3.0.0 749 2023-01-11T13:27:57Z 2023-01-11T13:27:57Z House HR 2015-02-05 114 [Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 20 (Thursday, February 5, 2015)]From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]By Mr. SHUSTER:H.R. 749.Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuantto the following:Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution,specifically Clause 3 (related to regulation of Commerceamong the several States).[Page H856]]]> sscm00 Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Senate Standing Referred to 2015-03-09T18:34:28Z hspw00 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee House Standing hspw14 Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Discharged from 2015-02-12T21:17:34Z Referred to 2015-02-06T20:42:06Z Reported by 2015-02-26T18:30:37Z Markup by 2015-02-12T21:17:51Z Referred to 2015-02-05T14:01:15Z H. Rept. 114-30 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 749) to reauthorize Federal support for passenger rail programs, and for other purposes, and providing for proceedings during the period from March 6, 2015, through March 13, 2015. 114 134 HRES 2015-03-03 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. 13:08:21 Procedurally-related House 2015-03-09 sscm00 Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Senate Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. IntroReferral 2015-03-04 15:06:59 On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 316 - 101 (Roll no. 112). Floor H37100 2 House floor actions 112 https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2015/roll112.xml House 114 2015-03-04T20:06:59Z 1 2015-03-04 15:06:59 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. Floor H38310 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 15:06:59 Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 316 - 101 (Roll no. 112). Floor 8000 9 Library of Congress 112 https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2015/roll112.xml House 114 2015-03-04T20:06:59Z 1 2015-03-04 14:59:12 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 184 - 232 (Roll no. 111). Floor H36110 2 House floor actions hspw00 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee 111 https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2015/roll111.xml House 114 2015-03-04T19:59:12Z 1 2015-03-04 14:45:32 DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to authorize $150 million for each of the fiscal years 2016 through 2019 for the use of the Amtrak Police Department to acquire canines, explosive detection, surveillance and communication equipment, baggage screening, counter-terrorism, and other security needs. The amendment also implements a veterans hiring initiative in the Amtrak Police Department. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 14:45:11 Mr. Maloney, Sean moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Transportation. (consideration: CR H1600-1602; text: CR H1601) Floor H36100 2 House floor actions hspw00 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee 2015-03-04 14:42:38 The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H1585-1593) Floor H34400 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 14:41:46 The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 749. Floor H32600 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 14:11:20 UNFINISHED BUSINESS - The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 14:04:03 DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 134, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lipinski amendment No. 7. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 14:03:02 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the McClintock amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. McClintock demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:51:51 DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 134, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McClintock amendment No. 6. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:46:44 DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 134, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Perlmutter amendment No. 5. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:46:43 The Committee resumed its sitting. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:45:25 The Committee of the Whole rose informally to receive a message. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:38:08 DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 134, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Brownley (CA) amendment No. 4. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:31:10 DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 134, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Mica amendment No. 3. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:25:55 DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 134, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Fitzpatrick amendment No. 2. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:21:12 DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 134, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McNerney amendment No. 1. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 12:35:47 GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 749. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 12:35:35 The Speaker designated the Honorable Andy Harris to act as Chairman of the Committee. Floor H32400 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 12:35:34 House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 134 and Rule XVIII. Floor H32020 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 12:35:07 Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 749 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. A specified amendment is in order. Resolution also provides for proceedings of the House during the period from March 4, 2015 through March 13, 2015. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 12:35:02 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 134. (consideration: CR H1578-1596, H1596-1603) Floor H30000 2 House floor actions 2015-03-03 13:08:00 Rule H. Res. 134 passed House. Floor H1L220 2 House floor actions 2015-03-02 21:41:02 Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 134 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 749 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. A specified amendment is in order. Resolution also provides for proceedings of the House during the period from March 4, 2015 through March 13, 2015. Floor H1L210 2 House floor actions 2015-02-26 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 20. Calendars H12410 2 House floor actions U00020 2015-02-26 Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 114-30. Committee H12200 2 House floor actions hspw00 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee 2015-02-26 Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 114-30. Committee 5000 9 Library of Congress hspw00 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee 2015-02-12 hspw00 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee 1 House committee actions Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote. Committee 2015-02-12 hspw00 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee 1 House committee actions Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. Committee 2015-02-12 hspw00 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee 1 House committee actions Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Discharged. Committee 2015-02-06 hspw14 Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee 1 House committee actions Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. Committee 2015-02-05 Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. IntroReferral H11100 2 House floor actions hspw00 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee 2015-02-05 Introduced in House IntroReferral Intro-H 9 Library of Congress 2015-02-05 Introduced in House IntroReferral 1000 9 Library of Congress S001154 Rep. Shuster, Bill [R-PA-9] Bill Shuster R PA 9 N D000191 Rep. DeFazio, Peter A. [D-OR-4] PETER DEFAZIO D OR A. 4 2015-02-05 True D000612 Rep. Denham, Jeff [R-CA-10] Jeff Denham R CA 10 2015-02-05 True C001037 Rep. Capuano, Michael E. [D-MA-7] MICHAEL CAPUANO D MA E. 7 2015-02-05 True H001051 Rep. Hanna, Richard L. [R-NY-22] Richard Hanna R NY L. 22 2015-02-26 False N000147 Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large] ELEANOR NORTON D DC HOLMES 0 2015-02-26 False B001269 Rep. Barletta, Lou [R-PA-11] Lou Barletta R PA 11 2015-02-26 False B000911 Rep. Brown, Corrine [D-FL-5] CORRINE BROWN D FL 5 2015-02-26 False N000179 Rep. Napolitano, Grace F. [D-CA-32] GRACE NAPOLITANO D CA F. 32 2015-02-26 False F000462 Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22] Lois Frankel D FL 22 2015-02-26 False W000820 Rep. Walters, Mimi [R-CA-45] Mimi Walters R CA 45 2015-02-26 False C001106 Rep. Costello, Ryan A. [R-PA-6] Ryan Costello R PA A. 6 2015-02-26 False C001107 Rep. Curbelo, Carlos [R-FL-26] Carlos Curbelo R FL 26 2015-02-26 False 2015-02-25T18:55:00Z H.R. 749, Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 https://www.cbo.gov/publication/49969 As ordered reported by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on February 12, 2015 Transportation and Public Works Administrative law and regulatory procedures Advisory bodies Alabama Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration Animal protection and human-animal relationships Appropriations Commuting Congressional oversight Connecticut Department of Transportation District of Columbia Executive agency funding and structure Florida Food industry and services Government corporations and government-sponsored enterprises Government studies and investigations Government trust funds Historic sites and heritage areas Infrastructure development Intergovernmental relations Licensing and registrations Louisiana Maryland Massachusetts Minority and disadvantaged businesses Mississippi National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) New York City New York State Pennsylvania Performance measurement Public contracts and procurement Railroads Small business State and local government operations Transportation programs funding Transportation and Public Works 00 2015-02-05 Introduced in House 2015-05-05T19:12:04Z Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015

