional approval to restructure or alter ALD or any
division within OCFO without prior approval from the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations.
Office of Administration.--The Committee recommendation
does not include the proposed consolidation of the Office of
Administration, the Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer,
and the Office of Procurement into a single funding line. The
Committee notes that prior to fiscal year 2014, the funding for
the Office of Administration and the Office of the Chief Human
Capital Officer was provided through a single appropriation and
was separated into two separate accounts at the request of the
Department. While the Committee has not included the request to
consolidate the funding for these offices into a single
appropriation, the Committee is supportive of the broader work
the Office of Administration is undertaking to streamline
operations across these offices and believes these efforts will
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these offices and
the Department overall. The Committee encourages the Office of
Administration to continue these efforts.
Office of Disaster and Emergency Management.--As part of
the National Disaster Recovery Framework, HUD fulfills the
Housing Recovery Support Function, which requires the
Department to coordinate recovery and preparedness activities
with Federal, State, and local partners and to facilitate the
delivery of Federal funding to implement sustainable and
resilient housing solutions for disaster-affected areas. To
facilitate this work, HUD established an Office of Disaster and
Emergency Management, which is designed to comprehensively
address disaster preparedness, response, and recovery
management, including issues related to housing, economic
development, infrastructure, community planning, and capacity
building across HUD programs. However, very little has been
done to fully operationalize this office. In fiscal year 2019,
the Committee directed HUD to report to the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations on its efforts to operationalize
this office in order to improve the overall Departmental
response to emergencies and disasters, including preparedness
and mitigation from future disasters. This report found that a
number of staffing and capacity issues remain outstanding and
need to be addressed before the Office can be fully
operationalized, including: (1) identifying what office within
HUD is most effective for centralized coordination; (2)
addressing leadership and employee skill gaps and staffing
levels; (3) identifying key functions and aligning key offices
to perform those functions; and, (4) determining what
additional resources, if any, are needed. The Committee directs
the Department to resolve these outstanding issues and to
submit for approval a resource allocation plan to the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations within 30 days from the
enactment of this act and to fully operationalize this office
within 120 days after approval of the resource allocation plan.
To ensure sufficient management and execution of duties, the
Committee recommendation includes 5 additional full-time
equivalent positions for the Office of Disaster and Emergency
Management.
Office of Field Policy and Management [OFPM].--The
Committee maintains language directing HUD to continue
supporting the existing Promise Zone designations for the
length of their agreements. To realize the full potential of
these designations, the Committee directs OFPM to work with
designees to ensure the provision of any OMB-requested data for
an effective evaluation of the initiative.

PROGRAM OFFICES

Appropriations, 2019....................................................
Budget estimate, 2020................................... $826,900,000
Committee recommendation................................ 844,000,000

Note: This is a new account requested as part of the fiscal year 2020
President's Budget Request. In fiscal year 2019, the funding for the six
offices that make up this account were appropriated in separate accounts
and totaled $822,144,000.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Program Offices [PO] account is a new account in fiscal
year 2020. It consolidates into a single account the separate
accounts that fund the salaries and expenses of six program
offices, including the Offices of: Public and Indian Housing,
Community Planning and Development, Housing, Policy Development
and Research, Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, and Lead
Hazard Control and Healthy Homes.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $844,000,000
for this account, which is $21,856,000 more than the fiscal
year 2019 enacted level for these offices and $17,100,000 more
than the budget request.
Funds are made available as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of Public and Indian Housing................. $225,000,000
Office of Community Planning and Development........ 123,000,000
Office of Housing................................... 387,000,000
Office of Policy Development and Research........... 28,000,000
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity........ 72,000,000
Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes..... 9,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Office of Public Housing and Voucher Programs [OPHVP].--The
Committee is aware that over the last several years, OPHVP has
taken on additional workload including: a doubling of the
project-based voucher program, an appropriation of over 100,000
special purpose vouchers, implementation of the Housing
Opportunity Through Modernization Act, and other regulatory
actions. The appropriations provided to programs under the
oversight of the OPHVP account for over half of the total
funding provided to HUD. To ensure sufficient oversight and
management of these programs, the Committee directs HUD to
prioritize the hiring and backfilling of 20 additional full-
time equivalent positions for the Office of Public Housing and
Voucher Programs. The Department is directed to inform the
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 15 days of
enactment of this act regarding how it is implementing the
Committee's hiring direction.
Office of Native American Programs [ONAP].--Of the amounts
provided for the Office of Public and Indian Housing, no less
than $200,000 is for travel related to the provision of
training, technical assistance, oversight, and management of
Indian housing. The Committee directs HUD to prioritize the
hiring and backfilling of 5 additional full-time equivalent
positions for the ONAP. The Department is directed to inform
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 15
days of enactment of this act regarding how it is implementing
the Committee's hiring direction.
Public Housing Agency [PHA] Regulatory Relief.--The
Committee remains concerned about the growing demand placed on
small-and medium-sized PHAs, and agencies that only administer
a section 8 or section 9 program, and continues to urge HUD to
eliminate excessive paperwork and administrative requirements
and develop opportunities that achieve new efficiencies in
management and operations for small- and medium-sized PHAs.
Oversight and Management of Community Development Block
Grant Disaster Recovery Funds.--The Committee directs HUD to
prioritize the hiring and backfilling of 10 additional full-
time equivalent positions to support Community Development
Block Grant Disaster Recovery grants within the Office of Grant
Programs. The Department is directed to inform the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations within 15 days of enactment
of this act regarding how it is implementing the Committee's
hiring direction.
Real Estate Assessment Center.--The Committee rejects the
President's proposal to transfer Real Estate Assessment Center
Financial and Physical Assessment services, including
personnel, to the Working Capital Fund, and maintains these
resources within the Offices of Public and Indian Housing,
Community Planning and Development, and Housing.
New Housing in High Cost Metropolitan Areas.--The Committee
is concerned that a combination of income concentration and
housing supply constraints in high-productivity metropolitan
areas has created entry limits harmful to geographic and
economic mobility. Upward price pressure on rents resulting
from such conditions imposes a greater financial burden on
Federal taxpayers through rental assistance programs that
respond to private market rents. The Committee directs the
Department to report to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations no later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this act, identifying metropolitan areas where
such conditions are most prevalent and recommending best
practices for localities and States to help encourage the
production of new housing in high-cost metropolitan areas.
Consolidated Plans and Manufactured Housing.--The Committee
recognizes that manufactured housing is a significant source of
unsubsidized affordable housing in the country and that nearly
18 million Americans live in manufactured homes. Making
manufactured housing more available is an important tool to
increase the overall supply of affordable housing. The
Committee directs the Department to issue guidelines to
jurisdictions on how to assess the potential inclusion of
residential manufactured homes in a community's comprehensive
housing affordability strategy and community development plans
required under part 91 of title 24, Code of Federal
Regulations.

WORKING CAPITAL FUND

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Working Capital Fund [WCF] promotes economy,
efficiency, and accountability. Amounts transferred to the Fund
are for Federal shared services used by offices and agencies of
the Department, and are derived from centralized Salaries and
Expenses accounts.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommendation provides the Secretary with
the authority to transfer amounts provided in this title for
salaries and expenses, except those for the Office of Inspector
General, to this account for the purpose of funding centralized
activities. The Department is required to centralize and fund
from this account any shared service agreements executed
between HUD and another Federal agency. For fiscal year 2020,
the Department is permitted to only centralize and fund from
this account: financial management, procurement, travel,
relocation, human resources, printing, records management,
space renovation, furniture, and supply services. The Committee
does not expand the authority, as proposed in the budget
request, to include Real Estate Assessment Center [REAC]
physical or financial assessment services, budget formulation,
or any other activity not expressly permitted in this
paragraph. The Committee expects that, prior to exercising
discretion to centrally fund an activity, the Secretary shall
have established transparent and reliable unit cost accounting
for the offices and agencies of the Department that use the
activity and shall have adequately trained staff within each
affected office and agency on resource planning and accounting
processes associated with the centralization of funds to this
account.
Prior to exercising its authority to transfer funds for
activities beyond what is required for shared service
agreements, the Committee expects HUD to establish a clear
execution plan for centralizing the additional activities and
to properly vet that plan with the House and Senate Committees
on Appropriations prior to transferring such funds into the
WCF. Financial management, procurement, travel, and relocation
costs for services provided to the Office of the Inspector
General are covered by the OCFO.
HUD shall include in its annual operating plan a detailed
outline of its plans for transferring budgetary resources to
the WCF in fiscal year 2020.

Public and Indian Housing

TENANT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $22,598,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 22,243,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 23,833,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This account provides funding for the Section 8 tenant-
based [voucher] program. Section 8 tenant-based housing
assistance is one of the principle appropriations for Federal
housing assistance, serving approximately 2.2 million families.
The program also funds incremental vouchers for tenants who
live in properties where the owner has decided to leave the
Section 8 program. The program provides for the replacement of
units lost from the assisted housing inventory through its
tenant protection vouchers. Under these programs, eligible low-
income individuals and families pay 30 percent of their
adjusted income for rent, and the Federal Government is
responsible for the remainder of the rent, up to the fair
market rent or some other payment standard. Finally, this
account provides funding for administrative fees for public
housing agencies [PHAs], mainstream vouchers, Housing and Urban
Development Veterans Supportive Housing [HUD-VASH] programs,
and other incremental vouchers for vulnerable populations.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of
$23,833,000,000 for fiscal year 2020, including $4,000,000,000
as an advance appropriation to be made available on October 1,
2020. This amount is $1,589,500,000 more than the budget
request and $1,235,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2019
enacted level.
Contract Renewals.--The Committee recommends
$21,502,000,000 for the renewal costs of Section 8 vouchers,
which is $1,386,459,000 more than the budget request and
$1,189,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2019 enacted level.
The Section 8 rental assistance program is a critical tool
that enables more than 2 million low-income individuals and
families to access safe, stable, and affordable housing in the
private market. In recognition of the Section 8 program's
central role in ensuring housing for vulnerable Americans, the
Committee recommendation and existing reserves will provide
sufficient resources to ensure that no current voucher holders
are put at risk of losing their housing assistance. It also
supports the first time renewal of incremental vouchers that
were funded in prior years, including HUD-VASH vouchers. The
Committee will continue to monitor leasing data to make sure
residents are protected.
Tenant Protection Vouchers.--The Committee recommendation
includes $75,000,000 for tenant protection vouchers. These
vouchers are provided to public housing residents whose
buildings have health or safety issues, or whose projects are
being demolished. However, the largest share of these vouchers
is provided to tenants living in properties with expiring HUD
assistance who may face rent increases if their owners opt out
of HUD programs. In these instances, the vouchers ensure
continued affordability of tenants' housing.
Administrative Fees.--The Committee recommends
$1,977,000,000 for administrative fees. The Committee notes
that these funds are critical to the execution and success of
the voucher program. These funds are used for a diverse range
of activities and critical functions such as: property
inspections; case management, including tenant screening,
income recertification, and emergency transfers; landlord
outreach; issuing new vouchers upon program turnover; and
assisting tenants in locating housing.
The Committee is concerned that where there is a
significant fluctuation in local rental market conditions,
HUD's published fair market rents do not reflect the increased
need in rental subsidy and the associated operating costs. As a
result, some PHAs are conducting independent market surveys to
more accurately reflect local market conditions for HUD's
review and consideration. However, some rental market surveys
can be costly and an unviable option for PHAs that lack the
expertise and capacity. This is particularly true for smaller
PHAs in markets where the local fair market rents are outpacing
HUD's annual determination of FMRs.
Section 811 Mainstream Vouchers.--The Committee
recommendation includes $218,000,000 to continue the rental
assistance and administrative costs of this program.
Tribal-VASH.--The Committee recommendation includes
$1,000,000 for the renewal of rental assistance and associated
administrative costs for the Tribal HUD-VASH demonstration. Due
to the long-standing underutilization of this demonstration,
the Committee believes that the unused prior year funding, in
combination with this additional funding, will be sufficient to
fully renew existing grants. The Committee will continue to
assess funding needs for this demonstration as it completes its
work on final fiscal year 2020 appropriations. The Committee
encourages HUD to use its existing reallocation authority where
necessary to ensure these funds can be utilized to the greatest
extent possible.
HUD-VASH.--The Committee again rejects the budget proposal
to prematurely end funding for new VASH vouchers and includes
$40,000,000 for this purpose. These vouchers have been critical
to reducing veterans' homelessness by 49 percent since 2010. It
is vital that all funds directed to this program are accounted
for and used efficiently. As such, the Committee directs HUD to
make public the need for additional HUD-VASH funding and
reasons for unused funds, which should also include an
evaluation of the effectiveness of the program and distribution
of resources. The Committee continues to encourage the
Department to use existing authority to recapture HUD-VASH
voucher assistance from PHAs that voluntarily declare that they
no longer have a need for that assistance, and reallocate it to
PHAs with an identified need. The Committee directs HUD to
expedite this process, ensuring that communities that have
successfully ended veterans' homelessness enable other
communities to assist this population. The Committee encourages
the Department to prioritize, as part of this reallocation,
PHAs that project-base a portion of their HUD-VASH vouchers.
Family Unification Program [FUP].--The Committee includes
$20,000,000 for new FUP vouchers for youth exiting foster care
and at risk of homelessness. To ensure that vouchers are
available where youth need assistance, the Committee enables
HUD to provide a portion of the vouchers outside of a
competitive NOFA process to PHAs that have partnered with
public child welfare agencies [PWCAs] and have identified
eligible youth. The housing assistance, as authorized under
Section 8(x) of the 1937 Housing Act, combined with access to
supportive services through partnerships with the local PCWA
will enable youth to remain stably housed and achieve self-
sufficiency. The Committee also continues language permitting
the Secretary to recapture voucher assistance from PHAs that no
longer have a need for that assistance, and reallocate to it to
PHAs with an identified need.
Tenant Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence.--The
Committee is aware that PIH Notice 2017-08 required public
housing agencies to adopt Emergency Transfer Plans by June 14,
2017, in accordance with HUD's Final Rule for the Violence
Against Women Act 2013. These Emergency Transfer Plans define
who is eligible for an emergency transfer, identify
documentation requirements, outline confidentiality
protections, and describe how an emergency transfer may be
facilitated. As the covered housing provider for emergency
transfers within a community, PHAs serve as the primary contact
for HUD-assisted individuals or families seeking an emergency
transfer, including those receiving assistance in privately-
owned HUD-assisted properties. The Committee understands that
in some communities, tenants that are victims of domestic
violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking request
emergency transfers under VAWA, but are unable to internally
transfer to a safe unit immediately, given a limited
availability of housing stock within a PHA's jurisdiction or a
victim's consideration of safe housing. Where some communities
may have access to rapid rehousing assistance, others are
unable to assist VAWA victims with transfers or relocations to
safe housing in a reasonable time period. To further assist
these communities, section 41411 of the Violence Against Women
Act of 2013 (Public Law 113-4) directed the Secretary to
establish policies and procedures for which a VAWA victim
seeking an emergency transfer may receive a tenant protection
voucher [TPV]. The Committee is concerned that the Department
has not made such a policy or established a procedure for PHAs
to administer TPVs for HUD-assisted VAWA victims, should TPVs
be available for this purpose. As a result, the Committee
directs HUD to consult with PHAs, other covered housing
providers, and advocates on how TPVs can be administered to
HUD-assisted tenants seeking emergency transfers under VAWA,
including how the Department can operationalize the use of TPVs
for this purpose. The Committee further directs HUD to report
to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 180
days of enactment of this act on the results of that
consultation. This report shall also include the estimated need
for and cost of making TPVs available for this purpose.

HOUSING CERTIFICATE FUND

(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Until fiscal year 2005, the Housing Certificate Fund
provided funding for both the project-based and tenant-based
components of the Section 8 program. Project-based rental
assistance and tenant-based rental assistance are now
separately funded accounts. The Housing Certificate Fund
retains balances from previous years' appropriations.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee has included language that will allow
unobligated balances from specific accounts to be used to renew
or amend project-based rental assistance contracts.

