[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 15, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S705-S802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           TEXT OF AMENDMENTS

  SA 1618. Mr. BARRASSO (for himself and Mr. Blunt) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 1813, to 
reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction 
programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the 
table; as follows;

       At the end, add the following:

                TITLE V--CEMENT SECTOR REGULATORY RELIEF

     SEC. 5001. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Cement Sector Regulatory 
     Relief Act of 2011''.

     SEC. 5002. LEGISLATIVE STAY.

       (a) Establishment of Standards.--In lieu of the rules 
     specified in subsection (b), and notwithstanding the date by 
     which those rules would otherwise be required to be 
     promulgated, the Administrator of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency (referred to in this title as the 
     ``Administrator'') shall--
       (1) propose regulations for the Portland cement 
     manufacturing industry and Portland cement plants that are 
     subject to any of the rules specified in subsection (b) 
     that--
       (A) establish maximum achievable control technology 
     standards, performance standards, and other requirements 
     under sections 112 and 129, as applicable, of the Clean Air 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 7412, 7429); and
       (B) identify nonhazardous secondary materials that, when 
     used as fuels in combustion units of that industry and those 
     plants, qualify as solid waste under the Solid Waste Disposal 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.) for purposes of determining the 
     extent to which the combustion units are required to meet the 
     emission standards under section 112 or 129 of the Clean Air 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 7412, 7429); and
       (2) promulgate final versions of those regulations by not 
     later than--
       (A) the date that is 15 months after the date of enactment 
     of this Act; or
       (B) such later date as may be determined by the 
     Administrator.
       (b) Stay of Earlier Rules.--
       (1) Portland-specific rules.--The final rule entitled 
     ``National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants 
     from the Portland Cement Manufacturing Industry and Standards 
     of Performance for Portland Cement Plants'' (75 Fed. Reg. 
     54970 (September 9, 2010)) shall be--
       (A) of no force or effect;
       (B) treated as though the rule had never taken effect; and
       (C) replaced in accordance with subsection (a).
       (2) Other rules.--
       (A) In general.--The final rules described in subparagraph 
     (B), to the extent that those rules apply to the Portland 
     cement manufacturing industry and Portland cement plants, 
     shall be--
       (i) of no force or effect;
       (ii) treated as though the rules had never taken effect; 
     and
       (iii) replaced in accordance with subsection (a).
       (B) Description of rules.--The final rules described in 
     this subparagraph are--
       (i) the final rule entitled ``Standards of Performance for 
     New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing 
     Sources: Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration 
     Units'' (76 Fed. Reg. 15704 (March 21, 2011)); and
       (ii) the final rule entitled ``Identification of Non-
     Hazardous Secondary Materials That Are Solid Waste'' (76 Fed. 
     Reg. 15456 (March 21, 2011)).

     SEC. 5003. COMPLIANCE DATES.

       (a) Establishment of Compliance Dates.--For each regulation 
     promulgated pursuant to section 5002(a), the Administrator--
       (1) shall establish a date for compliance with standards 
     and requirements under the regulation that is, 
     notwithstanding any other provision of law, not earlier than 
     5 years after the effective date of the regulation; and
       (2) in proposing a date for that compliance, shall take 
     into consideration--
       (A) the costs of achieving emission reductions;
       (B) any non-air quality health and environmental impact and 
     energy requirements of the standards and requirements;
       (C) the feasibility of implementing the standards and 
     requirements, including the time necessary--
       (i) to obtain necessary permit approvals; and
       (ii) to procure, install, and test control equipment;
       (D) the availability of equipment, suppliers, and labor, 
     given the requirements of the regulation and other proposed 
     or finalized regulations of the Administrator; and
       (E) potential net employment impacts.
       (b) New Sources.--The date on which the Administrator 
     proposes a regulation pursuant to section 5002(a)(1) 
     establishing an emission standard under section 112 or 129 of 
     the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7412, 7429) shall be treated as 
     the date on which the Administrator first proposes such a 
     regulation for purposes of applying--
       (1) the definition of the term ``new source'' under section 
     112(a)(4) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 7412(a)(4)); or
       (2) the definition of the term ``new solid waste 
     incineration unit'' under section 129(g)(2) of that Act (42 
     U.S.C. 7429(g)(2)).
       (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this Act restricts or 
     otherwise affects paragraphs (3)(B) and (4) of section 112(i) 
     of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7412(i)).

     SEC. 5004. ENERGY RECOVERY AND CONSERVATION.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and to ensure 
     the recovery and conservation of energy consistent with the 
     Solid

[[Page S706]]

     Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), in promulgating 
     regulations under section 5002(a) addressing the subject 
     matter of the rules specified in section 5002(b)(2), the 
     Administrator shall--
       (1) adopt the definitions of the terms ``commercial and 
     industrial solid waste incineration unit'', ``commercial and 
     industrial waste'', and ``contained gaseous material'' in the 
     rule entitled ``Standards for Performance of New Stationary 
     Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: 
     Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration Units'' 
     (65 Fed. Reg. 75338 (December 1, 2000)); and
       (2) identify nonhazardous secondary material to be solid 
     waste (as defined in section 1004 of the Solid Waste Disposal 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 6903) only if--
       (A) the material meets that definition of commercial and 
     industrial waste; or
       (B) if the material is a gas, the material meets that 
     definition of contained gaseous material.

     SEC. 5005. OTHER PROVISIONS.

       (a) Establishment of Standards Achievable in Practice.--In 
     promulgating regulations under section 5002(a), the 
     Administrator shall ensure, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, that emission standards for existing and new 
     sources established under section 112 or 129 of the Clean Air 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 7412, 7429), as applicable, can be met under 
     actual operating conditions consistently and concurrently 
     with emission standards for all other air pollutants covered 
     by regulations applicable to the source category, taking into 
     account--
       (1) variability in actual source performance;
       (2) source design;
       (3) fuels;
       (4) inputs;
       (5) controls;
       (6) ability to measure the pollutant emissions; and
       (7) operating conditions.
       (b) Regulatory Alternatives.--For each regulation 
     promulgated under section 5002(a), from among the range of 
     regulatory alternatives authorized under the Clean Air Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), including work practice standards 
     under section 112(h) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 7412(h)), the 
     Administrator shall impose the least burdensome, consistent 
     with the purposes of that Act and Executive Order 13563 (76 
     Fed. Reg. 3821 (January 21, 2011)).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1619. Mr. DURBIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway 
safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered 
to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. __. RAIL LINE RELOCATION PROJECTS.

       Section 20154(i) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``2006 through 2009'' and inserting 
     ``2012 through 2013''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1620. Mr. DURBIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway 
safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered 
to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. __. PROGRAM TO SECURE PUBLIC INVESTMENTS IN 
                   TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Asset transaction.--The term ``asset transaction'' 
     means--
       (A) a concession agreement for a public transportation 
     asset; or
       (B) a contract for the sale or lease of a public 
     transportation asset between the State or local government 
     with jurisdiction over the public transportation asset and a 
     private individual or entity.
       (2) Concession agreement.--The term ``concession 
     agreement''--
       (A) means an agreement entered into by a private individual 
     or entity and a State or local government with jurisdiction 
     over a public transportation asset to convey to the private 
     individual or entity the right to manage, operate, and 
     maintain the public transportation asset for a specific 
     period of time in exchange for the authorization to impose 
     and collect a toll or other user fee from a person for each 
     use of the public transportation asset during that period; 
     and
       (B) does not include an agreement entered into by a State 
     or local government and a private individual or entity for 
     the construction of any new public transportation asset.
       (3) Public transportation asset.--
       (A) In general.--The term ``public transportation asset'' 
     means a transportation facility of any kind that was or is 
     constructed, maintained, or upgraded before, on, or after the 
     date of enactment of this Act using Federal funds--
       (i)(I) the fair market value of which is more than 
     $500,000,000, as determined by the Secretary; and
       (II) that has received any Federal funding, as of the date 
     on which the determination is made;
       (ii) the fair market value of which is less than or equal 
     to $500,000,000, as determined by the Secretary; and
       (I) that has received $25,000,000 or more in Federal 
     funding, as of the date on which the determination is made; 
     or
       (iii) in which a significant national pubic interest (such 
     as interstate commerce, homeland security, public health, or 
     the environment) is at stake, as determined by the Secretary.
       (B) Inclusions.--The term ``public transportation asset'' 
     includes a transportation facility described in subparagraph 
     (A) that is--
       (i) a Federal-aid highway (as defined in section 101 of 
     title 23, United States Code);
       (ii) a highway or mass transit project constructed using 
     amounts made available from the Highway Account or Mass 
     Transit Account, respectively, of the Highway Trust Fund;
       (iii) an air navigation facility (as defined in section 
     40102(a) of title 49, United States Code); or
       (iv) a train station or multimodal station that receives a 
     Federal grant, including any grant authorized under the 
     Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (Public 
     Law 110 432; 122 Stat. 4907) or an amendment made by that 
     Act.
       (b) Prohibition on Sales and Leases.--
       (1) In general.--A public transportation asset may not be 
     the subject of any asset transaction unless--
       (A) agreements are reached in accordance with paragraph 
     (2);
       (B)(i) the private individual or entity seeking the asset 
     transaction enters into an agreement described in paragraph 
     (3)(A)(i); and
       (ii) the State or local government or other public sponsor 
     seeking the asset transaction enters into an agreement 
     described in paragraph (3)(A)(ii);
       (C) the Secretary publishes a disclosure in accordance with 
     paragraph (4); and
       (D) the State or local government seeking the asset 
     transaction provides for public notice and an opportunity to 
     comment on the proposed asset transaction.
       (2) Sale and lease approval.--
       (A) In general.--A public transportation asset described in 
     paragraph (1) may not be subject to an asset transaction 
     unless--
       (i) the State or local government or other public sponsor 
     seeking the asset transaction for the public transportation 
     asset pays to the Secretary an amount determined by the 
     Secretary under subparagraph (B); and
       (ii) the Secretary certifies that the required agreements 
     described in paragraph (3) have been signed, and the terms of 
     the agreements incorporated into the terms of the asset 
     transaction, for the public transportation asset.
       (B) Determination of repayment amount.--The Secretary shall 
     determine the amount that is required to be paid before an 
     asset transaction may take place of a public transportation 
     asset under this paragraph, taking into account, at a 
     minimum--
       (i) the total amount of Federal funds that have been 
     expended to construct, maintain, or upgrade the public 
     transportation asset;
       (ii) the amount of Federal funding received by a State or 
     local government based on inclusion of the public 
     transportation asset in calculations using Federal funding 
     formulas or for Federal block grants;
       (iii) the reasonable depreciation of the public 
     transportation asset, including the amount of Federal funds 
     described in clause (i) that may be offset by that 
     depreciation; and
       (iv) the loss of Federal tax revenue from bonds relating 
     to, and the tax consequences of depreciation of, the public 
     transportation asset.
       (3) Agreements.--
       (A) In general.--As a condition of any new or renewed asset 
     transaction for a public transportation asset--
       (i) the private individual or entity seeking the asset 
     transaction shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary, 
     which shall be incorporated into the terms of the asset 
     transaction, under which the private individual or entity 
     agrees--

       (I) to disclose and eliminate any conflict of interest 
     involving any party to the agreement;
       (II)(aa) to adequately maintain the condition and 
     performance of the public transportation asset during the 
     term of the asset transaction; and
       (bb) on the end of the term of the asset transaction, to 
     return the public transportation asset to the applicable 
     State or local government in a state of good repair;
       (III) to disclose an estimated amount of tax benefits and 
     financing transactions over the life of the lease resulting 
     from the lease or sale of the public transportation asset;
       (IV) to disclose anticipated changes in the workforce and 
     wages, benefits, or rules over the life of the lease and an 
     estimate of the amount of savings from those changes; and
       (V) to provide an estimate of the revenue the 
     transportation asset will produce for the private entity 
     during the lease or sale period; and

       (ii) the State or local government or other public sponsor 
     seeking the asset transaction for the public transportation 
     asset shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary, which 
     shall be incorporated into the terms of the asset 
     transaction, under which the State or local government or 
     other public sponsor agrees--

       (I) to pay to the Secretary the amount determined by the 
     Secretary under paragraph (2)(B);
       (II) to conduct an assessment of whether, and provide 
     justification that, the asset transaction with the private 
     entity would

[[Page S707]]

     represent a better public and financial benefit than a 
     similar transaction using public funding or with a public (as 
     opposed to private) entity, including an assessment of--

       (aa) the loss of toll revenues and other user fees relating 
     to the public transportation asset; and
       (bb) any impacts on other public transportation assets in 
     the vicinity of the public transportation asset covered by 
     the asset transaction;

       (III) that, if the private individual or entity enters into 
     bankruptcy, becomes insolvent, or fails to comply with all 
     terms and conditions of the asset transaction--

       (aa) the asset transaction shall immediately terminate; and
       (bb) the interest in the public transportation asset 
     conveyed by the asset transaction will immediately revert to 
     the public sponsor;

       (IV) to provide an estimate of all increased tolls and 
     other user fees that may be charged to persons using the 
     public transportation asset during the term of the asset 
     transaction;
       (V) to disclose any plans the State or local government 
     seeking the asset transaction has for up-front payments or 
     concessions from the private individual or entity seeking the 
     asset transaction;
       (VI) that the Federal Government and the applicable State 
     and local governments will retain respective authority and 
     control over decisions regarding transportation planning and 
     management; and
       (VII) to prominently post or display the agreement on the 
     website of the local government or public sponsor.

       (B) Term.--An agreement under this paragraph shall not 
     exceed a reasonable term, as determined by the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the relevant State or local government.
       (4) Publication of disclosure.--Not later than 90 days 
     before the date on which an asset transaction covering a 
     public transportation asset takes effect, the Secretary shall 
     publish in the Federal Register a notice that contains--
       (A) a copy of all agreements relating to the asset 
     transaction between the Secretary and the public and private 
     sponsors involved;
       (B) a description of the total amount of Federal funds that 
     have been expended as of the date of publication of the 
     notice to construct, maintain, or upgrade the public 
     transportation asset;
       (C) the determination of the repayment amount under 
     paragraph (2)(B) for the public transportation asset;
       (D) the amount of Federal funding received by a State or 
     local government based on inclusion of the public 
     transportation asset in calculations using Federal funding 
     formulas or for Federal block grants; and
       (E) a certification that the asset transaction will not 
     adversely impact the national public interest of the United 
     States (including the interstate commerce, homeland security, 
     public health, and environment of the United States).
       (5) Renewal of asset transaction.--An asset transaction 
     that expires or terminates may not be renewed unless--
       (A) the Secretary--
       (i) calculates a new repayment amount under paragraph 
     (2)(B) required for renewal, as the Secretary determines to 
     be appropriate;
       (ii) takes into consideration the impact of a renewed 
     agreement on nearby public transportation assets; and
       (iii) publishes a new disclosure for the renewed agreement 
     in accordance with paragraph (4); and
       (B) the State or local government seeking to renew the 
     asset transaction--
       (i) provides for public notice and an opportunity to 
     comment on the proposed renewal;
       (ii) pays to the Secretary the new amount calculated by the 
     Secretary pursuant to subparagraph (A)(i); and
       (iii) enters into a new agreement in accordance with 
     paragraph (3) for the renewal.
       (c) Use of Funds by Secretary.--Amounts received by the 
     Secretary as a payment under paragraph (2)(A)(i) or 
     (5)(B)(ii) of subsection (b) shall be available for use by 
     the Secretary, without further appropriation, and shall 
     remain available until expended for road, transit, rail, and 
     aviation projects eligible for Federal funding under title 
     23, 49, or 53 of the United States Code.
       (d) Rulemaking.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate 
     such regulations as may be necessary to implement this 
     section.
       (e) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, 
     the Secretary shall submit to Congress, and publish in the 
     Federal Register, a report that describes each public 
     transportation asset that is the subject of an asset 
     transaction during the year covered by the report, including 
     the total amount of Federal funds that were received by a 
     State or local government to construct, maintain, or upgrade 
     the public transportation asset as of the date on which the 
     report is submitted.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out 
     this section.
       (g) Budgetary Effects.--The budgetary effects of this 
     section, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-
     As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to 
     the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO 
     Legislation'' for this section, submitted for printing in the 
     Congressional Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget 
     Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted 
     prior to the vote on passage.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1621. Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself, Mr. Franken, and Mr. Begich) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 
1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety 
construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie 
on the table; as follows:

       Beginning on page 210, strike line 5 and all that follows 
     through page 218, line 20, and insert the following:
       ``(2) Regulations.--Notwithstanding sections 563(a) and 
     565(a) of title 5, the Secretary and the Secretary of the 
     Interior shall promulgate or amend regulations governing the 
     tribal transportation program only through the use of 
     negotiated rulemaking procedures with tribal government 
     representatives.
       ``(3) Basis for funding formula.--
       ``(A) In general.--After making the set asides authorized 
     under subsections (a)(6), (c), (d), and (e), on October 1 of 
     each fiscal year, the Secretary shall distribute the 
     remainder authorized to be appropriated for the tribal 
     transportation program under this section among Indian tribes 
     only pursuant to the Tribal Transportation Allocation 
     Methodology described in subpart C of part 170 of title 25, 
     Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of 
     enactment of this Act).
       ``(B) Tribal high priority projects.--The treatment of the 
     High Priority Projects program as included in the Tribal 
     Transportation Allocation Methodology described in subpart C 
     of part 170 of title 25, Code of Federal Regulations (as in 
     effect on the date of enactment of this Act), shall remain in 
     effect as in effect under that part on the date of enactment 
     of this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1622. Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself and Mr. Begich) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 1813, to 
reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction 
programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the 
table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place in division D, insert the 
     following:

     SEC. __. HOLD HARMLESS.

       No area in which a recipient of funding under chapter 53 of 
     title 49, United States Code, issued grant anticipation bonds 
     in reliance upon a provision of Federal law in effect on the 
     day before the date of enactment of this Act that have 
     maturity dates after the date of enactment of this Act shall 
     receive an amount apportioned under section 5336 of title 49, 
     United States Code, for fiscal year 2012 or 2013 that is less 
     than an amount equal to 150 percent of the annual bonded debt 
     service the recipient is obligated to pay pursuant to a 
     federally approved grant anticipation bond sale.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1623. Mrs. HUTCHISON (for herself and Mr. Cornyn) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 1813, to 
reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction 
programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the 
table; as follows:

       On page 38, strike lines 17 through 22 and insert the 
     following:
       (1) In general.--Section 1105(e)(5)(A) of the Intermodal 
     Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (105 Stat. 
     2031; 109 Stat. 597; 115 Stat. 872) is amended--
       (A) in the first sentence, by striking ``and in subsections 
     (c)(18) and (c)(20)'' and inserting ``, in subsections 
     (c)(18) and (c)(20), and in subparagraphs (A)(iii) and (B) of 
     subsection (c)(26)''; and
       (B) in the second sentence, by striking ``that the 
     segment'' and all that follows through the period and 
     inserting ``that the segment meets the Interstate System 
     design standards approved by the Secretary under section 
     109(b) of title 23, United States Code.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1624. Mr. BENNET (for himself, Mr. Moran, and Mr. Udall of 
Colorado) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the 
bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety 
construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie 
on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. EXTENSION OF WIND ENERGY CREDIT.