Authorizes appropriations for FY2016-FY2019 to the Secretary of Transportation for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) for:

  • the Northeast Corridor Improvement Fund account,
  • the National Network account,
  • the Office of the Inspector General, and
  • national infrastructure investment capital grants.

Directs Amtrak to establish internal controls to ensure its costs and revenues are allocated to either the Northeast Corridor or the National Network.

Directs the Secretary to establish substantive and procedural requirements for Northeast Corridor and National Network investment capital grant requests.

Directs Amtrak to establish:

  • a Northeast Corridor Improvement Fund account for Northeast Corridor capital improvement projects, and
  • a National Network account for capital expenses and operating costs of the National Network.

Requires the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission to:

  • develop an annual capital investment plan for the Northeast Corridor main line between Boston, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia, and the Northeast Corridor branch lines connecting to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Springfield, Massachusetts, and Spuyten Duyvil, New York; and
  • update, once every 10 years, a Northeast Corridor service development plan.

Requires Amtrak, and states and public entities that own infrastructure supporting or providing intercity rail passenger transportation on the Northeast Corridor, to develop and update asset management plans for the Northeast Corridor main line and the Northeast Corridor branch lines.

Requires the Amtrak Board of Directors to prepare a five-year capital and operating plan for the Northeast Corridor and National Network.

Directs the Secretary to establish a State-Supported Route Advisory Committee.

Amends the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 to revise requirements with respect to methodologies for Amtrak route and service planning decisions. Requires Amtrak, as a condition of receiving a grant, to obtain the services of an independent entity to develop and recommend objective methodologies for Amtrak to use in the planning of intercity rail passenger transportation routes and services.

Revises alternate passenger rail service pilot program requirements.