PUBLIC HOUSING CAPITAL FUND

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $2,775,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 2,855,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This account provides funding for the modernization and
capital needs of PHAs (except Tribally Designated Housing
Entities), including management improvements, resident
relocation, and homeownership activities.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,855,000,000
for the Public Housing Capital Fund, which is $2,855,000,000
more than the budget request and $80,000,000 more than the
fiscal year 2019 enacted level.
Of the amount made available under this account, up to
$14,000,000 is to support the ongoing financial and physical
assessment activities performed by the Real Estate Assessment
Center [REAC] and up to $1,000,000 is for the cost of
administrative and judicial receiverships.
Safety and Security in Public Housing.--The Committee's
recommendation includes $50,000,000 for emergency capital
needs, of which at least $10,000,000 is to be used for safety
and security measures in public housing. The Committee has
included this specific set-aside because there are PHAs facing
safety and security issues that rely on these funds to protect
their tenants. The Committee believes that the level of funding
recommended will support both repairs from disasters and safety
and security improvements.
The Committee is concerned that HUD has failed to update
the annual funding notification and application process to
reflect legislative changes made through annual appropriations
acts to award these funds. Currently, HUD does not consider a
PHA's need in the award of funding, instead it allocates
funding through a national lottery, and thereafter, subject to
availability of resources, considers allocations based on a
first-come first-serve basis. The Committee believes that this
approach does not ensure that PHAs across the country, who have
identified safety and security needs, benefit from these funds.
Therefore, the Committee directs the Department to update PIH
Notice 2016-03 to first award funds based on need regionally,
and then award any remaining funds nationally. The amending, or
superseding, of PIH Notice 2016-03 should also reflect
legislative changes relevant to the availability of funds that
the Committee first included in fiscal year 2017. Further, the
Committee is aware that HUD prevents PHAs that have previously
received safety and security funding for a development, but
which have additional needs for different safety and security
improvements within the same development, from applying for
funding. The Committee believes this policy does not take into
account the needs of public housing developments that may
require new investments to keep properties and residents safe
and secure. Therefore, the Committee directs HUD, in its update
of the implementing Notice, to allow PHAs to be eligible for
safety and security grants for a development that previously
received funding, if the PHA is proposing an activity or
acquisition of an item that was not funded under a previously
awarded safety and security grant. The Committee continues to
direct the Department to fund eligible safety and security
projects as quickly as possible. The Committee continues
language clarifying that unused funds from the emergency set-
aside shall be used to address safety and security needs of
PHAs and the residents who live in these properties.
Quality Assurance of Physical Inspections.--The Committee
remains concerned about the physical quality of some HUD-
subsidized properties across the country, including incidences
of unaddressed or untimely responses to health-related hazards
in HUD-assisted housing. The Committee notes HUD's recent steps
to address the quality of its physical inspections, but has
concerns about the prioritization of such changes.
The first change HUD made was reducing the number of days
it gives PHAs and property owners advance notification for
inspections to 14-days. The Department's intent behind reducing
the advance notification to 14-days is to limit the number of
last minute, and primarily cosmetic, repairs in order to more
accurately capture the physical condition of the property at
the time of inspection. To date, HUD has conducted very few
physical inspections under the notification change and as such,
little is known about the efficacy or any unintended
consequences of this policy change. However, the Committee is
aware of concern among PHAs that manage large developments that
the notification period does not provide sufficient time for
tenant notifications or pre-inspections for 100 percent of
units for tenant-caused hazards, particularly where maintenance
staff are limited across a PHA's portfolio. Therefore, the
Committee directs HUD to submit to the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations within 30 days of enactment of
this act a report on HUD's experiences with this policy change.
The report should cover at least the following data points for
public housing, multifamily housing, and combined: the number
of inspections carried out under the 14-day notice; the number
of properties rescheduling their initial inspection; the number
of properties receiving a default score of zero; the percentage
change, relative to the prior 12-month period, of properties
passing or failing their inspection; and the identification of
any unintended consequences.
The Department has also begun work on a 2-year
demonstration to review and replace the current inspection
process into one model that improves confidence, emphasizes the
health and safety of residents, and reduces complexity. HUD has
determined that the current inspection process does not always
give reasonable assurance or evidence of a property's
condition, identify the extent of health and safety conditions
affecting residents, or accurately score properties with poor,
if not failing, unit conditions. The Committee believes this
effort is a worthwhile endeavor and that the inspection process
is due for a comprehensive review and update. However, the
Committee is troubled that the Department does not intend to
address how the inspection scoring process is weighted until
the end of this multi-year demonstration, allowing properties
to pass an inspection where units have failed to meet the
minimum inspection standards, despite HUD identifying this as a
central and fundamental failure of the current inspection
process. Currently, the combined scores from common areas,
building exteriors, and site conditions are weighted more than
the conditions of dwelling units or building systems, such as
elevators, heating and cooling, electrical and fire protection,
and sanitation. The Committee believes the Department has the
authority and ability to adjust how the inspection criteria is
weighted, and adjusting the weighting should be incorporated
into the updated standards and criteria for the inspection
process prior to rolling out the multi-year demonstration. The
Department has already determined that the post-demonstration
inspection process will consolidate inspection criteria into
three areas [dwelling units, inside the property, and outside
the property], weighting dwelling unit conditions at 50 percent
of the overall score and will incorporate a requirement to fail
the overall property inspection if the dwelling units do not
meet the minimum physical condition standards. Given the tools
available to the Department, and recent actions taken to
improve the quality of inspections, the Committee is perplexed
about HUD's decision to reduce the advance notification for
inspections, but not take immediate action to alter how
inspections are weighted in order to prioritize the health and
safety of residents. Therefore, the Committee directs that HUD
submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations within 15 days of enactment of this act that
identifies the process for establishing a new scoring weight as
part of the current inspection process, and identifies the
statutory and regulatory barriers, if any, that would need to
be addressed before undergoing such change.
As part of the fiscal year 2017 Appropriations Act, this
Committee directed GAO to undertake a review of REAC's policies
and processes. GAO completed their work and published a report
in March of this year. In the report, GAO makes 14
recommendations to HUD to improve REAC's physical inspection
process as well as its selection, training, and monitoring of
contract and quality assurance inspectors. GAO's report also
notes that in January of 2017, an internal HUD taskforce made 8
recommendations to enhance and improve the inspection process,
but that as of December 2018, HUD had not implemented any of
the 8 recommendations. The Committee notes that one of those
recommendations from January 2017 was to, ``[i]ncrease the
scoring weights of units and reexamine point deduction caps.''
The Committee directs HUD to submit a report to the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations a report within 30 days of
enactment of this act that identifies the status of HUD's
implementation of the 14 recommendations identified by GAO and
the 8 recommendations identified by HUD in January 2017, and to
update the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations
quarterly during fiscal year 2020 on its progress to implement
these 22 recommendations.
The Committee directs the Department to submit to the House
and Senate Committees on Appropriations 30 days after enactment
of this act, a report identifying how funds provided for REAC,
including any carryover balances, will be utilized during
fiscal year 2020. The Committee also directs the Department to
submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations
within 90 days of enactment of this act a report on REAC
inspections of all HUD assisted and/or insured properties. This
report shall include: the percentage of all inspected
properties that received a REAC-inspected score of less than 65
since calendar year 2013; the number of properties in which the
most recent REAC-inspected score represented a decline relative
to the previous REAC score; a list of the 10 metropolitan
statistical areas with the lowest average REAC-inspected scores
for all inspected properties; and a list of the 10 States with
the lowest average REAC-inspected scores for all inspected
properties. The Committee encourages the Department to work
with the House and Senate authorizing committees on enforcement
actions, including civil monetary penalties, that HUD can take
to ensure PHAs and landlords maintain the physical quality of
HUD-assisted units.
The Committee continues to support efforts to quickly issue
tenant protection vouchers to ensure affected residents are
expeditiously securing housing that meets HUD's decent, safe
and sanitary standards. The Committee reiterates that failure
to maintain the physical condition of HUD-assisted properties
results in a loss of critical affordable housing and tenant
protection vouchers are of questionable value to families that
encounter a lack of affordable housing in their communities. As
such, the Committee directs HUD to remind PHAs of the
importance of working in coordination with State housing
finance agencies and regional stakeholders to identify
opportunities for the preservation and expansion of local
affordable housing, particularly in areas where there is a
known low vacancy or where the PHA is pursuing a Section 18
demolishment or disposition action.
Lead-Based Paint, Mold, and Other Environmental Hazards.--
The agreement includes $40,000,000 to help PHAs address lead-
based paint and other environmental hazards in public housing
units. In fiscal year 2019 the Committee provided $25,000,000
to help PHAs address lead-based paint hazards in public housing
units, to ensure the physical condition of units meet the
criteria set forth in HUD's amended blood lead level standards.
This funding was competitively awarded to PHAs for lead
inspections, risk assessments, interim controls and abatements,
and will provide greater protections for children under the age
of 6 living in public housing and builds on the $25,000,000
that was provided in fiscal year 2017. While this funding
continues to be critical for making improvements to public
housing, the Committee remains concerned that HUD has limited
its overall impact through the Notice of Funding Availability.
Specifically, while HUD has allowed PHAs that are in troubled
status or under the direction of HUD or a court-appointed
receiver to compete for funding, PHAs that are under the
direction of a monitor are ineligible to apply for the funding.
Additionally, HUD has disqualified PHAs with unresolved
violations of the Lead Safe Housing or Lead Disclosure Rules,
and prohibited the use of funding to satisfy related violations
or settlement agreements with HUD, the Department of Justice
and the Environmental Protection Agency. This, combined with
setting an arbitrary cap on the amount of a grant to
$1,000,000, discouraged and prohibited many PHAs with lead-
hazard reduction needs that exceed this amount from applying
for, or receiving funding. The Committee reminds the Department
that the intent of this funding is to help PHAs come into
compliance with Federal statute and regulation in order to
improve the living conditions of public housing residents. The
Committee prohibits the Department from deeming any PHA that is
under the direction of a monitor as ineligible to apply for or
receive funding, provided the agency is in compliance with any
current Memorandum of Agreement or Recovery Agreements. The
Committee also prohibits HUD from deeming any PHA that has a
violation or violations of the Lead Safe Housing or Lead
Disclosure Rules and who present documentation establishing
they are working in good faith to resolve such findings by
meeting any deadlines they were required to reach under the
terms of a settlement agreement, consent decree, voluntary
agreement, or similar document as of the date of application,
as ineligible to apply for or receive funding.
The Department is also prohibited from precluding funds
from being used to carryout work to settle an outstanding
violation. The Committee continues to expect the Department to
work with PHAs to ensure that the initiative reflects the
unique needs of the industry and strongly encourages HUD to
work with PHAs, their maintenance staff, and tenants to help
ensure potential lead-based paint risks are identified and
addressed expeditiously.
The Committee continues to hear reports of mold, and other
environmental hazards including carbon monoxide, radon, and
pests, affecting the health and wellbeing of public housing
residents, often causing or worsening allergies, asthma and
other respiratory illnesses, and poisoning or loss of life.
Mold, for example, can be not only the result of improper or
inadequate ventilation in the home, but also a result of a
damaged roof, leaking pipes, or contaminated building materials
that require removal or special handling. Other environmental
hazards can be a result of improper installation of appliances,
inadequate ventilation, or unsealed surfaces and structures.
The Committee is aware of the growing number of units
identified with mold and other environmental hazards and the
presence of hazards in common areas that are uncovered during
the annual physical inspection of public housing properties and
is concerned about this growing problem. As a result, the
agreement includes up to $15,000,000 to help PHAs address mold
and other environmental hazards in public housing, including
testing and abatement and building improvements in order to
improve the health and safety conditions of residents.
The Committee believes that HUD's oversight of the physical
condition of the Nation's public housing stock lacks standard
guidance and best practices for PHAs to deploy in order to
prevent or effectively address mold and other environmental
hazards in public housing and directs the Office of Public and
Indian Housing to work with the Office of Lead-Hazard Control
and Healthy Homes to develop guidance and conduct webinars on
effective solutions to addressing mold and other environmental
hazards in public housing within 120 days of enactment of this
act.
Public Housing Receiverships.--The Committee directs the
Department to report quarterly during fiscal year 2020 to the
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the status of
public housing agencies under receivership, including factors
that informed the receivership such as physical and financial
scores, deficiencies with internal controls, and other
information demonstrating why HUD believes PHAs are unable to
effectively oversee their business operations. This report
shall also include an identification of funding resources and
technical assistance provided to the PHA for the purpose of
transitioning out of receivership, and future steps HUD will
take to address deficiencies in an effort to return the
respective PHAs to local control.
The Committee is concerned that some PHAs have recently
exited receivership despite health, safety, and security
conditions for residents remaining a problem. One such PHA is
the East St. Louis Housing authority, which exited receivership
in 2017 after 32 years of direct HUD control. The Committee
directs HUD to submit a report to the House and Senate
Committee on Appropriations on what actions HUD took during the
receivership to improve the security of HUD-assisted properties
and safety conditions for residents. The Committee further
directs HUD to evaluate how it can improve a PHA's transition
out of receivership to ensure residents are living in decent,
safe, and sanitary housing and to report to the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations within 90 days of enactment
of this act on changes that can be made to improve conditions
for residents affected by receivership changes, while also
ensuring PHAs are able to return to local control in a timely
manner.
Mobility and Relocation Specialists.--The Committee is
aware of reports that HUD is not providing sufficient oversight
of and continued access to mobility and relocation specialists
for public housing residents who are required to involuntarily
relocate from their current public housing unit, as a result of
health and safety conditions or the demolishment or disposition
of a public housing unit. The Committee directs HUD to take
appropriate action to ensure public housing residents being
relocated have access to mobility and relocation specialists
until their relocation to suitable replacement housing is
complete.
ConnectHome.--The ConnectHome initiative provides a
platform for collaboration among local governments, PHAs,
Internet service providers, philanthropic foundations,
nonprofit organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to
work together to produce local solutions for narrowing the
digital divide in communities across the Nation served by HUD.
The Committee encourages the Department to continue to partner
with these entities to help identify ways residents living in
public housing can connect to broadband infrastructure through
technical assistance and digital literacy training, and to work
with its partners to take steps to expand the number of
participating communities.

PUBLIC HOUSING OPERATING FUND

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $4,653,116,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 2,863,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,650,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This account provides funding for the payment of operating
subsidies to approximately 3,100 PHAs (except tribally
designated housing entities) with a total of approximately 1.2
million units under management in order to augment rent
payments by residents in order to provide sufficient revenues
to meet reasonable operating costs.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,650,000,000
for the public housing operating fund, which is $1,787,000,000
more than the budget request and $3,116,000 less than the
fiscal year 2019 enacted level.
Shortfall Funding.--The Committee has included funding this
fiscal year to mitigate the risk of financial insolvency among
PHAs. The Committee directs that the allocation of these funds
shall first be prioritized to PHAs with 249 or fewer public
housing units that are determined to be insolvent and have less
than 1-month of reserves before allocating funds to larger
PHAs. The Committee prioritizes very small and small PHAs for
these funds given that these PHAs comprise over 75 percent of
all PHAs and are unlikely to be able to avail themselves of
other mitigation strategies relative to larger PHAs. The
Committee recognizes that financial reporting is not static and
that PHAs in special circumstances, such as those undergoing
Rental Assistance Demonstration [RAD] conversions or utilizing
fungibility authority, are subject to temporary fluctuations in
operating expenses. Therefore, the Committee directs HUD to
take these special circumstances into account in their
assessment of insolvent PHAs and allocation of funding.
Enterprise Income Verification System.--The Committee is
aware that Executive Order 13828 highlights the importance of
investing in tools to reduce inaccuracies in payments. The
Committee is supportive of efforts to reduce improper payments
and encourages HUD to ensure that PHAs have access to upfront
income verification tools that provide current employment and
income verification information.
Operating Fund Web Portal.--The Operating Fund Web Portal
is a web-based platform that will enable PHAs to submit
operating fund data to HUD, view such data, and make changes
longitudinally. The portal will also enable HUD to reduce the
risks associated with the current formula processes by
providing for fully auditable data submissions, and provide
greater transparency to PHAs regarding the basis of funding and
reduce the risk of errors associated with the operating fund
formula process. The Committee directs HUD to continue working
on the full development and implementation of this tool in
order to automate the operating fund formula process, as well
as improve cash management reporting and compliance. The
Committee further directs HUD to report to the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations within 90 days of enactment of
this act on the progress made during fiscal year 2020 and to
identify additional actions to be taken in out-years to
complete work on the portal.

CHOICE NEIGHBORHOODS INITIATIVE

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $150,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 100,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Choice Neighborhoods initiative provides competitive
grants to transform distressed neighborhoods into sustainable,
mixed-income neighborhoods with co-location of appropriate
services, schools, public assets, transportation options, and
access to jobs or job training. Choice Neighborhoods grants
fund the preservation, rehabilitation, and transformation of
public and HUD-assisted housing, as well as their
neighborhoods. Grantees include PHAs, tribes, local
governments, and nonprofit organizations. For-profit developers
may also apply in partnership with another eligible grantee.
Grant funds can be used for resident and community services,
community development and affordable housing activities in
surrounding communities. Grantees undertake comprehensive local
planning with input from residents and the community.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $100,000,000
for the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative. This amount is
$50,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2019 enacted level and
$100,000,000 more than the budget request. Of the total amount
provided, not less than $50,000,000 shall be awarded to
projects where PHAs are the lead applicant, and no more than
$5,000,000 may be used for planning, including planning and
action, grants. The Committee continues to direct the Secretary
to give priority consideration to grantees that have been
previously awarded planning grants when making implementation
grant awards.

SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAMS

Appropriations, 2019\1\.................................................
Budget estimate, 2020\2\................................................
Committee recommendation................................ $130,000,000

\1\The total appropriations for these programs which was represented in
a different account structure was $130,000,000.
\2\The total budget request for these programs that currently are
represented in other account amount to $90,000,000.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Family Self-Sufficiency [FSS] program provides funding
to Public Housing Authorities [PHAs] to fund FSS Coordinators
to help Housing Choice Voucher, project-based Section 8, and
Public Housing residents achieve self-sufficiency and economic
independence. The Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency
[ROSS] program provides funding to PHAs, public housing
resident associations, Native American tribes, and non-profit
organizations to fund Service Coordinators to assist households
with employment and educational opportunities. The Jobs Plus
Initiative provides grants to PHAs, which are required to
partner with Department of Labor jobs centers, and provides
public housing residents with case managers to assist in job
placement.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommendation consolidates the FSS, ROSS,
and Jobs Plus programs into this new account. Previously, the
ROSS and Jobs Plus programs were funded as part of the Public
Housing Capital Fund, and the FSS program was under its own
account. The Committee recommends a total appropriation of
$130,000,000 for these self-sufficiency programs in fiscal year
2020. The overall appropriation amount is equal to the fiscal
year 2019 enacted level, and $40,000,000 more than the budget
request for these three programs. The Committee recommendation
includes $80,000,000 for the FSS program, $35,000,000 for the
ROSS program, and $15,000,000 for the Jobs-Plus initiative.
Family Self-Sufficiency Program.--The Committee strongly
supports the FSS program, which provides public housing and
Section 8 residents with the tools to improve their economic
stability, financial management skills, and ultimately achieve
self-sufficiency. The Committee notes the passage of the
Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act
of 2019, which will strengthen the FSS program by consolidating
duplicative programs, broadening supportive services, and
giving local entities flexibility to pursue innovative
approaches. The Department shall prioritize the renewal of all
existing coordinators and encourages the participation of new
coordinators once the renewal need is met. As the program
expands, the Committee expects HUD to continue to provide
technical assistance and training as appropriate in order to
share best-practices. Further, the Committee strongly
encourages the Department to continue work with PHAs and
property owners, including those converting existing FSS
programs through the Rental Assistance Demonstration, to ensure
compliance with reporting and other programmatic requirements.
Easing Barriers to FSS Participation.--In order to
facilitate increased participation by families, the Committee
seeks to reduce barriers that can arise from understaffed FSS
programs or delays in family enrollment. For the purposes of
the NOFA for this program, the Committee directs HUD to use PIH
Information Center data from the 12-month period immediately
preceding the issuance of the NOFA when calculating the number
of new or additional FSS coordinators for which a PHA is
eligible to apply. The Committee further directs that for new
families enrolling in the FSS program in 2020, the income and
rent amounts to be used in the ``Program Contract of
Participation'' shall be taken from the amounts on the last
reexamination or interim determination before the family's
initial participation in the FSS program.
FSS Performance Metrics.--The Committee has long-supported
this program and the important role it can play in the lives of
families receiving HUD rental assistance. The Committee has
also long-advocated for effective performance measures that
will enable the Department to promote best practices across
local programs and maximize the number of families that achieve
self-sufficiency. HUD notes that there is tremendous variation
in the Individual Training and Services Plan goals of
individual FSS participants. It is precisely these differences
that can make it challenging to condense the program into only
a few performance metrics for participating entities.
Recognizing this challenge, HUD regulations [24 CFR 984.102]
stipulate that, ``The Department will measure the success of a
local FSS program not only by the number of families who
achieve self-sufficiency, but also by the number of FSS
families who, as a result of participation in the program, have
family members who obtain their first job, or who obtain higher
paying jobs; no longer need benefits received under one or more
welfare programs; obtain a high school diploma or higher
education degree; or accomplish similar goals that will assist
the family in obtaining economic independence.'' However, the
performance metric system the Department has established only
considers three factors for which it intends to base funding
decisions--earnings, graduation from the program, and program
participation. PHAs and other stakeholders have raised concerns
about the potential unintended consequences of these metrics on
small vs. large PHAs, rural vs. metropolitan areas, and
statewide vs. local programs, among other concerns. Given these
concerns and the very limited scope of the performance metrics,
funding decisions should not be informed by these metrics at
this time. Therefore, the Committee includes a directive in the
bill preventing HUD from basing funding decisions on the
performance metric system.
FSS Authorization Changes.--HUD has not yet proposed
regulations to implement the changes made by the Family Self-
Sufficiency Act and enacted in Section 306 of Public Law 115-
174. The Committee directs HUD to complete and release
revisions to the FSS regulations no later than 90 days after
enactment of this act.
FSS Data.--The Committee directs HUD to include in its
annual budget submission to Congress data showing FSS
participation, escrow accumulation, and graduation rates for
the FSS program, including data from participating entities
without coordinator grants.

NATIVE AMERICAN PROGRAMS

[INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS]

Appropriations, 2019\1\................................. $820,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 600,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 820,000,000

\1\The fiscal year 2019 Appropriations represents funding for the
combined activities of the Indian Housing Block Grant and the Indian
Community Development Block Grant program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This account funds the Indian Housing Block Grant Program
[IHBG], as authorized under title I of the Native American
Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996, and the
Indian Community Development Block Grant Program [ICDBG],
authorized under title I of the Housing and Community
Development Act of 1974. The IHBG program provides a funding
allocation on a formula basis to Indian Tribes and their
tribally designated housing entities to help address the
housing needs within their communities. The ICDBG program
provides Indian Tribes the opportunity to compete for funding
to address tribal community development needs.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommendation restructures the major
programs administered by HUD's Office of Native American
Programs [ONAP] into a single account. The table below provides
funding levels for activities within this account. The
recommended funding level for these combined activities is
equal to the amount provided in fiscal year 2019 and
$220,000,000 more than the budget request.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Request Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Native American Housing Block $598,000,000 $646,000,000
Grants--Formula....................
Title VI Loan Program............... 2,000,000 2,000,000
Native American Housing Block ................ 100,000,000
Grants--Competitive................
Indian Community Development Block ................ 65,000,000
Grants.............................
Training and Technical Assistance... ................ 7,000,000
-----------------------------------
Total......................... 600,000,000 820,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Competitive Grants.--IHBG is a vital resource for Tribal
governments to address the dire housing conditions in Indian
Country, as the quality of and access to affordable housing
remains in a critical state for many Tribes across the country.
Native Americans living in Tribal areas are nearly twice as
likely to live in poverty compared to the rest of the Nation.
As a result, the housing challenges on Tribal lands are
daunting. According to the American Housing Survey data for
2013, 16 percent of homes on American Indian reservations and
off-reservation trust land are overcrowded, compared to 2
percent of households nationwide. In addition to being
overcrowded, 34 percent of Native American housing units suffer
from one or more physical deficiencies compared to only 7
percent for U.S. households, on average. To assist Tribes with
these daunting housing challenges, the Committee recommendation
includes $100,000,000 for competitive grants in addition to the
formula funding in order to assist areas with greater need.
Coordinated Environmental Reviews for Tribal Housing and
Related Infrastructure.--The construction of new Tribal housing
often requires multiple Federal partners to provide assistance
to develop the basic infrastructure necessary to support
housing development. The lack of water, sewer, power, and
roadway infrastructure adds to the overall complexity and cost
of housing development and triggers different environmental
review requirements for each Federal funding source. This
results in multiple inefficient and costly reviews that delay
housing development projects and acts as a hindrance to
leveraging other investments.
As a result, since fiscal year 2015, the Committee has
directed HUD to collaborate with its Federal agency partners,
including the Departments of Interior, Agriculture, Commerce,
Energy, Health and Human Services, Transportation, and the
Environmental Protection Agency, to develop a coordinated
environmental review process to simplify and streamline Tribal
housing development and its related infrastructure needs. The
Committee believes that eliminating unnecessary Federal
barriers to housing development is an essential component to
facilitate an effective use of Federal funding, while also
balancing the need to ensure appropriate and necessary
environmental protections.
In response, HUD established a working group to identify a
baseline assessment of cross-agency environmental review
requirements and developed a series of short- and long-term
recommendations. In December 2015, the working group reported
to the House and Senate Committees and determined that no
single effort or legislative change would ensure a coordinated
and simplified environmental review process and that an on-
going effort between agencies to discover commonalities and
foster collaborative relationships was required. Despite
additional directives from this Committee to continue this
work, little progress has been made since 2017. In fact, the
staff designated to lead this effort at HUD have been detailed
to other responsibilities.
The lack of sustained attention to this requirement is
unfortunate. Given the Administration's persistent efforts to
implement environmental streamlining initiatives across the
spectrum of the Federal Government programs, this is one sector
where substantial progress could have been made with the
support of Tribal governments and members of Congress.
Therefore, the Committee directs HUD to establish and lead a
Tribal Housing and Related Infrastructure Interagency Task
Force within the calendar year, which includes the previous
participating working group agency partners. The task force
shall address and implement the working group recommendations
to continue the review of related environmental laws and
authorities to identify opportunities for greater efficiencies;
explore whether environmental reviews could be expedited if
agencies which fund similar types of projects developed aligned
categorical exclusions; and identify specific regulatory and
policy improvements. The Committee expects routine reports to
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on task force
meetings, action items, goals and recommendations.
Technical Assistance.--Limited capacity hinders the ability
of many Tribes to effectively address their housing needs. The
Committee recommendation includes $7,000,000 for technical
assistance needs in Indian Country to support the IHBG program,
as well as other HUD programs, in order to meet the needs of
Native American families and Indian Country. The Committee
expects HUD to use the technical assistance funding provided to
aid Tribes with capacity challenges, especially Tribes
receiving small grant awards. The funding should be used for
training, contract expertise, and other services necessary to
improve data collection, increase leveraging, and address other
needs identified by Tribes. The Committee also expects that
these technical assistance funds will be provided to
organizations with experience in providing technical assistance
that reflects the unique needs and culture of Native Americans.
Title VI Credit Subsidy Model.--The Title VI Loan Guarantee
program enables Tribes to leverage their block grant funds and
encourages private lenders to finance Tribal housing
development activities. The Committee appreciates the efforts
of the Department and OMB to update the credit subsidy model.
Because of these efforts, HUD is able to nearly double the
value of loans guaranteed through this program without the need
for additional credit subsidy. The Committee encourages HUD and
OMB to continue efforts to further improve and update the
credit subsidy model.