       Paragraph (1) of section 45(d) of the Internal Revenue Code 
     of 1986 is amended by striking ``January 1, 2013'' and 
     inserting ``January 1, 2014''.

     SEC. ___. COST OFFSET FOR EXTENSION OF WIND ENERGY CREDIT, 
                   AND DEFICIT REDUCTION, RESULTING FROM DELAY IN 
                   APPLICATION OF WORLDWIDE ALLOCATION OF 
                   INTEREST.

       (a) In General.--Paragraphs (5)(D) and (6) of section 
     864(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 are each amended 
     by striking ``December 31, 2020'' and inserting ``December 
     31, 2021''.

[[Page S708]]

       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1625. Mr. JOHANNS submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and 
highway safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 463, strike lines 8 through 14.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1626. Mr. COBURN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway 
safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered 
to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page _, between lines _ and _, insert the following:

     SEC. ____. NO RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENT PROPERTY CREDIT 
                   FOR MILLIONAIRES AND BILLIONAIRES.

       (a) In General.--Section 25D(e) of the Internal Revenue 
     Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following 
     new paragraph:
       ``(9) No credit for millionaires and billionaires.--No 
     credit shall be allowed under this section for any taxable 
     year with respect to any taxpayer with an adjusted gross 
     income equal to or greater than $1,000,000 for such taxable 
     year.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section 
     shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 
     2011.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1627. Mr. BINGAMAN (for himself and Mr. Durbin) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 1813, to 
reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction 
programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the 
table; as follows:

       On page 45, between lines 3 and 4, insert the following:
       ``(C) Further adjustment for privatized highways.--
       ``(i) Definition of privatized highway.--In this 
     subparagraph, the term `privatized highway' means a highway 
     subject to an agreement giving a private entity--

       ``(I) control over the operation of the highway; and
       ``(II) ownership over the toll revenues collected from the 
     operation of the highway.

       ``(ii) Adjustment.--After making the adjustments to the 
     apportionment of a State under subparagraphs (A) and (B), the 
     Secretary shall further adjust the amount to be apportioned 
     to the State by reducing the apportionment by an amount equal 
     to the product obtained by multiplying--

       ``(I) the amount to be apportioned to the State, as so 
     adjusted under those subparagraphs; and
       ``(II) the percentage described in clause (iii).

       ``(iii) Percentage.--The percentage referred to in clause 
     (ii) is the percentage equal to the sum obtained by adding--

       ``(I) the product obtained by multiplying--

       ``(aa) \1/2\; and
       ``(bb) the proportion that--
       ``(AA) the total number of privatized lane miles of 
     National Highway System routes in a State; bears to
       ``(BB) the total number of all lane miles of National 
     Highway System routes in the State; and

       ``(II) the product obtained by multiplying--

       ``(aa) \1/2\; and
       ``(bb) the proportion that--
       ``(AA) the total number of vehicle miles traveled on 
     privatized lanes on National Highway System routes in the 
     State; bears to
       ``(BB) the total number of vehicle miles traveled on all 
     lanes on National Highway System routes in the State.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1628. Mr. RUBIO submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway 
safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered 
to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title I, add the following:

     SEC. ___. EVACUATION ROUTES.

       Each State shall give adequate consideration to the needs 
     of evacuation routes in the State when allocating funds 
     apportioned to the State under title 23, Unites States Code, 
     for the construction of Federal-aid highways.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1629. Mr. RUBIO submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway 
safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered 
to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. PROHIBITION ON USE OF AMOUNTS.

       None of the amounts appropriated or otherwise made 
     available under this Act or an amendment made by this Act may 
     be used to erect physical signage indicating that a project 
     is funded under this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1630. Ms. LANDRIEU submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by her to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and 
highway safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 68, line 19, insert ``(other than amounts 
     suballocated to metropolitan areas and other areas of the 
     State under 133(d))'' after ``104(b)(2)''.
       On page 70, line 25, insert ``(other than amounts 
     suballocated to metropolitan areas and other areas of the 
     State under 133(d))'' after ``104(b)(2)''.
       On page 127, line 18, insert ``(other than amounts 
     suballocated to metropolitan areas and other areas of the 
     State under 133(d))'' after ``104(b)(2)''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1631. Mr. UDALL of New Mexico submitted an amendment intended to 
be proposed by him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid 
highway and highway safety construction programs, and for other 
purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle A of title I, insert the following:

     SEC. __. INCLUSION OF STATE REPRESENTATIVES OF HEALTH 
                   AGENCIES IN CERTAIN PLANNING PROCESSES.

       (a) Highway Safety Improvement Program.--Section 
     148(a)(12)(A) of title 23, United States Code (as amended by 
     section 1112), is further amended by striking clauses (viii) 
     and (ix) and inserting the following:
       ``(viii) county transportation officials;
       ``(ix) State representatives of health agencies; and
       ``(x) other major Federal, State, tribal, and local safety 
     stakeholders;''.
       (b) Metropolitan Transportation Planning.--Section 134 of 
     title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1201), is 
     further amended--
       (1) in subsection (g)(4)(A), by inserting ``health 
     agencies,'' before ``environmental protection'';
       (2) in subsection (h)(4)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``(including State 
     representatives of health agencies)'' after ``parties''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by inserting ``(including State 
     representatives of health agencies)'' before ``that 
     participate''; and
       (3) in subsection (i)(7)(A), by inserting ``health 
     agencies,'' after ``protection''.
       (c) Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation 
     Planning.--Section 135 of title 23, United States Code (as 
     amended by section 1202), is further amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting ``health agencies,'' 
     after ``protection''; and
       (2) in subsection (g)(1)(B), by inserting ``(including 
     State representatives of health agencies)'' after 
     ``parties''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1632. Mr. UDALL of New Mexico submitted an amendment intended to 
be proposed by him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid 
highway and highway safety construction programs, and for other 
purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle A of title I, add the following:

     SEC. __. INCLUSION OF STATE REPRESENTATIVES OF NONMOTORIZED 
                   USERS IN CERTAIN PLANNING PROCESSES.

       (a) Highway Safety Improvement Program.--Section 
     148(a)(12)(A) of title 23, United States Code (as amended by 
     section 1112), is further amended by striking clauses (viii) 
     and (ix) and inserting the following:
       ``(viii) county transportation officials;
       ``(ix) State representatives of nonmotorized users; and
       ``(x) other major Federal, State, tribal, and local safety 
     stakeholders;''.
       (b) Metropolitan Transportation Planning.--Section 134 of 
     title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1201), is 
     further amended--
       (1) in subsection (g)(4)(A), by inserting ``nonmotorized 
     users,'' before ``environmental protection''; and
       (2) in subsection (h)(4)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``(including State 
     representatives of nonmotorized users)'' after ``parties''; 
     and
       (B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by inserting ``(including State 
     representatives of nonmotorized users)'' before ``that 
     participate''.
       (c) Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation 
     Planning.--Section 135(g)(1)(B) of title 23, United States 
     Code (as amended by section 1202), is further amended by 
     inserting ``(including State representatives of nonmotorized 
     users)'' after ``parties''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1633. Mr. REID proposed an amendment to the bill S. 1813, to 
reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction 
programs, and for other purposes; as follows:

       At the end of the bill, add the following:

                   DIVISION B--PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

     SEC. 20001. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This division may be cited as the 
     ``Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this 
     division is as follows:


[[Page S709]]


Sec. 20001. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 20002. Repeals.
Sec. 20003. Policies, purposes, and goals.
Sec. 20004. Definitions.
Sec. 20005. Metropolitan transportation planning.
Sec. 20006. Statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning.
Sec. 20007. Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program.
Sec. 20008. Urbanized area formula grants.
Sec. 20009. Clean fuel grant program.
Sec. 20010. Fixed guideway capital investment grants.
Sec. 20011. Formula grants for the enhanced mobility of seniors and 
              individuals with disabilities.
Sec. 20012. Formula grants for other than urbanized areas.
Sec. 20013. Research, development, demonstration, and deployment 
              projects.
Sec. 20014. Technical assistance and standards development.
Sec. 20015. Bus testing facilities.
Sec. 20016. Public transportation workforce development and human 
              resource programs.
Sec. 20017. General provisions.
Sec. 20018. Contract requirements.
Sec. 20019. Transit asset management.
Sec. 20020. Project management oversight.
Sec. 20021. Public transportation safety.
Sec. 20022. Alcohol and controlled substances testing.
Sec. 20023. Nondiscrimination.
Sec. 20024. Labor standards.
Sec. 20025. Administrative provisions.
Sec. 20026. National transit database.
Sec. 20027. Apportionment of appropriations for formula grants.
Sec. 20028. State of good repair grants.
Sec. 20029. Authorizations.
Sec. 20030. Apportionments based on growing States and high density 
              States formula factors.
Sec. 20031. Technical and conforming amendments.

     SEC. 20002. REPEALS.

       (a) Chapter 53.--Chapter 53 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking sections 5316, 5317, 5321, 5324, 
     5328, and 5339.
       (b) Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century.--
     Section 3038 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st 
     Century (49 U.S.C. 5310 note) is repealed.
       (c) SAFETEA LU.--The following provisions are repealed:
       (1) Section 3009(i) of SAFETEA LU (Public Law 109 59; 119 
     Stat. 1572).
       (2) Section 3011(c) of SAFETEA LU (49 U.S.C. 5309 note).
       (3) Section 3012(b) of SAFETEA LU (49 U.S.C. 5310 note).
       (4) Section 3045 of SAFETEA LU (49 U.S.C. 5308 note).
       (5) Section 3046 of SAFETEA LU (49 U.S.C. 5338 note).

     SEC. 20003. POLICIES, PURPOSES, AND GOALS.

       Section 5301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5301. Policies, purposes, and goals

       ``(a) Declaration of Policy.--It is in the interest of the 
     United States, including the economic interest of the United 
     States, to foster the development and revitalization of 
     public transportation systems.
       ``(b) General Purposes.--The purposes of this chapter are 
     to--
       ``(1) provide funding to support public transportation;
       ``(2) improve the development and delivery of capital 
     projects;
       ``(3) initiate a new framework for improving the safety of 
     public transportation systems;
       ``(4) establish standards for the state of good repair of 
     public transportation infrastructure and vehicles;
       ``(5) promote continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive 
     planning that improves the performance of the transportation 
     network;
       ``(6) establish a technical assistance program to assist 
     recipients under this chapter to more effectively and 
     efficiently provide public transportation service;
       ``(7) continue Federal support for public transportation 
     providers to deliver high quality service to all users, 
     including individuals with disabilities, seniors, and 
     individuals who depend on public transportation;
       ``(8) support research, development, demonstration, and 
     deployment projects dedicated to assisting in the delivery of 
     efficient and effective public transportation service; and
       ``(9) promote the development of the public transportation 
     workforce.
       ``(c) National Goals.--The goals of this chapter are to--
       ``(1) increase the availability and accessibility of public 
     transportation across a balanced, multimodal transportation 
     network;
       ``(2) promote the environmental benefits of public 
     transportation, including reduced reliance on fossil fuels, 
     fewer harmful emissions, and lower public health 
     expenditures;
       ``(3) improve the safety of public transportation systems;
       ``(4) achieve and maintain a state of good repair of public 
     transportation infrastructure and vehicles;
       ``(5) provide an efficient and reliable alternative to 
     congested roadways;
       ``(6) increase the affordability of transportation for all 
     users; and
       ``(7) maximize economic development opportunities by--
       ``(A) connecting workers to jobs;
       ``(B) encouraging mixed-use, transit-oriented development; 
     and
       ``(C) leveraging private investment and joint 
     development.''.

     SEC. 20004. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 5302 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5302. Definitions

       ``Except as otherwise specifically provided, in this 
     chapter the following definitions apply:
       ``(1) Associated transit improvement.--The term `associated 
     transit improvement' means, with respect to any project or an 
     area to be served by a project, projects that are designed to 
     enhance public transportation service or use and that are 
     physically or functionally related to transit facilities. 
     Eligible projects are--
       ``(A) historic preservation, rehabilitation, and operation 
     of historic public transportation buildings, structures, and 
     facilities (including historic bus and railroad facilities) 
     intended for use in public transportation service;
       ``(B) bus shelters;
       ``(C) landscaping and streetscaping, including benches, 
     trash receptacles, and street lights;
       ``(D) pedestrian access and walkways;
       ``(E) bicycle access, including bicycle storage facilities 
     and installing equipment for transporting bicycles on public 
     transportation vehicles;
       ``(F) signage; or
       ``(G) enhanced access for persons with disabilities to 
     public transportation.
       ``(2) Bus rapid transit system.--The term `bus rapid 
     transit system' means a bus transit system--
       ``(A) in which the majority of each line operates in a 
     separated right-of-way dedicated for public transportation 
     use during peak periods; and
       ``(B) that includes features that emulate the services 
     provided by rail fixed guideway public transportation 
     systems, including--
       ``(i) defined stations;
       ``(ii) traffic signal priority for public transportation 
     vehicles;
       ``(iii) short headway bidirectional services for a 
     substantial part of weekdays and weekend days; and
       ``(iv) any other features the Secretary may determine are 
     necessary to produce high-quality public transportation 
     services that emulate the services provided by rail fixed 
     guideway public transportation systems.
       ``(3) Capital project.--The term `capital project' means a 
     project for--
       ``(A) acquiring, constructing, supervising, or inspecting 
     equipment or a facility for use in public transportation, 
     expenses incidental to the acquisition or construction 
     (including designing, engineering, location surveying, 
     mapping, and acquiring rights-of-way), payments for the 
     capital portions of rail trackage rights agreements, transit-
     related intelligent transportation systems, relocation 
     assistance, acquiring replacement housing sites, and 
     acquiring, constructing, relocating, and rehabilitating 
     replacement housing;
       ``(B) rehabilitating a bus;
       ``(C) remanufacturing a bus;
       ``(D) overhauling rail rolling stock;
       ``(E) preventive maintenance;
       ``(F) leasing equipment or a facility for use in public 
     transportation, subject to regulations that the Secretary 
     prescribes limiting the leasing arrangements to those that 
     are more cost-effective than purchase or construction;
       ``(G) a joint development improvement that--
       ``(i) enhances economic development or incorporates private 
     investment, such as commercial and residential development;
       ``(ii)(I) enhances the effectiveness of public 
     transportation and is related physically or functionally to 
     public transportation; or
       ``(II) establishes new or enhanced coordination between 
     public transportation and other transportation;
       ``(iii) provides a fair share of revenue that will be used 
     for public transportation;
       ``(iv) provides that a person making an agreement to occupy 
     space in a facility constructed under this paragraph shall 
     pay a fair share of the costs of the facility through rental 
     payments and other means;
       ``(v) may include--

       ``(I) property acquisition;
       ``(II) demolition of existing structures;
       ``(III) site preparation;
       ``(IV) utilities;
       ``(V) building foundations;
       ``(VI) walkways;
       ``(VII) pedestrian and bicycle access to a public 
     transportation facility;
       ``(VIII) construction, renovation, and improvement of 
     intercity bus and intercity rail stations and terminals;
       ``(IX) renovation and improvement of historic 
     transportation facilities;
       ``(X) open space;
       ``(XI) safety and security equipment and facilities 
     (including lighting, surveillance, and related intelligent 
     transportation system applications);
       ``(XII) facilities that incorporate community services such 
     as daycare or health care;
       ``(XIII) a capital project for, and improving, equipment or 
     a facility for an intermodal transfer facility or 
     transportation mall; and
       ``(XIV) construction of space for commercial uses; and

       ``(vi) does not include outfitting of commercial space 
     (other than an intercity bus or rail station or terminal) or 
     a part of a public facility not related to public 
     transportation;
       ``(H) the introduction of new technology, through 
     innovative and improved products, into public transportation;

[[Page S710]]

       ``(I) the provision of nonfixed route paratransit 
     transportation services in accordance with section 223 of the 
     Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12143), 
     but only for grant recipients that are in compliance with 
     applicable requirements of that Act, including both fixed 
     route and demand responsive service, and only for amounts not 
     to exceed 10 percent of such recipient's annual formula 
     apportionment under sections 5307 and 5311;
       ``(J) establishing a debt service reserve, made up of 
     deposits with a bondholder's trustee, to ensure the timely 
     payment of principal and interest on bonds issued by a grant 
     recipient to finance an eligible project under this chapter;
       ``(K) mobility management--
       ``(i) consisting of short-range planning and management 
     activities and projects for improving coordination among 
     public transportation and other transportation service 
     providers carried out by a recipient or subrecipient through 
     an agreement entered into with a person, including a 
     governmental entity, under this chapter (other than section 
     5309); but
       ``(ii) excluding operating public transportation services; 
     or
       ``(L) associated capital maintenance, including--
       ``(i) equipment, tires, tubes, and material, each costing 
     at least .5 percent of the current fair market value of 
     rolling stock comparable to the rolling stock for which the 
     equipment, tires, tubes, and material are to be used; and
       ``(ii) reconstruction of equipment and material, each of 
     which after reconstruction will have a fair market value of 
     at least .5 percent of the current fair market value of 
     rolling stock comparable to the rolling stock for which the 
     equipment and material will be used.
       ``(4) Designated recipient.--The term `designated 
     recipient' means--
       ``(A) an entity designated, in accordance with the planning 
     process under sections 5303 and 5304, by the Governor of a 
     State, responsible local officials, and publicly owned 
     operators of public transportation, to receive and apportion 
     amounts under section 5336 to urbanized areas of 200,000 or 
     more in population; or
       ``(B) a State or regional authority, if the authority is 
     responsible under the laws of a State for a capital project 
     and for financing and directly providing public 
     transportation.
       ``(5) Disability.--The term `disability' has the same 
     meaning as in section 3(1) of the Americans with Disabilities 
     Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102).
       ``(6) Emergency regulation.--The term `emergency 
     regulation' means a regulation--
       ``(A) that is effective temporarily before the expiration 
     of the otherwise specified periods of time for public notice 
     and comment under section 5334(c); and
       ``(B) prescribed by the Secretary as the result of a 
     finding that a delay in the effective date of the 
     regulation--
       ``(i) would injure seriously an important public interest;
       ``(ii) would frustrate substantially legislative policy and 
     intent; or
       ``(iii) would damage seriously a person or class without 
     serving an important public interest.
       ``(7) Fixed guideway.--The term `fixed guideway' means a 
     public transportation facility--
       ``(A) using and occupying a separate right-of-way for the 
     exclusive use of public transportation;
       ``(B) using rail;
       ``(C) using a fixed catenary system;
       ``(D) for a passenger ferry system; or
       ``(E) for a bus rapid transit system.
       ``(8) Governor.--The term `Governor'--
       ``(A) means the Governor of a State, the mayor of the 
     District of Columbia, and the chief executive officer of a 
     territory of the United States; and
       ``(B) includes the designee of the Governor.
       ``(9) Local governmental authority.--The term `local 
     governmental authority' includes--
       ``(A) a political subdivision of a State;
       ``(B) an authority of at least 1 State or political 
     subdivision of a State;
       ``(C) an Indian tribe; and
       ``(D) a public corporation, board, or commission 
     established under the laws of a State.
       ``(10) Low-income individual.--The term `low-income 
     individual' means an individual whose family income is at or 
     below 150 percent of the poverty line, as that term is 
     defined in section 673(2) of the Community Services Block 
     Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2)), including any revision 
     required by that section, for a family of the size involved.
       ``(11) Net project cost.--The term `net project cost' means 
     the part of a project that reasonably cannot be financed from 
     revenues.
       ``(12) New bus model.--The term `new bus model' means a bus 
     model (including a model using alternative fuel)--
       ``(A) that has not been used in public transportation in 
     the United States before the date of production of the model; 
     or
       ``(B) used in public transportation in the United States, 
     but being produced with a major change in configuration or 
     components.
       ``(13) Public transportation.--The term `public 
     transportation'--
       ``(A) means regular, continuing shared-ride surface 
     transportation services that are open to the general public 
     or open to a segment of the general public defined by age, 
     disability, or low income; and
       ``(B) does not include--
       ``(i) intercity passenger rail transportation provided by 
     the entity described in chapter 243 (or a successor to such 
     entity);
       ``(ii) intercity bus service;
       ``(iii) charter bus service;
       ``(iv) school bus service;
       ``(v) sightseeing service;
       ``(vi) courtesy shuttle service for patrons of one or more 
     specific establishments; or
       ``(vii) intra-terminal or intra-facility shuttle services.
       ``(14) Regulation.--The term `regulation' means any part of 
     a statement of general or particular applicability of the 
     Secretary designed to carry out, interpret, or prescribe law 
     or policy in carrying out this chapter.
       ``(15) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
     of Transportation.
       ``(16) Senior.--The term `senior' means an individual who 
     is 65 years of age or older.
       ``(17) State.--The term `State' means a State of the United 
     States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern 
     Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin 
     Islands.
       ``(18) State of good repair.--The term `state of good 
     repair' has the meaning given that term by the Secretary, by 
     rule, under section 5326(b).
       ``(19) Transit.--The term `transit' means public 
     transportation.
       ``(20) Urban area.--The term `urban area' means an area 
     that includes a municipality or other built-up place that the 
     Secretary, after considering local patterns and trends of 
     urban growth, decides is appropriate for a local public 
     transportation system to serve individuals in the locality.
       ``(21) Urbanized area.--The term `urbanized area' means an 
     area encompassing a population of not less than 50,000 people 
     that has been defined and designated in the most recent 
     decennial census as an `urbanized area' by the Secretary of 
     Commerce.''.