Requires the Surface Transportation Board, within 120 days after submission of a dispute between Amtrak and a rail carrier (or carriers) awarded the right to provide rail service over a route in which Amtrak is to grant access to its reservation system, stations, and facilities, to issue an order requiring Amtrak to provide such facilities and services to those carriers if certain criteria are met.

Directs Amtrak to develop a plan to eliminate the operating loss for food and beverage service on board its trains.

Directs Amtrak to request proposals from private sector persons or entities to utilize Amtrak-owned rights-of-way for telecommunications systems, energy distribution systems, and other appropriate activities. Authorizes Amtrak to enter into an agreement to implement any such proposal or proposals.

Requires Amtrak to report to Congress on options to enhance development around Amtrak stations.

Amends the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 to extend indefinitely specified authority to restructure long-term Amtrak debt and capital leases.

Directs Amtrak to develop a pilot program to allow passengers to transport domesticated cats or dogs on certain Amtrak trains.

Directs the Amtrak Inspector General to evaluate Amtrak's boarding procedures at the 10 stations through which the most people pass.

Directs the Secretary to develop a program to issue competitive grants for capital improvement projects included in the Northeast Corridor Priority Project List.

Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to revise Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing program requirements. Modifies application procedures for direct loans and loan guarantees for railroad improvement projects.

Requires the Secretary, in granting applications for such loans and guarantees, to give priority to projects for the installation of a positive train control.

Directs the Secretary to make direct loans and loan guarantees for capital improvement projects in the Northeast Corridor (NEC Fast Forward Program).

Prescribes requirements for the award of grants in excess of $1 billion.

Directs the Secretary to study the availability and use of small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)-funded intercity rail passenger transportation projects.

Directs the FRA to convene a working group to evaluate the restoration of intercity rail passenger service in the Gulf Coast region between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Orlando, Florida.

Directs the Secretary to begin a rulemaking to govern the federal review, permitting, and approval or disapproval of freight railroad and intercity and commuter rail passenger transportation infrastructure projects.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) pursue program alternatives to promote a consistent approach in the treatment of railroad and rail-related properties for historic preservation review, and (2) develop mechanisms for streamlining compliance with specified requirements.

]]> 79 2015-02-26 Reported to House without amendment 2015-05-05T18:53:26Z (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015

TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

(Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2016-FY2019 to the Secretary of Transportation for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) for:

  • the Northeast Corridor Improvement Fund account,
  • the National Network account,
  • the Office of the Inspector General, and
  • national infrastructure investment capital grants.

TITLE II--AMTRAK REFORM

(Sec. 201) Directs Amtrak to establish internal controls to ensure its costs and revenues are allocated to either the Northeast Corridor or the National Network.

Directs the Secretary to establish substantive and procedural requirements for Northeast Corridor and National Network investment capital grant requests.

Directs Amtrak to establish:

  • a Northeast Corridor Improvement Fund account for Northeast Corridor capital improvement projects, and
  • a National Network account for capital expenses and operating costs of the National Network.

Requires Amtrak, before entering into contracts exceeding $100 million to purchase rolling stock, to submit to the Secretary and Congress a business case analysis on the utility of such a purchase.

Requires the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission to:

  • develop an annual capital investment plan for the Northeast Corridor main line between Boston, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia, and the Northeast Corridor branch lines connecting to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Springfield, Massachusetts, and Spuyten Duyvil, New York; and
  • update, once every 10 years, a Northeast Corridor service development plan.

Requires Amtrak, and states and public entities that own infrastructure supporting or providing intercity rail passenger transportation on the Northeast Corridor, to develop and update asset management plans for the Northeast Corridor main line and the Northeast Corridor branch lines.

(Sec. 202) Requires the Amtrak Board of Directors to prepare a five-year capital and operating plan for the Northeast Corridor and National Network.

(Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to establish a State-Supported Route Advisory Committee.

Requires Amtrak to transmit to Congress and to each state that sponsors a state-supported route an annual cost, service, and ridership forecast for each route for the upcoming year, including quarterly updates to enable states to pace costs against state budgets, plan effectively, and address unexpected changes in costs in a timely manner.

(Sec. 204) Amends the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 to revise requirements with respect to methodologies for Amtrak route and service planning decisions. Requires Amtrak, as a condition of receiving a grant, to obtain the services of an independent entity to develop and recommend objective methodologies for Amtrak to use in the planning of intercity rail passenger transportation routes and services.

(Sec. 205) Revises alternate passenger rail service pilot program requirements.