INDIAN HOUSING LOAN GUARANTEE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limitation on
Program account guaranteed loans
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2019.......................................... $1,440,000 $553,846,154
Budget estimate, 2020......................................... 2,500,000 1,000,000,000
Committee recommendation...................................... 1,600,000 1,000,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This program provides access to private financing for
Indian families, Indian Tribes, and their tribally designated
housing entities that otherwise could not acquire housing
financing because of the unique status of Indian trust land.
HUD continues to be the largest single source of financing for
housing in Tribal communities. This program makes it possible
to promote sustainable reservation communities by providing
access to financing for higher income Native Americans to
achieve homeownership within their Native communities. As
required by the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, this account
includes the subsidy costs associated with the loan guarantees
authorized under this program.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,100,000 in
credit subsidy to support a loan level of $1,000,000,000. In
addition the recommendation provides an additional $500,000 for
administrative contract expenses, for a total appropriation of
$1,600,000. This funding level is $160,000 more than the fiscal
year 2019 enacted level and $900,000 less than the budget
request.
Oversight and Management.--In response to the Committee's
direction, in August of 2018 the HUD Office of Inspector
General [OIG] reported on ONAP's use of administrative contract
expenses, management processes, and information technology
systems to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
The OIG found that ONAP's Office of Loan Guarantee [OLG]
operated without adequate oversight of the Section 184 program,
inappropriately closed 6 out of 10 prior audit recommendations
from 2015, was unable to fully account for the use of
administrative expenses, and had nearly $2,300,000 in
unobligated balances in the administrative contract expense
fund. The OIG memorandum states, ``Since HUD had not taken
corrective actions to properly address audit recommendations in
the 3 years since the issues were identified, the program has
been allowed to operate without adequate oversight, statutory
authority, and internal written policies and procedures,
increasing the risk of waste, fraud and abuse.'' Clearly, these
findings are deeply disturbing at best. The Committee directs
HUD to report quarterly to the House and Senate Committee on
Appropriations on the steps it is taking to implement
corrective actions to the seven open OIG recommendations. The
Committee is sympathetic to ONAP's staffing challenges and in
response to OIG recommendation 1G, the Committee recommendation
includes language in the `Program Offices' account directing
HUD to prioritize the hiring and backfill of ONAP staff, as
well as additional resources to increase overall staffing
levels to hire a full time OLG Director. Further, the Committee
encourages HUD to continue to work with the authorizing
committees to enact statutory indemnification authority.

NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANT

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $2,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 1,745,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Hawaiian Homelands Homeownership Act of 2000 created
the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program to provide
grants to the State of Hawaii Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
[DHHL] for housing and housing-related assistance, in order to
develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing for eligible
low-income Native Hawaiian families. As one of the United
States' indigenous people, Native Hawaiian people have a unique
relationship with the Federal Government.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,745,000 for
the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program, which is
$255,000 less than the fiscal year 2019 enacted level and
$1,745,000 more than the budget request.
The Committee is extremely disappointed at DHHL's repeated
failure to meet acceptable performance targets for the
expenditure of federally appropriated funds, and its failure to
adjust program delivery models to meet the housing needs of
low-income Native Hawaiians. While the underlying State
constitutional mandate to return Native Hawaiians to the
Hawaiian homelands is and should always be the mission of the
organization, that does not in any way preclude DHHL from
developing affordable, multi-family rental housing for the
estimated 34,100 low-income Native Hawaiians who cannot afford
traditional or sweat equity homeownership opportunities. This
type of residential density will also allow for more efficient
use of infrastructure such as roads, sewer, and water lines.
Further, DHHL is encouraged to also address the rehabilitation
of unsafe and unsanitary housing conditions of low-income
Kapuna housing on Hawaiian homelands for which there is also
great need.
The Committee directs HUD to ensure that the funds provided
are administered to maximize the provision of affordable
housing through the construction of high density, multi-family
affordable housing and rental units, as well as housing
counseling services and the rehabilitation of housing on Native
Hawaiian home lands that do not meet safe and sanitary housing
building standards.

Community Planning and Development

HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $393,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 330,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 330,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS [HOPWA]
program provides States and localities with resources and
incentives to devise long-term, comprehensive strategies for
meeting the housing and supportive service needs of persons
living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
By statute, 90 percent of formula-appropriated funds are
distributed to qualifying States and metropolitan areas on the
basis of the number of living HIV and living AIDS cases, as
well as poverty and local housing cost factors. The remaining
10 percent of funds are awarded through a national competition,
with priority given to the renewal of funding for expiring
agreements consistent with appropriations act requirements.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $330,000,000
for the HOPWA program. The recommended amount is equal to the
budget request, and $63,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2019
enacted level. The Committee continues to include language
requiring HUD to allocate these funds in a manner that
preserves existing HOPWA programs, to the extent that those
programs are determined to be meeting the needs of persons with
HIV/AIDS.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND

Appropriations, 2019\1\................................. $3,365,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 3,325,000,000

\1\In fiscal year 2019, the Committee provided $65,000,000 for the
Indian Community Development Block Grant [ICDBG] under this account
heading. For fiscal year 2020, ICDBG activities have been transferred to
and fully funded at fiscal year 2019 levels in the new Native American
Programs account.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act
of 1974, as amended, the Department is authorized to award
block grants to units of general local government and States
for the funding of local community development programs. A wide
range of physical, economic, and social development activities
are eligible, with spending priorities determined at the local
level, but the law enumerates general objectives which the
block grants are designed to fulfill, including adequate
housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic
opportunities, principally for persons of low- and moderate-
income. Grant recipients are required to use at least 70
percent of their block grant funds for activities that benefit
low- and moderate-income persons.
Funds are distributed to eligible recipients for community
development purposes utilizing the higher of two objective
formulas, one of which gives somewhat greater weight to the age
of housing stock. Of the funds appropriated, 70 percent are
distributed to entitlement communities and 30 percent are
distributed to nonentitlement communities after deducting
designated amounts for insular areas.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee provides $3,325,000,000 for Community
Development Fund. The recommended amount is $3,325,000,000
above the budget request and $40,000,000 below the fiscal year
2019 enacted level. The Community Development Block Grant
program [CDBG] funding provides States and entitlement
communities with resources that allow them to undertake a wide
range of community development activities, including public
infrastructure improvements, housing rehabilitation and
construction, job creation and retention, and public services
that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons. The
Committee strongly rejects the administration's proposal to
eliminate this critical infrastructure program. Since 2005,
CDBG has assisted nearly 1.5 million homeowners with services
such as rehabilitation, downpayment assistance, and lead
abatement; it has helped create or retain over 400,000 jobs;
and has benefited over 45 million people through infrastructure
improvements. Every dollar of CDBG Federal investment leverages
nearly four additional dollars in non-CDBG funding. Urban and
rural communities, including communities in which residents
experience economic hardship, rely on this funding to serve
their most vulnerable residents. This program is vital to our
Nation's downtown and neighborhood revitalization efforts, and
the Committee believes that every effort must be made to
protect this essential funding mechanism. HUD's own fiscal year
2020 performance plan shows that eliminating CDBG as well as
the HOME Investment Partnerships program ultimately reduces the
number of housing units the Department expects to make healthy,
physically safe and lead-safe by two-thirds. This essential
resource for State and local governments lies at the heart of
HUD's community development mission and eliminating it would
have a real and significant negative impact on the lives of
millions of low- and moderate-income Americans.
The flexibility associated with CDBG enables State and
local governments to tailor solutions to effectively meet the
unique needs of their communities. The Committee notes the
importance of States and local grantees meeting the program's
three national objectives, as they utilize the program's
resources to address a wide range of community needs. As HUD
works with communities to determine eligible activities that
meet the national objective of benefiting low- and moderate-
income persons, the Committee encourages the Department to
extend flexibility to rural communities with less than 1,000
residents to use alternate sources of data to establish Low-
Moderate Income Survey Data when American Community Survey
[ACS] data is considered by the CDBG applicant to be
unreliable.
To ensure the program remains flexible, but also
accountable and transparent, the Committee recommendation
continues provisions in bill language that prohibit any
community from selling its CDBG award to another community and
that any funding provided to a for-profit entity for an
economic development project funded under this act undergo
appropriate underwriting. The Committee has included these
provisions to address concerns raised about how program dollars
have been used and to mitigate risks associated with these
concerns.
The Committee recommendation includes $25,000,000 for
grants to States to enable communities to assist individuals
recovering from substance abuse as authorized by Section 8071
of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act.
Partnerships Between Grantees and Project Resource
Providers.--The Committee strongly supports communities that
are facilitating partnerships between CDBG recipients and non-
profit organizations that provide tools, equipment, or other
resources to other nonprofit or volunteer organizations
assisting in the completion of community development,
revitalization, or rehabilitation projects authorized under the
CDBG program. In fiscal year 2019, the Committee directed HUD
to provide clarifying guidance to CDBG recipients about how
they can facilitate these partnerships and to issue a report at
the end of the fiscal year that identifies opportunities and
challenges for Federal, State, and local governments to partner
with nonprofit organizations to complete community development,
revitalization, and rehabilitation projects.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LOAN GUARANTEES PROGRAM ACCOUNT

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limitation on
Program account guaranteed loans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2019................ ................ $300,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020............... ................ ................
Committee recommendation............ ................ 300,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Section 108 of the Housing and Community Development Act of
1974, as amended, authorizes the Secretary to issue Federal
loan guarantees of private market loans used by entitlement and
nonentitlement communities to cover the costs of acquiring real
property, rehabilitation of publicly owned real property,
housing rehabilitation, and other economic development
activities.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommendation provides a loan level
guarantee of $300,000,000 which is equal to the fiscal year
2019 enacted level and $300,000,000 above the budget request.
The Committee requires HUD to collect fees to offset credit
subsidy costs such that the program operates at a zero credit
subsidy cost.
This program enables CDBG recipients to use their CDBG
dollars to leverage financing for economic development
projects, community facilities, and housing rehabilitation
programs. Communities are allowed to borrow up to five times
their most recent CDBG allocation.

HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $1,250,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 1,250,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act, as
amended, authorizes the HOME Investment Partnerships Program
[HOME]. This program provides assistance to States and local
governments for the purpose of expanding the supply and
affordability of housing to low- and very low-income people.
Eligible activities include tenant-based rental assistance,
acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable rental and
ownership housing, and housing construction. To participate in
the HOME program, State and local governments must develop a
comprehensive housing affordability strategy. There is a 25
percent matching requirement for participating jurisdictions,
which can be reduced or eliminated if they are experiencing
fiscal distress.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee does not support the elimination of this
program as proposed in the budget request and recommends an
appropriation of $1,250,000,000 for the HOME program. This
amount is equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level and
$1,250,000,000, more than the budget request.
Affordable Housing Needs.--Communities across the country
are facing an affordable housing crisis as rents are on the
rise nationally, low- and moderate-incomes are relatively
stagnant, and the production of affordable housing units lags
far behind the need. Between 2001 and 2015, the share of
overburdened renter households that spent more than half of
their income on rent increased 42 percent. The HOME program is
the sole Federal assistance program at HUD targeted to help
State and local participating jurisdictions leverage public and
private resources to develop and sustain affordable housing
opportunities for low-income individuals and families. The
program is an essential tool to address the shortfall of a
market driven economy that is ill equipped to bridge the lack
of profitability in affordable housing development and
traditional private sector housing financing mechanisms. In
most cases, the HOME program provides the necessary public gap
financing to facilitate private sector investment in affordable
housing enabling significant leverage capacity of public and
private resources. In fact, the programs leverage capacity grew
from $4.32 for every Federal dollar in 2017 to an average of
$7.85 in 2018. For rental projects specifically, this amount
was even higher, leveraging $8.67 for every HOME dollar. The
Committee supports innovative projects that combine public and
private capital, and directs HUD to continue to work to expand
the supply and affordability of housing for low-income and very
low-income people.
Reconciling Income Guidelines for Disabled Veterans.--There
are 4.7 million veterans with disabilities and 1.5 million
veterans living in poverty in the United States. However,
connecting veterans to affordable housing opportunities based
on their disability and/or income status can be difficult. Many
multifamily affordable housing developments are financed with a
combination of HOME funds and the Department of the Treasury's
Low Income Housing Tax Credits [LIHTC]. However, the income
guidelines for HUD's HOME program and LIHTC vary, and
reconciling the two program's requirements can be challenging.
As such, the Committee directs the Department to revive the
interagency Rental Policy Working Group with the Department of
Treasury to determine policies that align HUD and LIHTC
guidelines to address the housing needs of low-income disabled
veterans.
Environmental Reviews.--The Committee is concerned that
grantees of HUD's community development programs must navigate
inconsistent environmental reviews processes, especially
between the HOME and Housing Trust Fund [HTF] programs. These
inconsistencies have led to project delays and grantee
confusion when trying to comply with Federal regulations.
Therefore, the Committee directs HUD to provide a briefing to
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 60 days after
enactment of this act on how HUD will align the environmental
review process required under the HOME and HTF programs. Within
365 days after enactment of this act, HUD is directed to issue
regulations aligning the environmental regulations for the HOME
and HTF programs.

SELF-HELP AND ASSISTED HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $54,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 54,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity
Program provides funding for several programs, including the
Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program [SHOP], which
assists low-income homebuyers who are willing to contribute
``sweat equity'' toward the construction of their houses. These
funds increase nonprofit organizations' ability to leverage
funds from other sources. This account also includes funding
for the Capacity Building for Community Development and
Affordable Housing Program, as well as assistance to rural
communities, as authorized under sections 6301 through 6305 of
Public Law 110-246. These programs assist in the development of
the capacity of nonprofit organizations to carry out community
development and affordable housing projects. This account also
provides funding for the rehabilitation and modification of the
homes of veterans, who are low-income or disabled, as
authorized by section 1079 of Public Law 113-291.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $54,000,000 for the Self-Help and
Assisted Homeownership Opportunity Program, which is equal to
the fiscal year 2019 enacted level and $54,000,000 more than
the budget request. The Committee rejects the Administration's
proposal to eliminate this account. The Committee
recommendation includes $10,000,000 for SHOP, as authorized
under section 11 of the Housing Opportunity Program Extension
Act of 1996; $35,000,000 for capacity building, as authorized
by section 4(a) of the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993;
$5,000,000 to carry out capacity building activities in rural
communities; and $4,000,000 for a program to rehabilitate and
modify housing for veterans, who are low-income or disabled.
The Committee notes that funding for technical assistance is
being provided under the Office of Policy Development and
Research and directs that funds available for the Section 4
program be used solely for capacity building activities.
Funding for the Rural Capacity Building Program for
Community Development and Affordable Housing is intended for
truly national organizations. For the purposes of the National
Rural Capacity Building Notification of Funding Availability
[NOFA], the Committee directs HUD to define an eligible
national organization as ``a nonprofit entity, which has
ongoing experience in rural housing, including experience
working with rural housing organizations, local governments,
and Indian tribes, as evidenced by past and continuing work in
one or more States in eight or more of HUD's Federal regions.''
Assistance for Low-Income and Disabled Veterans.--The
Veterans Housing Rehabilitation and Modification pilot program
awards grants to nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate or
modify the primary residences of disabled, low-income veterans
in order to improve accessibility and to assist some of the 4.7
million veterans in the United States with a service-connected
disability and the nearly 1.5 million living in poverty. After
4 years of appropriations and repeated Congressional
directives, the Committee is pleased that HUD awarded the first
round of funding in fiscal year 2018 and has published a NOFA
in fiscal year 2019 for the remaining $10,200,000 in available
resources in a timely manner and expects additional funding in
this and any future year appropriations to receive similar due
diligence.