     SEC. 20005. METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING.

       (a) In General.--Section 5303 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5303. Metropolitan transportation planning

       ``(a) Policy.--It is in the national interest--
       ``(1) to encourage and promote the safe, cost-effective, 
     and efficient management, operation, and development of 
     surface transportation systems that will serve efficiently 
     the mobility needs of individuals and freight, reduce 
     transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries, and 
     foster economic growth and development within and between 
     States and urbanized areas, while fitting the needs and 
     complexity of individual communities, maximizing value for 
     taxpayers, leveraging cooperative investments, and minimizing 
     transportation-related fuel consumption and air pollution 
     through the metropolitan and statewide transportation 
     planning processes identified in this chapter;
       ``(2) to encourage the continued improvement, evolution, 
     and coordination of the metropolitan and statewide 
     transportation planning processes by and among metropolitan 
     planning organizations, State departments of transportation, 
     regional planning organizations, interstate partnerships, and 
     public transportation and intercity service operators as 
     guided by the planning factors identified in subsection (h) 
     of this section and section 5304(d);
       ``(3) to encourage and promote transportation needs and 
     decisions that are integrated with other planning needs and 
     priorities; and
       ``(4) to maximize the effectiveness of transportation 
     investments.
       ``(b) Definitions.--In this section and section 5304, the 
     following definitions shall apply:
       ``(1) Existing mpo.--The term `existing MPO' means a 
     metropolitan planning organization that was designated as a 
     metropolitan planning organization as of the day before the 
     date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 
     2012.
       ``(2) Local official.--The term `local official' means any 
     elected or appointed official of general purpose local 
     government with responsibility for transportation in a 
     designated area.
       ``(3) Maintenance area.--The term `maintenance area' means 
     an area that was designated as an air quality nonattainment 
     area, but was later redesignated by the Administrator of the 
     Environmental Protection Agency as an air quality attainment 
     area, under section 107(d) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 
     7407(d)).
       ``(4) Metropolitan planning area.--The term `metropolitan 
     planning area' means a geographical area determined by 
     agreement between the metropolitan planning organization for 
     the area and the applicable Governor under subsection (c).
       ``(5) Metropolitan planning organization.--The term 
     `metropolitan planning organization' means the policy board 
     of an organization established pursuant to subsection (c).
       ``(6) Metropolitan transportation plan.--The term 
     `metropolitan transportation plan' means a plan developed by 
     a metropolitan planning organization under subsection (i).
       ``(7) Nonattainment area.--The term `nonattainment area' 
     has the meaning given the term in section 171 of the Clean 
     Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7501).
       ``(8) Nonmetropolitan area.--

[[Page S711]]

       ``(A) In general.--The term `nonmetropolitan area' means a 
     geographical area outside the boundaries of a designated 
     metropolitan planning area.
       ``(B) Inclusions.--The term `nonmetropolitan area' includes 
     a small urbanized area with a population of more than 50,000, 
     but fewer than 200,000 individuals, as calculated according 
     to the most recent decennial census, and a nonurbanized area.
       ``(9) Nonmetropolitan planning organization.--The term 
     `nonmetropolitan planning organization' means an organization 
     that--
       ``(A) was designated as a metropolitan planning 
     organization as of the day before the date of enactment of 
     the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012; and
       ``(B) is not designated as a tier I MPO or tier II MPO.
       ``(10) Regionally significant.--The term `regionally 
     significant', with respect to a transportation project, 
     program, service, or strategy, means a project, program, 
     service, or strategy that--
       ``(A) serves regional transportation needs (such as access 
     to and from the area outside of the region, major activity 
     centers in the region, and major planned developments); and
       ``(B) would normally be included in the modeling of a 
     transportation network of a metropolitan area.
       ``(11) Rural planning organization.--The term `rural 
     planning organization' means a voluntary organization of 
     local elected officials and representatives of local 
     transportation systems that--
       ``(A) works in cooperation with the department of 
     transportation (or equivalent entity) of a State to plan 
     transportation networks and advise officials of the State on 
     transportation planning; and
       ``(B) is located in a rural area--
       ``(i) with a population of not fewer than 5,000 
     individuals, as calculated according to the most recent 
     decennial census; and
       ``(ii) that is not located in an area represented by a 
     metropolitan planning organization.
       ``(12) Statewide transportation improvement program.--The 
     term `statewide transportation improvement program' means a 
     statewide transportation improvement program developed by a 
     State under section 5304(g).
       ``(13) Statewide transportation plan.--The term `statewide 
     transportation plan' means a plan developed by a State under 
     section 5304(f).
       ``(14) Tier i mpo.--The term `tier I MPO' means a 
     metropolitan planning organization designated as a tier I MPO 
     under subsection (e)(4)(A).
       ``(15) Tier ii mpo.--The term `tier II MPO' means a 
     metropolitan planning organization designated as a tier II 
     MPO under subsection (e)(4)(B).
       ``(16) Transportation improvement program.--The term 
     `transportation improvement program' means a program 
     developed by a metropolitan planning organization under 
     subsection (j).
       ``(17) Urbanized area.--The term `urbanized area' means a 
     geographical area with a population of 50,000 or more 
     individuals, as calculated according to the most recent 
     decennial census.
       ``(c) Designation of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.--
       ``(1) In general.--To carry out the metropolitan 
     transportation planning process under this section, a 
     metropolitan planning organization shall be designated for 
     each urbanized area with a population of 200,000 or more 
     individuals, as calculated according to the most recent 
     decennial census--
       ``(A) by agreement between the applicable Governor and 
     local officials that, in the aggregate, represent at least 75 
     percent of the affected population (including the largest 
     incorporated city (based on population), as calculated 
     according to the most recent decennial census); or
       ``(B) in accordance with procedures established by 
     applicable State or local law.
       ``(2) Small urbanized areas.--To carry out the metropolitan 
     transportation planning process under this section, a 
     metropolitan planning organization may be designated for any 
     urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or more 
     individuals, but fewer than 200,000 individuals, as 
     calculated according to the most recent decennial census--
       ``(A) by agreement between the applicable Governor and 
     local officials that, in the aggregate, represent at least 75 
     percent of the affected population (including the largest 
     incorporated city (based on population), as calculated 
     according to the most recent decennial census); and
       ``(B) with the consent of the Secretary, based on a finding 
     that the resulting metropolitan planning organization has met 
     the minimum requirements under subsection (e)(4)(B).
       ``(3) Structure.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, a 
     metropolitan planning organization shall consist of--
       ``(A) elected local officials in the relevant metropolitan 
     area;
       ``(B) officials of public agencies that administer or 
     operate major modes of transportation in the relevant 
     metropolitan area, including providers of public 
     transportation; and
       ``(C) appropriate State officials.
       ``(4) Effect of subsection.--Nothing in this subsection 
     interferes with any authority under any State law in effect 
     on December 18, 1991, of a public agency with multimodal 
     transportation responsibilities--
       ``(A) to develop the metropolitan transportation plans and 
     transportation improvement programs for adoption by a 
     metropolitan planning organization; or
       ``(B) to develop capital plans, coordinate public 
     transportation services and projects, or carry out other 
     activities pursuant to State law.
       ``(5) Continuing designation.--A designation of an existing 
     MPO--
       ``(A) for an urbanized area with a population of 200,000 or 
     more individuals, as calculated according to the most recent 
     decennial census, shall remain in effect--
       ``(i) for the period during which the structure of the 
     existing MPO complies with the requirements of paragraph (1); 
     or
       ``(ii) until the date on which the existing MPO is 
     redesignated under paragraph (6); and
       ``(B) for an urbanized area with a population of fewer than 
     200,000 individuals, as calculated according to the most 
     recent decennial census, shall remain in effect until the 
     date on which the existing MPO is redesignated under 
     paragraph (6) unless--
       ``(i) the existing MPO requests that its planning 
     responsibilities be transferred to the State or to another 
     planning organization designated by the State; or
       ``(ii)(I) the applicable Governor determines not later than 
     3 years after the date on which the Secretary issues a rule 
     pursuant to subsection (e)(4)(B)(i), that the existing MPO is 
     not meeting the minimum requirements established by the rule; 
     and
       ``(II) the Secretary approves the Governor's determination.
       ``(C) Designation as tier ii mpo.--If the Secretary 
     determines the existing MPO has met the minimum requirements 
     under the rule issued under subsection (e)(4)(B)(i), the 
     Secretary shall designate the existing MPO as a tier II MPO.
       ``(6) Redesignation.--
       ``(A) In general.--The designation of a metropolitan 
     planning organization under this subsection shall remain in 
     effect until the date on which the metropolitan planning 
     organization is redesignated, as appropriate, in accordance 
     with the requirements of this subsection pursuant to an 
     agreement between--
       ``(i) the applicable Governor; and
       ``(ii) affected local officials who, in the aggregate, 
     represent at least 75 percent of the existing metropolitan 
     planning area population (including the largest incorporated 
     city (based on population), as calculated according to the 
     most recent decennial census).
       ``(B) Restructuring.--A metropolitan planning organization 
     may be restructured to meet the requirements of paragraph (3) 
     without undertaking a redesignation.
       ``(7) Designation of multiple mpos.--
       ``(A) In general.--More than 1 metropolitan planning 
     organization may be designated within an existing 
     metropolitan planning area only if the applicable Governor 
     and an existing MPO determine that the size and complexity of 
     the existing metropolitan planning area make the designation 
     of more than 1 metropolitan planning organization for the 
     metropolitan planning area appropriate.
       ``(B) Service jurisdictions.--If more than 1 metropolitan 
     planning organization is designated for an existing 
     metropolitan planning area under subparagraph (A), the 
     existing metropolitan planning area shall be split into 
     multiple metropolitan planning areas, each of which shall be 
     served by the existing MPO or a new metropolitan planning 
     organization.
       ``(C) Tier designation.--The tier designation of each 
     metropolitan planning organization subject to a designation 
     under this paragraph shall be determined based on the size of 
     each respective metropolitan planning area, in accordance 
     with subsection (e)(4).
       ``(d) Metropolitan Planning Area Boundaries.--
       ``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, the 
     boundaries of a metropolitan planning area shall be 
     determined by agreement between the applicable metropolitan 
     planning organization and the Governor of the State in which 
     the metropolitan planning area is located.
       ``(2) Included area.--Each metropolitan planning area--
       ``(A) shall encompass at least the relevant existing 
     urbanized area and any contiguous area expected to become 
     urbanized within a 20-year forecast period under the 
     applicable metropolitan transportation plan; and
       ``(B) may encompass the entire relevant metropolitan 
     statistical area, as defined by the Office of Management and 
     Budget.
       ``(3) Identification of new urbanized areas.--The 
     designation by the Bureau of the Census of a new urbanized 
     area within the boundaries of an existing metropolitan 
     planning area shall not require the redesignation of the 
     relevant existing MPO.
       ``(4) Nonattainment and maintenance areas.--
       ``(A) Existing metropolitan planning areas.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), 
     notwithstanding paragraph (2), in the case of an urbanized 
     area designated as a nonattainment area or maintenance area 
     as of the date of enactment of the Federal Public 
     Transportation Act of 2012, the boundaries of the existing 
     metropolitan planning area as of that date of enactment shall 
     remain in force and effect.

[[Page S712]]

       ``(ii) Exception.--Notwithstanding clause (i), the 
     boundaries of an existing metropolitan planning area 
     described in that clause may be adjusted by agreement of the 
     applicable Governor and the affected metropolitan planning 
     organizations in accordance with subsection (c)(7).
       ``(B) New metropolitan planning areas.--In the case of an 
     urbanized area designated as a nonattainment area or 
     maintenance area after the date of enactment of the Federal 
     Public Transportation Act of 2012, the boundaries of the 
     applicable metropolitan planning area--
       ``(i) shall be established in accordance with subsection 
     (c)(1);
       ``(ii) shall encompass the areas described in paragraph 
     (2)(A);
       ``(iii) may encompass the areas described in paragraph 
     (2)(B); and
       ``(iv) may address any appropriate nonattainment area or 
     maintenance area.
       ``(e) Requirements.--
       ``(1) Development of plans and tips.--To accomplish the 
     policy objectives described in subsection (a), each 
     metropolitan planning organization, in cooperation with the 
     applicable State and public transportation operators, shall 
     develop metropolitan transportation plans and transportation 
     improvement programs for metropolitan planning areas of the 
     State through a performance-driven, outcome-based approach to 
     metropolitan transportation planning consistent with 
     subsection (h).
       ``(2) Contents.--The metropolitan transportation plans and 
     transportation improvement programs for each metropolitan 
     area shall provide for the development and integrated 
     management and operation of transportation systems and 
     facilities (including accessible pedestrian walkways, bicycle 
     transportation facilities, and intermodal facilities that 
     support intercity transportation) that will function as--
       ``(A) an intermodal transportation system for the 
     metropolitan planning area; and
       ``(B) an integral part of an intermodal transportation 
     system for the applicable State and the United States.
       ``(3) Process of development.--The process for developing 
     metropolitan transportation plans and transportation 
     improvement programs shall--
       ``(A) provide for consideration of all modes of 
     transportation; and
       ``(B) be continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive to the 
     degree appropriate, based on the complexity of the 
     transportation needs to be addressed.
       ``(4) Tiering.--
       ``(A) Tier i mpos.--
       ``(i) In general.--A metropolitan planning organization 
     shall be designated as a tier I MPO if--

       ``(I) as certified by the Governor of each applicable 
     State, the metropolitan planning organization operates 
     within, and primarily serves, a metropolitan planning area 
     with a population of 1,000,000 or more individuals, as 
     calculated according to the most recent decennial census; and
       ``(II) the Secretary determines the metropolitan planning 
     organization--

       ``(aa) meets the minimum technical requirements under 
     clause (iv); and
       ``(bb) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
     of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, will fully 
     implement the processes described in subsections (h) though 
     (j).
       ``(ii) Absence of designation.--In the absence of 
     designation as a tier I MPO under clause (i), a metropolitan 
     planning organization shall operate as a tier II MPO until 
     the date on which the Secretary determines the metropolitan 
     planning organization can meet the minimum technical 
     requirements under clause (iv).
       ``(iii) Redesignation as tier i.--A metropolitan planning 
     organization operating within a metropolitan planning area 
     with a population of 200,000 or more and fewer than 1,000,000 
     individuals and primarily within urbanized areas with 
     populations of 200,000 or more individuals, as calculated 
     according to the most recent decennial census, that is 
     designated as a tier II MPO under subparagraph (B) may 
     request, with the support of the applicable Governor, a 
     redesignation as a tier I MPO on a determination by the 
     Secretary that the metropolitan planning organization has met 
     the minimum technical requirements under clause (iv).
       ``(iv) Minimum technical requirements.--Not later than 1 
     year after the date of enactment of the Federal Public 
     Transportation Act of 2012, the Secretary shall issue a rule 
     that establishes the minimum technical requirements necessary 
     for a metropolitan planning organization to be designated as 
     a tier I MPO, including, at a minimum, modeling, data, 
     staffing, and other technical requirements.
       ``(B) Tier ii mpos.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, 
     the Secretary shall issue a rule that establishes minimum 
     requirements necessary for a metropolitan planning 
     organization to be designated as a tier II MPO.
       ``(ii) Requirements.--The minimum requirements established 
     under clause (i) shall--

       ``(I) ensure that each metropolitan planning organization 
     has the capabilities necessary to develop the metropolitan 
     transportation plan and transportation improvement program 
     under this section; and
       ``(II) include--

       ``(aa) only the staff resources necessary to operate the 
     metropolitan planning organization; and
       ``(bb) a requirement that the metropolitan planning 
     organization has the technical capacity to conduct the 
     modeling necessary, as appropriate to the size and resources 
     of the metropolitan planning organization, to fulfill the 
     requirements of this section, except that in cases in which a 
     metropolitan planning organization has a formal agreement 
     with a State to conduct the modeling on behalf of the 
     metropolitan planning organization, the metropolitan planning 
     organization shall be exempt from the technical capacity 
     requirement.
       ``(iii) Inclusion.--A metropolitan planning organization 
     operating primarily within an urbanized area with a 
     population of 200,000 or more individuals, as calculated 
     according to the most recent decennial census, and that does 
     not qualify as a tier I MPO under subparagraph (A)(i), 
     shall--

       ``(I) be designated as a tier II MPO; and
       ``(II) follow the processes under subsection (k).