Requires the Surface Transportation Board, within 120 days after submission of a dispute between Amtrak and a rail carrier (or carriers) awarded the right to provide rail service over a route in which Amtrak is to grant access to its reservation system, stations, and facilities, to issue an order requiring Amtrak to provide such facilities and services to those carriers if certain criteria are met.

(Sec. 206) Directs Amtrak to develop a plan to eliminate the operating loss for food and beverage service on board its trains.

Bars the use of federal funds, beginning five years after enactment of this Act, to cover any such loss on a route operated either by Amtrak or by an alternative passenger rail service provider in lieu of Amtrak.

(Sec. 207) Directs Amtrak to request proposals from private sector persons or entities to utilize Amtrak-owned rights-of-way for telecommunications systems, energy distribution systems, and other appropriate activities. Authorizes Amtrak to enter into an agreement to implement any such proposal or proposals.

(Sec. 208) Requires Amtrak to report to Congress on options to enhance development around Amtrak stations.

(Sec. 209) Amends the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 to extend indefinitely specified authority to restructure long-term Amtrak debt and capital leases.

(Sec. 210) Directs Amtrak to:

  • develop a pilot program to allow passengers to transport domesticated cats or dogs on certain Amtrak trains, and
  • collect fees for each cat or dog (except service animals) transported by a ticketed passenger.

Bars the use of federal funds to implement this program.

(Sec. 211) Directs the Amtrak Inspector General to:

  • evaluate Amtrak's boarding procedures at the 10 stations through which the most people pass, and
  • make recommendations to improve these procedures.

TITLE III--INTERCITY PASSENGER RAIL POLICY

(Sec. 301) Requires the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission to develop, and update, a Northeast Corridor Priority Project List of capital improvement projects along the Northeast Corridor.

Directs the Secretary to develop a program to issue competitive grants for listed projects included in the List.

Limits grants to up to 50% of net project costs.

(Sec. 302) Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to revise Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing program requirements. Modifies application procedures for direct loans and loan guarantees for railroad improvement projects.

Requires the Secretary, in granting applications for such loans and guarantees, to give priority to projects for the installation of a positive train control.

(Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to make direct loans and loan guarantees for capital improvement projects in the Northeast Corridor (NEC Fast Forward Program).

Increases from 15 to 30 days the period for notice and opportunity for public comment before the Secretary waives Buy American requirements for the use of U.S. steel, iron, and manufactured goods in intercity passenger rail service corridor capital projects.

(Sec. 304) Prescribes requirements for the award of large capital project grants in excess of $1 billion.

(Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary to study the availability and use of small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)-funded intercity rail passenger transportation projects.

Requires the use for this study of $3 million of the amounts made available for each of FY2016 and FY2017 to the Office of the Secretary and the FRA.

(Sec. 306) Directs the FRA to convene a working group to evaluate the restoration of intercity rail passenger service in the Gulf Coast region between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Orlando, Florida.

(Sec. 307) Revises the composition of the Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee to include nonprofit organizations representing employees who perform overhaul and maintenance of passenger railroad equipment.

Repeals the authority of Amtrak and states participating in the Committee to establish a corporation, which may be owned or jointly-owned by Amtrak, participating states, or other entities, to enter into agreements for the funding, procurement, remanufacture, ownership, and management of corridor equipment, including equipment currently owned or leased by Amtrak and next-generation corridor equipment acquired as a result of the Committee's actions.

TITLE IV--PROJECT DELIVERY

(Sec. 401) Directs the Secretary to begin a rulemaking to govern the federal review, permitting, and approval or disapproval of freight railroad and intercity and commuter rail passenger transportation infrastructure projects.

(Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary to: (1) pursue program alternatives to promote a consistent approach in the treatment of railroad and rail-related properties for historic preservation review, and (2) develop mechanisms for streamlining compliance with specified requirements.

TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS

(Sec. 501) Defines the term "Secretary" to mean the Secretary of Transportation.

]]> 36 2015-03-04 Passed House amended 2015-05-05T19:16:07Z Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015

TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

(Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2016-FY2019 to the Secretary of Transportation for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) for:

  • the Northeast Corridor Improvement Fund account,
  • the National Network account,
  • the Office of the Inspector General, and
  • national infrastructure investment capital grants.

TITLE II--AMTRAK REFORM

(Sec. 201) Directs Amtrak to establish internal controls to ensure its costs and revenues are allocated to either the Northeast Corridor or the National Network.