HOMELESS ASSISTANCE GRANTS

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $2,636,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 2,598,600,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,761,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Homeless Assistance Grants Program provides funding to
break the cycle of homelessness and to move homeless persons
and families to permanent housing. This is done by providing
rental assistance, emergency shelter, transitional and
permanent housing, prevention, rapid re-housing, and supportive
services to homeless persons and families or those at risk of
homelessness. The emergency solutions grant program is a
formula grant program, while the Continuum of Care and Rural
Housing Stability Programs are competitive grants. Homeless
assistance grants provide Federal support to the Nation's most
vulnerable populations. These grants assist localities in
addressing the housing and service needs of a wide variety of
homeless populations while developing coordinated Continuum of
Care [CoC] systems that ensure the support necessary to help
those who are homeless attain housing and move toward self-
sufficiency.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,761,000,000
for Homeless Assistance Grants in fiscal year 2020. This amount
is $162,400,000 above the budget request, and $125,000,000
above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level.
The Committee recommendation includes at least
$2,344,000,000 to support the CoC program, including the
renewal of existing projects, and the Rural Housing Stability
Assistance Program. Based on the renewal burden, HUD may also
support planning and other activities authorized by the HEARTH
Act. The recommendation also includes at least $280,000,000 for
the emergency solutions grants program.
The Committee continues to support HUD's efforts to
leverage existing housing resources, such as Section 8 and
Family Unification Program vouchers, to serve people
experiencing homelessness and supports replacing existing,
underperforming projects with new projects.
Continuum of Care Notification of Funding Availability
[NOFA].--The annual CoC NOFA competition is one of HUD's most
complex, if not the most complex, competition. It provides
grant funds to over 7,300 projects serving homeless families
and individuals. The process of submitting and reviewing
applications requires thousands of hours of staff time from
both local CoCs and HUD staff. While the Committee applauds the
Department's ability to successfully carryout this endeavor
every year, the Committee is concerned that given the time
consuming effort the annual NOFA requires of local CoCs and HUD
staff, that as a result, less time is spent on identifying and
implementing efficient and effective solutions to homelessness.
Considering the fact that over 90 percent of projects funded
through the NOFA competition are for renewal of existing
grants, the Committee believes that shifting the NOFA from an
annual competition, to a multi-year cycle will enable financial
and staff resources to be more effectively utilized to address
the goal of ending homelessness. Therefore, the Committee
directs HUD to submit to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations within 60 days of enactment of this act, a
report that identifies a plan for conducting a multi-year NOFA,
including any necessary legislative changes that would be
required to implement this shift. As part of improvements to
the CoC NOFA, the Committee further directs the Office of
Special Needs Assistance program to work with the Office of
Policy Development and Research to assess the merits or
concerns of including bonus points in the CoC NOFA for CoCs
that partner with their local Public Housing Agency [PHA] to
establish wait list preferences at the PHA for homeless
families and individuals. The Department shall submit the
results of this assessment to the House and Senate Committees
on Appropriations within 60 days of enactment of this act.
Addressing the Needs of Victims and Survivors of Domestic
Violence.--Victims and survivors of domestic violence and
assault, particularly women and children, often flee unsafe
circumstances and seek refuge through emergency shelter or
transitional housing programs in order to avoid homelessness.
The Committee recognizes the nexus between experiences of
domestic violence and homelessness, as well as how access to
housing and services can serve as an effective bridge between a
person leaving an abusive and dangerous environment to finding
stable housing. While permanent housing serves as a stable
platform for preventing and ending cycles of homelessness among
survivors, and rapid rehousing has been shown to be an
effective method for providing shorter term assistance, the
Committee is also aware that in some communities well-designed
transitional housing programs have also been effective in
meeting the needs of this population. Although HUD does not
penalize effective transitional housing projects that serve
survivors of domestic violence through its CoC grant
competition, the Committee is concerned that transitional
housing service providers and CoCs lack the information
necessary to make informed funding recommendations that reflect
the needs of survivors at the local level. Therefore, the
Committee continues to direct the Department to issue
clarifying guidance on how transitional housing can be an
appropriate model and an eligible and effective use of funding
through the CoC grant competition. The Committee also continues
to direct the Department to coordinate with the Department of
Justice Office on Violence Against Women [OVW] on opportunities
in communities where CoC program resources can be used with
OVW's transitional housing grants to ensure that survivors of
domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking have
access to safe and affordable housing and services. The
Committee continues to encourage the Department to renew
transitional housing projects for domestic violence survivors
that have been shown to effectively address survivors' safety
and client choice and to continue funding CoC projects serving
domestic violence survivors that allow program participants to
obtain permanent housing through tenant-based rental assistance
and supportive services. The Committee recommendation also
includes $50,000,000 in competitive CoC grants for rapid re-
housing projects and supportive service projects providing
coordinated entry, and other critical activities in order to
assist survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, and
stalking. The Committee includes language requiring that such
projects be eligible for renewal under the continuum of care
program, subject to the same terms and conditions as other
renewal applicants. The Committee expects HUD to work with
Continuums of Care to ensure that such projects do not supplant
projects eligible for renewal as part of the 2021 continuum of
care grant competition.
Data on Youth Homelessness.--The Committee believes an
accurate count is critical to understanding the scale of youth
homelessness. While the Annual Homelessness Assessment Report
[AHAR] provides Congress and the public with meaningful
information on the progress to end homelessness, other Federal
agencies have youth-specific data that can help communities
better understand the scope of youth homelessness and housing
instability in their area. The Committee continues to direct
HUD to incorporate additional Federal data on youth
homelessness into the AHAR.
Comprehensive Interventions to Prevent and End Youth
Homelessness.--The Committee recommendation includes
$80,000,000 to continue implementation of comprehensive
approaches to serving homeless youth, of which up to $5,000,000
shall be used to provide technical assistance to grantees. The
Committee applauds HUD's decision to use a portion of its
technical assistance funding to support the 100-Day Challenge
Initiative, a program that helps communities accelerate efforts
to prevent and end youth homelessness. By offering local
service providers the opportunity to come together to identify
impediments and establish goals, the 100-Day Challenge leaves
communities better prepared to confront youth homelessness in a
comprehensive manner. The program also lays the groundwork for
participants seeking to apply for a Youth Homelessness
Demonstration Grant award.
Clarifying Eligibility and Documentation Requirements for
Homeless Youth.--The Committee continues to include language
that waives the requirement for youth ages 24 and under to
provide third-party documentation to receive housing and
supportive services within the Continuums of Care. The
Committee strongly believes documentation requirements should
not be a basis for denying access to necessary services. The
Committee believes the Department shares the goal of
effectively addressing youth homelessness and ensuring that no
eligible youth go unserved where there is the local capacity to
house and/or provide services. Therefore, the Committee
encourages the Department to continue to clarify program
requirements through guidance, notice and webcasts as
appropriate.
Annual Homeless Assessment Report [AHAR].--The Committee
continues to direct HUD to incorporate additional Federal data
on homelessness into the AHAR. This information is important to
ensure that communities develop and implement policies that
respond to local needs. To support continued data collection
and AHAR, the Committee has included $7,000,000 to support AHAR
data collection and analysis. The Department shall submit the
AHAR report to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations by August 29, 2020.
Housing and Services for Victims of Human Trafficking.--The
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7101 et.
seq.), as amended by section 224 of Public Law 114-22 (22
U.S.C. 7105(b)(2)(A)), authorizes the Attorney General to make
grants to develop, expand, or strengthen victim service
programs for victims of human trafficking, including programs
that provide housing. To comply with this act, the Department
of Justice entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with HUD
to help address the housing needs of human trafficking victims.
On July 2, 2019, HUD published a Notice of Funding Availability
[NOFA] to make $13,500,000 available for grants to eligible
organizations to implement and provide housing and trauma-
informed, victim-centered services to victims of human
trafficking. HUD modified the NOFA on August 26, 2019, before
subsequently withdrawing it on September 9, 2019, without any
advance notice to applicants or to the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations. The Committee strongly supports
providing resources for victims of human trafficking in
accordance with the statute, and is concerned about the lack of
transparency and abrupt cancellation of this NOFA. As such, the
Committee directs HUD to republish the NOFA for these funds as
authorized under 22 U.S.C. 7105(b), and expects the Department
to do so expediently.
Connecting Families with Supportive Services.--The
Committee directs that any program receiving funding through
the continuum of care program, and which provides housing or
services to families with children and youth, will designate a
staff person to be responsible for ensuring that children and
youth being served in the program are enrolled in school and
connected to appropriate services in the community, including
child care, early education, K-12 education, home-visiting, and
other child health and wellness programs. The Committee further
directs HUD to report on the implementation of this direction,
including any related HUD collected data such as data points on
training and family participation, within 1 year of enactment
of this act.

Housing Programs

PROJECT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $11,747,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 12,021,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 12,560,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance provides a rental
subsidy to a private landlord that is tied to a specific
housing unit, as opposed to a voucher, which allows a recipient
to seek a unit, subject primarily to certain rent caps. Amounts
in this account include funding for the renewal of and
amendments to expiring Section 8 project-based contracts,
including Section 8, moderate rehabilitation, and single room
occupancy housing. This account also provides funds for
contract administrators.
The Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance [PBRA]
program supports an estimated 17,400 contracts with private
owners of multifamily housing. Through this program, HUD and
private sector partners support the preservation of safe,
stable and sanitary housing for more than 1.2 million low-
income households. Without PBRA, many affordable housing
projects would convert to market rates with large rent
increases that current tenants would be unable to afford.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a total appropriation of
$12,560,000,000 for the annual renewal of project-based
contracts, of which up to $345,000,000 is for the cost of
contract administrators. The recommended level of funding is
$813,000,000 above the amount provided in fiscal year 2019 and
is $539,000,000 above the budget request. The funding
recommendation provides sufficient resources to fully renew all
existing affordable housing contracts.
Performance-Based Contract Administrators.--Performance-
based contract administrators [PBCAs] are typically PHAs or
State housing finance agencies. They are responsible for
conducting on-site management reviews of assisted properties;
adjusting contract rents; and reviewing, processing, and paying
monthly vouchers submitted by owners, among other tasks. The
Committee notes that PBCAs are integral to the Department's
efforts to be more effective and efficient in the oversight and
monitoring of this program, reduce improper payments, protect
tenants and ensure properties are well maintained. The
Committee is concerned that proposals to reduce the scope of
work performed by PBCAs, diminish the applicability of Federal
law, or consolidate PBCAs into regional awards versus State-by-
State will have a detrimental effect on the oversight of these
HUD-assisted properties and the individuals and families that
rely on this critical source of affordable housing. The
Committee recognizes that as HUD continues the complicated task
of developing a PBCA procurement solicitation, it has been able
to engage with PBCAs to renegotiate current contracts lowering
fees while ensuring all important tasks are included. The
Committee directs HUD to ensure that the solicitation does not
impede HFAs from bidding on state-based contracts.
Oversight of Property Owners.--The Committee places a
priority on providing access to safe, sanitary, and affordable
housing to those most in need. If owners fail to uphold these
standards, HUD should hold them accountable. The Committee
continues to include a general provision requiring the
Department to take specific steps to ensure that serious
defects are quickly addressed. This provision requires the
Secretary to take explicit actions if an owner fails to
maintain its property, including imposing civil monetary
penalties, securing a different owner for the property, or
transferring the Section 8 contract to another property.
Managing Troubled Properties.--The Committee is deeply
troubled by reports of tenants enduring deplorable living
conditions that risk their health and safety, as a result of
delayed or inaccurate REAC inspections of troubled properties,
and HUD's inability to track property owners under litigation
for failure to maintain decent, safe, and sanitary housing.
Further, the Committee is concerned with HUD's management
challenges assisting and monitoring these properties due to a
lack of coordination with local field offices and units of
local government, or an awareness of local code violations or
tenant complaints which could result in significant unenforced
code violations. In fiscal year 2019, the Committee directed
HUD to analyze the feasibility of developing a process by which
PBCAs can conduct a survey of tenants living in properties
under a housing assistance payment contract in order to
identify persistent problems with either physical conditions or
property management. Additionally, within 180 days of enactment
of this act, HUD shall issue guidance to local field staff to
improve collaboration and leverage local and regional
coordination between and among field offices and units of local
government (including building inspectors) to monitor and
assist troubled properties, enforce corrective actions as
necessary, and hold owners accountable for meeting contractual
terms and conditions.
Rental Assistance Demonstration.--The Rental Assistance
Demonstration [RAD] was established in fiscal year 2012 to
enable public housing properties, as well as other HUD-assisted
properties, to convert to a Section 8 contract. Initially, HUD-
assisted multifamily housing properties only had the option to
convert to project-based vouchers [PBV] before subsequent
changes in fiscal year 2015 gave owners the choice to convert
properties to project-based vouchers or a project-based rental
assistance [PBRA] contract. The Committee recognizes that the
pre-2015 adaptors of RAD lacked a choice between PBV and PBRA,
but notes that enabling these owners to now take advantage of
the choice between PBV and PBRA contracts may have unintended
consequences for the PHAs that currently oversee these
properties as well as the tenants that reside in these units.
Therefore, the Committee encourages HUD to review the
implications of permitting pre-2015 adaptors of RAD II to
switch their Section 8 assistance to PBRA, and if such an
approach would not adversely affect either PHAs or tenants, to
include such as proposal as part of the Department's fiscal
year 2021 budget request, which would include a description of
the benefits to tenants.

HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $678,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 644,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 696,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This account provides funding for housing for the elderly
pursuant to section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959. Under this
program, the Department provides capital grants to eligible
entities for the acquisition, rehabilitation, or construction
of housing for seniors, as well as project-based rental
assistance contracts [PRACs] to support the operational costs
of such units. Tenants living in section 202 supportive housing
units can access a variety of community-based services in order
to continue living independently in their communities and
effectively age in place.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $696,000,000
for the Section 202 program. This amount is $18,000,000 more
than the amount provided in fiscal year 2019 and $52,000,000
more than the budget request. The Committee's recommendation
includes $579,000,000 for the costs associated with fully
funding all annual PRAC renewals and amendments; $107,000,000
for service coordinators and the continuation of existing
congregate service grants, including $4,000,000 for new service
coordinator grants; and $10,000,000 for Aging-in-Place Home
Modification grants. The Committee recommendation does not
include authority or funding for the renewal of any rental
assistance contracts which contain a term of longer than 12
months.
Aging-in-Place Home Modification Grants.--The Committee
recommendation includes funding for additional Aging-in-Place
Home Modification grants in order to enable low-income seniors
to remain in their homes through low-cost, high-impact home
modifications. The intended beneficiaries of these grants has
always been low-income senior homeowners. It is disappointing
that the Department has been slow to follow the Committee's
direction to implement the program accordingly. In response,
the Committee has included language clarifying its intent for
the use of these funds as well as those appropriated in fiscal
year 2019. In designing the Notice of Funding Availability for
this program, HUD is directed to take into account successful
models of low-barrier, participant-led, holistic approaches to
aging in place, including Johns Hopkins University's Community
Aging in Place--Advancing Better Living for Elders program and
the Community Aging in Place program of the Maine State Housing
Authority. The Committee further directs HUD to track the
outcomes of seniors whose homes have been modified in order to
better understand the effectiveness of this funding in reducing
at-home falls, hospitalizations, and emergency response calls,
as well as improving independence and tenure in home over time.
Service Coordinators.--Service coordinators are responsible
for connecting senior residents to supportive services offered
by community agencies in order to further those seniors'
independence and to assist them with aging in place. The
Service Coordinator grant program pays the salaries and fringe
benefits of service coordinators, as well as related program
administrative costs. Annual extensions of these grants are
provided only when there is no other funding source available
at elderly housing developments. As the physical repair needs
of aging elderly housing developments have begun to increase,
however, the percentage of grantees that can offset service
coordination costs from other funding sources has declined.
Retention rates for service coordinators have also declined as
educational requirements for the position have increased but
salaries have not. This turnover not only disrupts the ability
of the Department to provide grants that are utilized each
year, but also breaks needed continuity in low-income elderly
households' access to supportive services. The Committee
encourages the Department to continue its ongoing work to
improve retention rates through increasing salaries for service
coordinators, where justified. To assist with these efforts,
the Committee provides $103,000,000 for the renewal of service
coordinator grants. This additional funding should be used to
minimize dependence on annual offsets to maintain the program.
The Committee also provides an additional $4,000,000 for new
service coordinator grants so that low-income elderly residents
of additional properties can benefit from the assistance of
service coordinators.
The Committee is also concerned that the Department remains
unable to identify or locate service coordinators who serve
assisted elderly housing developments, but are compensated
through the operational budgets of the property rather than a
Service Coordinator grant. This deficiency was identified in a
report by the Government Accountability Office, in which it was
estimated that roughly half of Section 202 properties had a
service coordinator, but found the Department's data to be less
than reliable for budget-based service coordinators. The
Department has stated that it is working with relevant
properties to be able to identify and locate budget-based
service coordinators with confidence as soon as possible
through the Standards for Success reporting program. The
Committee directs the Department to complete these efforts
within 30 days of enactment of this act and to report annually
on the percentage of eligible elderly housing developments with
service coordinators. This information should include the
percentage that receive support from Service Coordinator grants
and those compensated through operating budgets.
Capital Advances.--In fiscal years 2018 and 2019, the
Committee provided a total of $156,000,000 for the construction
of new units to assist low-income elderly households. The
Department released a Notice of Funding Availability in April
2019 containing $50,000,000 of these funds. The Committee
directs the Department to make the remaining $106,000,000
provided in fiscal years 2018 and 2019 available within 60 days
of enactment of this act and to award all remaining funding
from those fiscal years with 180 days of enactment of this act.
Supportive Housing Demonstration.--In fiscal year 2014, the
Department was provided $22,500,000 to develop a demonstration
to produce evidence of the effectiveness of an enhanced
supportive services model for elderly households and to
determine the value of enhanced service coordination paired
with affordable housing for seniors. In January 2017, three-
year demonstration grants were awarded to 80 senior housing
developments to provide a full-time service coordinator and a
part-time preventative health nurse
on-site. However, the Department has thereafter failed to
provide the required reporting on the progress of this
demonstration program. This information is needed to better
understand the impact that service coordinators have on
seniors' ability to age in place and on preventing unnecessary
heath care utilization. The Committee directs the Department to
resume providing regular reporting on the progress and status
of this demonstration to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations within 30 days of enactment of this act.
Project Rental Assistance [PRA].--The PRA demonstration
being conducted under the Section 811 program has shown
tremendous promise as a significantly more cost-effective model
for the creation of new assisted supportive housing units.
While that program has demonstrated initial success with
housing for persons with disabilities, it is unclear whether
the program would be as successful serving other vulnerable
populations, such as the elderly. The Committee directs the
Department, upon completion of the Phase II Evaluation of the
PRA demonstration, to examine this program and determine
whether this demonstration could effectively create new units
for low-income seniors under the Section 202 program. The
Committee directs the Department to report on the results of
that review within 180 days of the completion of the Section
811 PRA Phase II Evaluation. This report should examine: the
potential impacts on seniors, including any changes to their
quality of life, health, or housing; economic aspects,
including any projected changes to the cost of creating a new
assisted supportive housing unit for the elderly; and any
potential challenges to implementation.

HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $184,155,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 157,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 184,155,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This account provides funding for housing for persons with
disabilities pursuant to section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzalez
National Affordable Housing Act of 1990. Traditionally, the
Section 811 program provided capital grants to eligible
entities for the acquisition, rehabilitation, or construction
of housing for persons with disabilities, as well as project-
based rental assistance contracts [PRACs] to support the
operational costs of such units. Since fiscal year 2012, HUD
has transitioned to providing project rental assistance to
State housing finance agencies or other appropriate entities,
which act in partnership with State health and human services
agencies to provide supportive services, as authorized by the
Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2010
(Public Law 111-374).

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $184,155,000
for the Section 811 program. This amount is $27,155,000 more
than the budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2019
enacted level. This level of funding, in addition to residual
receipts, recaptures, and other unobligated balances, will
support all PRAC renewals and amendments while also providing
up to $22,155,000 for the creation of new affordable housing
for persons with disabilities.
Project Rental Assistance [PRA].--The PRA demonstration
seeks to create new assisted supportive housing units for
extremely low-income people with disabilities without providing
funding for the construction of new units. A total of
$238,000,000 was awarded to 28 States in order to conduct this
demonstration over a five-year period. Preliminary evaluations
of this program have shown significant cost-savings in the
creation of new units for people with disabilities. The Office
of Policy Development and Research is evaluating this program
in two phases and was expected to release the final Phase II
Evaluation in early 2019. However, the Department has not yet
produced that report. The second evaluation has three
components: (1) an analysis of the implementation of the PRA
demonstration; (2) an assessment of the effects of the PRA
demonstration on participants' quality of life, housing, and
health; and (3) an economic analysis to measure the costs of
housing and supportive services provided and to compare those
costs to benefits resulting from the demonstration. It is
essential that the Committee receive the Phase II Evaluation as
soon as possible in order to better understand the potential
significant savings stemming from this demonstration.
Therefore, the Committee directs the Department to produce and
release this report within 30 days of enactment of this act.
Capital Advances.--In fiscal years 2018 and 2019, the
Committee provided a total of $112,755,000 for the creation of
new units to assist low-income individuals and families with
disabilities. However, the Department has not yet announced the
availability of any of those funds. There is significant demand
for the creation of new units under the Section 811 program. In
2015, 1.39 million very low-income households with worst case
housing needs included at least one non-elderly person with a
disability. This number increased by 28 percent between 2013
and 2015. The Committee directs the Department to make all of
the funding provided in fiscal years 2018 and 2019 available
within 60 days of enactment of this act and to award that
funding with 180 days of enactment of this act.

HOUSING COUNSELING ASSISTANCE

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $50,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 45,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 45,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Housing Counseling Assistance program provides
comprehensive housing counseling services to eligible
homeowners and tenants through grants to non-profit
intermediaries, State government entities, and other local and
national agencies. Eligible counseling activities include: pre-
and post-purchase education, personal financial management,
reverse mortgage product education, foreclosure prevention and
mitigation, and rental counseling.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $45,000,000
for the Housing Counseling Assistance program, of which not
less than $3,000,000 shall be for the training of housing
counselors in order to ensure that all individuals who
currently provide housing counseling services required under or
in connection with a HUD program are certified pursuant to the
requirements of 12 U.S.C. 1701x. This appropriation is equal to
the budget request and $5,000,000 less than the fiscal year
2019 enacted level. This funding will help to provide
individuals and families across the country with sound advice
to make more informed housing decisions, improve their
financial situation, and meet their homeownership goals over
time. Specifically, it will support competitive counseling
grants and training activities. The network of HUD-approved
housing counseling organizations provides a wide variety of
counseling services, including assistance with preventing
foreclosure and homelessness. In addition, the administrative
contract support funding includes resources for financial
audits and technical assistance. The Committee continues
language requiring HUD to obligate counseling grants within 180
days of enactment of this act, as well as permitting HUD to
publish multi-year NOFAs, contingent on annual appropriations.
This should result in administrative savings for both HUD and
its grantees.
Eviction Counseling.--The Committee remains concerned about
the short- and long-term effects of evictions on families and
individuals. The Committee directs HUD to continue to work with
housing counseling organizations to improve the assistance
offered to renters at risk of eviction. The Committee is
disappointed that HUD has not yet provided the report detailing
their efforts to improve these processes and augment the
services offered by housing counselors. The Committee directs
HUD to produce this report within 30 days of enactment of this
act.
Program Administration.--In September 2018, the HUD Office
of Inspector General [IG] released an audit which found that
the Office of Housing Counseling's agency approval and
performance review processes were not being adequately
performed. The IG recommended that HUD: (1) determine whether
housing counseling agencies, which were reapproved without
performance reviews, were properly qualified to provide
services; (2) develop and implement updated standard operating
procedures for performance reviews and agency approvals; and
(3) ensure that the new management system being developed
permits adequate programmatic oversight. The Committee is
concerned that housing counseling agencies could have been
permitted to provide services to families and individuals
without sufficient qualifications and directs HUD to report on
its progress to comply with the recommendations of the IG audit
and its potential implementation of a risk-based management
system within 90 days of the enactment of this act.

Rental Housing Assistance

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $5,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 3,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This account provides amendment funding for housing
assisted under the Rental Housing Assistance Payments (Section
236) program.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,000,000 for
HUD-assisted, State-aided, noninsured rental housing projects,
consistent with the budget request and $2,000,000 less than the
fiscal year 2019 enacted level. The Committee recommendation
includes a provision which allows for the conversion of these
projects through the Rental Assistance Demonstration to long-
term Section 8 contracts at no additional cost. The Committee
notes that all of the Rent Supplement program properties have
been converted, ending that program, and that the conversion of
the remaining projects within the Section 236 program will lead
to the elimination of that program as well by the end of fiscal
year 2020.