       ``(C) Consolidation.--
       ``(i) In general.--Metropolitan planning organizations 
     operating within contiguous or adjacent urbanized areas may 
     elect to consolidate in order to meet the population 
     thresholds required to achieve designation as a tier I or 
     tier II MPO under this paragraph.
       ``(ii) Effect of subsection.--Nothing in this subsection 
     requires or prevents consolidation among multiple 
     metropolitan planning organizations located within a single 
     urbanized area.
       ``(f) Coordination in Multistate Areas.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall encourage each 
     Governor with responsibility for a portion of a multistate 
     metropolitan area and the appropriate metropolitan planning 
     organizations to provide coordinated transportation planning 
     for the entire metropolitan area.
       ``(2) Coordination along designated transportation 
     corridors.--The Secretary shall encourage each Governor with 
     responsibility for a portion of a multistate metropolitan 
     area and the appropriate metropolitan planning organizations 
     to provide coordinated transportation planning for the entire 
     designated transportation corridor.
       ``(3) Coordination with interstate compacts.--The Secretary 
     shall encourage metropolitan planning organizations to take 
     into consideration, during the development of metropolitan 
     transportation plans and transportation improvement programs, 
     any relevant transportation studies concerning planning for 
     regional transportation (including high-speed and intercity 
     rail corridor studies, commuter rail corridor studies, 
     intermodal terminals, and interstate highways) in support of 
     freight, intercity, or multistate area projects and services 
     that have been developed pursuant to interstate compacts or 
     agreements, or by organizations established under section 
     5304.
       ``(g) Engagement in Metropolitan Transportation Plan and 
     TIP Development.--
       ``(1) Nonattainment and maintenance areas.--If more than 1 
     metropolitan planning organization has authority within a 
     metropolitan area, nonattainment area, or maintenance area, 
     each metropolitan planning organization shall consult with 
     all other metropolitan planning organizations designated for 
     the metropolitan area, nonattainment area, or maintenance 
     area and the State in the development of metropolitan 
     transportation plans and transportation improvement programs 
     under this section.
       ``(2) Transportation improvements located in multiple 
     metropolitan planning areas.--If a transportation improvement 
     project funded under this chapter or title 23 is located 
     within the boundaries of more than 1 metropolitan planning 
     area, the affected metropolitan planning organizations shall 
     coordinate metropolitan transportation plans and 
     transportation improvement programs regarding the project.
       ``(3) Coordination of adjacent planning organizations.--
       ``(A) In general.--A metropolitan planning organization 
     that is adjacent or located in reasonably close proximity to 
     another metropolitan planning organization shall coordinate 
     with that metropolitan planning organization with respect to 
     planning processes, including preparation of metropolitan 
     transportation plans and transportation improvement programs, 
     to the maximum extent practicable.
       ``(B) Nonmetropolitan planning organizations.--A 
     metropolitan planning organization that is adjacent or 
     located in reasonably close proximity to a nonmetropolitan 
     planning organization shall consult with that nonmetropolitan 
     planning organization with respect to planning processes, to 
     the maximum extent practicable.
       ``(4) Relationship with other planning officials.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall encourage each 
     metropolitan planning organization to cooperate with Federal, 
     State, tribal, and local officers and entities responsible 
     for other types of planning activities that are affected by 
     transportation in the relevant area (including planned 
     growth, economic development, infrastructure services, 
     housing, other public services, environmental protection, 
     airport operations, high-speed and intercity passenger rail, 
     freight rail, port access, and freight movements), to the 
     maximum extent practicable, to ensure that the metropolitan 
     transportation planning process, metropolitan transportation

[[Page S713]]

     plans, and transportation improvement programs are developed 
     in cooperation with other related planning activities in the 
     area.
       ``(B) Inclusion.--Cooperation under subparagraph (A) shall 
     include the design and delivery of transportation services 
     within the metropolitan area that are provided by--
       ``(i) recipients of assistance under sections 202, 203, and 
     204 of title 23;
       ``(ii) recipients of assistance under this title;
       ``(iii) government agencies and nonprofit organizations 
     (including representatives of the agencies and organizations) 
     that receive Federal assistance from a source other than the 
     Department of Transportation to provide nonemergency 
     transportation services; and
       ``(iv) sponsors of regionally significant programs, 
     projects, and services that are related to transportation and 
     receive assistance from any public or private source.
       ``(5) Coordination of other federally required planning 
     programs.--The Secretary shall encourage each metropolitan 
     planning organization to coordinate, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, the development of metropolitan transportation 
     plans and transportation improvement programs with other 
     relevant federally required planning programs.
       ``(h) Scope of Planning Process.--
       ``(1) In general.--The metropolitan transportation planning 
     process for a metropolitan planning area under this section 
     shall provide for consideration of projects and strategies 
     that will--
       ``(A) support the economic vitality of the metropolitan 
     area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, 
     productivity, and efficiency;
       ``(B) increase the safety of the transportation system for 
     motorized and nonmotorized users;
       ``(C) increase the security of the transportation system 
     for motorized and nonmotorized users;
       ``(D) increase the accessibility and mobility of 
     individuals and freight;
       ``(E) protect and enhance the environment, promote energy 
     conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote 
     consistency between transportation improvements and State and 
     local planned growth and economic development patterns;
       ``(F) enhance the integration and connectivity of the 
     transportation system, across and between modes, for 
     individuals and freight;
       ``(G) increase efficient system management and operation; 
     and
       ``(H) emphasize the preservation of the existing 
     transportation system.
       ``(2) Performance-based approach.--
       ``(A) In general.--The metropolitan transportation planning 
     process shall provide for the establishment and use of a 
     performance-based approach to transportation decisionmaking 
     to support the national goals described in section 5301(c) of 
     this title and in section 150(b) of title 23.
       ``(B) Performance targets.--
       ``(i) Surface transportation performance targets.--

       ``(I) In general.--Each metropolitan planning organization 
     shall establish performance targets that address the 
     performance measures described in sections 119(f), 148(h), 
     149(k) (where applicable), and 167(i) of title 23, to use in 
     tracking attainment of critical outcomes for the region of 
     the metropolitan planning organization.
       ``(II) Coordination.--Selection of performance targets by a 
     metropolitan planning organization shall be coordinated with 
     the relevant State to ensure consistency, to the maximum 
     extent practicable.

       ``(ii) Public transportation performance targets.--Each 
     metropolitan planning organization shall adopt the 
     performance targets identified by providers of public 
     transportation pursuant to sections 5326(c) and 5329(d), for 
     use in tracking attainment of critical outcomes for the 
     region of the metropolitan planning organization.
       ``(C) Timing.--Each metropolitan planning organization 
     shall establish or adopt the performance targets under 
     subparagraph (B) not later than 90 days after the date on 
     which the relevant State or provider of public transportation 
     establishes the performance targets.
       ``(D) Integration of other performance-based plans.--A 
     metropolitan planning organization shall integrate in the 
     metropolitan transportation planning process, directly or by 
     reference, the goals, objectives, performance measures, and 
     targets described in other State plans and processes, as well 
     as asset management and safety plans developed by providers 
     of public transportation, required as part of a performance-
     based program, including plans such as--
       ``(i) the State National Highway System asset management 
     plan;
       ``(ii) asset management plans developed by providers of 
     public transportation;
       ``(iii) the State strategic highway safety plan;
       ``(iv) safety plans developed by providers of public 
     transportation;
       ``(v) the congestion mitigation and air quality performance 
     plan, where applicable;
       ``(vi) the national freight strategic plan; and
       ``(vii) the statewide transportation plan.
       ``(E) Use of performance measures and targets.--The 
     performance measures and targets established under this 
     paragraph shall be used, at a minimum, by the relevant 
     metropolitan planning organization as the basis for 
     development of policies, programs, and investment priorities 
     reflected in the metropolitan transportation plan and 
     transportation improvement program.
       ``(3) Failure to consider factors.--The failure to take 
     into consideration 1 or more of the factors specified in 
     paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not be subject to review by any 
     court under this chapter, title 23, subchapter II of chapter 
     5 of title 5, or chapter 7 of title 5 in any matter affecting 
     a metropolitan transportation plan, a transportation 
     improvement program, a project or strategy, or the 
     certification of a planning process.
       ``(4) Participation by interested parties.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each metropolitan planning organization 
     shall provide to affected individuals, public agencies, and 
     other interested parties notice and a reasonable opportunity 
     to comment on the metropolitan transportation plan and 
     transportation improvement program and any relevant 
     scenarios.
       ``(B) Contents of participation plan.--Each metropolitan 
     planning organization shall establish a participation plan 
     that--
       ``(i) is developed in consultation with all interested 
     parties; and
       ``(ii) provides that all interested parties have reasonable 
     opportunities to comment on the contents of the metropolitan 
     transportation plan of the metropolitan planning 
     organization.
       ``(C) Methods.--In carrying out subparagraph (A), the 
     metropolitan planning organization shall, to the maximum 
     extent practicable--
       ``(i) develop the metropolitan transportation plan and 
     transportation improvement program in consultation with 
     interested parties, as appropriate, including by the 
     formation of advisory groups representative of the community 
     and interested parties that participate in the development of 
     the metropolitan transportation plan and transportation 
     improvement program;
       ``(ii) hold any public meetings at times and locations that 
     are, as applicable--

       ``(I) convenient; and
       ``(II) in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities 
     Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.);

       ``(iii) employ visualization techniques to describe 
     metropolitan transportation plans and transportation 
     improvement programs; and
       ``(iv) make public information available in appropriate 
     electronically accessible formats and means, such as the 
     Internet, to afford reasonable opportunity for consideration 
     of public information under subparagraph (A).
       ``(i) Development of Metropolitan Transportation Plan.--
       ``(1) Development.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of the 
     Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, and not less 
     frequently than once every 5 years thereafter, each 
     metropolitan planning organization shall prepare and update, 
     respectively, a metropolitan transportation plan for the 
     relevant metropolitan planning area in accordance with this 
     section.
       ``(B) Exceptions.--A metropolitan planning organization 
     shall prepare or update, as appropriate, the metropolitan 
     transportation plan not less frequently than once every 4 
     years if the metropolitan planning organization is operating 
     within--
       ``(i) a nonattainment area; or
       ``(ii) a maintenance area.
       ``(2) Other requirements.--A metropolitan transportation 
     plan under this section shall--
       ``(A) be in a form that the Secretary determines to be 
     appropriate;
       ``(B) have a term of not less than 20 years; and
       ``(C) contain, at a minimum--
       ``(i) an identification of the existing transportation 
     infrastructure, including highways, local streets and roads, 
     bicycle and pedestrian facilities, public transportation 
     facilities and services, commuter rail facilities and 
     services, high-speed and intercity passenger rail facilities 
     and services, freight facilities (including freight railroad 
     and port facilities), multimodal and intermodal facilities, 
     and intermodal connectors that, evaluated in the aggregate, 
     function as an integrated metropolitan transportation system;
       ``(ii) a description of the performance measures and 
     performance targets used in assessing the existing and future 
     performance of the transportation system in accordance with 
     subsection (h)(2);
       ``(iii) a description of the current and projected future 
     usage of the transportation system, including a projection 
     based on a preferred scenario, and further including, to the 
     extent practicable, an identification of existing or planned 
     transportation rights-of-way, corridors, facilities, and 
     related real properties;
       ``(iv) a system performance report evaluating the existing 
     and future condition and performance of the transportation 
     system with respect to the performance targets described in 
     subsection (h)(2) and updates in subsequent system 
     performance reports, including--

       ``(I) progress achieved by the metropolitan planning 
     organization in meeting the performance targets in comparison 
     with system performance recorded in previous reports;
       ``(II) an accounting of the performance of the metropolitan 
     planning organization on outlay of obligated project funds 
     and delivery of projects that have reached substantial 
     completion in relation to--

[[Page S714]]

       ``(aa) the projects included in the transportation 
     improvement program; and
       ``(bb) the projects that have been removed from the 
     previous transportation improvement program; and

       ``(III) when appropriate, an analysis of how the preferred 
     scenario has improved the conditions and performance of the 
     transportation system and how changes in local policies, 
     investments, and growth have impacted the costs necessary to 
     achieve the identified performance targets;

       ``(v) recommended strategies and investments for improving 
     system performance over the planning horizon, including 
     transportation systems management and operations strategies, 
     maintenance strategies, demand management strategies, asset 
     management strategies, capacity and enhancement investments, 
     State and local economic development and land use 
     improvements, intelligent transportation systems deployment, 
     and technology adoption strategies, as determined by the 
     projected support of the performance targets described in 
     subsection (h)(2);
       ``(vi) recommended strategies and investments to improve 
     and integrate disability-related access to transportation 
     infrastructure, including strategies and investments based on 
     a preferred scenario, when appropriate;
       ``(vii) investment priorities for using projected available 
     and proposed revenues over the short- and long-term stages of 
     the planning horizon, in accordance with the financial plan 
     required under paragraph (4);
       ``(viii) a description of interstate compacts entered into 
     in order to promote coordinated transportation planning in 
     multistate areas, if applicable;
       ``(ix) an optional illustrative list of projects containing 
     investments that--

       ``(I) are not included in the metropolitan transportation 
     plan; but
       ``(II) would be so included if resources in addition to the 
     resources identified in the financial plan under paragraph 
     (4) were available;

       ``(x) a discussion (developed in consultation with Federal, 
     State, and tribal wildlife, land management, and regulatory 
     agencies) of types of potential environmental and stormwater 
     mitigation activities and potential areas to carry out those 
     activities, including activities that may have the greatest 
     potential to restore and maintain the environmental functions 
     affected by the metropolitan transportation plan; and
       ``(xi) recommended strategies and investments, including 
     those developed by the State as part of interstate compacts, 
     agreements, or organizations, that support intercity 
     transportation.
       ``(3) Scenario development.--
       ``(A) In general.--When preparing the metropolitan 
     transportation plan, the metropolitan planning organization 
     may, while fitting the needs and complexity of their 
     community, develop multiple scenarios for consideration as a 
     part of the development of the metropolitan transportation 
     plan, in accordance with subparagraph (B).
       ``(B) Components of scenarios.--The scenarios--
       ``(i) shall include potential regional investment 
     strategies for the planning horizon;
       ``(ii) shall include assumed distribution of population and 
     employment;
       ``(iii) may include a scenario that, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, maintains baseline conditions for the 
     performance targets identified in subsection (h)(2);
       ``(iv) may include a scenario that improves the baseline 
     conditions for as many of the performance targets under 
     subsection (h)(2) as possible;
       ``(v) may include a revenue constrained scenario based on 
     total revenues reasonably expected to be available over the 
     20-year planning period and assumed population and 
     employment; and
       ``(vi) may include estimated costs and potential revenues 
     available to support each scenario.
       ``(C) Metrics.--In addition to the performance targets 
     identified in subsection (h)(2), scenarios developed under 
     this paragraph may be evaluated using locally developed 
     metrics for the following categories:
       ``(i) Congestion and mobility, including transportation use 
     by mode.
       ``(ii) Freight movement.
       ``(iii) Safety.
       ``(iv) Efficiency and costs to taxpayers.
       ``(4) Financial plan.--A financial plan referred to in 
     paragraph (2)(C)(vii) shall--
       ``(A) be prepared by each metropolitan planning 
     organization to support the metropolitan transportation plan; 
     and
       ``(B) contain a description of--
       ``(i) the projected resource requirements for implementing 
     projects, strategies, and services recommended in the 
     metropolitan transportation plan, including existing and 
     projected system operating and maintenance needs, proposed 
     enhancement and expansions to the system, projected available 
     revenue from Federal, State, local, and private sources, and 
     innovative financing techniques to finance projects and 
     programs;
       ``(ii) the projected difference between costs and revenues, 
     and strategies for securing additional new revenue (such as 
     by capture of some of the economic value created by any new 
     investment);
       ``(iii) estimates of future funds, to be developed 
     cooperatively by the metropolitan planning organization, any 
     public transportation agency, and the State, that are 
     reasonably expected to be available to support the investment 
     priorities recommended in the metropolitan transportation 
     plan; and
       ``(iv) each applicable project only if full funding can 
     reasonably be anticipated to be available for the project 
     within the time period contemplated for completion of the 
     project.
       ``(5) Coordination with clean air act agencies.--The 
     metropolitan planning organization for any metropolitan area 
     that is a nonattainment area or maintenance area shall 
     coordinate the development of a transportation plan with the 
     process for development of the transportation control 
     measures of the State implementation plan required by the 
     Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).
       ``(6) Publication.--On approval by the relevant 
     metropolitan planning organization, a metropolitan 
     transportation plan involving Federal participation shall be, 
     at such times and in such manner as the Secretary shall 
     require--
       ``(A) published or otherwise made readily available by the 
     metropolitan planning organization for public review, 
     including (to the maximum extent practicable) in 
     electronically accessible formats and means, such as the 
     Internet; and
       ``(B) submitted for informational purposes to the 
     applicable Governor.
       ``(7) Consultation.--
       ``(A) In general.--In each metropolitan area, the 
     metropolitan planning organization shall consult, as 
     appropriate, with Federal, State, tribal, and local agencies 
     responsible for land use management, natural resources, 
     environmental protection, conservation, and historic 
     preservation concerning the development of a metropolitan 
     transportation plan.
       ``(B) Issues.--The consultation under subparagraph (A) 
     shall involve, as available, consideration of--
       ``(i) metropolitan transportation plans with Federal, 
     State, tribal, and local conservation plans or maps; and
       ``(ii) inventories of natural or historic resources.
       ``(8) Selection of projects from illustrative list.--
     Notwithstanding paragraph (4), a State or metropolitan 
     planning organization shall not be required to select any 
     project from the illustrative list of additional projects 
     included in the metropolitan transportation plan under 
     paragraph (2)(C)(ix).
       ``(j) Transportation Improvement Program.--
       ``(1) Development.--
       ``(A) In general.--In cooperation with the applicable State 
     and any affected public transportation operator, the 
     metropolitan planning organization designated for a 
     metropolitan area shall develop a transportation improvement 
     program for the metropolitan planning area that--
       ``(i) contains projects consistent with the current 
     metropolitan transportation plan;
       ``(ii) reflects the investment priorities established in 
     the current metropolitan transportation plan; and
       ``(iii) once implemented, will make significant progress 
     toward achieving the performance targets established under 
     subsection (h)(2).
       ``(B) Opportunity for participation.--In developing the 
     transportation improvement program, the metropolitan planning 
     organization, in cooperation with the State and any affected 
     public transportation operator, shall provide an opportunity 
     for participation by interested parties, in accordance with 
     subsection (h)(4).
       ``(C) Updating and approval.--The transportation 
     improvement program shall be--
       ``(i) updated not less frequently than once every 4 years, 
     on a cycle compatible with the development of the relevant 
     statewide transportation improvement program under section 
     5304; and
       ``(ii) approved by the applicable Governor.
       ``(2) Contents.--
       ``(A) Priority list.--The transportation improvement 
     program shall include a priority list of proposed federally 
     supported projects and strategies to be carried out during 
     the 4-year period beginning on the date of adoption of the 
     transportation improvement program, and each 4-year period 
     thereafter, using existing and reasonably available revenues 
     in accordance with the financial plan under paragraph (3).
       ``(B) Descriptions.--Each project described in the 
     transportation improvement program shall include sufficient 
     descriptive material (such as type of work, termini, length, 
     and other similar factors) to identify the project or phase 
     of the project and the effect that the project or project 
     phase will have in addressing the performance targets 
     described in subsection (h)(2).
       ``(C) Performance target achievement.--The transportation 
     improvement program shall include, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, a description of the anticipated effect of the 
     transportation improvement program on attainment of the 
     performance targets established in the metropolitan 
     transportation plan, linking investment priorities to those 
     performance targets.
       ``(D) Illustrative list of projects.--In developing a 
     transportation improvement program, an optional illustrative 
     list of projects may be prepared containing additional 
     investment priorities that--
       ``(i) are not included in the transportation improvement 
     program; but
       ``(ii) would be so included if resources in addition to the 
     resources identified in the financial plan under paragraph 
     (3) were available.