Directs the Secretary to establish substantive and procedural requirements for Northeast Corridor and National Network investment capital grant requests.

Directs Amtrak to establish:

  • a Northeast Corridor Improvement Fund account for Northeast Corridor capital improvement projects, and
  • a National Network account for capital expenses and operating costs of the National Network.

Requires Amtrak, before entering into contracts exceeding $100 million to purchase rolling stock, to submit to the Secretary and Congress a business case analysis on the utility of such a purchase.

Requires the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission to:

  • develop an annual capital investment plan for the Northeast Corridor main line between Boston, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia, and the Northeast Corridor branch lines connecting to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Springfield, Massachusetts, and Spuyten Duyvil, New York; and
  • update, once every 10 years, a Northeast Corridor service development plan.

Requires Amtrak, and states and public entities that own infrastructure supporting or providing intercity rail passenger transportation on the Northeast Corridor, to develop and update asset management plans for the Northeast Corridor main line and the Northeast Corridor branch lines.

(Sec. 202) Requires the Amtrak Board of Directors to prepare a five-year capital and operating plan for the Northeast Corridor and National Network.

(Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to establish a State-Supported Route Advisory Committee.

Requires Amtrak to transmit to Congress and to each state that sponsors a state-supported route an annual cost, service, and ridership forecast for each route for the upcoming year, including quarterly updates to enable states to pace costs against state budgets, plan effectively, and address unexpected changes in costs in a timely manner.

(Sec. 204) Amends the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 to revise requirements with respect to methodologies for Amtrak route and service planning decisions. Requires Amtrak, as a condition of receiving a grant, to obtain the services of an independent entity to develop and recommend objective methodologies for Amtrak to use in the planning of intercity rail passenger transportation routes and services.

(Sec. 205) Revises alternate passenger rail service pilot program requirements.

Requires the Surface Transportation Board, within 120 days after submission of a dispute between Amtrak and a rail carrier (or carriers) awarded the right to provide rail service over a route in which Amtrak is to grant access to its reservation system, stations, and facilities, to issue an order requiring Amtrak to provide such facilities and services to those carriers if certain criteria are met.

(Sec. 206) Directs Amtrak to develop a plan to eliminate the operating loss for food and beverage service on board its trains.

Bars the use of federal funds, beginning five years after enactment of this Act, to cover any such loss on a route operated either by Amtrak or by an alternative passenger rail service provider in lieu of Amtrak.

(Sec. 207) Directs Amtrak to request proposals from private sector persons or entities to utilize Amtrak-owned rights-of-way for telecommunications systems, energy distribution systems, and other appropriate activities. Authorizes Amtrak to enter into an agreement to implement any such proposal or proposals.

(Sec. 208) Requires Amtrak to report to Congress on options to enhance development around Amtrak stations.

(Sec. 209) Amends the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 to extend indefinitely specified authority to restructure long-term Amtrak debt and capital leases.

(Sec. 210) Directs Amtrak to:

  • develop a pilot program to allow passengers to transport domesticated cats or dogs on certain Amtrak trains, and
  • collect fees for each cat or dog (except service animals) transported by a ticketed passenger.

Bars the use of federal funds to implement this program.

(Sec. 211) Directs the Amtrak Inspector General to:

  • evaluate Amtrak's boarding procedures for passengers, including passengers using or transporting non-motorized transportation such as wheelchairs and bicycles at its 10 stations through which the most people pass; and
  • make recommendations to improve such procedures.

TITLE III--INTERCITY PASSENGER RAIL POLICY

(Sec. 301) Requires the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission to develop, and update, a Northeast Corridor Priority Project List of capital improvement projects along the Northeast Corridor.

Directs the Secretary to develop a program to issue competitive grants for listed projects included in the List.

Limits grants to up to 50% of net project costs.

(Sec. 302) Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to revise Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing program requirements. Modifies application procedures for direct loans and loan guarantees for railroad improvement projects.

Requires the Secretary, in granting applications for such loans and guarantees, to give priority to projects for the installation of a positive train control.

(Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to make direct loans and loan guarantees for capital improvement projects in the Northeast Corridor (NEC Fast Forward Program).

Increases from 15 to 30 days the period for notice and opportunity for public comment before the Secretary waives Buy American requirements for the use of U.S. steel, iron, and manufactured goods in intercity passenger rail service corridor capital projects.

(Sec. 304) Prescribes requirements for the award of large capital project grants in excess of $1 billion.

(Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary to study the availability and use of small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and certain veteran-owned small businesses in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)-funded intercity rail passenger transportation projects.

Requires the use for this study of $3 million of the amounts made available for each of FY2016 and FY2017 to the Office of the Secretary and the FRA.

(Sec. 306) Directs the FRA to convene a working group to evaluate the restoration of intercity rail passenger service in the Gulf Coast region between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Orlando, Florida.

(Sec. 307) Revises the composition of the Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee to include nonprofit organizations representing employees who perform overhaul and maintenance of passenger railroad equipment.

Repeals the authority of Amtrak and states participating in the Committee to establish a corporation, which may be owned or jointly-owned by Amtrak, participating states, or other entities, to enter into agreements for the funding, procurement, remanufacture, ownership, and management of corridor equipment, including equipment currently owned or leased by Amtrak and next-generation corridor equipment acquired as a result of the Committee's actions.

(Sec. 308) Directs the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Committee to report to Congress an analysis of the implementation of nonstop, high-speed express passenger rail service in the Northeast Corridor. Requires the Amtrak Board of Directors, within 90 days after submitting the report, to consider implementing such services.

TITLE IV--PROJECT DELIVERY

(Sec. 401) Directs the Secretary to begin a rulemaking to govern the federal review, permitting, and approval or disapproval of freight railroad and intercity and commuter rail passenger transportation infrastructure projects.

(Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary to: (1) pursue program alternatives to promote a consistent approach in the treatment of railroad and rail-related properties for historic preservation review, and (2) develop mechanisms for streamlining compliance with specified requirements.

TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS

(Sec. 501) Defines the term "Secretary" to mean the Secretary of Transportation.

(Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary to require:

  • each state (other than the 10 States with the most highway-rail grade crossing collisions over the past three years) to develop, within 18 months after enactment of this Act, a state highway-rail grade crossing action plan; and
  • each of the 10 states with the most collisions to update its plan and report to the Secretary what it did to implement it.

(Sec. 504) Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate the effectiveness of the FRA's rule:

  • on the use of locomotive horns at rail crossings, and
  • in establishing quiet zones.
]]> Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 Display Title Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 Official Title as Introduced To reauthorize Federal support for passenger rail programs, and for other purposes. Introduced in House IH Short Titles as Introduced Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 Short Titles as Reported to House Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 H House Short Titles as Passed House Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 H House 73 114 HAMDT Amendment clarifies that passengers using or transporting nonmotorized transportation are to be considered in the Amtrak Office of Inspector General's report on boarding procedures. Amendment clarifies that passengers using or transporting nonmotorized transportation are to be considered in the Amtrak Office of Inspector General's report on boarding procedures. 2020-12-15T18:00:15Z 2015-03-04 On agreeing to the Lipinski amendment (A007) Agreed to by voice vote. 14:11:08 L000563 Rep. Lipinski, Daniel [D-IL-3] Daniel Lipinski D IL William 3 2015-03-04T05:00:00Z House of Representatives 114 HR House H 749 Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 2023-01-11T13:27:57Z 7 2015-03-04 14:11:08 On agreeing to the Lipinski amendment (A007) Agreed to by voice vote. Floor H32111 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 14:04:01 Amendment (A007) offered by Mr. Lipinski. (consideration: CR H1599-1600; text: CR H1599) Floor H3A100 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 14:04:01 House amendment offered/reported by : Amendment (A007) offered by Mr. Lipinski.(consideration: CR H1599-1600; text: CR H1599) NotUsed 71500 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 14:11:08 House amendment agreed to: On agreeing to the Lipinski amendment (A007) Agreed to by voice vote. Floor 72000 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 14:11:08 Amendment agreed to Committee of the Whole NotUsed 76000 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 House amendment offered Floor 71000 9 Library of Congress 72 114 HAMDT Amendment sought to strike section 101 from the bill which provides authorization for Amtrak. Amendment sought to strike section 101 from the bill which provides authorization for Amtrak. 2020-12-15T18:00:15Z 2015-03-04 On agreeing to the McClintock amendment (A006) Failed by recorded vote: 147 - 272 (Roll no. 110). 14:41:22 Roll no. 110 https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2015/roll110.xml M001177 Rep. McClintock, Tom [R-CA-4] Tom McClintock R CA 4 2015-03-04T05:00:00Z House of Representatives 114 HR House H 749 Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 2023-01-11T13:27:57Z 8 2015-03-04 14:41:22 On agreeing to the McClintock amendment (A006) Failed by recorded vote: 147 - 272 (Roll no. 110). Floor H32111 2 House floor actions 110 House 114 2015-03-04T19:41:22Z 1 https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2015/roll110.xml 2015-03-04 13:51:50 Amendment (A006) offered by Mr. McClintock. (consideration: CR H1597-1599, H1600; text: CR H1597) Floor H3A100 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 14:41:22 House amendment not agreed to: On agreeing to the McClintock amendment (A006) Failed by recorded vote: 147 - 272 (Roll no. 110). Floor 73000 9 Library of Congress 110 House 114 2015-03-04T19:41:22Z 1 https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2015/roll110.xml 2015-03-04 14:41:22 Roll call votes on amendments in House Floor 75000 9 Library of Congress 110 House 114 2015-03-04T19:41:22Z 1 https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2015/roll110.xml 2015-03-04 14:41:22 Amendment failed in Committee of the Whole NotUsed 77000 9 Library of Congress 110 House 114 2015-03-04T19:41:22Z 1 https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2015/roll110.xml 2015-03-04 13:51:50 House amendment offered/reported by : Amendment (A006) offered by Mr. McClintock.(consideration: CR H1597-1599, H1600; text: CR H1597) NotUsed 71500 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 House amendment offered Floor 71000 9 Library of Congress 71 114 HAMDT An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 114-36 to require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit to Congress a report evaluating the effectiveness of the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) 2005 rule on the use of locomotive horns at rail crossings. Amendment requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit to Congress a report evaluating the effectiveness of the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) 2005 rule on the use of locomotive horns at rail crossings. 2020-12-15T18:00:15Z 2015-03-04 On agreeing to the Perlmutter amendment (A005) Agreed to by voice vote. 13:51:38 P000593 Rep. Perlmutter, Ed [D-CO-7] Ed Perlmutter D CO 7 2015-03-04T05:00:00Z House of Representatives 114 HR House H 749 Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 2023-01-11T13:27:57Z 7 2015-03-04 13:51:38 On agreeing to the Perlmutter amendment (A005) Agreed to by voice vote. Floor H32111 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:46:44 Amendment (A005) offered by Mr. Perlmutter. (consideration: CR H1596-1597; text: CR H1596) Floor H3A100 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:46:44 House amendment offered/reported by : Amendment (A005) offered by Mr. Perlmutter.(consideration: CR H1596-1597; text: CR H1596) NotUsed 71500 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 13:51:38 House amendment agreed to: On agreeing to the Perlmutter amendment (A005) Agreed to by voice vote. Floor 72000 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 13:51:38 Amendment agreed to Committee of the Whole NotUsed 76000 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 House amendment offered Floor 71000 9 Library of Congress 70 114 HAMDT Amendment requires each state to develop a grade crossing action plan, identifying specific solutions for improving safety at crossings, including highway-rail grade crossing closures or grade separations; and which focuses on crossings that have experienced recent grade crossing accidents or multiple accidents, or are at high risk for accidents. Amendment requires each state to develop a grade crossing action plan, identifying specific solutions for improving safety at crossings, including highway-rail grade crossing closures or grade separations; and which focuses on crossings that have experienced recent grade crossing accidents or multiple accidents, or are at high risk for accidents. 