PAYMENT TO MANUFACTURED HOUSING FEES TRUST FUND

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $12,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 12,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 13,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety
Standards Act of 1974, as amended by the Manufactured Housing
Improvement Act of 2000, authorizes the Secretary to establish
Federal standards for the construction, design, safety, and
performance of manufactured homes. All manufactured homes are
required to meet these Federal standards, and fees are charged
to producers to cover the costs of administering the Act.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $13,000,000 to support the
manufactured housing standards programs, of which $13,000,000
is expected to be derived from fees collected and deposited
into the Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund account [Trust
Fund]. No direct appropriation is provided. The total amount
recommended is $1,000,000 more than the budget request and the
fiscal year 2019 enacted level. The Committee recommendation
directs that not more than $5,740,000 shall be for monitoring
of manufacturers' compliance with construction and safety
standards by third-party inspection agencies.
Originally, HUD's partnership payments to States were based
on new homes produced in States and new homes shipped into
States. The Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000
changed this formula by requiring HUD to pay States at rates
not less than the amount paid in 2000. While beneficial to some
States, this has created inequitable payments over time when
compared to potential current payments based on anticipated
workload from actual production and shipments. As the
manufactured housing industry continues to recover from the
economic crisis, HUD has recognized that additional payments
need to be made to States and has published a proposed rule (81
FR 91083) in order to provide for a more equitable guarantee of
minimum funding and to base such payments upon participation in
the production or siting of new manufactured homes. The
Committee directs HUD to publish a final rule on this matter
within 180 days of enactment of this Act and provides
additional appropriations to make those increased payments
based on anticipated workload from actual production and
shipments.
The Committee continues to permit the Department to collect
fees from program participants in the dispute resolution and
installment programs, as mandated by the Manufactured Housing
Improvement Act of 2000. These fees are to be deposited into
the Trust Fund and may be used to support the manufactured
housing standards programs, subject to the overall funding
limitation placed on this account.
Congressional Justification.--The Committee again notes
with disappointment the lack of detail and program cost-
estimates in the Office of Manufactured Housing Programs'
[OMHP] fiscal year 2020 written budget justification. The
Committee directs OMHP to provide detailed Congressional
justifications of its annual budget requests, including
anticipated payments for each of the following: State
Administrative Agencies, Monitoring Manufacturer's Compliance
with Construction and Safety Standards, Oversight of Model
Installation Standards, Administration of the Dispute
Resolution Program, Coordination of Activities of the
Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee, and Meetings with
Partners in the Federal Manufactured Housing Program.

Federal Housing Administration

MUTUAL MORTGAGE INSURANCE PROGRAM ACCOUNT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limitation on Limitation on Administrative
direct loans guaranteed loans contract expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2019................................ $1,000,000 $400,000,000,000 $130,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020............................... 1,000,000 400,000,000,000 150,000,000
Committee recommendation............................ 1,000,000 400,000,000,000 130,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL AND SPECIAL RISK PROGRAM ACCOUNT

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limitation on Limitation on
direct loans guaranteed loans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2019............ $1,000,000 $30,000,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020........... 1,000,000 30,000,000,000
Committee recommendation........ 1,000,000 30,000,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Federal Housing Administration [FHA] fund covers the
mortgage and loan insurance activity of HUD mortgage/loan
insurance programs. These include the mutual mortgage insurance
[MMI] fund, cooperative management housing insurance [CMHI]
fund, general insurance [GI] fund, and the special risk
insurance [SRI] fund. For presentation and accounting control
purposes, these are divided into two sets of accounts based on
shared characteristics. The unsubsidized insurance programs of
the mutual mortgage insurance fund and the cooperative
management housing insurance fund constitute one set; and the
general risk insurance and special risk insurance funds make up
the other.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee has included the following amounts for the
Mutual Mortgage Insurance Program account: a limitation on
guaranteed loans of $400,000,000,000, a limitation on direct
loans of $1,000,000, and $130,000,000 for administrative
contract expenses. For the GI/SRI account, the Committee
recommends $30,000,000,000 as a limitation on guaranteed loans
and a limitation on direct loans of $1,000,000. The Committee
does not include the authority for HUD to charge a fee to
provide additional funds for FHA's administrative costs as
proposed in the budget request. However, the Committee supports
the goal of improving FHA's system automation, risk management,
and quality control efforts and has included funding in the
Information Technology Fund account for these purposes.
Home Equity Conversion Mortgages [HECM].--The Committee
urges the Department to take appropriate actions to ensure
transparency and improve the resolution of defaulted and
foreclosed FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage loans which have
been assigned to HUD in order to improve program performance
and loss mitigation results for borrowers. The Committee is
concerned that HUD has not taken the necessary steps to build
on its existing loss mitigation authorities through programs
such as the cash for keys, in order to mitigate the risk of
HECM loans held before January 1, 2016. Further, HUD lacks the
necessary data sharing and public reporting on the HECM
portfolio, including loan performance and sales. To ensure
transparency, the Committee directs FHA to make public data
tables used to compile the annual actuarial review, complete
with a data element dictionary. All personal identifying
information shall be removed from this data to ensure
appropriate privacy. The Committee also directs HUD to
reinstate online publishing of the HECM Single-Family Data
Report. The Committee encourages HUD to include FHA loan-level
origination and performance data, including servicing and
termination information as part of this report. HUD shall brief
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on its
proposed actions and timelines for implementation within 90
days of enactment of this act.
Reporting on Distressed Assets.--In order to provide public
transparency on the management of taxpayer assets through the
sale of Secretary-held residential loans, HUD regularly
published a ``Report to the Commissioner on Post-Sale Reporting
Distressed Asset Stabilization Program [DASP]'' between 2012
and 2016. These reports included data on outcomes and
resolutions of distressed loans sold under DASP, including the
structure of loan modifications and demographic and geographic
information about the borrowers. In an effort to further the
Department's mission of sustainable homeownership, as well as
its responsibilities to taxpayers, the Committee directs the
Secretary to publish online, within 60 days of enactment of
this act, a similar report or reports showing the post-sale
status of all loans sold through HUD's Single Family Asset
Sales program, including both forward loans and HECM loans
since January 2017, and to publish online similar reports on a
semi-annual basis thereafter.
Data Collection to Improve Transparency.--The Committee
recognizes that properly structured downpayment assistance
programs can provide a valuable resource to qualified borrowers
who face the barrier of initial cash investment. Further, the
Committee recognizes that more granular data on downpayment
assistance providers would help HUD provide better oversight of
the program and improve overall program performance. While HUD
currently requires mortgagees to obtain tax identification
numbers for non-profit downpayment assistance providers, it
does not require the same information be collected if the
provider is a government entity. The Committee believes that
the uniform collection of tax identification numbers for both
non-profit and governmental entities has the potential to
improve FHA's oversight of downpayment assistance programs.
Therefore, the Committee encourages HUD to require that
mortgagees obtain and provide to HUD the tax identification
number of a governmental entity when a governmental entity
provides downpayment assistance in the form of a gift or a
second mortgage.
HUD-Federal Financing Bank Risk Sharing.--In fiscal year
2014, HUD and the Federal Financing Bank [FFB] launched a risk
sharing initiative in order to provide financing for
multifamily mortgage loans insured by FHA under its Risk
Sharing programs on an interim basis until September 30, 2021.
Through this initiative, FFB provides Housing Finance Agencies
[HFAs] with upfront financing for affordable multifamily
housing developments, which FHA insures through the Multifamily
Risk-Sharing Program under section 542 of the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 1707). In 3 years,
the HUD-FFB risk sharing initiative preserved or produced
nearly 25,000 affordable housing units, which included
investments in rural and non-metropolitan areas. Though not
widely adopted by state HFAs, the initiative also resulted in
increased offsetting collections to FHA, reduced administrative
costs to the Department and increased public-private
partnerships. As HUD continues working with HFAs that have
existing HUD-FFB risk sharing agreements in place and submitted
loan applications to HUD for financing of additional properties
prior to December 31, 2018, the Committee encourages the
Department to expedite its review and to keep its stakeholders
engaged throughout the process. The Committee recognizes the
important role the initiative has played in affordable
multifamily housing development and that other financing
options remain available to HFAs. The Committee encourages HUD
to work with HFAs under the section 542 authority and continue
to encourage innovate financing solutions in order to spur
affordable multifamily housing production.

Government National Mortgage Association

GUARANTEES OF MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM ACCOUNT

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limitation on
personnel,
Limitation on compensation and
guaranteed loans administrative
expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2019........ $550,000,000,000 $27,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020....... 550,000,000,000 28,400,000
Committee recommendation.... 550,000,000,000 29,626,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Government National Mortgage Association [Ginnie Mae],
through the mortgage-backed securities program, guarantees
privately issued securities backed by pools of Government-
guaranteed mortgages. Ginnie Mae is a wholly owned corporate
instrumentality of the United States within the Department. Its
powers are prescribed generally by title III of the National
Housing Act, as amended. Ginnie Mae is authorized by section
306(g) of the act to guarantee the timely payment of principal
and interest on securities that are based on and backed by a
trust, or pool, composed of mortgages that are guaranteed and
insured by the FHA, the Rural Housing Service, or the
Department of Veterans Affairs. Ginnie Mae's guarantee of
mortgage-backed securities is backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States. This account also funds all
salaries and benefits funding to support Ginnie Mae.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a limitation on new commitments on
mortgage-backed securities of $550,000,000,000. This level is
the same as the budget request and fiscal year 2019 enacted
level. The bill allows Ginnie Mae to use $29,626,000 for
salaries and expenses. This is $2,626,000 more than the fiscal
year 2019 enacted level and $1,226,000 more than the budget
request.
Hiring and Retention.--The Consolidated Appropriations Act
of 2017 directed HUD to report on the effects retention plays
in carrying out its oversight role and to provide possible
solutions to improve staff retention. In February, HUD provided
Congress with this report, which recommended an alternative pay
scale authority for boosting retention for mission critical
positions, but did not include any other recommendations for
improving hiring and retention or identify statutory or
regulatory barriers to an alternative pay scale. Subsequently,
GAO released a report on Ginnie Mae's Risk Management and
Staffing-Related Challenges (GAO-19-191) which found that
Ginnie Mae overwhelmingly relies on contractors to fulfill its
mission critical functions and that the Department has not done
a comprehensive workforce analysis to identify how much of
Ginnie Mae's contract workforce can be shifted in-house or
identified the costs and benefits of doing such a restructure.
The Committee is concerned that Ginnie Mae has not identified
how the current workforce, both contractors and government
employees, meets mission critical functions in oversight, risk
management, and compliance and believes this must be completed
before Ginnie Mae can develop a plan to fill gaps in hiring and
retention. In order to understand the staffing and retention
challenges at Ginnie Mae, the Committee directs the Department
to conduct an analysis and submit a report to the House and
Senate Committees on Appropriations within 120 days of
enactment of this act on how the current workforce,
contractors, and government employees, meets mission critical
functions. Additional information required in the report
include an identification of the specific roles that
contractors play in Ginnie Mae's core functions, the costs
incurred in hiring and supervising such contractors, whether
there are statutory or regulatory barriers to shifting these
functions to government employees, and the impact on costs and
long-term program continuity if these functions are shifted
from contractors to government employees.
The Committee recognizes that pay compensation at
comparable Federal financial or regulatory institutions exceeds
that of Ginnie Mae, but is concerned that the Department has
not fully exercised its current authority to reduce barriers to
pay compensation or increase retention. In its May report, GAO
noted that HUD has existing authority available to them to
improve hiring and retention within Ginnie Mae. The Committee
is aware of existing administrative flexibility that Ginnie Mae
could pursue, including Critical Position Pay Authority, in
order to address gaps in its workforce or improve retention
strategies and understands that the Department is working with
the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management
and Budget to explore effective ways to use this alternative
pay scale model to improve hiring and retention. The Committee
encourages the Department to continue its work in this area and
to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations
within 60 days of enactment of this act on its progress.

Policy Development And Research

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $96,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 87,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 96,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Title V of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970,
as amended, directs the Secretary of the Department of Housing
and Urban Development to undertake programs of research,
evaluation, and reports relating to the Department's mission
and programs. These functions are carried out internally and
through grants and contracts with industry, nonprofit research
organizations, educational institutions, and through agreements
with State and local governments and other Federal agencies.
The research programs seek ways to improve the efficiency,
effectiveness, and equity of HUD programs and to identify
methods to achieve cost reductions. Additionally, this
appropriation is used to support HUD evaluation and monitoring
activities and to conduct housing surveys.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $96,000,000
for research, technology, and community development activities
in fiscal year 2020. This level is equal to the fiscal year
2019 enacted level and $9,000,000 more than the budget request.
The Committee recommends $50,000,000 for Core Research and
Technology, including: market surveys; research support and
dissemination; data acquisition; housing finance studies;
research partnerships; and housing technology. In addition, the
Committee includes $46,000,000 for Department-wide technical
assistance and critical research beyond the core studies. Of
this amount, at least $29,750,000 is for technical assistance
across HUD programs of which $2,250,000 shall be for targeted
technical assistance to public housing agencies under the
direction of a federal monitor. The Committee recommendation
will continue to support market surveys, such as the American
Housing Survey, that are integral to HUD's ability to
understand its own programs, and also help enhance public and
private entities' knowledge of housing conditions in the United
States.
Of the amount provided for critical research beyond the
core studies, the recommendation includes up to $750,000 for
use by the Office of Innovation for innovation awards, up to
$3,500,000 for cooperative agreement and research partnerships
with historically black colleges and universities, and
$3,000,000 for an assessment of public housing capital needs.
The recommendation includes continued funding for
evaluations of the Moving-to-Work program and expansion; and
on-going evaluation and follow-up work related to the Family
Options Study, and long-term tracking of the Family Self-
Sufficiency program.
The recommendation also includes funding for the following
new research and evaluations: an evaluation of the aging-in-
place home modification program for low-income senior
homeowners, and an assessment of housing search assistance for
people with disabilities.
HUD shall include details on its allocation of these
resources in its operating plan.
Fair Market Rents [FMRs].--The Committee encourages HUD to
identify and implement alternatives to locally funded rent
surveys for areas affected by changing economic conditions and
natural disasters. In fiscal year 2018, the Committee directed
HUD to submit a report describing proposals to update the FMR
formula to more accurately reflect the current housing market.
In this report, submitted to Congress in September 2018, HUD
identified potential causes of inaccuracies in the FMR
calculation, including the trend and inflation factors, and the
data used for recent mover base rents. However, in this report
HUD did not identify a methodology for forecasting local rental
market trends for areas of the country that have significantly
higher or lower rental growth compared to the national average,
which is used in the determination of annual FMRs, resulting in
some markets yielding a rent change factor that is 1.9 percent
higher or 3.2 percent less than the consumer price index gross
rent for the same market for the year. In its forecasting of an
inflation factor at the national and regional level, HUD does
not have a reliable method for projecting actual inflation for
smaller or nonmetropolitan areas of the country that are not
captured in annual residential sampling conducted by the Bureau
of Labor Statistics. HUD's FMR calculation is also limited by
the frequency of data collected on changes in gross rents
through the American Community Survey [ACS]. For larger,
metropolitan communities, the ACS collects data annually but
for communities with populations of less than 65,000, data is
collected every 5 years. In using the most recent validated
data to determine changes in local gross rents, HUD is limited
in using the last year of ACS data collection for that market,
which could result in data from 3 years prior. For rapidly
changing rental markets, this lag in data availability poses
significant challenges for housing providers who are trying to
provide HUD-assisted households with rental subsidies that are
comparable to local fair market rents. While the Committee
recognizes that the results of the analysis will not yield
actions that will inform the fiscal year 2020 FMR calculations,
it looks forward to the Department engaging the public on
proposed adjustments to improve the FMR calculation. The
Committee directs HUD to finalize its strategy and review of
the notice of proposed rulemaking comments within 120 days of
enactment of this act.
The Committee is concerned that the overall challenges in
the FMR calculation could have disproportionate impacts on
leasing among special populations, including homeless veterans
participating in the HUD-VASH program, and directs Policy
Development and Research to work with the Office of Public and
Indian Housing to submit a report to the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations on HUD-VASH leasing success rates
trends in areas that have requested an exception payment
standard, submitted a local rent survey, or received approval
to administer payments above 110 percent of the FMR. The
Committee continues to encourage the Department, to the extent
practicable, to work with communities to use local rent survey
data made available in the preceding year to inform the
calculation of FMRs. The Committee continues to strongly
encourage HUD to expedite the process for consideration of FMRs
and exception payment standards that are requested by PHAs.
Cold Climate Housing.--The Committee encourages HUD to
enter into cooperative agreements with philanthropic entities,
other Federal agencies, State or local governments and their
agencies, Indian tribes, tribally designated housing entities,
or colleges or universities for research into sustainable
housing design, development and construction for cold climates.

Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

FAIR HOUSING ACTIVITIES

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $65,300,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 62,300,000
Committee recommendation................................ 65,300,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The fair housing activities appropriation includes funding
for both the Fair Housing Assistance Program [FHAP] and the
Fair Housing Initiatives Program [FHIP], among others.
FHAP assists State and local fair housing agencies with
implementing title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as
amended, which prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental,
and financing of housing and in the provision of brokerage
services. The major objective of the program is to ensure
prompt and effective processing of title VIII complaints, with
appropriate remedies for complaints being provided by State and
local fair housing agencies.
FHIP is authorized by section 561 of the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1987, as amended, and by section
905 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992. This
program provides support to public and private organizations
for the purpose of eliminating or preventing discrimination in
housing, and enhances fair housing opportunities.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $65,300,000
for the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. This
amount is $3,000,000 more than the budget request and equal to
the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. Of the amounts provided,
$23,500,000 is for FHAP, $39,900,000 is for FHIP, including not
less than $7,850,000 for education and outreach programs and
not less than $600,000 for Fair Housing Organization
Initiatives, and $300,000 is for the creation, promotion, and
dissemination of translated materials that support the
assistance of persons with limited English proficiency. The
Committee also provides $1,600,000 for the National Fair
Housing Training Academy and encourages the Department to
pursue ways to make the Academy self-sustaining.
Test Coordinator Training.--Testing remains one of the most
effective investigative tools and is essential to the
successful enforcement of fair housing laws. Those who
coordinate testing investigations need specialized training
from skilled, experienced professionals in this field. The
Committee directs the Department to continue to operate a
comprehensive program which provides ongoing training,
technical assistance, and resources to test coordinators
working in fair housing organizations throughout the country.
The Committee also directs the Department not to merge existing
test coordinator training with other fair housing activities,
including the National Fair Housing Training Academy.
Delays in Grant Awards.--In recent years, the Department
has been slow in awarding funds under the FHIP program. The
Committee is concerned that these continued delays in the
awarding of FHIP grants could undermine fair housing
organizations' abilities to effectively address discrimination
in their communities. The Committee directs that funding
provided for FHIP in fiscal year 2019 be awarded within 90 days
of enactment of this act and that funding provided in fiscal
year 2020 be awarded within 1 year of enactment of this act.

Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes

LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $279,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 290,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 290,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of
1992 (Public Law 102-550) established the Residential Lead-
Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, under which HUD is authorized
to make grants to States, localities, and Native American
Tribes in order to conduct lead-based paint hazard remediation
and abatement activities in private, low-income housing. Lead
is a significant environmental health hazard, particularly for
young children and pregnant women, and exposure can result in
neurological damage, learning disabilities, and impaired
growth. The Healthy Homes Initiative, which was authorized
under sections 501 and 502 of the Housing and Urban Development
Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-609), provides grants to remediate
hazards in housing that have been scientifically shown to
negatively impact occupant health and safety.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $290,000,000
for lead-based paint hazard reduction and abatement activities,
of which $45,000,000 is for the Healthy Homes Initiative and
$64,000,000 is for the High Impact Neighborhoods demonstration
program. This appropriation is equal to the President's budget
request and $11,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2019 enacted
level. This overall funding level will support lead-based paint
hazard reductions in more than 17,900 units, providing safer
homes for over 66,600 low and very-low income families and
individuals, including nearly 16,600 children under the age of
6 years old.
The Committee remains committed to protecting children in
communities with the highest rates of childhood lead poisoning
and the oldest housing stock. Lead-based paint hazards are far
more prevalent in older homes and in low-income housing in
particular, where maintenance is less robust and paint surfaces
are more likely to deteriorate. In order to target funding to
those communities, the Committee directs HUD to award no less
than $100,000,000 of grants to those jurisdictions with the
highest lead-based paint abatement needs. The Committee notes
that this set-aside is a minimum floor and encourages HUD to
exceed this threshold.
High Impact Neighborhood Demonstrations.--According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children in at
least 4 million U.S. households are exposed to high levels of
lead. Exposure to lead hazards at a young age can not only
severely inhibit healthy development and compromise learning,
but may also permanently jeopardize potential for upward social
mobility throughout adulthood. Children who are exposed to lead
hazards are seven times more likely to drop out of school and
six times more likely to end up in the juvenile justice system.
In an effort to demonstrate the effectiveness of intensive
multi-year investments in lead-based paint remediation
activities in low-income communities, the Committee provides
$64,000,000 for five-year grants in up to 10 communities, with
each grantee receiving not less than $6,000,000 and not more
than $9,000,000. This funding will support projects to
dramatically reduce the presence of lead-based paint hazards in
neighborhoods with high reported incidences of elevated blood
lead levels in children under the age of 6 years old, as well
as high rates of housing stock built before 1940 and low-income
families with young children.
The Committee directs the Department to provide training
and ongoing technical assistance to grantees throughout the
duration of the multi-year grant period in order to assist
those communities with fully utilizing the funding awarded as
part of this demonstration program. The Committee also directs
the Department to evaluate the effectiveness of these intensive
multi-year investments in reducing the presence of lead-based
paint hazards and the per-unit cost of lead-based paint
remediation activities. The Department shall provide a report
to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations discussing
its methodology for making these evaluations and the results of
those evaluations when each is completed.
The Committee applauds the Department for issuing the
Notice of Funding Availability [NOFA] for the High Impact
Neighborhoods grant expeditiously in order to help communities
target resources to the areas of greatest need in a timely
manner. However, the Committee is concerned that the NOFA's
eligibility criteria lacked clarity and consistency with the
statutory authority. Specifically, the Committee is concerned
that the NOFA was unclear on what entities were eligible to
apply for the funding, including entities that are a part of
the same state government or general local government, and
directs the Department to ensure all future NOFAs explicitly
describe all eligible grantees and are consistent with the
statute. The Committee notes the goal for the High Impact
Neighborhoods grant is to provide resources for innovative
capacity building in the intensive reduction of lead hazards,
and directs HUD to adjust the weighting criteria to ensure
proper consideration is given to applicants that demonstrate
such capacity building. The Committee is also aware of
jurisdictions with limited staffing, nonetheless in need of
intensive lead intervention. To ensure these jurisdictions are
not adversely impacted and that resources are directed to
communities with the highest need, the Committee further
directs HUD to allow program managers to have a 1 year overlap
in the period of performance for the oversight of grants funded
under this heading.
Grantee Coordination.--Funds received under the Lead-Based
Paint Hazard Control grant program may be utilized by grantees
to evaluate and address lead-based paint hazards in Section 8
voucher units. The Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy
Homes [OLHCHH] currently gives preference to grantees that work
with public housing agencies to address lead-based paint
hazards in those units. The Committee commends HUD for
emphasizing this need when awarding these grants and urges HUD
to continue to address this need in HUD-assisted housing stock
in the private market.
Weatherization Assistance Program.--Funding from HUD's
Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control grant program is often used to
replace windows in homes that generate lead dust that is
harmful to children. These homes are also often eligible for
assistance under the Department of Energy's [DOE's]
Weatherization Assistance Program [WAP], which will replace
those same windows with more energy-efficient ones. However,
even with the establishment of DOE's Lead-Safe Weatherization
program, many WAP contractors are hesitant to work in units
where lead-based paint hazards may be present because of the
additional time and cost involved with each project. There is a
tremendous opportunity for these programs to complement one
another in a manner that saves grantees money and allows for
more work to be completed.
The Committee supports OLHCHH's continued participation in
the interagency working group on healthy homes and energy.
OLHCHH is encouraged to continue to coordinate with DOE and to
assist WAP grantees and sub-grantees in partnering with its own
grantees to perform window removal and installation work in
older low-income housing. HUD is directed to collect
information on how many units benefit from this coordination
and how much this coordination has reduced costs for hardware
and labor. HUD is directed to provide this information to the
Senate and House Committees on Appropriations no later than 6
months after the end of each grant cycle on an annual basis.
Eliminating Fall Hazards for the Elderly.--Approximately
one-third of adults ages 65 years and older fall each year, and
the majority of these falls occur in the home. By 2020,
expenditures related to injuries sustained as a result of falls
by seniors are projected to cost nearly $60,000,000,000.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
medical costs related to these injuries already rank as one of
the top twenty most expensive medical costs. The Committee
encourages the Department to continue its efforts through the
Healthy Homes Initiative to educate residents about the
elimination of fall hazards in their homes. Building upon the
investments made by this Committee for aging-in-place home
modifications, the Committee directs OLHCHH to emphasize fall
prevention and management strategies. The Committee encourages
interagency coordination, where appropriate, to improve the
effectiveness of these initiatives.
Progress on Fiscal Year 2019 Directives.--The Committee is
encouraged with the Department's progress on its fiscal year
2019 directives, including: operationalizing a tool that will
provide data to permit the Department to better target grant
awards to communities most at risk for lead-based paint
hazards; issuing clarifying guidance to address noncompliance
of grantees with lead-based paint regulations and to determine
when enforcement actions should be pursued against grantees;
and submitting annual reports mandated by 42 U.S.C. 4856. The
Committee directs the Department to complete these directives
within 120 days of enactment of this act.
Overdue Report.--The Committee directs the Department to
complete the report required by section 312 of Public Law 115-
474 within 30 days of enactment of this act. This report should
include best practices for improving existing standards and
policies with regard to addressing lead-based paint hazards, as
well as recommendations for legislation to improve lead-based
paint hazard prevention and abatement.

Information Technology Fund

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $280,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 280,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 280,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Information Technology Fund finances the information
technology [IT] systems that support departmental programs and
operations, including FHA Mortgage Insurance, housing
assistance and grant programs, as well as core financial and
general operations.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $280,000,000
for the Information Technology Fund for fiscal year 2020, which
is equal to the budget request and the fiscal year 2019 enacted
level.
Federal Housing Administration [FHA] Information Technology
Modernization.--FHA's primary underwriting system is over 40
years old, while its monitoring system, property accounting,
and vendor management systems are over 25 years old. These
antiquated systems not only make it difficult and expensive for
lenders to work with FHA, but more importantly, they undermine
the fiscal solvency of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund and
create significant risk to the taxpayers. The Committee
recommendation includes $20,000,000 to continue the
modernization of FHA's IT systems. The Committee directs these
funds to be used for improving single-family insured mortgage
processing underwriting and delivery, modernizing the single-
family asset management and claims systems, and addressing
lender activities and program compliance. These funds may also
be used for more immediate IT needs including improvements to:
FHA's system interface with the Department of Treasury's Do Not
Pay System, FHA's origination systems for HUD IT security
policy compliance, and the reverse mortgage system.
HUD Information Technology Modernization.--The Committee
remains supportive of HUD's efforts to modernize its IT
systems, which are critical to effectively manage its programs.
For years, HUD has been hampered by outdated IT systems that
are not integrated, which limit its ability to oversee grantees
or efficiently manage HUD programs. The Committee is aware that
HUD has undertaken efforts to better integrate systems, and
encourages HUD to continue prioritizing mission-critical IT
systems.
Cybersecurity Modernization.--The Consolidated
Appropriations Act of 2018 provided $7,000,000 for
cybersecurity improvements, and HUD has since presented a
comprehensive Expenditure Plan to the Committee. HUD plans to
implement two major projects to address cybersecurity risks: a
Continuous Monitoring and Ongoing Authorization project and an
agency-wide Enterprise Identity Credential Access Management
[eICAM] system. This time-based process allows potential risks
to cybersecurity to go undetected for an extended period of
time. The proposed continuous monitoring and ongoing
authorization project will allow HUD IT staff to be proactive
in identifying and responding to security threats. The
Committee supports HUD's proposal to integrate the eICAM system
to meet Federal regulations, address challenges with
authorization and identity management, and reduce maintenance
costs. The Committee directs HUD to provide an updated progress
report within 180 days of enactment of this act, with an
estimated timeline for completion on these two major projects,
including the status of key milestones and performance metrics
established in the Cybersecurity Expenditure plan.
Unsanctioned Information Technology Development.--The
Committee remains concerned about the development of IT systems
outside of the Information Technology Fund. While the Committee
understands that limited resources may prompt HUD offices to
develop solutions with their own resources, the Committee
continues to expect OCIO to monitor and oversee the development
of any such applications and report to the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations the inventory of IT systems and
applications both sanctioned and unsanctioned. The Committee
directs the OCIO to monitor the development of new system
solutions by every office in HUD to make sure they conform to
HUD's enterprise architecture, and will be compatible with
systems under development.
Operational Efficiencies.--The Committee remains interested
in any cost savings or operational efficiencies that have
resulted (or may result) from the Department's modernization
efforts and directs HUD to provide an updated report on cost
savings and efforts to implement GAO recommendations from the
2013 review of HUD's IT project management practices within 180
days of enactment of this act.

Office of Inspector General

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $128,082,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 129,400,000
Committee recommendation................................ 132,489,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Office of Inspector General [OIG] conducts independent
investigations, audits, and evaluations not only to prevent and
detect fraud, waste, and abuse, but also to promote efficiency
and effectiveness in the programs and operations of the
Department of Housing and Urban Development. This appropriation
will finance all salaries and related expenses associated with
the operation of the OIG.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $132,489,000
for the OIG, which is $3,089,000 more than the budget request
and $4,407,000 more than the fiscal year 2019 enacted level.
Audit Reports.--The Committee expects the OIG to continue
providing copies of all audit reports to the Committee
immediately after they are issued and to make the Committee
aware immediately of any review which recommends significant
budgetary savings.
Improving Digital Services.--The Committee is pleased that
the OIG recently enhanced its digital services by updating the
website to show clear, evident categories of audits and
reports, oversight authority, and HUD programs and offices.
Contracting Audits of Annual Financial Statements.--The
Committee has included a directive in the bill for the OIG to
procure and rely upon the services of an independent external
auditor to audit fiscal year 2020 or subsequent financial
statements of HUD, including the financial statements of the
Federal Housing Administration and the Government National
Mortgage Association. This action brings HUD into alignment
with most cabinet-level agencies that procure services from
external auditors to ensure compliance with Federal audit
requirements for annual financial statements.

GENERAL PROVISIONS--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

The Committee recommends administrative provisions. A brief
description follows.
Sec. 201. This section promotes the refinancing of certain
housing bonds.
Sec. 202. This section clarifies a limitation on the use of
funds under the Fair Housing Act.
Sec. 203. This section requires HUD to award funds on a
competitive basis unless otherwise provided.
Sec. 204. This section allows funds to be used to reimburse
Government-Sponsored Enterprises and other Federal entities for
various administrative expenses.
Sec. 205. This section limits HUD's spending to amounts set
out in the budget justification.
Sec. 206. This section clarifies expenditure authority for
entities subject to the Government Corporation Control Act.
Sec. 207. This section requires quarterly reports on all
uncommitted, unobligated and excess funds associated with HUD
programs.
Sec. 208. This section exempts GNMA from certain
requirements of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990.
Sec. 209. This section allows HUD to authorize the transfer
of existing project-based subsidies and liabilities from
obsolete housing to housing that better meets the needs of the
assisted tenants.
Sec. 210. This section reforms certain section 8 rent
calculations as related to athletic scholarships.
Sec. 211. This section provides allocation requirements for
Native Alaskans under the Indian Housing Block Grant program.
Sec. 212. This section requires HUD to maintain section 8
assistance on HUD-held or owned multifamily housing.
Sec. 213. This section allows PHAs with less than 400 units
to be exempt from management requirements in the operating fund
rule.
Sec. 214. This section restricts the Secretary from
imposing any requirement or guideline relating to asset
management that restricts or limits the use of capital funds
for central office costs, up to the limit established in the
Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998.
Sec. 215. This section requires that no employee of the
Department shall be designated as an allotment holder unless
the CFO determines that such employee has received certain
training.
Sec. 216. This section requires the Secretary to publish
all notices of funding availability that are competitively
awarded on the Internet.
Sec. 217. This section limits attorney fees and requires
the Department to submit a spend plan to the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations.
Sec. 218. This section allows the Secretary to transfer up
to 10 percent of funds or $5,000,000, whichever is less,
appropriated under the headings ``Administrative Support
Offices'' or ``Program Offices'' to any other office funded
under such headings.
Sec. 219. This section requires HUD to take certain actions
against owners receiving rental subsidies that do not maintain
safe properties.
Sec. 220. This section places limits on PHA compensation.
Sec. 221. This section requires the Secretary to provide
the Committee with advance notification before discretionary
awards are made.
Sec. 222. This section prohibits funds to be used to
require or enforce the Physical Needs Assessment.
Sec. 223. This section prohibits funds for HUD financing of
mortgages for properties that have been subject to eminent
domain.
Sec. 224. This section prohibits funds from being used to
terminate the status of a unit of local government as a
metropolitan city, as defined under section 102 of the Housing
and Community Development Act of 1974, with respect to grants
under section 106 of such act.
Sec. 225. This section allows funding for research,
evaluation, and statistical purposes that is unexpended at the
time of completion of the contract, grant, or cooperative
agreement to be reobligated for additional research.
Sec. 226. This section prohibits funds to be used for
financial awards for employees subject to administrative
discipline.
Sec. 227. This section authorizes the Secretary on a
limited basis to use funds available under the ``Homeless
Assistance Grants'' heading to participate in the multiagency
Performance Partnership Pilots program.
Sec. 228. This section allows program income to be used as
an eligible match for 2015 through 2020 Continuum of Care
funds.
Sec. 229. This section permits HUD to provide 1 year
transition grants under the continuum of care program.
Sec. 230. This section prohibits the use of funds to direct
a grantee to undertake specific changes to existing zoning laws
as part of carrying out the final rule entitled,
``Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing'' or the notice
entitled, ``Affirmatively Further Fair Housing Assessment
Tool''.
Sec. 231. This section maintains current Promise Zone
designations and agreements.
Sec. 232. This section prohibits funds from being used to
establish preference or bonus points for competitive grant
programs for EnVision Center participants.
Sec. 233. This section prohibits funds from being used to
make changes to the Annual Contributions Contract that was in
effect on December 31, 2017.
Sec. 234. This section prohibits funds from being used to
make funding decisions for the Family Self-Sufficiency program
based on performance metrics in 2020.
Sec. 235. This section rescinds unobligated balances from
various accounts.
Sec. 236. This section addresses the establishment of
reserves for public housing agencies designated as Moving to
Work agencies.
Sec. 237. This section prohibits funds from being used to
make certain eligibility limitations as part of a Notice of
Fund Availability for competitive grant awards under the Public
Housing Capital Fund.

TITLE III

INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

Access Board

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $8,400,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 8,400,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,200,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Access Board, formerly known as the Architectural and
Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, was established by
section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-
112). The Access Board is responsible for developing guidelines
under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law
101-336), the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (Public Law
90-480), and the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Public Law
104-104). These guidelines ensure that buildings and
facilities, transportation vehicles, and telecommunications
equipment covered by these laws are readily accessible to and
usable by people with disabilities. The Access Board is also
responsible for developing standards for accessible electronics
and information technology used by Federal agencies under
section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and for medical
diagnostic equipment under section 510 of the Rehabilitation
Act. The Access Board also enforces the Architectural Barriers
Act, ensuring accessibility to a wide range of Federal
agencies, including national parks, post offices, social
security offices, and prisons. In addition, the Access Board
provides training and technical assistance on its guidelines
and standards regarding the removal of accessibility barriers
to Government agencies, public and private organizations,
individuals, and businesses.
The Access Board was given additional responsibilities
under the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-252).
The Access Board now serves on the Board of Advisors and the
Technical Guidelines Development Committee, which helps the
Election Assistance Commission to develop voluntary guidelines
and guidance for voting systems, including for accessibility
for people with disabilities.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $8,400,000 for the operations of
the Access Board. This level of funding is equal to the budget
request and the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. The Committee
provides an additional $800,000 for the Access Board to study
the feasibility of in-cabin wheelchair restraint systems and
the ways in which individuals with significant disabilities
using wheelchairs, including power wheelchairs, can be
accommodated in commercial aircraft, as required under section
432 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-
254).
Research on the Accessibility of Automated Vehicles.--
Nearly one in five people in the United States have a
disability and face personal challenges regarding access to
healthcare, education, housing, or employment. These
difficulties are often compounded by a lack of accessible
transportation in their communities. As automated driving
systems are increasingly incorporated into both personal and
commercial vehicles, manufactures could consider significant
changes to vehicle design. This presents a unique opportunity
to continue to further the economic and social integration of
people with disabilities and to reconsider both restraint
systems and human-machine interfaces to improve the
accessibility of vehicles for people with disabilities. The
extent to which people with disabilities can benefit from this
transportation will depend on how early vehicle manufacturers
take accessibility into consideration in the design process of
their vehicles. The Committee directs the Access Board to
assist the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in
the development of goals and considerations for future
amendments to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
related to the accessibility of vehicles incorporating
automated driving systems. These goals and considerations
should ensure that the needs of people with communicative,
physical, cognitive, and other disabilities are properly and
thoroughly considered.

Federal Maritime Commission

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $27,490,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 28,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 28,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Federal Maritime Commission [FMC] is an independent
regulatory agency, which administers the Shipping Act of 1984
(Public Law 98-237), as amended by the Ocean Shipping Reform
Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-258); section 19 of the Merchant
Marine Act of 1920 (41 Stat. 998); the Foreign Shipping
Practices Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-418); and Public Law 89-
777.
FMC's mission is to foster a fair, efficient, and reliable
international ocean transportation system and to protect the
public from unfair and deceptive practices. To accomplish this
mission, FMC regulates the international waterborne commerce of
the United States. In addition, FMC has responsibility for
licensing and bonding ocean transportation intermediaries and
for ensuring that vessel owners or operators establish
financial responsibility to pay judgments for death or injury
to passengers, or nonperformance of a cruise, on voyages from
United States ports.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $28,000,000 for the salaries and
expenses of FMC for fiscal year 2020. This amount is equal to
the President's fiscal year 2020 budget request $510,000 more
than the fiscal year 2019 enacted level.
Chassis Report.--The Committee is aware of the benefits of
the American freight delivery system, specifically the
flexibility and safety benefits that chassis pooling provides
to shipping companies, marine terminal operators, ocean
carriers, truckers, rail operators, and intermodal equipment
providers. However, in an evolving and dynamic industry with a
variety of demands on the supply chain based on region, market,
and cargo volumes, issues can arise impacting chassis
availability. The Committee is aware of various reports as a
result of these issues, including: unexpected fees imposed on
both truckers and shippers, non-negotiable terms found in
chassis contracts and leases, and higher levels of port
congestion resulting in insufficient chassis availability.
These issues can lead to a lack of competitive market, service
disruptions, and increased supply chain costs without any
corresponding benefit. The Committee recognizes the efforts FMC
has taken to assist with resolving these and other operability
issues by engaging industry stakeholders to discuss the causes
and effects of chassis shortages and the fundamental importance
of maintaining chassis roadability and roadway safety. To that
end, the FMC has established Innovation Teams in order to
foster commercial solutions to these operational challenges, as
well as investigations into ocean carrier and marine terminal
demurrage and detention charges. To supplement these efforts,
the Committee directs the GAO to study how and under what terms
intermodal chassis are provided to shippers within 1 year of
the date of enactment of this act. The study should examine
competitive conditions in ports as it relates to chassis
equipment; the business relationship between ocean carriers and
intermodal equipment providers; fees charged for chassis used
in the movement of ocean containers; issues related to ``street
turns''; policies related to per diem and detention fees;
roadway safety; the commercial benefits of chassis sharing and
pool models; and chassis roadability.

National Railroad Passenger Corporation

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $23,274,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 23,274,000
Committee recommendation................................ 23,274,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Office of Inspector General for Amtrak was created by
the Inspector General Act Amendment of 1988. The act recognized
Amtrak as a ``designated Federal entity'' and required the
railroad to establish an independent and objective unit to
conduct and supervise audits and investigations relating to the
programs and operations of Amtrak; recommend policies designed
to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in Amtrak,
and prevent and detect fraud and abuse; and to provide a means
for keeping the Amtrak leadership and the Congress fully
informed about problems in Amtrak operations and the
corporation's progress in making corrective action.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $23,274,000 for the Amtrak Office
of Inspector General [OIG]. This funding level is equal to the
budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level.
The Committee retains language that requires the Amtrak OIG to
submit a budget request in similar format and substance to
those submitted by other executive agencies in the Federal
Government.

National Transportation Safety Board

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $110,400,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 110,400,000
Committee recommendation................................ 110,400,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Initially established along with the Department of
Transportation, the National Transportation Safety Board [NTSB]
commenced operations on April 1, 1967, as an independent
Federal agency. The Board is charged by Congress with
investigating every civil aviation accident in the United
States, as well as significant accidents in the other modes of
transportation--railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline--and
issuing safety recommendations aimed at preventing future
accidents. Although it has always operated independently, NTSB
relied on DOT for funding and administrative support until the
Independent Safety Board Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-633)
severed all ties between the two organizations starting in
1975.
In addition to its investigatory duties, NTSB is
responsible for maintaining the Government's database of civil
aviation accidents and also conducts special studies of
transportation safety issues of national significance.
Furthermore, in accordance with the provisions of international
treaties, NTSB supplies investigators to serve as U.S.
accredited representatives for aviation accidents overseas
involving U.S.-registered aircraft, or involving aircraft or
major components of U.S. manufacture. NTSB also serves as the
``court of appeals'' for any airman, mechanic, or mariner
whenever certificate action is taken by the FAA or the U.S.
Coast Guard Commandant, or when civil penalties are assessed by
the FAA.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends $110,400,000 for the National
Transportation Safety Board, which is equal to the budget
request and equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. The
Committee has also continued to include language that allows
NTSB to make payments on its lease for the NTSB training
facility with funding provided in the bill.

Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation

PAYMENT TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD REINVESTMENT CORPORATION

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $152,000,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 27,400,000
Committee recommendation................................ 152,000,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation was created by
the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act (Title VI of the
Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978, Public
Law 95-557). The Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation,
operating under the trade name ``NeighborWorks America,'' helps
local communities to establish efficient, effective
partnerships between residents and representatives of the
public and private sectors. These partnership-based
organizations are independent, tax-exempt, non-profit entities,
collectively known as the ``NeighborWorks Network.'' Nearly 250
NeighborWorks organizations serve almost 3,000 urban, suburban,
and rural communities in every State, the District of Columbia,
and Puerto Rico.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $151,000,000
for NeighborWorks America. The Committee also includes an
additional $1,000,000 for the promotion and development of
shared equity housing models. This total amount is $124,600,000
more than the budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2019
enacted level. The Committee continues to support the set-aside
of $5,000,000 for the multifamily rental housing initiative,
which has been successful in developing innovative approaches
to producing mixed-income affordable housing throughout the
nation. The Committee directs NeighborWorks to provide at least
3 days' advance notice to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations prior to the announcement of any grant exceeding
$50,000 that is awarded to a NeighborWorks Network
organization.
Rural Areas.--The Committee commends NeighborWorks' efforts
to build capacity in rural areas and urges NeighborWorks to
continue those initiatives.
Shared Equity Homeownership.--Shared equity models offer
unique opportunities for low- to moderate-income families and
first-time homebuyers to purchase housing at a lower cost,
while also maintaining those homes' long-term affordability,
building the homeowners' assets, and revitalizing the
surrounding communities. The Committee recommendation includes
$1,000,000 for the promotion and development of shared equity
housing models, building upon the $2,000,000 provided in fiscal
year 2019. This funding will be used to: increase the capacity
of network organizations to develop shared equity models;
better understand scalable, sustainable shared equity models;
and develop an array of strategies for different housing
markets. These investments will also allow for NeighborWorks to
increase the total number of and the amount provided for
initial seed grants, as well as to offer more extensive
technical assistance to interested network organizations in
order to help with their strategic planning and development of
shared equity housing. NeighborWorks will also host a shared
equity housing symposium and offer scholarships for other
national training courses, including to those organizations
which have already successfully implemented shared equity
models to share their expertise and to discuss how to improve
their planning and operations.
NeighborWorks is directed to continue to evaluate
strategies undertaken by each organization in order to
determine both individual and community-level outcomes,
including impacts on resident health, well-being, and financial
security. NeighborWorks shall also develop two additional
courses on shared equity models to be offered at National
Training Institutes. In developing these courses and performing
evaluations, NeighborWorks is directed to work with affiliated
organizations with extensive experience in offering shared
equity homeownership opportunities.
Multilingual Training Courses.--The Committee directs
NeighborWorks to survey the NeighborWorks Network to determine
whether there is sufficient need for additional professional
development and certification training courses for non-profit
community development staff to be offered in additional
languages. NeighborWorks is encouraged to develop new courses,
including translated materials, to meet those needs.

Surface Transportation Board

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crediting
Appropriation offsetting
collections
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2019................ $37,100,000 $1,250,000
Budget estimate, 2020............... 37,100,000 1,250,000
Committee recommendation............ 37,100,000 1,250,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Surface Transportation Board [STB] was created on
January 1, 1996, by the Interstate Commerce Commission
Termination Act of 1995 [ICCTA] (Public Law 104-88). The Board
is a five-member, bipartisan, decisionally independent
adjudicatory body and is responsible for the regulation of the
rail and pipeline industries and certain non-licensing
regulations of motor carriers and water carriers.
STB's rail oversight activities include rate
reasonableness, car service and interchange, mergers, line
acquisitions, line constructions, and abandonments. STB's
jurisdiction also includes certain oversight of the intercity
bus industry, pipeline carriers, intercity passenger train
service, rate regulation involving noncontiguous domestic water
transportation, household goods carriers, and collectively
determined motor carrier rates.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a total appropriation of
$37,100,000. This funding level is equal to the budget request
and equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. Included in
the recommendation is $1,250,000 in fees, which will offset the
appropriated funding, resulting in final appropriation from the
general fund estimated at no more than $35,850,000.
Regulatory Proceedings.--There remain a number of pending
regulatory proceedings that would reform existing regulations
at the STB. The Committee continues to encourage the STB to
provide a timely and decisive regulatory process and encourages
the administration to nominate the full complement of board
members to the STB as soon as possible.
Movement of Commerce.--The Committee is aware of the STB
requesting information from Class I freight railroads regarding
concerns of service issues impacting shippers and receivers of
certain commerce. The Committee encourages the STB to continue
to work with railroads, shippers, and receivers to fully
understand the scope of the issue and to fully exercise its
authority in order to effectively address these matters.
Cost-Benefit Analysis.--The Committee supports the use of
cost-benefit analysis in the rulemaking process for significant
regulatory actions as required by current law, recognizing that
independent regulatory agencies are generally exempt from
Federal requirements to undergo such analysis. The Committee is
concerned that the STB may not have the adequate staffing or
expertise to undergo such an extensive assessment for all of
its rulemaking proceedings. Before the Board decides whether to
conduct any such assessments, it should set a threshold for
determining which rulemakings should have a cost-benefit
analysis. In its future budget requests, the Board should
request additional resources to undertake any such assessments.

United States Interagency Council on Homelessness

OPERATING EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2019.................................... $3,600,000
Budget estimate, 2020................................... 730,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,700,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness
[USICH] is an independent agency created by the McKinney-Vento
Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 to coordinate and direct the
multiple efforts of Federal agencies and other designated
groups. USICH was authorized to review Federal programs that
assist homeless persons and to take necessary actions to reduce
duplication. USICH can recommend improvements in programs and
activities conducted by Federal, State, and local government,
as well as local volunteer organizations. USICH consists of the
heads of 19 Federal agencies, including the Departments of
Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services,
Veterans Affairs [VA], Agriculture, Commerce, Defense [DoD],
Education, Labor [DOL], Transportation, and other entities as
deemed appropriate.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,700,000 for
USICH. This amount is $2,970,000 greater than the budget
request and $100,000 more than the fiscal year 2019 enacted
level. USICH supports Federal collaboration and implementation
of the Federal strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness.
The Committee recognizes the complexity of homelessness and the
valuable role USICH plays to help communities identify
comprehensive and coordinated strategies to prevent and end
homelessness. USICH's establishment of criteria and benchmarks
for ending homelessness in America has been critical to the
progress made nationwide toward this goal. Since 2010, overall
homelessness has decreased by more than 13 percent, with
chronic homelessness decreasing by 18 percent and family
homelessness decreasing by 24 percent. The Committee applauds
the work of USICH and recognizes how its support for mayors and
governors across the country helps them address the unique
drivers of homelessness in their communities. USICH promotes
collaborative engagement across government, public housing
agencies, homeless service providers, and local partners, which
results in more effective alignment of resources, efforts,
goals, and measures of success. As challenges to preventing and
ending homelessness arise at the local and Federal level, USICH
continues to serve as the lead agency for identifying suitable
cost-effective solutions. Its work was recognized by GAO in its
February 2012 report on ways to reduce duplication, overlap,
and fragmentation in the Federal Government. As such, the
Committee extended the agency's operating authority through
October 1, 2028 in fiscal year 2019. The Committee supports a
permanent extension of USICH and encourages the authorizing
committees to eliminate the statutory sunset that is harmful to
the short- and long-term interagency efforts to prevent and end
homelessness for the more than 550,000 individuals and families
without stable housing or shelter.
Supporting Transitioning Service Members.--Through local
engagement, combined with USICH's efforts to convene the VA and
HUD to streamline and triage the VA's case management and
housing placements through HUD's housing assistance programs,
including the HUD-VASH program, USICH has played a key role in
the overall reduction in veteran homelessness by 46 percent
since 2010. However, the Committee believes there is more to be
done to ensure that those who served our country do not
experience homelessness by down-streaming homeless prevention
strategies into the DoD discharge process. To that end, in the
fiscal year 2017 the Committee directed USICH to collaborate
with the DoD and the VA on how the veteran transition process
can be improved to minimize the risk of homelessness. In
response, USICH released a report to Congress in March of 2018
with methods, strategies, and directives to prevent
transitioning service members from experiencing homelessness.
The Committee recognizes the diligent work USICH has
performed on this issue and the complexities that exist within
interagency collaboration. USICH leads an interagency working
group with the DOL, VA, and DoD that was tasked to carry out
the directives outlined in the 2018 report to ensure
transitioning service members were effectively referred to
employment and housing services, a process referred to as a
``warm handover''. Service members are discharged with the
assistance from DoD support staff and referred to VA and DOL
liaisons for a seamless transition into civilian life. Specific
data points are necessary to determine the outcomes of this
transition initiative which were identified in the 2018 USICH
report. DoD and the VA were directed to provide USICH with the
following: the numbers and percentages of discharged service
members, the percentage of veterans' referrals to transition
liaisons, the rate of housing referrals, and the number of
service members flagged for referral to VA Homelessness program
services. DoD and the VA have failed to meet these basic metric
requirements despite repeated requests.
The Committee is gravely concerned with the lack of
response and cooperation from DoD and the VA. As such, cross-
agency Committee directives are included in the Fiscal Year
2020 reports accompanying the Senate Department of Defense and
the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Acts to ensure accountability of all
Federal agency stakeholders to effectively improve this
transition process and minimize veterans experiencing
homelessness. Further, the Committee directs USICH to notify
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations should
further resistance to achieve this evaluation occur.
Technical Assistance in Providing Transitional Housing for
Survivors of Domestic Violence.--Survivors fleeing domestic
violence have a significant risk of homelessness. Providing
safe and stable housing requires specialized training for
Continuums of Care [CoC] due to the traumatic and high-risk
situations survivors face. The Committee applauds USICH and
their efforts in providing data, technical assistance, and best
practices for CoCs administering housing services through their
partnership with the Domestic Violence and Housing Technical
Assistance Consortium. However, concerns have been raised to
the Committee about the intake process for survivors entering a
CoC and the lines of questioning within the Homelessness
Management Information System [HMIS] intake process.
HMIS gathers local data to analyze housing, service, and
client information to assist individuals and families either in
homelessness or at risk of homelessness. HMIS has specific
guidelines on the necessary questions when determining risk and
history of domestic violence, as well as strict regulations to
ensure survivors' privacy and safety during the intake process.
While significant procedural enhancements have been made to
ensure these protections, the Committee recognizes some CoCs
lack the appropriate training when addressing crises that
should be handled in a sensitive and trauma-informed manner.
This can cause a delay in administering services to survivors
seeking to escape their dangerous living environments, seeing
as clients may not initially appear to require relocation if a
service provider is unaware of the abuse indicators during
intake. Due to the immense trauma surrounding domestic
violence, meticulousness and sensitivity is required to ensure
individuals and families can safely and stably relocate.
In working with local entities, USICH can continue to be an
effective resource for advocates and service providers, and
they are able to ensure the safety and stability of domestic
violence survivors remain a high priority during the intake
process. The Committee directs USICH to continue collaborating
with affected stakeholders to improve the intake methodology
and practices for at-risk populations by providing necessary
technical assistance that CoCs can efficiently implement.

TITLE IV

GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT

Section 401 prohibits pay and other expenses for non-
Federal parties in regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings
funded in this act.
Section 402 prohibits obligations beyond the current fiscal
year and prohibits transfers of funds unless expressly so
provided here-in.
Section 403 limits expenditures for consulting services
through procurement contracts where such expenditures are a
matter of public record and available for public inspection.
Section 404 prohibits the use of funds for employee
training unless such training bears directly upon the
performance of official duties.
Section 405 authorizes the reprogramming of funds within a
budget account and specifies the reprogramming procedures for
agencies funded by this act.
Section 406 ensures that 50 percent of unobligated balances
may remain available for certain purposes.
Section 407 prohibits the use of funds for eminent domain
unless such taking is employed for public use.
Section 408 prohibits funds in this act to be transferred
without express authority.
Section 409 protects employment rights of Federal employees
who return to their civilian jobs after assignment with the
Armed Forces.
Section 410 prohibits the use of funds for activities not
in compliance with the Buy American Act.
Section 411 prohibits funding for any person or entity
convicted of violating the Buy American Act.
Section 412 prohibits funds for first-class airline
accommodation in contravention of section 301-10.122 and 301-
10.123 of title 41 CFR.
Section 413 prohibits funds from being used for the
approval of a new foreign air carrier permit or exemption
application if that approval would contravene United States law
or article 17 bis of the U.S.-E.U.-Iceland-Norway Air Transport
Agreement and specifies that nothing in this section shall
prohibit, restrict, or preclude the Secretary of DOT from
granting a permit or exemption where such authorization is
consistent with the U.S.-E.U.-Iceland-Norway Air Transport
Treaty and the U.S. law.
Section 414 restricts the number of employees that agencies
funded in this act may send to international conferences.
Section 415 prohibits the Surface Transportation Board from
charging filing fees for rate or practice complaints that are
greater than the fees authorized for district court civil
suits.
Section 416 prohibits funds to agencies unless they are in
compliance with the Presidential Memorandum--Federal Fleet
Performance, dated May 24, 2011.
Section 417 prohibits funds from being used to maintain or
establish computer networks unless such networks block the
viewing, downloading, or exchange of pornography.
Section 418 prohibits funds from denying an Inspector
General timely access to any records, documents, or other
materials available to the department or agency over which that
Inspector General has responsibilities, or to prevent or impede
that Inspector General's access.
Section 419 prohibits funds from being used to pay awards
or fees for contractors with poor performance.

COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7, RULE XVI, OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE

Paragraph 7 of rule XVI requires that Committee reports on
general appropriations bills identify each Committee amendment
to the House bill ``which proposes an item of appropriation
which is not made to carry out the provisions of an existing
law, a treaty stipulation, or an act or resolution previously
passed by the Senate during that session.''
The Committee is filing an original bill, which is not
covered under this rule, but reports this information in the
spirit of full disclosure.
The Committee recommends funding for the following programs
or activities which currently lack authorization for fiscal
year 2020:

Title I--Department of Transportation

National Infrastructure Investments
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Office of Pipeline Safety, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration
Maritime Administration

Title II--Department of Housing and Urban Development

Rental Assistance Programs
Indian Housing Block Grants
Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund
Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS
Community Development Fund
Community Development Loan Guarantee
Home Investment Partnerships Program
Choice Neighborhoods Initiatives
Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program
Homeless Assistance
Housing for the Elderly
Housing for Persons with Disabilities
FHA General and Special Risk Program Account
GNMA Mortgage Backed Securities Loan Guarantee Program
Account
Policy Development and Research
Fair Housing Activities, Fair Housing Program
Lead Hazard Reduction Program
Salaries and Expenses

COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(C), RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE

Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on September 19,
2019, the Committee ordered favorably reported a bill (S. 2520)
making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation,
and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2020, and for other purposes,
provided, that the bill be subject to amendment and that the
bill be consistent with its budget allocation, and provided
that the Chairman of the Committee or his designee be
authorized to offer the substance of the original bill as a
Committee amendment in the nature of a substitute to the House
companion measure, by a recorded vote of 31-0, a quorum being
present. The vote was as follows:
Yeas Nays
Chairman Shelby
Mr. McConnell
Mr. Alexander
Ms. Collins
Ms. Murkowski
Mr. Graham
Mr. Blunt
Mr. Moran
Mr. Hoeven
Mr. Boozman
Mrs. Capito
Mr. Kennedy
Mrs. Hyde-Smith
Mr. Daines
Mr. Rubio
Mr. Lankford
Mr. Leahy
Mrs. Murray
Mrs. Feinstein
Mr. Durbin
Mr. Reed
Mr. Tester
Mr. Udall
Mrs. Shaheen
Mr. Merkley
Mr. Coons
Mr. Schatz
Ms. Baldwin
Mr. Murphy
Mr. Manchin
Mr. Van Hollen

COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 12, RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE

Paragraph 12 of rule XXVI requires that Committee reports
on a bill or joint resolution repealing or amending any statute
or part of any statute include ``(a) the text of the statute or
part thereof which is proposed to be repealed; and (b) a
comparative print of that part of the bill or joint resolution
making the amendment and of the statute or part thereof
proposed to be amended, showing by stricken-through type and
italics, parallel columns, or other appropriate typographical
devices the omissions and insertions which would be made by the
bill or joint resolution if enacted in the form recommended by
the committee.''
In compliance with this rule, no changes to existing law
are displayed because this bill proposes no changes.
------

BUDGETARY IMPACT OF BILL

PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 308(A), PUBLIC LAW 93-344, AS
AMENDED
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget authority Outlays
-------------------------------------------------------
Committee Amount in Committee Amount in
allocation bill allocation bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with the subcommittee
allocation for 2020: Subcommittee on Transportation and
Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies:
Mandatory........................................... ............ ............ ............ ............
Discretionary....................................... 74,300 74,300 133,803 \1\133,803
Security........................................ 300 300 NA NA
Nonsecurity..................................... 74,000 74,000 NA NA
Projection of outlays associated with the
recommendation:
2020................................................ ............ ............ ............ \2\49,356
2021................................................ ............ ............ ............ 40,328
2022................................................ ............ ............ ............ 17,372
2023................................................ ............ ............ ............ 8,529
2024 and future years............................... ............ ............ ............ 13,103
Financial assistance to State and local governments for NA 39,608 NA \2\35,003
2020...................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
\2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

NA: Not applicable.

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2020
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Committee recommendation
compared with (+ or -)
Item 2019 Budget estimate Committee -----------------------------------
appropriation recommendation 2019
appropriation Budget estimate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Office of the Secretary

Salaries and expenses......................................... 113,910 117,993 113,910 ................ -4,083
Immediate Office of the Secretary......................... (3,065) ................ (3,065) ................ (+3,065)
Immediate Office of the Deputy Secretary.................. (1,000) ................ (1,000) ................ (+1,000)
Office of the General Counsel............................. (20,428) ................ (20,428) ................ (+20,428)
Office of the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy (10,331) ................ (10,331) ................ (+10,331)
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs. (14,300) ................ (14,300) ................ (+14,300)
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs (2,546) ................ (2,546) ................ (+2,546)
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration...... (29,244) ................ (29,244) ................ (+29,244)
Office of Public Affairs.................................. (2,142) ................ (2,142) ................ (+2,142)
Office of the Executive Secretariat....................... (1,859) ................ (1,859) ................ (+1,859)
Office of Intelligence, Security, and Emergency Response.. (12,181) ................ (12,181) ................ (+12,181)
Office of the Chief Information Officer................... (16,814) ................ (16,814) ................ (+16,814)
Research and Technology....................................... 8,471 22,000 8,000 -471 -14,000
National Infrastructure Investments........................... 900,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 +100,000 ................
National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance Bureau. 5,000 4,000 5,000 ................ +1,000
Nationally Significant Freight Projects....................... ................ 1,035,000 ................ ................ -1,035,000
Financial Management Capital.................................. 2,000 2,000 2,000 ................ ................
Cyber Security Initiatives.................................... 15,000 15,000 15,000 ................ ................
Office of Civil Rights........................................ 9,470 9,000 9,470 ................ +470
Transportation Planning, Research, and Development............ 7,879 8,000 7,879 ................ -121
Working Capital Fund.......................................... (319,793) ................ (319,793) ................ (+319,793)
Minority Business Resource Center Program..................... 500 ................ ................ -500 ................
Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilizaton and Outreach...... 3,488 3,000 3,488 ................ +488
Payments to Air Carriers (Airport & Airway Trust Fund)........ 175,000 125,000 162,000 -13,000 +37,000
Working Capital Fund (legislative proposal) (reappropriation). ................ 12,000 ................ ................ -12,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Office of the Secretary.......................... 1,240,718 2,352,993 1,326,747 +86,029 -1,026,246
=========================================================================================
Federal Aviation Administration

Operations.................................................... 10,410,758 10,340,000 10,540,511 +129,753 +200,511
Air traffic organization.................................. (7,841,720) (7,777,357) (7,925,734) (+84,014) (+148,377)
Aviation safety........................................... (1,336,969) (1,327,779) (1,359,607) (+22,638) (+31,828)
Commercial space transportation........................... (24,949) (25,598) (26,040) (+1,091) (+442)
Finance and management.................................... (816,398) (784,832) (800,646) (-15,752) (+15,814)
NextGen................................................... (61,258) (60,145) (61,538) (+280) (+1,393)
Security and Hazardous Materials Safety................... (114,165) (117,694) (118,642) (+4,477) (+948)
Staff offices............................................. (215,299) (246,595) (248,304) (+33,005) (+1,709)
Facilities and Equipment (Airport & Airway Trust Fund)........ 3,000,000 3,295,000 3,153,801 +153,801 -141,199
Research, Engineering, and Development (Airport & Airway Trust 191,100 120,000 194,230 +3,130 +74,230
Fund.........................................................
Grants-in-Aid for Airports (Airport and Airway Trust (3,000,000) (3,000,000) (3,000,000) ................ ................
Fund)(Liquidation of contract authorization).................
(Limitation on obligations)............................... (3,350,000) (3,350,000) (3,350,000) ................ ................
Administration........................................ (112,600) (112,353) (113,000) (+400) (+647)
Airport cooperative research program.................. (15,000) (15,000) (15,000) ................ ................
Airport technology research........................... (33,210) (33,224) (39,224) (+6,014) (+6,000)
Small community air service development program....... (10,000) ................ (10,000) ................ (+10,000)
Airport Discretionary Grants (General Fund)................... 500,000 ................ 450,000 -50,000 +450,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Federal Aviation Administration.................. 14,101,858 13,755,000 14,338,542 +236,684 +583,542

Limitations on obligations.......................... (3,350,000) (3,350,000) (3,350,000) ................ ................
Total budgetary resources............................... (17,451,858) (17,105,000) (17,688,542) (+236,684) (+583,542)
=========================================================================================
Federal Highway Administration

Limitation on Administrative Expenses......................... (449,692) (456,797) (456,797) (+7,105) ................