[[Page S715]]

       ``(3) Financial plan.--A financial plan referred to in 
     paragraph (2)(D)(ii) shall--
       ``(A) be prepared by each metropolitan planning 
     organization to support the transportation improvement 
     program; and
       ``(B) contain a description of--
       ``(i) the projected resource requirements for implementing 
     projects, strategies, and services recommended in the 
     transportation improvement program, including existing and 
     projected system operating and maintenance needs, proposed 
     enhancement and expansions to the system, projected available 
     revenue from Federal, State, local, and private sources, and 
     innovative financing techniques to finance projects and 
     programs;
       ``(ii) the projected difference between costs and revenues, 
     and strategies for securing additional new revenue (such as 
     by capture of some of the economic value created by any new 
     investment);
       ``(iii) estimates of future funds, to be developed 
     cooperatively by the metropolitan planning organization, any 
     public transportation agency, and the State, that are 
     reasonably expected to be available to support the investment 
     priorities recommended in the transportation improvement 
     program; and
       ``(iv) each applicable project, only if full funding can 
     reasonably be anticipated to be available for the project 
     within the time period contemplated for completion of the 
     project.
       ``(4) Included projects.--
       ``(A) Projects under this chapter and title 23.--A 
     transportation improvement program developed under this 
     subsection for a metropolitan area shall include a 
     description of the projects within the area that are proposed 
     for funding under this chapter and chapter 1 of title 23.
       ``(B) Projects under chapter 2.--
       ``(i) Regionally significant.--Each regionally significant 
     project proposed for funding under chapter 2 of title 23 
     shall be identified individually in the transportation 
     improvement program.
       ``(ii) Nonregionally significant.--A description of each 
     project proposed for funding under chapter 2 of title 23 that 
     is not determined to be regionally significant shall be 
     contained in 1 line item or identified individually in the 
     transportation improvement program.
       ``(5) Opportunity for participation.--Before approving a 
     transportation improvement program, a metropolitan planning 
     organization, in cooperation with the State and any affected 
     public transportation operator, shall provide an opportunity 
     for participation by interested parties in the development of 
     the transportation improvement program, in accordance with 
     subsection (h)(4).
       ``(6) Selection of projects.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each tier I MPO and tier II MPO shall 
     select projects carried out within the boundaries of the 
     applicable metropolitan planning area from the transportation 
     improvement program, in consultation with the relevant State 
     and on concurrence of the affected facility owner, for funds 
     apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(2) of title 23 
     and suballocated to the metropolitan planning area under 
     section 133(d) of title 23.
       ``(B) Projects under chapter 53.--In the case of projects 
     under this chapter, the selection of federally funded 
     projects in metropolitan areas shall be carried out, from the 
     approved transportation improvement program, by the 
     designated recipients of public transportation funding in 
     cooperation with the metropolitan planning organization.
       ``(C) Congestion mitigation and air quality projects.--Each 
     tier I MPO shall select projects carried out within the 
     boundaries of the applicable metropolitan planning area from 
     the transportation improvement program, in consultation with 
     the relevant State and on concurrence of the affected 
     facility owner, for funds apportioned to the State under 
     section 104(b)(4) of title 23 and suballocated to the 
     metropolitan planning area under section 149(j) of title 23.
       ``(D) Modifications to project priority.--Notwithstanding 
     any other provision of law, approval by the Secretary shall 
     not be required to carry out a project included in a 
     transportation improvement program in place of another 
     project in the transportation improvement program.
       ``(7) Publication.--
       ``(A) In general.--A transportation improvement program 
     shall be published or otherwise made readily available by the 
     applicable metropolitan planning organization for public 
     review in electronically accessible formats and means, such 
     as the Internet.
       ``(B) Annual list of projects.--An annual list of projects, 
     including investments in pedestrian walkways, bicycle 
     transportation facilities, and intermodal facilities that 
     support intercity transportation, for which Federal funds 
     have been obligated during the preceding fiscal year shall be 
     published or otherwise made available by the cooperative 
     effort of the State, public transportation operator, and 
     metropolitan planning organization in electronically 
     accessible formats and means, such as the Internet, in a 
     manner that is consistent with the categories identified in 
     the relevant transportation improvement program.
       ``(k) Planning Requirements for Tier II MPOs.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may provide for the 
     performance-based development of a metropolitan 
     transportation plan and transportation improvement program 
     for the metropolitan planning area of a tier II MPO, as the 
     Secretary determines to be appropriate, taking into account--
       ``(A) the complexity of transportation needs in the area; 
     and
       ``(B) the technical capacity of the metropolitan planning 
     organization.
       ``(2) Evaluation of performance-based planning.--In 
     reviewing a tier II MPO under subsection (m), the Secretary 
     shall take into consideration the effectiveness of the tier 
     II MPO in implementing and maintaining a performance-based 
     planning process that--
       ``(A) addresses the performance targets described in 
     subsection (h)(2); and
       ``(B) demonstrates progress on the achievement of those 
     performance targets.
       ``(l) Certification.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) ensure that the metropolitan transportation planning 
     process of a metropolitan planning organization is being 
     carried out in accordance with applicable Federal law; and
       ``(B) subject to paragraph (2), certify, not less 
     frequently than once every 4 years, that the requirements of 
     subparagraph (A) are met with respect to the metropolitan 
     transportation planning process.
       ``(2) Requirements for certification.--The Secretary may 
     make a certification under paragraph (1)(B) if--
       ``(A) the metropolitan transportation planning process 
     complies with the requirements of this section and other 
     applicable Federal law;
       ``(B) representation on the metropolitan planning 
     organization board includes officials of public agencies that 
     administer or operate major modes of transportation in the 
     relevant metropolitan area, including providers of public 
     transportation; and
       ``(C) a transportation improvement program for the 
     metropolitan planning area has been approved by the relevant 
     metropolitan planning organization and applicable Governor.
       ``(3) Delegation of authority.--The Secretary may--
       ``(A) delegate to the appropriate State fact-finding 
     authority regarding the certification of a tier II MPO under 
     this subsection; and
       ``(B) make the certification under paragraph (1) in 
     consultation with the State.
       ``(4) Effect of failure to certify.--
       ``(A) Withholding of project funds.--If a metropolitan 
     transportation planning process of a metropolitan planning 
     organization is not certified under paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary may withhold up to 20 percent of the funds 
     attributable to the metropolitan planning area of the 
     metropolitan planning organization for projects funded under 
     this chapter and title 23.
       ``(B) Restoration of withheld funds.--Any funds withheld 
     under subparagraph (A) shall be restored to the metropolitan 
     planning area on the date of certification of the 
     metropolitan transportation planning process by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(5) Public involvement.--In making a determination 
     regarding certification under this subsection, the Secretary 
     shall provide for public involvement appropriate to the 
     metropolitan planning area under review.
       ``(m) Performance-based Planning Processes Evaluation.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish criteria 
     to evaluate the effectiveness of the performance-based 
     planning processes of metropolitan planning organizations 
     under this section, taking into consideration the following:
       ``(A) The extent to which the metropolitan planning 
     organization has achieved, or is currently making substantial 
     progress toward achieving, the performance targets specified 
     in subsection (h)(2), taking into account whether the 
     metropolitan planning organization developed meaningful 
     performance targets.
       ``(B) The extent to which the metropolitan planning 
     organization has used proven best practices that help ensure 
     transportation investment that is efficient and cost-
     effective.
       ``(C) The extent to which the metropolitan planning 
     organization--
       ``(i) has developed an investment process that relies on 
     public input and awareness to ensure that investments are 
     transparent and accountable; and
       ``(ii) provides regular reports allowing the public to 
     access the information being collected in a format that 
     allows the public to meaningfully assess the performance of 
     the metropolitan planning organization.
       ``(2) Report.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
     enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, 
     the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report evaluating--
       ``(i) the overall effectiveness of performance-based 
     planning as a tool for guiding transportation investments; 
     and
       ``(ii) the effectiveness of the performance-based planning 
     process of each metropolitan planning organization under this 
     section.
       ``(B) Publication.--The report under subparagraph (A) shall 
     be published or otherwise made available in electronically 
     accessible formats and means, including on the Internet.
       ``(n) Additional Requirements for Certain Nonattainment 
     Areas.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     this chapter or title 23, Federal funds may not be advanced 
     in any metropolitan planning area classified as a 
     nonattainment area or maintenance area for any highway 
     project that will result in a significant increase in the 
     carrying capacity for

[[Page S716]]

     single-occupant vehicles, unless the owner or operator of the 
     project demonstrates that the project will achieve or make 
     substantial progress toward achieving the performance targets 
     described in subsection (h)(2).
       ``(2) Applicability.--This subsection applies to any 
     nonattainment area or maintenance area within the boundaries 
     of a metropolitan planning area, as determined under 
     subsection (d).
       ``(o) Effect of Section.--Nothing in this section provides 
     to any metropolitan planning organization the authority to 
     impose any legal requirement on any transportation facility, 
     provider, or project not subject to the requirements of this 
     chapter or title 23.
       ``(p) Funding.--Funds apportioned under section 104(b)(6) 
     of title 23 and set aside under section 5305(g) of this title 
     shall be available to carry out this section.
       ``(q) Continuation of Current Review Practice.--
       ``(1) In general.--In consideration of the factors 
     described in paragraph (2), any decision by the Secretary 
     concerning a metropolitan transportation plan or 
     transportation improvement program shall not be considered to 
     be a Federal action subject to review under the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
       ``(2) Description of factors.--The factors referred to in 
     paragraph (1) are that--
       ``(A) metropolitan transportation plans and transportation 
     improvement programs are subject to a reasonable opportunity 
     for public comment;
       ``(B) the projects included in metropolitan transportation 
     plans and transportation improvement programs are subject to 
     review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
     (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
       ``(C) decisions by the Secretary concerning metropolitan 
     transportation plans and transportation improvement programs 
     have not been reviewed under the National Environmental 
     Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) as of January 1, 
     1997.
       ``(r) Schedule for Implementation.--The Secretary shall 
     issue guidance on a schedule for implementation of the 
     changes made by this section, taking into consideration the 
     established planning update cycle for metropolitan planning 
     organizations. The Secretary shall not require a metropolitan 
     planning organization to deviate from its established 
     planning update cycle to implement changes made by this 
     section. Metropolitan planning organizations shall reflect 
     changes made to their transportation plan or transportation 
     improvement program updates not later than 2 years after the 
     date of issuance of guidance by the Secretary.''.
       (b) Pilot Program for Transit-oriented Development 
     Planning.--
       (1) Definitions.--In this subsection the following 
     definitions shall apply:
       (A) Eligible project.--The term ``eligible project'' means 
     a new fixed guideway capital project or a core capacity 
     improvement project, as those terms are defined in section 
     5309 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this 
     division.
       (B) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Transportation.
       (2) General authority.--The Secretary may make grants under 
     this subsection to a State or local governmental authority to 
     assist in financing comprehensive planning associated with an 
     eligible project that seeks to--
       (A) enhance economic development, ridership, and other 
     goals established during the project development and 
     engineering processes;
       (B) facilitate multimodal connectivity and accessibility;
       (C) increase access to transit hubs for pedestrian and 
     bicycle traffic;
       (D) enable mixed-use development;
       (E) identify infrastructure needs associated with the 
     eligible project; and
       (F) include private sector participation.
       (3) Eligibility.--A State or local governmental authority 
     that desires to participate in the program under this 
     subsection shall submit to the Secretary an application that 
     contains, at a minimum--
       (A) identification of an eligible project;
       (B) a schedule and process for the development of a 
     comprehensive plan;
       (C) a description of how the eligible project and the 
     proposed comprehensive plan advance the metropolitan 
     transportation plan of the metropolitan planning 
     organization;
       (D) proposed performance criteria for the development and 
     implementation of the comprehensive plan; and
       (E) identification of--
       (i) partners;
       (ii) availability of and authority for funding; and
       (iii) potential State, local or other impediments to the 
     implementation of the comprehensive plan.

     SEC. 20006. STATEWIDE AND NONMETROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION 
                   PLANNING.

       Section 5304 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5304. Statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation 
       planning

       ``(a) Statewide Transportation Plans and STIPs.--
       ``(1) Development.--
       ``(A) In general.--To accomplish the policy objectives 
     described in section 5303(a), each State shall develop a 
     statewide transportation plan and a statewide transportation 
     improvement program for all areas of the State in accordance 
     with this section.
       ``(B) Incorporation of metropolitan transportation plans 
     and tips.--Each State shall incorporate in the statewide 
     transportation plan and statewide transportation improvement 
     program, without change or by reference, the metropolitan 
     transportation plans and transportation improvement programs, 
     respectively, for each metropolitan planning area in the 
     State.
       ``(C) Nonmetropolitan areas.--Each State shall coordinate 
     with local officials in small urbanized areas with a 
     population of 50,000 or more individuals, but fewer than 
     200,000 individuals, as calculated according to the most 
     recent decennial census, and nonurbanized areas of the State 
     in preparing the nonmetropolitan portions of statewide 
     transportation plans and statewide transportation improvement 
     programs.
       ``(2) Contents.--The statewide transportation plan and 
     statewide transportation improvement program developed for 
     each State shall provide for the development and integrated 
     management and operation of transportation systems and 
     facilities (including accessible pedestrian walkways, bicycle 
     transportation facilities, and intermodal facilities that 
     support intercity transportation) that will function as--
       ``(A) an intermodal transportation system for the State; 
     and
       ``(B) an integral part of an intermodal transportation 
     system for the United States.
       ``(3) Process.--The process for developing the statewide 
     transportation plan and statewide transportation improvement 
     program shall--
       ``(A) provide for consideration of all modes of 
     transportation; and
       ``(B) be continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive to the 
     degree appropriate, based on the complexity of the 
     transportation needs to be addressed.
       ``(b) Coordination and Consultation.--
       ``(1) In general.--Each State shall--
       ``(A) coordinate planning carried out under this section 
     with--
       ``(i) the transportation planning activities carried out 
     under section 5303 for metropolitan areas of the State; and
       ``(ii) statewide trade and economic development planning 
     activities and related multistate planning efforts;
       ``(B) coordinate planning carried out under this section 
     with the transportation planning activities carried out by 
     each nonmetropolitan planning organization in the State, as 
     applicable;
       ``(C) coordinate planning carried out under this section 
     with the transportation planning activities carried out by 
     each rural planning organization in the State, as applicable; 
     and
       ``(D) develop the transportation portion of the State 
     implementation plan as required by the Clean Air Act (42 
     U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).
       ``(2) Multistate areas.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall encourage each 
     Governor with responsibility for a portion of a multistate 
     metropolitan planning area and the appropriate metropolitan 
     planning organizations to provide coordinated transportation 
     planning for the entire metropolitan area.
       ``(B) Coordination along designated transportation 
     corridors.--The Secretary shall encourage each Governor with 
     responsibility for a portion of a multistate transportation 
     corridor to provide coordinated transportation planning for 
     the entire designated corridor.
       ``(C) Interstate compacts.--For purposes of this section, 
     any 2 or more States--
       ``(i) may enter into compacts, agreements, or organizations 
     not in conflict with any Federal law for cooperative efforts 
     and mutual assistance in support of activities authorized 
     under this section, as the activities relate to interstate 
     areas and localities within the States;
       ``(ii) may establish such agencies (joint or otherwise) as 
     the States determine to be appropriate for ensuring the 
     effectiveness of the agreements and compacts; and
       ``(iii) are encouraged to enter into such compacts, 
     agreements, or organizations as are appropriate to develop 
     planning documents in support of intercity or multistate area 
     projects, facilities, and services, the relevant components 
     of which shall be reflected in statewide transportation 
     improvement programs and statewide transportation plans.
       ``(D) Reservation of rights.--The right to alter, amend, or 
     repeal any interstate compact or agreement entered into under 
     this subsection is expressly reserved.
       ``(c) Relationship With Other Planning Officials.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall encourage each State 
     to cooperate with Federal, State, tribal, and local officers 
     and entities responsible for other types of planning 
     activities that are affected by transportation in the 
     relevant area (including planned growth, economic 
     development, infrastructure services, housing, other public 
     services, environmental protection, airport operations, high-
     speed and intercity passenger rail, freight rail, port 
     access, and freight movements), to the maximum extent 
     practicable, to ensure that the statewide and nonmetropolitan 
     planning process, statewide transportation plans, and 
     statewide transportation improvement programs are developed 
     with due consideration for other related planning activities 
     in the State.
       ``(2) Inclusion.--Cooperation under paragraph (1) shall 
     include the design and delivery of transportation services 
     within the State that are provided by--
       ``(A) recipients of assistance under sections 202, 203, and 
     204 of title 23;
       ``(B) recipients of assistance under this chapter;

[[Page S717]]