2020-12-15T18:00:15Z 2015-03-04 On agreeing to the Brownley (CA) amendment (A004) Agreed to by voice vote. 13:45:24 B001285 Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26] Julia Brownley D CA 26 2015-03-04T05:00:00Z House of Representatives 114 HR House H 749 Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 2023-01-11T13:27:57Z 7 2015-03-04 13:45:24 On agreeing to the Brownley (CA) amendment (A004) Agreed to by voice vote. Floor H32111 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:38:06 Amendment (A004) offered by Ms. Brownley (CA). (consideration: CR H1595-1596; text: CR H1595) Floor H3A100 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:38:06 House amendment offered/reported by : Amendment (A004) offered by Ms. Brownley (CA).(consideration: CR H1595-1596; text: CR H1595) NotUsed 71500 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 13:45:24 House amendment agreed to: On agreeing to the Brownley (CA) amendment (A004) Agreed to by voice vote. Floor 72000 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 13:45:24 Amendment agreed to Committee of the Whole NotUsed 76000 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 House amendment offered Floor 71000 9 Library of Congress 69 114 HAMDT Amendment requires a report to Congress on a proposal for Northeast Corridor Express Service. Amendment requires a report to Congress on a proposal for Northeast Corridor Express Service. 2020-12-15T18:00:15Z 2015-03-04 On agreeing to the Mica amendment (A003) Agreed to by voice vote. 13:37:49 M000689 Rep. Mica, John L. [R-FL-7] JOHN MICA R FL L. 7 2015-03-04T05:00:00Z House of Representatives 114 HR House H 749 Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 2023-01-11T13:27:57Z 7 2015-03-04 13:37:49 On agreeing to the Mica amendment (A003) Agreed to by voice vote. Floor H32111 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:31:08 Amendment (A003) offered by Mr. Mica. (consideration: CR H1594-1595; text: CR H1594) Floor H3A100 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:31:08 House amendment offered/reported by : Amendment (A003) offered by Mr. Mica.(consideration: CR H1594-1595; text: CR H1594) NotUsed 71500 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 13:37:49 House amendment agreed to: On agreeing to the Mica amendment (A003) Agreed to by voice vote. Floor 72000 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 13:37:49 Amendment agreed to Committee of the Whole NotUsed 76000 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 House amendment offered Floor 71000 9 Library of Congress 68 114 HAMDT Amendment adds veteran-owned small businesses to the participation study required under the bill. Amendment adds veteran-owned small businesses to the participation study required under the bill. 2020-12-15T18:00:15Z 2015-03-04 On agreeing to the Fitzpatrick amendment (A002) Agreed to by voice vote. 13:30:47 F000451 Rep. Fitzpatrick, Michael G. [R-PA-8] Michael Fitzpatrick R PA G. 8 2015-03-04T05:00:00Z House of Representatives 114 HR House H 749 Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 2023-01-11T13:27:57Z 7 2015-03-04 13:30:47 On agreeing to the Fitzpatrick amendment (A002) Agreed to by voice vote. Floor H32111 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:25:53 Amendment (A002) offered by Mr. Fitzpatrick. (consideration: CR H1593-1594; text: CR H1593-1594) Floor H3A100 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:25:53 House amendment offered/reported by : Amendment (A002) offered by Mr. Fitzpatrick.(consideration: CR H1593-1594; text: CR H1593-1594) NotUsed 71500 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 13:30:47 House amendment agreed to: On agreeing to the Fitzpatrick amendment (A002) Agreed to by voice vote. Floor 72000 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 13:30:47 Amendment agreed to Committee of the Whole NotUsed 76000 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 House amendment offered Floor 71000 9 Library of Congress 67 114 HAMDT Amendment ensures that socially and economically disadvantaged businesses requests for proposals are considered for station development opportunities under the bill. Amendment ensures that socially and economically disadvantaged businesses requests for proposals are considered for station development opportunities under the bill. 2020-12-15T18:00:15Z 2015-03-04 On agreeing to the McNerney amendment (A001) Agreed to by voice vote. 13:25:33 M001166 Rep. McNerney, Jerry [D-CA-9] Jerry McNerney D CA 9 2015-03-04T05:00:00Z House of Representatives 114 HR House H 749 Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 2023-01-11T13:27:57Z 7 2015-03-04 13:25:33 On agreeing to the McNerney amendment (A001) Agreed to by voice vote. Floor H32111 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:21:10 Amendment (A001) offered by Mr. McNerney. (consideration: CR H1593; text: CR H1593) Floor H3A100 2 House floor actions 2015-03-04 13:21:10 House amendment offered/reported by : Amendment (A001) offered by Mr. McNerney.(consideration: CR H1593; text: CR H1593) NotUsed 71500 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 13:25:33 House amendment agreed to: On agreeing to the McNerney amendment (A001) Agreed to by voice vote. Floor 72000 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 13:25:33 Amendment agreed to Committee of the Whole NotUsed 76000 9 Library of Congress 2015-03-04 House amendment offered Floor 71000 9 Library of Congress Referred in Senate 2015-03-09T04:00:00Z https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-114hr749rfs/xml/BILLS-114hr749rfs.xml Engrossed in House 2015-03-04T05:00:00Z https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-114hr749eh/xml/BILLS-114hr749eh.xml Reported in House 2015-02-26T05:00:00Z https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-114hr749rh/xml/BILLS-114hr749rh.xml Introduced in House 2015-02-05T05:00:00Z https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-114hr749ih/xml/BILLS-114hr749ih.xml 2015-03-09 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. 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