Federal-Aid Highways (Highway Trust Fund):
(Liquidation of contract authorization)................... (46,007,596) (47,104,092) (47,104,092) (+1,096,496) ................
(Limitation on obligations)............................... (45,268,596) (46,365,092) (46,365,092) (+1,096,496) ................
(Exempt contract authority)............................... (739,000) (739,000) (739,000) ................ ................
Highway Infrastructure Programs (General Fund)................ 3,250,000 300,000 2,700,000 -550,000 +2,400,000

Administrative Provisions

Rescission of budget authority (legislative proposal)......... ................ -209,722 ................ ................ +209,722
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Federal Highway Administration................... 3,250,000 90,278 2,700,000 -550,000 +2,609,722

Limitations on obligations.......................... (45,268,596) (46,365,092) (46,365,092) (+1,096,496) ................
Exempt contract authority........................... (739,000) (739,000) (739,000) ................ ................
Total budgetary resources............................... (49,257,596) (47,194,370) (49,804,092) (+546,496) (+2,609,722)
=========================================================================================
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Motor Carrier Safety Operations and Programs (Highway Trust (284,000) (288,000) (288,000) (+4,000) ................
Fund) (Liquidation of contract authorization)................
(Limitation on obligations)............................... (284,000) (288,000) (288,000) (+4,000) ................
Motor Carrier Safety Grants (Highway Trust Fund) (Liquidation (382,800) (387,800) (391,136) (+8,336) (+3,336)
of contract authorization)...................................
(Limitation on obligations)............................... (382,800) (387,800) (391,136) (+8,336) (+3,336)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration...... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................

Limitations on obligations.......................... (666,800) (675,800) (679,136) (+12,336) (+3,336)
Total budgetary resources............................... (666,800) (675,800) (679,136) (+12,336) (+3,336)
=========================================================================================
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Operations and Research (general fund)........................ 190,000 151,000 194,000 +4,000 +43,000
Operations and Research (Highway Trust Fund) (Liquidation of (152,100) (155,300) (155,300) (+3,200) ................
contract authorization)......................................
(Limitation on obligations)............................... (152,100) (155,300) (155,300) (+3,200) ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Operations and Research....................... 342,100 306,300 349,300 +7,200 +43,000

Highway Traffic Safety Grants (Highway Trust Fund) (610,208) (623,017) (623,017) (+12,809) ................
(Liquidation of contract authorization)......................
(Limitation on obligations)............................... (610,208) (623,017) (623,017) (+12,809) ................
Highway safety programs (23 U.S.C. 402)............... (270,400) (279,800) (279,800) (+9,400) ................
National priority safety programs (23 U.S.C. 405)..... (283,000) (285,900) (285,900) (+2,900) ................
High visibility enforcement........................... (30,200) (30,500) (30,500) (+300) ................
Administrative expenses............................... (26,608) (26,817) (26,817) (+209) ................

Administrative Provision

Impaired Driving/Rail-Grade funding (Sec. 143) (General Fund). 14,000 ................ ................ -14,000 ................
Child safety and booster seat grants (Sec. 144)......... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration... 204,000 151,000 194,000 -10,000 +43,000

Limitations on obligations........................ (762,308) (778,317) (778,317) (+16,009) ................
Total budgetary resources............................... (966,308) (929,317) (972,317) (+6,009) (+43,000)
=========================================================================================
Federal Railroad Administration

Safety and Operations......................................... 221,698 213,134 221,698 ................ +8,564
Railroad Research and Development............................. 40,600 19,000 40,600 ................ +21,600
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................................................ 262,298 232,134 262,298 ................ +30,164

Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair............ 400,000 ................ 300,000 -100,000 +300,000
Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements...... 255,000 330,000 255,000 ................ -75,000
Restoration and Enhancement Grants............................ 5,000 550,000 2,000 -3,000 -548,000
Magnetic Levitation Program................................... 10,000 ................ ................ -10,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................................................ 670,000 880,000 557,000 -113,000 -323,000

National Railroad Passenger Corporation:
Northeast Corridor Grants................................. 650,000 325,466 680,000 +30,000 +354,534
National Network.......................................... 1,291,600 611,000 1,320,000 +28,400 +709,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................................................ 1,941,600 936,466 2,000,000 +58,400 +1,063,534

Administrative Provisions

Transportation Technology Center financing (legislative ................ 100,000 ................ ................ -100,000
proposal)....................................................
Rail unobligated balances (rescission) (legislative proposal). ................ -55,726 ................ ................ +55,726
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Federal Railroad Administration.................. 2,873,898 2,092,874 2,819,298 -54,600 +726,424
=========================================================================================
Federal Transit Administration

Administrative Expenses....................................... 113,165 110,552 113,165 ................ +2,613
Transit Formula Grants (Hwy Trust Fund, Mass Transit Account (9,900,000) (10,800,000) (10,800,000) (+900,000) ................
(Liquidation of contract authorization)......................
(Limitation on obligations)............................... (9,939,380) (10,150,348) (10,150,348) (+210,968) ................
Transit Infrastructure Grants................................. 700,000 500,000 560,000 -140,000 +60,000
Technical Assistance and Training............................. 5,000 ................ 5,000 ................ +5,000
Capital Investment Grants..................................... 2,552,687 1,505,190 1,978,000 -574,687 +472,810
Grants to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.. 150,000 150,000 150,000 ................ ................
Transit Formula Grants (rescission) (legislative proposal).... -46,560 ................ ................ +46,560 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Federal Transit Administration................... 3,474,292 2,265,742 2,806,165 -668,127 +540,423

Limitations on obligations.......................... (9,939,380) (10,150,348) (10,150,348) (+210,968) ................
Total budgetary resources............................... (13,413,672) (12,416,090) (12,956,513) (-457,159) (+540,423)
=========================================================================================
Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

Operations and Maintenance (Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund).... 36,000 28,000 36,000 ................ +8,000

Maritime Administration

Maritime Security Program..................................... 300,000 300,000 300,000 ................ ................
Rescission (legislative proposal)......................... ................ -25,000 ................ ................ +25,000
Operations and Training....................................... 149,442 377,497 142,619 -6,823 -234,878
State Maritime Academy Operations............................. 345,200 ................ 342,280 -2,920 +342,280
Assistance to Small Shipyards................................. 20,000 ................ 20,000 ................ +20,000
Ship Disposal................................................. 5,000 5,000 5,000 ................ ................

Maritime Guaranteed Loan (Title XI) Program Account:
Administrative expenses and guarantees.................... 3,000 ................ 3,000 ................ +3,000
Port Infrastructure Development Program....................... 292,730 ................ 91,600 -201,130 +91,600
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Maritime Administration.......................... 1,115,372 657,497 904,499 -210,873 +247,002
=========================================================================================
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

Operational Expenses:
General Fund.............................................. 23,710 24,215 24,215 +505 ................

Hazardous Materials Safety:
General Fund.............................................. 58,000 53,000 60,000 +2,000 +7,000

Pipeline Safety:
Pipeline Safety Fund...................................... 134,000 119,000 134,000 ................ +15,000
Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund............................ 23,000 22,000 23,000 ................ +1,000
Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility Safety Fund...... 8,000 8,000 8,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................................................ 165,000 149,000 165,000 ................ +16,000

Emergency Preparedness Grants:
Limitation on emergency preparedness fund................. (28,318) (28,318) (28,318) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 246,710 226,215 249,215 +2,505 +23,000
Administration.........................................

Limitations on obligations.......................... (28,318) (28,318) (28,318) ................ ................
Total budgetary resources............................... (275,028) (254,533) (277,533) (+2,505) (+23,000)
=========================================================================================
Pipeline safety user fees..................................... -134,000 -119,000 -134,000 ................ -15,000
Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility Safety Fund user fee. -8,000 -8,000 -8,000 ................ ................

Office of Inspector General

Salaries and Expenses......................................... 92,600 92,152 92,600 ................ +448

General Provisions--Department of Transportation

=========================================================================================
Total, title I, Department of Transportation............ 26,493,448 21,584,751 25,325,066 -1,168,382 +3,740,315
Appropriations...................................... (26,540,008) (21,875,199) (25,325,066) (-1,214,942) (+3,449,867)
Rescissions......................................... (-46,560) (-265,448) ................ (+46,560) (+265,448)
Limitations on obligations.......................... (59,987,084) (61,319,557) (61,322,893) (+1,335,809) (+3,336)
Total budgetary resources............................... (86,480,532) (82,904,308) (86,647,959) (+167,427) (+3,743,651)
=========================================================================================
TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Management and Administration

Executive Offices............................................. 14,900 16,000 14,217 -683 -1,783
Administration Support Offices................................ 541,500 556,500 563,378 +21,878 +6,878

Program Office Salaries and Expenses:
Public and Indian Housing................................. 219,800 206,000 225,000 +5,200 +19,000
Community Planning and Development........................ 112,344 114,000 123,000 +10,656 +9,000
Housing................................................... 382,500 398,700 387,000 +4,500 -11,700
Policy Development and Research........................... 26,000 26,000 28,000 +2,000 +2,000
Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity........................ 72,900 73,200 72,000 -900 -1,200
Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes........... 8,600 9,000 9,000 +400 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................................................ 822,144 826,900 844,000 +21,856 +17,100
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Management and Administration.................... 1,378,544 1,399,400 1,421,595 +43,051 +22,195
=========================================================================================
Public and Indian Housing

Tenant-based Rental Assistance:
Renewals.................................................. 20,313,000 20,115,541 21,502,000 +1,189,000 +1,386,459
Tenant protection vouchers................................ 85,000 130,000 75,000 -10,000 -55,000
Administrative fees....................................... 1,886,000 1,738,459 1,977,000 +91,000 +238,541
Sec. 811 vouchers, incremental and renewals............... 225,000 259,500 218,000 -7,000 -41,500
Incremental VASH vouchers................................. 40,000 ................ 40,000 ................ +40,000
Tribal veterans affairs supportive housing renewals....... 4,000 ................ 1,000 -3,000 +1,000
Incremental family unification vouchers................... 20,000 ................ 20,000 ................ +20,000
Mobility Demonstration.................................... 25,000 ................ ................ -25,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal (available this fiscal year)................... 22,598,000 22,243,500 23,833,000 +1,235,000 +1,589,500

Advance appropriations.................................... 4,000,000 4,000,000 4,000,000 ................ ................
Less appropriations from prior year advances.............. -4,000,000 -4,000,000 -4,000,000 ................ ................
Rescission (emergency).................................... ................ -6,000 ................ ................ +6,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Tenant-based Rental Assistance appropriated in 22,598,000 22,237,500 23,833,000 +1,235,000 +1,595,500
this bill..............................................
=========================================================================================
Rental Assistance Demonstration............................... ................ 100,000 ................ ................ -100,000
Public Housing Capital Fund................................... 2,775,000 ................ 2,855,000 +80,000 +2,855,000
Public Housing Operating Fund................................. 4,653,116 2,863,000 4,650,000 -3,116 +1,787,000
Choice Neighborhoods.......................................... 150,000 ................ 100,000 -50,000 +100,000
Family Self-Sufficiency....................................... 80,000 75,000 ................ -80,000 -75,000
Self-Sufficiency Programs..................................... ................ ................ 130,000 +130,000 +130,000
Family Self-Sufficiency................................... ................ ................ (80,000) (+80,000) (+80,000)
ROSS...................................................... ................ ................ (35,000) (+35,000) (+35,000)
Jobs Plus................................................. ................ ................ (15,000) (+15,000) (+15,000)
Native American Housing Block Grants.......................... 755,000 600,000 ................ -755,000 -600,000
Native American Programs...................................... ................ ................ 820,000 +820,000 +820,000
Native American Housing Block Grants, Formula............. ................ ................ (646,000) (+646,000) (+646,000)
Title VI Loan Program..................................... ................ ................ (2,000) (+2,000) (+2,000)
Native American Housing Block Grants, Competitive......... ................ ................ (100,000) (+100,000) (+100,000)
Indian CDBG............................................... ................ ................ (65,000) (+65,000) (+65,000)
Training and Technical Assistance......................... ................ ................ (7,000) (+7,000) (+7,000)
Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund Program Account............ 1,440 2,500 1,600 +160 -900
(Limitation on guaranteed loans).......................... (553,846) (1,000,000) (1,000,000) (+446,154) ................
Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant........................... 2,000 ................ 1,745 -255 +1,745
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Public and Indian Housing........................ 31,014,556 25,878,000 32,391,345 +1,376,789 +6,513,345
=========================================================================================
Community Planning and Development

Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS................... 393,000 330,000 330,000 -63,000 ................

Community Development Fund:
CDBG formula.............................................. 3,300,000 ................ 3,325,000 +25,000 +3,325,000
Indian CDBG............................................... 65,000 ................ ................ -65,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................................................ 3,365,000 ................ 3,325,000 -40,000 +3,325,000

Community Development Loan Guarantees (Section 108):
(Limitation on guaranteed loans).......................... (300,000) ................ (300,000) ................ (+300,000)
HOME Investment Partnerships Program.......................... 1,250,000 ................ 1,250,000 ................ +1,250,000
Self-help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity Program...... 54,000 ................ 54,000 ................ +54,000
Homeless Assistance Grants.................................... 2,636,000 2,598,600 2,761,000 +125,000 +162,400
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Community Planning and Development............... 7,698,000 2,928,600 7,720,000 +22,000 +4,791,400
=========================================================================================
Housing Programs

Project-based Rental Assistance:
Renewals.................................................. 11,502,000 11,676,000 12,215,000 +713,000 +539,000
Contract administrators................................... 245,000 345,000 345,000 +100,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal (available this fiscal year)................... 11,747,000 12,021,000 12,560,000 +813,000 +539,000

Advance appropriations.................................... 400,000 400,000 400,000 ................ ................
Less appropriations from prior year advances.............. -400,000 -400,000 -400,000 ................ ................
Rescission (emergency).................................... ................ -1,000 ................ ................ +1,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Project-based Rental Assistance appropriated in 11,747,000 12,020,000 12,560,000 +813,000 +540,000
this bill..............................................
=========================================================================================
Housing for the Elderly....................................... 678,000 644,000 696,000 +18,000 +52,000
Housing for Persons with Disabilities......................... 184,155 157,000 184,155 ................ +27,155
Housing Counseling Assistance................................. 50,000 45,000 45,000 -5,000 ................
Rental Housing Assistance..................................... 5,000 3,000 3,000 -2,000 ................
Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund.......................... 12,000 12,000 13,000 +1,000 +1,000
Offsetting collections.................................... -12,000 -12,000 -13,000 -1,000 -1,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Housing Programs................................. 12,664,155 12,869,000 13,488,155 +824,000 +619,155
=========================================================================================
Federal Housing Administration

Mutual Mortgage Insurance Program Account:
(Limitation on guaranteed loans).......................... (400,000,000) (400,000,000) (400,000,000) ................ ................
(Limitation on direct loans).............................. (1,000) (1,000) (1,000) ................ ................
Offsetting receipts....................................... -6,930,000 -5,649,000 -5,649,000 +1,281,000 ................
Additional offsetting receipts (Sec. 223)................. ................ -20,000 ................ ................ +20,000
Administrative contract expenses.......................... 130,000 150,000 130,000 ................ -20,000

General and Special Risk Program Account:
(Limitation on guaranteed loans).......................... (30,000,000) (30,000,000) (30,000,000) ................ ................
(Limitation on direct loans).............................. (1,000) (1,000) (1,000) ................ ................
Offsetting receipts....................................... -620,000 -602,000 -602,000 +18,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Federal Housing Administration................... -7,420,000 -6,121,000 -6,121,000 +1,299,000 ................
=========================================================================================
Government National Mortgage Association

Guarantees of Mortgage-backed Securities Loan Guarantee
Program Account:
(Limitation on guaranteed loans).......................... (550,000,000) (550,000,000) (550,000,000) ................ ................
Administrative expenses................................... 27,000 28,400 29,626 +2,626 +1,226
Offsetting receipts....................................... -104,000 -132,000 -132,000 -28,000 ................
Offsetting receipts....................................... -1,900,000 -1,050,000 -1,050,000 +850,000 ................
Additional contract expenses.............................. 1,000 1,000 1,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Gov't National Mortgage Association.............. -1,976,000 -1,152,600 -1,151,374 +824,626 +1,226
=========================================================================================
Policy Development and Research

Research and Technology....................................... 96,000 87,000 96,000 ................ +9,000

Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

Fair Housing Activities....................................... 65,300 62,300 65,300 ................ +3,000

Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes

Lead Hazard Reduction......................................... 279,000 290,000 290,000 +11,000 ................
Cybersecurity and Information Technology Fund................. 280,000 280,000 280,000 ................ ................
Office of Inspector General................................... 128,082 129,400 132,489 +4,407 +3,089

General Provision--Department of Housing and Urban Development

Sec. 235 unobligated balances (rescission of emergency funds). ................ ................ -7,000 -7,000 -7,000
Unobligated balances (rescission)............................. -99 ................ ................ +99 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, General Provisions............................... -99 ................ -7,000 -6,901 -7,000
=========================================================================================
Total, title II, Department of Housing and Urban 44,207,538 36,650,100 48,605,510 +4,397,972 +11,955,410
Development............................................
Appropriations...................................... (49,373,637) (39,722,100) (51,658,510) (+2,284,873) (+11,936,410)
Rescissions of emergency funding.................... ................ (-7,000) (-7,000) (-7,000) ................
Advance appropriations.............................. (4,400,000) (4,400,000) (4,400,000) ................ ................
Offsetting receipts................................. (-9,554,000) (-7,453,000) (-7,433,000) (+2,121,000) (+20,000)
Offsetting collections.............................. (-12,000) (-12,000) (-13,000) (-1,000) (-1,000)
(Limitation on direct loans)........................ (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) ................ ................
(Limitation on guaranteed loans).................... (980,853,846) (981,000,000) (981,300,000) (+446,154) (+300,000)
=========================================================================================
TITLE III--OTHER INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

Access Board.................................................. 8,400 8,400 9,200 +800 +800
Federal Maritime Commission................................... 27,490 28,000 28,000 +510 ................
National Railroad Passenger Corporation Office of Inspector 23,274 23,274 23,274 ................ ................
General......................................................
National Transportation Safety Board.......................... 110,400 110,400 110,400 ................ ................
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation......................... 152,000 27,400 152,000 ................ +124,600
Surface Transportation Board.................................. 37,100 37,100 37,100 ................ ................
Offsetting collections.................................... -1,250 -1,250 -1,250 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................................................ 35,850 35,850 35,850 ................ ................

United States Interagency Council on Homelessness............. 3,600 730 3,700 +100 +2,970
=========================================================================================
Total, title III, Other Independent Agencies............ 361,014 234,054 362,424 +1,410 +128,370
=========================================================================================
TITLE IV--GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT

Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Subsidy 17,000 ................ ................ -17,000 ................
Reimbursement................................................
=========================================================================================
Total, title IV, General Provisions This Act............ 17,000 ................ ................ -17,000 ................
=========================================================================================
OTHER APPROPRIATIONS

SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF, 2018 (Public
Law 115-254 Division I)

Community Development Fund (emergency)........................ 1,680,000 ................ ................ -1,680,000 ................
=========================================================================================
ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF
ACT, 2019

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

Emergency Relief Program (emergency).......................... 1,650,000 ................ ................ -1,650,000 ................

Federal Transit Administration

Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program (emergency).... 10,542 ................ ................ -10,542 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Department of Transportation..................... 1,660,542 ................ ................ -1,660,542 ................
=========================================================================================
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Community Planning and Development

Community Development Fund (emergency)........................ 2,431,000 ................ ................ -2,431,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Additional Supplemental Appropriations for 4,091,542 ................ ................ -4,091,542 ................
Disaster Relief Act, 2019..............................
=========================================================================================
Total, Other Appropriations............................. 5,771,542 ................ ................ -5,771,542 ................
=========================================================================================
Grand total............................................. 76,850,542 58,468,905 74,293,000 -2,557,542 +15,824,095
Appropriations...................................... (76,292,909) (61,832,603) (77,347,250) (+1,054,341) (+15,514,647)
Rescissions......................................... (-46,659) (-265,448) ................ (+46,659) (+265,448)
Rescissions of emergency funding.................... ................ (-7,000) (-7,000) (-7,000) ................
Emergency appropriations............................ (5,771,542) ................ ................ (-5,771,542) ................
Advance appropriations.............................. (4,400,000) (4,400,000) (4,400,000) ................ ................
Offsetting receipts................................. (-9,554,000) (-7,453,000) (-7,433,000) (+2,121,000) (+20,000)
Offsetting collections.............................. (-13,250) (-13,250) (-14,250) (-1,000) (-1,000)
(Limitation on obligations)......................... (59,987,084) (61,319,557) (61,322,893) (+1,335,809) (+3,336)
Total budgetary resources............................... (136,837,626) (119,788,462) (135,615,893) (-1,221,733) (+15,827,431)
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