       ``(C) government agencies and nonprofit organizations 
     (including representatives of the agencies and organizations) 
     that receive Federal assistance from a source other than the 
     Department of Transportation to provide nonemergency 
     transportation services; and
       ``(D) sponsors of regionally significant programs, 
     projects, and services that are related to transportation and 
     receive assistance from any public or private source.
       ``(d) Scope of Planning Process.--
       ``(1) In general.--The statewide transportation planning 
     process for a State under this section shall provide for 
     consideration of projects, strategies, and services that 
     will--
       ``(A) support the economic vitality of the United States, 
     the State, nonmetropolitan areas, and metropolitan areas, 
     especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, 
     and efficiency;
       ``(B) increase the safety of the transportation system for 
     motorized and nonmotorized users;
       ``(C) increase the security of the transportation system 
     for motorized and nonmotorized users;
       ``(D) increase the accessibility and mobility of 
     individuals and freight;
       ``(E) protect and enhance the environment, promote energy 
     conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote 
     consistency between transportation improvements and State and 
     local planned growth and economic development patterns;
       ``(F) enhance the integration and connectivity of the 
     transportation system, across and between modes, for 
     individuals and freight;
       ``(G) increase efficient system management and operation; 
     and
       ``(H) emphasize the preservation of the existing 
     transportation system.
       ``(2) Performance-based approach.--
       ``(A) In general.--The statewide transportation planning 
     process shall provide for the establishment and use of a 
     performance-based approach to transportation decisionmaking 
     to support the national goals described in section 5301(c) of 
     this title and in section 150(b) of title 23.
       ``(B) Surface transportation performance targets.--
       ``(i) In general.--Each State shall establish performance 
     targets that address the performance measures described in 
     sections 119(f), 148(h), and 167(i) of title 23 to use in 
     tracking attainment of critical outcomes for the region of 
     the State.
       ``(ii) Coordination.--Selection of performance targets by a 
     State shall be coordinated with relevant metropolitan 
     planning organizations to ensure consistency, to the maximum 
     extent practicable.
       ``(C) Public transportation performance targets.--For 
     providers of public transportation operating in urbanized 
     areas with a population of fewer than 200,000 individuals, as 
     calculated according to the most recent decennial census, and 
     not represented by a metropolitan planning organization, each 
     State shall adopt the performance targets identified by such 
     providers of public transportation pursuant to sections 
     5326(c) and 5329(d), for use in tracking attainment of 
     critical outcomes for the region of the metropolitan planning 
     organization.
       ``(D) Integration of other performance-based plans.--A 
     State shall integrate into the statewide transportation 
     planning process, directly or by reference, the goals, 
     objectives, performance measures, and performance targets 
     described in this paragraph in other State plans and 
     processes, and asset management and safety plans developed by 
     providers of public transportation in urbanized areas with a 
     population of fewer than 200,000 individuals, as calculated 
     according to the most recent decennial census, and not 
     represented by a metropolitan planning organization, required 
     as part of a performance-based program, including plans such 
     as--
       ``(i) the State National Highway System asset management 
     plan;
       ``(ii) asset management plans developed by providers of 
     public transportation;
       ``(iii) the State strategic highway safety plan;
       ``(iv) safety plans developed by providers of public 
     transportation; and
       ``(v) the national freight strategic plan.
       ``(E) Use of performance measures and targets.--The 
     performance measures and targets established under this 
     paragraph shall be used, at a minimum, by a State as the 
     basis for development of policies, programs, and investment 
     priorities reflected in the statewide transportation plan and 
     statewide transportation improvement program.
       ``(3) Failure to consider factors.--The failure to take 
     into consideration 1 or more of the factors specified in 
     paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not be subject to review by any 
     court under this chapter, title 23, subchapter II of chapter 
     5 of title 5, or chapter 7 of title 5 in any matter affecting 
     a statewide transportation plan, a statewide transportation 
     improvement program, a project or strategy, or the 
     certification of a planning process.
       ``(4) Participation by interested parties.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each State shall provide to affected 
     individuals, public agencies, and other interested parties 
     notice and a reasonable opportunity to comment on the 
     statewide transportation plan and statewide transportation 
     improvement program.
       ``(B) Methods.--In carrying out subparagraph (A), the State 
     shall, to the maximum extent practicable--
       ``(i) develop the statewide transportation plan and 
     statewide transportation improvement program in consultation 
     with interested parties, as appropriate, including by the 
     formation of advisory groups representative of the State and 
     interested parties that participate in the development of the 
     statewide transportation plan and statewide transportation 
     improvement program;
       ``(ii) hold any public meetings at times and locations that 
     are, as applicable--

       ``(I) convenient; and
       ``(II) in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities 
     Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.);

       ``(iii) employ visualization techniques to describe 
     statewide transportation plans and statewide transportation 
     improvement programs; and
       ``(iv) make public information available in appropriate 
     electronically accessible formats and means, such as the 
     Internet, to afford reasonable opportunity for consideration 
     of public information under subparagraph (A).
       ``(e) Coordination and Consultation.--
       ``(1) Metropolitan areas.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each State shall develop a statewide 
     transportation plan and statewide transportation improvement 
     program for each metropolitan area in the State by 
     incorporating, without change or by reference, at a minimum, 
     as prepared by each metropolitan planning organization 
     designated for the metropolitan area under section 5303--
       ``(i) all regionally significant projects to be carried out 
     during the 10-year period beginning on the effective date of 
     the relevant existing metropolitan transportation plan; and
       ``(ii) all projects to be carried out during the 4-year 
     period beginning on the effective date of the relevant 
     transportation improvement program.
       ``(B) Projected costs.--Each metropolitan planning 
     organization shall provide to each applicable State a 
     description of the projected costs of implementing the 
     projects included in the metropolitan transportation plan of 
     the metropolitan planning organization for purposes of 
     metropolitan financial planning and fiscal constraint.
       ``(2) Nonmetropolitan areas.--With respect to 
     nonmetropolitan areas in a State, the statewide 
     transportation plan and statewide transportation improvement 
     program of the State shall be developed in coordination with 
     affected nonmetropolitan local officials with responsibility 
     for transportation, including providers of public 
     transportation.
       ``(3) Indian tribal areas.--With respect to each area of a 
     State under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe, the 
     statewide transportation plan and statewide transportation 
     improvement program of the State shall be developed in 
     consultation with--
       ``(A) the tribal government; and
       ``(B) the Secretary of the Interior.
       ``(4) Federal land management agencies.--With respect to 
     each area of a State under the jurisdiction of a Federal land 
     management agency, the statewide transportation plan and 
     statewide transportation improvement program of the State 
     shall be developed in consultation with the relevant Federal 
     land management agency.
       ``(5) Consultation, comparison, and consideration.--
       ``(A) In general.--A statewide transportation plan shall be 
     developed, as appropriate, in consultation with Federal, 
     State, tribal, and local agencies responsible for land use 
     management, natural resources, infrastructure permitting, 
     environmental protection, conservation, and historic 
     preservation.
       ``(B) Comparison and consideration.--Consultation under 
     subparagraph (A) shall involve the comparison of statewide 
     transportation plans to, as available--
       ``(i) Federal, State, tribal, and local conservation plans 
     or maps; and
       ``(ii) inventories of natural or historic resources.
       ``(f) Statewide Transportation Plan.--
       ``(1) Development.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each State shall develop a statewide 
     transportation plan, the forecast period of which shall be 
     not less than 20 years for all areas of the State, that 
     provides for the development and implementation of the 
     intermodal transportation system of the State.
       ``(B) Initial period.--A statewide transportation plan 
     shall include, at a minimum, for the first 10-year period of 
     the statewide transportation plan, the identification of 
     existing and future transportation facilities that will 
     function as an integrated statewide transportation system, 
     giving emphasis to those facilities that serve important 
     national, statewide, and regional transportation functions.
       ``(C) Subsequent period.--For the second 10-year period of 
     the statewide transportation plan (referred to in this 
     subsection as the `outer years period'), a statewide 
     transportation plan--
       ``(i) may include identification of future transportation 
     facilities; and
       ``(ii) shall describe the policies and strategies that 
     provide for the development and implementation of the 
     intermodal transportation system of the State.
       ``(D) Other requirements.--A statewide transportation plan 
     shall--
       ``(i) include, for the 20-year period covered by the 
     statewide transportation plan, a description of--

       ``(I) the projected aggregate cost of projects anticipated 
     by a State to be implemented; and
       ``(II) the revenues necessary to support the projects;

[[Page S718]]

       ``(ii) include, in such form as the Secretary determines to 
     be appropriate, a description of--

       ``(I) the existing transportation infrastructure, including 
     an identification of highways, local streets and roads, 
     bicycle and pedestrian facilities, public transportation 
     facilities and services, commuter rail facilities and 
     services, high-speed and intercity passenger rail facilities 
     and services, freight facilities (including freight railroad 
     and port facilities), multimodal and intermodal facilities, 
     and intermodal connectors that, evaluated in the aggregate, 
     function as an integrated transportation system;
       ``(II) the performance measures and performance targets 
     used in assessing the existing and future performance of the 
     transportation system described in subsection (d)(2);
       ``(III) the current and projected future usage of the 
     transportation system, including, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, an identification of existing or planned 
     transportation rights-of-way, corridors, facilities, and 
     related real properties;
       ``(IV) a system performance report evaluating the existing 
     and future condition and performance of the transportation 
     system with respect to the performance targets described in 
     subsection (d)(2) and updates to subsequent system 
     performance reports, including--

       ``(aa) progress achieved by the State in meeting 
     performance targets, as compared to system performance 
     recorded in previous reports; and
       ``(bb) an accounting of the performance by the State on 
     outlay of obligated project funds and delivery of projects 
     that have reached substantial completion, in relation to the 
     projects currently on the statewide transportation 
     improvement program and those projects that have been removed 
     from the previous statewide transportation improvement 
     program;

       ``(V) recommended strategies and investments for improving 
     system performance over the planning horizon, including 
     transportation systems management and operations strategies, 
     maintenance strategies, demand management strategies, asset 
     management strategies, capacity and enhancement investments, 
     land use improvements, intelligent transportation systems 
     deployment and technology adoption strategies as determined 
     by the projected support of performance targets described in 
     subsection (d)(2);
       ``(VI) recommended strategies and investments to improve 
     and integrate disability-related access to transportation 
     infrastructure;
       ``(VII) investment priorities for using projected available 
     and proposed revenues over the short- and long-term stages of 
     the planning horizon, in accordance with the financial plan 
     required under paragraph (2);
       ``(VIII) a description of interstate compacts entered into 
     in order to promote coordinated transportation planning in 
     multistate areas, if applicable;
       ``(IX) an optional illustrative list of projects containing 
     investments that--

       ``(aa) are not included in the statewide transportation 
     plan; but
       ``(bb) would be so included if resources in addition to the 
     resources identified in the financial plan under paragraph 
     (2) were available;

       ``(X) a discussion (developed in consultation with Federal, 
     State, and tribal wildlife, land management, and regulatory 
     agencies) of types of potential environmental and stormwater 
     mitigation activities and potential areas to carry out those 
     activities, including activities that may have the greatest 
     potential to restore and maintain the environmental functions 
     affected by the statewide transportation plan; and
       ``(XI) recommended strategies and investments, including 
     those developed by the State as part of interstate compacts, 
     agreements, or organizations, that support intercity 
     transportation; and

       ``(iii) be updated by the State not less frequently than 
     once every 5 years.
       ``(2) Financial plan.--A financial plan referred to in 
     paragraph (1)(D)(ii)(VII) shall--
       ``(A) be prepared by each State to support the statewide 
     transportation plan; and
       ``(B) contain a description of--
       ``(i) the projected resource requirements during the 20-
     year planning horizon for implementing projects, strategies, 
     and services recommended in the statewide transportation 
     plan, including existing and projected system operating and 
     maintenance needs, proposed enhancement and expansions to the 
     system, projected available revenue from Federal, State, 
     local, and private sources, and innovative financing 
     techniques to finance projects and programs;
       ``(ii) the projected difference between costs and revenues, 
     and strategies for securing additional new revenue (such as 
     by capture of some of the economic value created by any new 
     investment);
       ``(iii) estimates of future funds, to be developed 
     cooperatively by the State, any public transportation agency, 
     and relevant metropolitan planning organizations, that are 
     reasonably expected to be available to support the investment 
     priorities recommended in the statewide transportation plan;
       ``(iv) each applicable project, only if full funding can 
     reasonably be anticipated to be available for the project 
     within the time period contemplated for completion of the 
     project; and
       ``(v) aggregate cost ranges or bands, subject to the 
     condition that any future funding source shall be reasonably 
     expected to be available to support the projected cost ranges 
     or bands, for the outer years period of the statewide 
     transportation plan.
       ``(3) Coordination with clean air act agencies.--For any 
     nonmetropolitan area that is a nonattainment area or 
     maintenance area, the State shall coordinate the development 
     of the statewide transportation plan with the process for 
     development of the transportation control measures of the 
     State implementation plan required by the Clean Air Act (42 
     U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).
       ``(4) Publication.--A statewide transportation plan 
     involving Federal and non-Federal participation programs, 
     projects, and strategies shall be published or otherwise made 
     readily available by the State for public review, including 
     (to the maximum extent practicable) in electronically 
     accessible formats and means, such as the Internet, in such 
     manner as the Secretary shall require.
       ``(5) Selection of projects from illustrative list.--
     Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a State shall not be required 
     to select any project from the illustrative list of 
     additional projects included in the statewide transportation 
     plan under paragraph (1)(D)(ii)(IX).
       ``(g) Statewide Transportation Improvement Programs.--
       ``(1) Development.--
       ``(A) In general.--In cooperation with nonmetropolitan 
     officials with responsibility for transportation and affected 
     public transportation operators, the State shall develop a 
     statewide transportation improvement program for the State 
     that--
       ``(i) includes projects consistent with the statewide 
     transportation plan;
       ``(ii) reflects the investment priorities established in 
     the statewide transportation plan; and
       ``(iii) once implemented, makes significant progress toward 
     achieving the performance targets described in subsection 
     (d)(2).
       ``(B) Opportunity for participation.--In developing a 
     statewide transportation improvement program, the State, in 
     cooperation with affected public transportation operators, 
     shall provide an opportunity for participation by interested 
     parties in the development of the statewide transportation 
     improvement program, in accordance with subsection (e).
       ``(C) Other requirements.--
       ``(i) In general.--A statewide transportation improvement 
     program shall--

       ``(I) cover a period of not less than 4 years; and
       ``(II) be updated not less frequently than once every 4 
     years, or more frequently, as the Governor determines to be 
     appropriate.

       ``(ii) Incorporation of tips.--A statewide transportation 
     improvement program shall incorporate any relevant 
     transportation improvement program developed by a 
     metropolitan planning organization under section 5303, 
     without change.
       ``(iii) Projects.--Each project included in a statewide 
     transportation improvement program shall be--

       ``(I) consistent with the statewide transportation plan 
     developed under this section for the State;
       ``(II) identical to a project or phase of a project 
     described in a relevant transportation improvement program; 
     and
       ``(III) for any project located in a nonattainment area or 
     maintenance area, carried out in accordance with the 
     applicable State air quality implementation plan developed 
     under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).

       ``(2) Contents.--
       ``(A) Priority list.--A statewide transportation 
     improvement program shall include a priority list of proposed 
     federally supported projects and strategies, to be carried 
     out during the 4-year period beginning on the date of 
     adoption of the statewide transportation improvement program, 
     and during each 4-year period thereafter, using existing and 
     reasonably available revenues in accordance with the 
     financial plan under paragraph (3).
       ``(B) Descriptions.--Each project or phase of a project 
     included in a statewide transportation improvement program 
     shall include sufficient descriptive material (such as type 
     of work, termini, length, estimated completion date, and 
     other similar factors) to identify--
       ``(i) the project or project phase; and
       ``(ii) the effect that the project or project phase will 
     have in addressing the performance targets described in 
     subsection (d)(2).
       ``(C) Performance target achievement.--A statewide 
     transportation improvement program shall include, to the 
     maximum extent practicable, a discussion of the anticipated 
     effect of the statewide transportation improvement program 
     toward achieving the performance targets established in the 
     statewide transportation plan, linking investment priorities 
     to those performance targets.
       ``(D) Illustrative list of projects.--An optional 
     illustrative list of projects may be prepared containing 
     additional investment priorities that--
       ``(i) are not included in the statewide transportation 
     improvement program; but
       ``(ii) would be so included if resources in addition to the 
     resources identified in the financial plan under paragraph 
     (3) were available.
       ``(3) Financial plan.--A financial plan referred to in 
     paragraph (2)(D)(ii) shall--
       ``(A) be prepared by each State to support the statewide 
     transportation improvement program; and

[[Page S719]]

       ``(B) contain a description of--
       ``(i) the projected resource requirements for implementing 
     projects, strategies, and services recommended in the 
     statewide transportation improvement program, including 
     existing and projected system operating and maintenance 
     needs, proposed enhancement and expansions to the system, 
     projected available revenue from Federal, State, local, and 
     private sources, and innovative financing techniques to 
     finance projects and programs;
       ``(ii) the projected difference between costs and revenues, 
     and strategies for securing additional new revenue (such as 
     by capture of some of the economic value created by any new 
     investment);
       ``(iii) estimates of future funds, to be developed 
     cooperatively by the State and relevant metropolitan planning 
     organizations and public transportation agencies, that are 
     reasonably expected to be available to support the investment 
     priorities recommended in the statewide transportation 
     improvement program; and
       ``(iv) each applicable project, only if full funding can 
     reasonably be anticipated to be available for the project 
     within the time period contemplated for completion of the 
     project.
       ``(4) Included projects.--
       ``(A) Projects under this chapter and title 23.--A 
     statewide transportation improvement program developed under 
     this subsection for a State shall include the projects within 
     the State that are proposed for funding under this chapter 
     and chapter 1 of title 23.
       ``(B) Projects under this chapter and chapter 2.--
       ``(i) Regionally significant.--Each regionally significant 
     project proposed for funding under this chapter and chapter 2 
     of title 23 shall be identified individually in the statewide 
     transportation improvement program.
       ``(ii) Nonregionally significant.--A description of each 
     project proposed for funding under this chapter and chapter 2 
     of title 23 that is not determined to be regionally 
     significant shall be contained in 1 line item or identified 
     individually in the statewide transportation improvement 
     program.
       ``(5) Publication.--
       ``(A) In general.--A statewide transportation improvement 
     program shall be published or otherwise made readily 
     available by the State for public review in electronically 
     accessible formats and means, such as the Internet.
       ``(B) Annual list of projects.--An annual list of projects, 
     including investments in pedestrian walkways, bicycle 
     transportation facilities, and intermodal facilities that 
     support intercity transportation, for which Federal funds 
     have been obligated during the preceding fiscal year shall be 
     published or otherwise made available by the cooperative 
     effort of the State, public transportation operator, and 
     relevant metropolitan planning organizations in 
     electronically accessible formats and means, such as the 
     Internet, in a manner that is consistent with the categories 
     identified in the relevant statewide transportation 
     improvement program.
       ``(6) Project selection for urbanized areas with 
     populations of fewer than 200,000 not represented by 
     designated mpos.--Projects carried out in urbanized areas 
     with populations of fewer than 200,000 individuals, as 
     calculated according to the most recent decennial census, and 
     that are not represented by designated metropolitan planning 
     organizations, shall be selected from the approved statewide 
     transportation improvement program (including projects 
     carried out under this chapter and projects carried out by 
     the State), in cooperation with the affected nonmetropolitan 
     planning organization, if any exists, and in consultation 
     with the affected nonmetropolitan area local officials with 
     responsibility for transportation.
       ``(7) Approval by secretary.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not less frequently than once every 4 
     years, a statewide transportation improvement program 
     developed under this subsection shall be reviewed and 
     approved by the Secretary, based on the current planning 
     finding of the Secretary under subparagraph (B).
       ``(B) Planning finding.--The Secretary shall make a 
     planning finding referred to in subparagraph (A) not less 
     frequently than once every 5 years regarding whether the 
     transportation planning process through which statewide 
     transportation plans and statewide transportation improvement 
     programs are developed is consistent with this section and 
     section 5303.
       ``(8) Modifications to project priority.--Approval by the 
     Secretary shall not be required to carry out a project 
     included in an approved statewide transportation improvement 
     program in place of another project in the statewide 
     transportation improvement program.
       ``(h) Certification.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) ensure that the statewide transportation planning 
     process of a State is being carried out in accordance with 
     applicable Federal law; and
       ``(B) subject to paragraph (2), certify, not less 
     frequently than once every 5 years, that the requirements of 
     subparagraph (A) are met with respect to the statewide 
     transportation planning process.
       ``(2) Requirements for certification.--The Secretary may 
     make a certification under paragraph (1)(B) if--
       ``(A) the statewide transportation planning process 
     complies with the requirements of this section and other 
     applicable Federal law; and
       ``(B) a statewide transportation improvement program for 
     the State has been approved by the Governor of the State.
       ``(3) Effect of failure to certify.--
       ``(A) Withholding of project funds.--If a statewide 
     transportation planning process of a State is not certified 
     under paragraph (1), the Secretary may withhold up to 20 
     percent of the funds attributable to the State for projects 
     funded under this chapter and title 23.
       ``(B) Restoration of withheld funds.--Any funds withheld 
     under subparagraph (A) shall be restored to the State on the 
     date of certification of the statewide transportation 
     planning process by the Secretary.
       ``(4) Public involvement.--In making a determination 
     regarding certification under this subsection, the Secretary 
     shall provide for public involvement appropriate to the State 
     under review.
       ``(i) Performance-based Planning Processes Evaluation.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish criteria 
     to evaluate the effectiveness of the performance-based 
     planning processes of States, taking into consideration the 
     following:
       ``(A) The extent to which the State has achieved, or is 
     currently making substantial progress toward achieving, the 
     performance targets described in subsection (d)(2), taking 
     into account whether the State developed meaningful 
     performance targets.
       ``(B) The extent to which the State has used proven best 
     practices that help ensure transportation investment that is 
     efficient and cost-effective.
       ``(C) The extent to which the State--
       ``(i) has developed an investment process that relies on 
     public input and awareness to ensure that investments are 
     transparent and accountable; and
       ``(ii) provides regular reports allowing the public to 
     access the information being collected in a format that 
     allows the public to meaningfully assess the performance of 
     the State.
       ``(2) Report.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
     enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, 
     the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report evaluating--
       ``(i) the overall effectiveness of performance-based 
     planning as a tool for guiding transportation investments; 
     and
       ``(ii) the effectiveness of the performance-based planning 
     process of each State.
       ``(B) Publication.--The report under subparagraph (A) shall 
     be published or otherwise made available in electronically 
     accessible formats and means, including on the Internet.
       ``(j) Funding.--Funds apportioned under section 104(b)(6) 
     of title 23 and set aside under section 5305(g) shall be 
     available to carry out this section.
       ``(k) Continuation of Current Review Practice.--
       ``(1) In general.--In consideration of the factors 
     described in paragraph (2), any decision by the Secretary 
     concerning a statewide transportation plan or statewide 
     transportation improvement program shall not be considered to 
     be a Federal action subject to review under the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
       ``(2) Description of factors.--The factors referred to in 
     paragraph (1) are that--
       ``(A) statewide transportation plans and statewide 
     transportation improvement programs are subject to a 
     reasonable opportunity for public comment;
       ``(B) the projects included in statewide transportation 
     plans and statewide transportation improvement programs are 
     subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act 
     of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
       ``(C) decisions by the Secretary concerning statewide 
     transportation plans and statewide transportation improvement 
     programs have not been reviewed under the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) as 
     of January 1, 1997.
       ``(l) Schedule for Implementation.--The Secretary shall 
     issue guidance on a schedule for implementation of the 
     changes made by this section, taking into consideration the 
     established planning update cycle for States. The Secretary 
     shall not require a State to deviate from its established 
     planning update cycle to implement changes made by this 
     section. States shall reflect changes made to their 
     transportation plan or transportation improvement program 
     updates not later than 2 years after the date of issuance of 
     guidance by the Secretary under this subsection.''.

     SEC. 20007. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAM.

       Section 5306 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5306. Public transportation emergency relief program

       ``(a) Definition.--In this section the following 
     definitions shall apply:
       ``(1) Eligible operating costs.--The term `eligible 
     operating costs' means costs relating to--
       ``(A) evacuation services;
       ``(B) rescue operations;
       ``(C) temporary public transportation service; or
       ``(D) reestablishing, expanding, or relocating public 
     transportation route service before, during, or after an 
     emergency.
       ``(2) Emergency.--The term `emergency' means a natural 
     disaster affecting a wide

[[Page S720]]

     area (such as a flood, hurricane, tidal wave, earthquake, 
     severe storm, or landslide) or a catastrophic failure from 
     any external cause, as a result of which--
       ``(A) the Governor of a State has declared an emergency and 
     the Secretary has concurred; or
       ``(B) the President has declared a major disaster under 
     section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170).
       ``(b) General Authority.--
       ``(1) Capital assistance.--The Secretary may make grants 
     and enter into contracts and other agreements (including 
     agreements with departments, agencies, and instrumentalities 
     of the Government) for capital projects to protect, repair, 
     reconstruct, or replace equipment and facilities of a public 
     transportation system operating in the United States or on an 
     Indian reservation that the Secretary determines is in danger 
     of suffering serious damage, or has suffered serious damage, 
     as a result of an emergency.
       ``(2) Operating assistance.--Of the funds appropriated to 
     carry out this section, the Secretary may make grants and 
     enter into contracts or other agreements for the eligible 
     operating costs of public transportation equipment and 
     facilities in an area directly affected by an emergency 
     during--
       ``(A) the 1-year period beginning on the date of a 
     declaration described in subsection (a)(2); or
       ``(B) if the Secretary determines there is a compelling 
     need, the 2-year period beginning on the date of a 
     declaration described in subsection (a)(2).
       ``(c) Coordination of Emergency Funds.--
       ``(1) Use of funds.--Funds appropriated to carry out this 
     section shall be in addition to any other funds available--
       ``(A) under this chapter; or
       ``(B) for the same purposes as authorized under this 
     section by any other branch of the Government, including the 
     Federal Emergency Management Agency, or a State agency, local 
     governmental entity, organization, or person.
       ``(2) Notification.--The Secretary shall notify the 
     Secretary of Homeland Security of the purpose and amount of 
     any grant made or contract or other agreement entered into 
     under this section.
       ``(d) Interagency Transfers.--Amounts that are made 
     available for emergency purposes to any other agency of the 
     Government, including the Federal Emergency Management 
     Agency, and that are eligible to be expended for purposes 
     authorized under this section may be transferred to and 
     administered by the Secretary under this section.
       ``(e) Interagency Agreement.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into an 
     interagency agreement with the Secretary of Homeland Security 
     which shall provide for the means by which the Department of 
     Transportation, including the Federal Transit Administration, 
     and the Department of Homeland Security, including the 
     Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall cooperate in 
     administering emergency relief for public transportation.
       ``(2) Contents.--The interagency agreement under paragraph 
     (1) shall provide that funds made available to the Federal 
     Emergency Management Agency for emergency relief for public 
     transportation shall be transferred to the Secretary to carry 
     out this section, to the maximum extent possible.
       ``(f) Grant Requirements.--A grant awarded under this 
     section shall be subject to the terms and conditions the 
     Secretary determines are necessary.
       ``(g) Government Share of Costs.--
       ``(1) Capital projects and operating assistance.--A grant, 
     contract, or other agreement for a capital project or 
     eligible operating costs under this section shall be, at the 
     option of the recipient, for not more than 80 percent of the 
     net project cost, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(2) Non-federal share.--The remainder of the net project 
     cost may be provided from an undistributed cash surplus, a 
     replacement or depreciation cash fund or reserve, or new 
     capital.
       ``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive, in whole or part, 
     the non-Federal share required under paragraph (2).''.

     SEC. 20008. URBANIZED AREA FORMULA GRANTS.

       Section 5307 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5307. Urbanized area formula grants

       ``(a) General Authority.--
       ``(1) Grants.--The Secretary may make grants under this 
     section for--
       ``(A) capital projects;
       ``(B) planning; and
       ``(C) operating costs of equipment and facilities for use 
     in public transportation in an urbanized area with a 
     population of fewer than 200,000 individuals, as determined 
     by the Bureau of the Census.
       ``(2) Special rule.--The Secretary may make grants under 
     this section to finance the operating cost of equipment and 
     facilities for use in public transportation, excluding rail 
     fixed guideway, in an urbanized area with a population of not 
     fewer than 200,000 individuals, as determined by the Bureau 
     of the Census--
       ``(A) for public transportation systems that operate 75 or 
     fewer buses during peak service hours, in an amount not to 
     exceed 50 percent of the share of the apportionment which is 
     attributable to such systems within the urbanized area, as 
     measured by vehicle revenue hours; and
       ``(B) for public transportation systems that operate a 
     minimum of 76 buses and a maximum of 100 buses during peak 
     service hours, in an amount not to exceed 25 percent of the 
     share of the apportionment which is attributable to such 
     systems within the urbanized area, as measured by vehicle 
     revenue hours.
       ``(3) Temporary and targeted assistance.--
       ``(A) Eligibility.--The Secretary may make a grant under 
     this section to finance the operating cost of equipment and 
     facilities to a recipient for use in public transportation in 
     an area that the Secretary determines has--
       ``(i) a population of not fewer than 200,000 individuals, 
     as determined by the Bureau of the Census; and
       ``(ii) a 3-month unemployment rate, as reported by the 
     Bureau of Labor Statistics, that is--

       ``(I) greater than 7 percent; and
       ``(II) at least 2 percentage points greater than the lowest 
     3-month unemployment rate for the area during the 5-year 
     period preceding the date of the determination.

       ``(B) Award of grant.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
     subparagraph, the Secretary may make a grant under this 
     section for not more than 2 consecutive fiscal years.
       ``(ii) Additional year.--If, at the end of the second 
     fiscal year following the date on which the Secretary makes a 
     determination under subparagraph (A) with respect to an area, 
     the Secretary determines that the 3-month unemployment rate 
     for the area is at least 2 percentage points greater than the 
     unemployment rate for the area at the time the Secretary made 
     the determination under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may 
     make a grant to a recipient in the area for 1 additional 
     consecutive fiscal year.
       ``(iii) Exclusion period.--Beginning on the last day of the 
     last consecutive fiscal year for which a recipient receives a 
     grant under this paragraph, the Secretary may not make a 
     subsequent grant under this paragraph to the recipient for a 
     number of fiscal years equal to the number of consecutive 
     fiscal years in which the recipient received a grant under 
     this paragraph.
       ``(C) Limitation.--
       ``(i) First fiscal year.--For the first fiscal year 
     following the date on which the Secretary makes a 
     determination under subparagraph (A) with respect to an area, 
     not more than 25 percent of the amount apportioned to a 
     designated recipient under section 5336 for the fiscal year 
     shall be available for operating assistance for the area.
       ``(ii) Second and third fiscal years.--For the second and 
     third fiscal years following the date on which the Secretary 
     makes a determination under subparagraph (A) with respect to 
     an area, not more than 20 percent of the amount apportioned 
     to a designated recipient under section 5336 for the fiscal 
     year shall be available for operating assistance for the 
     area.
       ``(D) Period of availability for operating assistance.--
     Operating assistance awarded under this paragraph shall be 
     available for expenditure to a recipient in an area until the 
     end of the second fiscal year following the date on which the 
     Secretary makes a determination under subparagraph (A) with 
     respect to the area, after which time any unexpended funds 
     shall be available to the recipient for other eligible 
     activities under this section.
       ``(E) Certification.--The Secretary may make a grant for 
     operating assistance under this paragraph for a fiscal year 
     only if the recipient certifies that--
       ``(i) the recipient will maintain public transportation 
     service levels at or above the current service level, which 
     shall be demonstrated by providing an equal or greater number 
     of vehicle hours of service in the fiscal year than the 
     number of vehicle hours of service provided in the preceding 
     fiscal year;
       ``(ii) any non-Federal entity that provides funding to the 
     recipient, including a State or local governmental entity, 
     will maintain the tax rate or rate of allocations dedicated 
     to public transportation at or above the rate for the 
     preceding fiscal year;
       ``(iii) the recipient has allocated the maximum amount of 
     funding under this section for preventive maintenance costs 
     eligible as a capital expense necessary to maintain the level 
     and quality of service provided in the preceding fiscal year; 
     and
       ``(iv) the recipient will not use funding under this 
     section for new capital assets except as necessary for the 
     existing system to maintain or achieve a state of good 
     repair, assure safety, or replace obsolete technology.
       ``(b) Access to Jobs Projects.--
       ``(1) In general.--A designated recipient shall expend not 
     less than 3 percent of the amount apportioned to the 
     designated recipient under section 5336 or an amount equal to 
     the amount apportioned to the designated recipient in fiscal 
     year 2011 to carry out section 5316 (as in effect for fiscal 
     year 2011), whichever is less, to carry out a program to 
     develop and maintain job access projects. Eligible projects 
     may include--
       ``(A) a project relating to the development and maintenance 
     of public transportation services designed to transport 
     eligible low-income individuals to and from jobs and 
     activities related to their employment, including--
       ``(i) a public transportation project to finance planning, 
     capital, and operating costs of providing access to jobs 
     under this chapter;
       ``(ii) promoting public transportation by low-income 
     workers, including the use of

[[Page S721]]

     public transportation by workers with nontraditional work 
     schedules;
       ``(iii) promoting the use of public transportation vouchers 
     for welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals; 
     and
       ``(iv) promoting the use of employer-provided 
     transportation, including the transit pass benefit program 
     under section 132 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and
       ``(B) a transportation project designed to support the use 
     of public transportation including--
       ``(i) enhancements to existing public transportation 
     service for workers with non-traditional hours or reverse 
     commutes;
       ``(ii) guaranteed ride home programs;
       ``(iii) bicycle storage facilities; and
       ``(iv) projects that otherwise facilitate the provision of 
     public transportation services to employment opportunities.
       ``(2) Project selection and plan development.--Each grant 
     recipient under this subsection shall certify that--
       ``(A) the projects selected were included in a locally 
     developed, coordinated public transit-human services 
     transportation plan;
       ``(B) the plan was developed and approved through a process 
     that included individuals with low incomes, representatives 
     of public, private, and nonprofit transportation and human 
     services providers, and participation by the public;
       ``(C) services funded under this subsection are coordinated 
     with transportation services funded by other Federal 
     departments and agencies to the maximum extent feasible; and
       ``(D) allocations of the grant to subrecipients, if any, 
     are distributed on a fair and equitable basis.
       ``(3) Competitive process for grants to subrecipients.--
       ``(A) Areawide solicitations.--A recipient of funds 
     apportioned under this subsection may conduct, in cooperation 
     with the appropriate metropolitan planning organization, an 
     areawide solicitation for applications for grants to the 
     recipient and subrecipients under this subsection.
       ``(B) Application.--If the recipient elects to engage in a 
     competitive process, recipients and subrecipients seeking to 
     receive a grant from apportioned funds shall submit to the 
     recipient an application in the form and in accordance with 
     such requirements as the recipient shall establish.
       ``(c) Program of Projects.--Each recipient of a grant 
     shall--
       ``(1) make available to the public information on amounts 
     available to the recipient under this section;
       ``(2) develop, in consultation with interested parties, 
     including private transportation providers, a proposed 
     program of projects for activities to be financed;
       ``(3) publish a proposed program of projects in a way that 
     affected individuals, private transportation providers, and 
     local elected officials have the opportunity to examine the 
     proposed program and submit comments on the proposed program 
     and the performance of the recipient;
       ``(4) provide an opportunity for a public hearing in which 
     to obtain the views of individuals on the proposed program of 
     projects;
       ``(5) ensure that the proposed program of projects provides 
     for the coordination of public transportation services 
     assisted under section 5336 of this title with transportation 
     services assisted from other United States Government 
     sources;
       ``(6) consider comments and views received, especially 
     those of private transportation providers, in preparing the 
     final program of projects; and
       ``(7) make the final program of projects available to the 
     public.
       ``(d) Grant Recipient Requirements.--A recipient may 
     receive a grant in a fiscal year only if--
       ``(1) the recipient, within the time the Secretary 
     prescribes, submits a final program of projects prepared 
     under subsection (c) of this section and a certification for 
     that fiscal year that the recipient (including a person 
     receiving amounts from a Governor under this section)--
       ``(A) has or will have the legal, financial, and technical 
     capacity to carry out the program, including safety and 
     security aspects of the program;
       ``(B) has or will have satisfactory continuing control over 
     the use of equipment and facilities;
       ``(C) will maintain equipment and facilities;
       ``(D) will ensure that, during non-peak hours for 
     transportation using or involving a facility or equipment of 
     a project financed under this section, a fare that is not 
     more than 50 percent of the peak hour fare will be charged 
     for any--
       ``(i) senior;
       ``(ii) individual who, because of illness, injury, age, 
     congenital malfunction, or other incapacity or temporary or 
     permanent disability (including an individual who is a 
     wheelchair user or has semiambulatory capability), cannot use 
     a public transportation service or a public transportation 
     facility effectively without special facilities, planning, or 
     design; and
       ``(iii) individual presenting a Medicare card issued to 
     that individual under title II or XVIII of the Social 
     Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq. and 1395 et seq.);
       ``(E) in carrying out a procurement under this section, 
     will comply with sections 5323 and 5325;
       ``(F) has complied with subsection (c) of this section;
       ``(G) has available and will provide the required amounts 
     as provided by subsection (e) of this section;
       ``(H) will comply with sections 5303 and 5304;
       ``(I) has a locally developed process to solicit and 
     consider public comment before raising a fare or carrying out 
     a major reduction of transportation;
       ``(J)(i) will expend for each fiscal year for public 
     transportation security projects, including increased 
     lighting in or adjacent to a public transportation system 
     (including bus stops, subway stations, parking lots, and 
     garages), increased camera surveillance of an area in or 
     adjacent to that system, providing an emergency telephone 
     line to contact law enforcement or security personnel in an 
     area in or adjacent to that system, and any other project 
     intended to increase the security and safety of an existing 
     or planned public transportation system, at least 1 percent 
     of the amount the recipient receives for each fiscal year 
     under section 5336 of this title; or
       ``(ii) has decided that the expenditure for security 
     projects is not necessary;
       ``(K) in the case of a recipient for an urbanized area with 
     a population of not fewer than 200,000 individuals, as 
     determined by the Bureau of the Census--
       ``(i) will expend not less than 1 percent of the amount the 
     recipient receives each fiscal year under this section for 
     associated transit improvements, as defined in section 5302; 
     and
       ``(ii) will submit an annual report listing projects 
     carried out in the preceding fiscal year with those funds; 
     and
       ``(L) will comply with section 5329(d); and
       ``(2) the Secretary accepts the certification.
       ``(e) Government Share of Costs.--
       ``(1) Capital projects.--A grant for a capital project 
     under this section shall be for 80 percent of the net project 
     cost of the project. The recipient may provide additional 
     local matching amounts.
       ``(2) Operating expenses.--A grant for operating expenses 
     under this section may not exceed 50 percent of the net 
     project cost of the project.
       ``(3) Remaining costs.--Subject to paragraph (4), the 
     remainder of the net project costs shall be provided--
       ``(A) in cash from non-Government sources other than 
     revenues from providing public transportation services;
       ``(B) from revenues from the sale of advertising and 
     concessions;
       ``(C) from an undistributed cash surplus, a replacement or 
     depreciation cash fund or reserve, or new capital;
       ``(D) from amounts appropriated or otherwise made available 
     to a department or agency of the Government (other than the 
     Department of Transportation) that are eligible to be 
     expended for transportation; and
       ``(E) from amounts received under a service agreement with 
     a State or local social service agency or private social 
     service organization.
       ``(4) Use of certain funds.--For purposes of subparagraphs 
     (D) and (E) of paragraph (3), the prohibitions on the use of 
     funds for matching requirements under section 
     403(a)(5)(C)(vii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
     603(a)(5)(C)(vii)) shall not apply to Federal or State funds 
     to be used for transportation purposes.
       ``(f) Undertaking Projects in Advance.--
       ``(1) Payment.--The Secretary may pay the Government share 
     of the net project cost to a State or local governmental 
     authority that carries out any part of a project eligible 
     under subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (a)(1) without 
     the aid of amounts of the Government and according to all 
     applicable procedures and requirements if--
       ``(A) the recipient applies for the payment;
       ``(B) the Secretary approves the payment; and
       ``(C) before carrying out any part of the project, the 
     Secretary approves the plans and specifications for the part 
     in the same way as for other projects under this section.
       ``(2) Approval of application.--The Secretary may approve 
     an application under paragraph (1) of this subsection only if 
     an authorization for this section is in effect for the fiscal 
     year to which the application applies. The Secretary may not 
     approve an application if the payment will be more than--
       ``(A) the recipient's expected apportionment under section 
     5336 of this title if the total amount authorized to be 
     appropriated for the fiscal year to carry out this section is 
     appropriated; less
       ``(B) the maximum amount of the apportionment that may be 
     made available for projects for operating expenses under this 
     section.
       ``(3) Financing costs.--
       ``(A) In general.--The cost of carrying out part of a 
     project includes the amount of interest earned and payable on 
     bonds issued by the recipient to the extent proceeds of the 
     bonds are expended in carrying out the part.
       ``(B) Limitation on the amount of interest.--The amount of 
     interest allowed under this paragraph may not be more than 
     the most favorable financing terms reasonably available for 
     the project at the time of borrowing.
       ``(C) Certification.--The applicant shall certify, in a 
     manner satisfactory to the Secretary, that the applicant has 
     shown reasonable diligence in seeking the most favorable 
     financing terms.
       ``(g) Reviews, Audits, and Evaluations.--
       ``(1) Annual review.--

[[Page S722]]

       ``(A) In general.--At least annually, the Secretary shall 
     carry out, or require a recipient to have carried out 
     independently, reviews and audits the Secretary considers 
     appropriate to establish whether the recipient has carried 
     out--
       ``(i) the activities proposed under subsection (d) of this 
     section in a timely and effective way and can continue to do 
     so; and
       ``(ii) those activities and its certifications and has used 
     amounts of the Government in the way required by law.
       ``(B) Auditing procedures.--An audit of the use of amounts 
     of the Government shall comply with the auditing procedures 
     of the Comptroller General.
       ``(2) Triennial review.--At least once every 3 years, the 
     Secretary shall review and evaluate completely the 
     performance of a recipient in carrying out the recipient's 
     program, specifically referring to compliance with statutory 
     and administrative requirements and the extent to which 
     actual program activities are consistent with the activities 
     proposed under subsection (d) of this section and the 
     planning process required under sections 5303, 5304, and 5305 
     of this title. To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall 
     coordinate such reviews with any related State or local 
     reviews.
       ``(3) Actions resulting from review, audit, or 
     evaluation.--The Secretary may take appropriate action 
     consistent with a review, audit, and evaluation under this 
     subsection, including making an appropriate adjustment in the 
     amount of a grant or withdrawing the grant.
       ``(h) Treatment.--For purposes of this section, the United 
     States Virgin Islands shall be treated as an urbanized area, 
     as defined in section 5302.
       ``(i) Passenger Ferry Grant Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make grants under this 
     subsection to recipients for passenger ferry projects that 
     are eligible for a grant under subsection (a).
       ``(2) Grant requirements.--Except as otherwise provided in 
     this subsection, a grant under this subsection shall be 
     subject to the same terms and conditions as a grant under 
     subsection (a).
       ``(3) Competitive process.--The Secretary shall solicit 
     grant applications and make grants for eligible projects on a 
     competitive basis.
       ``(4) Geographically constrained areas.--Of the amounts 
     made available to carry out this subsection, $10,000,000 
     shall be for capital grants relating to passenger ferries in 
     areas with limited or no access to public transportation as a 
     result of geographical constraints.''.

     SEC. 20009. CLEAN FUEL GRANT PROGRAM.

       Section 5308 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5308. Clean fuel grant program

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions shall apply:
       ``(1) Clean fuel bus.--The term `clean fuel bus' means a 
     bus that is a clean fuel vehicle.
       ``(2) Clean fuel vehicle.--The term `clean fuel vehicle' 
     means a passenger vehicle used to provide public 
     transportation that the Administrator of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency has certified sufficiently reduces energy 
     consumption or reduces harmful emissions, including direct 
     carbon emissions, when compared to a comparable standard 
     vehicle.
       ``(3) Direct carbon emissions.--The term `direct carbon 
     emissions' means the quantity of direct greenhouse gas 
     emissions from a vehicle, as determined by the Administrator 
     of the Environmental Protection Agency.
       ``(4) Eligible area.--The term `eligible area' means an 
     area that is--
       ``(A) designated as a nonattainment area for ozone or 
     carbon monoxide under section 107(d) of the Clean Air Act (42 
     U.S.C. 7407(d)); or
       ``(B) a maintenance area, as defined in section 5303, for 
     ozone or carbon monoxide.
       ``(5) Eligible project.--The term `eligible project' means 
     a project or program of projects in an eligible area for--
       ``(A) acquiring or leasing clean fuel vehicles;
       ``(B) constructing or leasing facilities and related 
     equipment for clean fuel vehicles;
       ``(C) constructing new public transportation facilities to 
     accommodate clean fuel vehicles; or
       ``(D) rehabilitating or improving existing public 
     transportation facilities to accommodate clean fuel vehicles.
       ``(6) Recipient.--The term `recipient' means--
       ``(A) for an eligible area that is an urbanized area with a 
     population of fewer than 200,000 individuals, as determined 
     by the Bureau of the Census, the State in which the eligible 
     area is located; and
       ``(B) for an eligible area not described in subparagraph 
     (A), the designated recipient for the eligible area.
       ``(b) Authority.--The Secretary may make grants to 
     recipients to finance eligible projects under this section.
       ``(c) Grant Requirements.--
       ``(1) In general.--A grant under this section shall be 
     subject to the requirements of section 5307.
       ``(2) Government share of costs for certain projects.--
     Section 5323(j) applies to projects carried out under this 
     section, unless the grant recipient requests a lower grant 
     percentage.
       ``(d) Minimum Amounts.--Of amounts made available by or 
     appropriated under section 5338(a)(2)(D) in each fiscal year 
     to carry out this section--
       ``(1) not less than 65 percent shall be made available to 
     fund eligible projects relating to clean fuel buses; and
       ``(2) not less than 10 percent shall be made available for 
     eligible projects relating to facilities and related 
     equipment for clean fuel buses.
       ``(e) Competitive Process.--The Secretary shall solicit 
     grant applications and make grants for eligible projects on a 
     competitive basis.
       ``(f) Availability of Funds.--Any amounts made available or 
     appropriated to carry out this section--
       ``(1) shall remain available to an eligible project for 2 
     years after the fiscal year for which the amount is made 
     available or appropriated; and
       ``(2) that remain unobligated at the end of the period 
     described in paragraph (1) shall be added to the amount made 
     available to an eligible project in the following fiscal 
     year.''.

     SEC. 20010. FIXED GUIDEWAY CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS.

       (a) In General.--Section 5309 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5309. Fixed guideway capital investment grants

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions shall apply:
       ``(1) Applicant.--The term `applicant' means a State or 
     local governmental authority that applies for a grant under 
     this section.
       ``(2) Bus rapid transit project.--The term `bus rapid 
     transit project' means a single route bus capital project--
       ``(A) a majority of which operates in a separated right-of-
     way dedicated for public transportation use during peak 
     periods;
       ``(B) that represents a substantial investment in a single 
     route in a defined corridor or subarea; and
       ``(C) that includes features that emulate the services 
     provided by rail fixed guideway public transportation 
     systems, including--
       ``(i) defined stations;
       ``(ii) traffic signal priority for public transportation 
     vehicles;
       ``(iii) short headway bidirectional services for a 
     substantial part of weekdays and weekend days; and
       ``(iv) any other features the Secretary may determine are 
     necessary to produce high-quality public transportation 
     services that emulate the services provided by rail fixed 
     guideway public transportation systems.
       ``(3) Core capacity improvement project.--The term `core 
     capacity improvement project' means a substantial corridor-
     based capital investment in an existing fixed guideway system 
     that adds capacity and functionality.
       ``(4) New fixed guideway capital project.--The term `new 
     fixed guideway capital project' means--
       ``(A) a new fixed guideway project that is a minimum 
     operable segment or extension to an existing fixed guideway 
     system; or
       ``(B) a bus rapid transit project that is a minimum 
     operable segment or an extension to an existing bus rapid 
     transit system.
       ``(5) Program of interrelated projects.--The term `program 
     of interrelated projects' means the simultaneous development 
     of--
       ``(A) 2 or more new fixed guideway capital projects or core 
     capacity improvement projects; or
       ``(B) 1 or more new fixed guideway capital projects and 1 
     or more core capacity improvement projects.
       ``(b) General Authority.--The Secretary may make grants 
     under this section to State and local governmental 
     authorities to assist in financing--
       ``(1) new fixed guideway capital projects, including the 
     acquisition of real property, the initial acquisition of 
     rolling stock for the system, the acquisition of rights-of-
     way, and relocation, for fixed guideway corridor development 
     for projects in the advanced stages of project development or 
     engineering; and
       ``(2) core capacity improvement projects, including the 
     acquisition of real property, the acquisition of rights-of-
     way, double tracking, signalization improvements, 
     electrification, expanding system platforms, acquisition of 
     rolling stock, construction of infill stations, and such 
     other capacity improvement projects as the Secretary 
     determines are appropriate.
       ``(c) Grant Requirements.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make a grant under 
     this section for new fixed guideway capital projects or core 
     capacity improvement projects, if the Secretary determines 
     that--
       ``(A) the project is part of an approved transportation 
     plan required under sections 5303 and 5304; and
       ``(B) the applicant has, or will have--
       ``(i) the legal, financial, and technical capacity to carry 
     out the project, including the safety and security aspects of 
     the project;
       ``(ii) satisfactory continuing control over the use of the 
     equipment or facilities; and
       ``(iii) the technical and financial capacity to maintain 
     new and existing equipment and facilities.
       ``(2) Certification.--An applicant that has submitted the 
     certifications required under subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), 
     and (H) of section 5307(d)(1) shall be deemed to have 
     provided sufficient information upon which the Secretary may 
     make the determinations required under this subsection.

[[Page S723]]

       ``(3) Technical capacity.--The Secretary shall use an 
     expedited technical capacity review process for applicants 
     that have recently and successfully completed at least 1 new 
     bus rapid transit project, new fixed guideway capital 
     project, or core capacity improvement project, if--
       ``(A) the applicant achieved budget, cost, and ridership 
     outcomes for the project that are consistent with or better 
     than projections; and
       ``(B) the applicant demonstrates that the applicant 
     continues to have the staff expertise and other resources 
     necessary to implement a new project.
       ``(4) Recipient requirements.--A recipient of a grant 
     awarded under this section shall be subject to all terms, 
     conditions, requirements, and provisions that the Secretary 
     determines to be necessary or appropriate for purposes of 
     this section.
       ``(d) New Fixed Guideway Grants.--
       ``(1) Project development phase.--
       ``(A) Entrance into project development phase.--A new fixed 
     guideway capital project shall enter into the project 
     development phase when--
       ``(i) the applicant--

       ``(I) submits a letter to the Secretary describing the 
     project and requesting entry into the project development 
     phase; and
       ``(II) initiates activities required to be carried out 
     under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
     U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with respect to the project; and

       ``(ii) the Secretary responds in writing to the applicant 
     within 45 days whether the information provided is sufficient 
     to enter into the project development phase, including, when 
     necessary, a detailed description of any information deemed 
     insufficient.
       ``(B) Activities during project development phase.--
     Concurrent with the analysis required to be made under the 
     National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
     seq.), each applicant shall develop sufficient information to 
     enable the Secretary to make findings of project 
     justification, policies and land use patterns that promote 
     public transportation, and local financial commitment under 
     this subsection.
       ``(C) Completion of project development activities 
     required.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date on 
     which a project enters into the project development phase, 
     the applicant shall complete the activities required to 
     obtain a project rating under subsection (g)(2) and submit 
     completed documentation to the Secretary.
       ``(ii) Extension of time.--Upon the request of an 
     applicant, the Secretary may extend the time period under 
     clause (i), if the applicant submits to the Secretary--

       ``(I) a reasonable plan for completing the activities 
     required under this paragraph; and
       ``(II) an estimated time period within which the applicant 
     will complete such activities.

       ``(2) Engineering phase.--
       ``(A) In general.--A new fixed guideway capital project may 
     advance to the engineering phase upon completion of 
     activities required under the National Environmental Policy 
     Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), as demonstrated by a 
     record of decision with respect to the project, a finding 
     that the project has no significant impact, or a 
     determination that the project is categorically excluded, 
     only if the Secretary determines that the project--
       ``(i) is selected as the locally preferred alternative at 
     the completion of the process required under the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
       ``(ii) is adopted into the metropolitan transportation plan 
     required under section 5303;
       ``(iii) is justified based on a comprehensive review of the 
     project's mobility improvements, environmental benefits, and 
     cost-effectiveness, as measured by cost per rider;
       ``(iv) is supported by policies and land use patterns that 
     promote public transportation, including plans for future 
     land use and rezoning, and economic development around public 
     transportation stations; and
       ``(v) is supported by an acceptable degree of local 
     financial commitment (including evidence of stable and 
     dependable financing sources), as required under subsection 
     (f).
       ``(B) Determination that project is justified.--In making a 
     determination under subparagraph (A)(iii), the Secretary 
     shall evaluate, analyze, and consider--
       ``(i) the reliability of the forecasting methods used to 
     estimate costs and utilization made by the recipient and the 
     contractors to the recipient; and
       ``(ii) population density and current public transportation 
     ridership in the transportation corridor.
       ``(e) Core Capacity Improvement Projects.--
       ``(1) Project development phase.--
       ``(A) Entrance into project development phase.--A core 
     capacity improvement project shall be deemed to have entered 
     into the project development phase if--
       ``(i) the applicant--

       ``(I) submits a letter to the Secretary describing the 
     project and requesting entry into the project development 
     phase; and
       ``(II) initiates activities required to be carried out 
     under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
     U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with respect to the project; and

       ``(ii) the Secretary responds in writing to the applicant 
     within 45 days whether the information provided is sufficient 
     to enter into the project development phase, including when 
     necessary a detailed description of any information deemed 
     insufficient.
       ``(B) Activities during project development phase.--
     Concurrent with the analysis required to be made under the 
     National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
     seq.), each applicant shall develop sufficient information to 
     enable the Secretary to make findings of project 
     justification and local financial commitment under this 
     subsection.
       ``(C) Completion of project development activities 
     required.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date on 
     which a project enters into the project development phase, 
     the applicant shall complete the activities required to 
     obtain a project rating under subsection (g)(2) and submit 
     completed documentation to the Secretary.
       ``(ii) Extension of time.--Upon the request of an 
     applicant, the Secretary may extend the time period under 
     clause (i), if the applicant submits to the Secretary--

       ``(I) a reasonable plan for completing the activities 
     required under this paragraph; and
       ``(II) an estimated time period within which the applicant 
     will complete such activities.

       ``(2) Engineering phase.--
       ``(A) In general.--A core capacity improvement project may 
     advance into the engineering phase upon completion of 
     activities required under the National Environmental Policy 
     Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), as demonstrated by a 
     record of decision with respect to the project, a finding 
     that the project has no significant impact, or a 
     determination that the project is categorically excluded, 
     only if the Secretary determines that the project--
       ``(i) is selected as the locally preferred alternative at 
     the completion of the process required under the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969;
       ``(ii) is adopted into the metropolitan transportation plan 
     required under section 5303;
       ``(iii) is in a corridor that is--

       ``(I) at or over capacity; or
       ``(II) projected to be at or over capacity within the next 
     5 years;

       ``(iv) is justified based on a comprehensive review of the 
     project's mobility improvements, environmental benefits, and 
     cost-effectiveness, as measured by cost per rider; and
       ``(v) is supported by an acceptable degree of local 
     financial commitment (including evidence of stable and 
     dependable financing sources), as required under subsection 
     (f).
       ``(B) Determination that project is justified.--In making a 
     determination under subparagraph (A)(iv), the Secretary shall 
     evaluate, analyze, and consider--
       ``(i) the reliability of the forecasting methods used to 
     estimate costs and utilization made by the recipient and the 
     contractors to the recipient;
       ``(ii) whether the project will adequately address the 
     capacity concerns in a corridor;
       ``(iii) whether the project will improve interconnectivity 
     among existing systems; and
       ``(iv) whether the project will improve environmental 
     outcomes.
       ``(f) Financing Sources.--
       ``(1) Requirements.--In determining whether a project is 
     supported by an acceptable degree of local financial 
     commitment and shows evidence of stable and dependable 
     financing sources for purposes of subsection (d)(2)(A)(v) or 
     (e)(2)(A)(v), the Secretary shall require that--
       ``(A) the proposed project plan provides for the 
     availability of contingency amounts that the Secretary 
     determines to be reasonable to cover unanticipated cost 
     increases or funding shortfalls;
       ``(B) each proposed local source of capital and operating 
     financing is stable, reliable, and available within the 
     proposed project timetable; and
       ``(C) local resources are available to recapitalize, 
     maintain, and operate the overall existing and proposed 
     public transportation system, including essential feeder bus 
     and other services necessary to achieve the projected 
     ridership levels without requiring a reduction in existing 
     public transportation services or level of service to operate 
     the project.
       ``(2) Considerations.--In assessing the stability, 
     reliability, and availability of proposed sources of local 
     financing for purposes of subsection (d)(2)(A)(v) or 
     (e)(2)(A)(v), the Secretary shall consider--
       ``(A) the reliability of the forecasting methods used to 
     estimate costs and revenues made by the recipient and the 
     contractors to the recipient;
       ``(B) existing grant commitments;
       ``(C) the degree to which financing sources are dedicated 
     to the proposed purposes;
       ``(D) any debt obligation that exists, or is proposed by 
     the recipient, for the proposed project or other public 
     transportation purpose; and
       ``(E) the extent to which the project has a local financial 
     commitment that exceeds the required non-Government share of 
     the cost of the project.
       ``(g) Project Advancement and Ratings.--
       ``(1) Project advancement.--A new fixed guideway capital 
     project or core capacity improvement project proposed to be 
     carried out using a grant under this section may not advance 
     from the project development phase to the engineering phase, 
     or from the engineering phase to the construction phase, 
     unless the Secretary determines that--
       ``(A) the project meets the applicable requirements under 
     this section; and

[[Page S724]]

       ``(B) there is a reasonable likelihood that the project 
     will continue to meet the requirements under this section.
       ``(2) Ratings.--
       ``(A) Overall rating.--In making a determination under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary shall evaluate and rate a 
     project as a whole on a 5-point scale (high, medium-high, 
     medium, medium-low, or low) based on--
       ``(i) in the case of a new fixed guideway capital project, 
     the project justification criteria under subsection 
     (d)(2)(A)(iii), the policies and land use patterns that 
     support public transportation, and the degree of local 
     financial commitment; and
       ``(ii) in the case of a core capacity improvement project, 
     the capacity needs of the corridor, the project justification 
     criteria under subsection (e)(2)(A)(iv), and the degree of 
     local financial commitment.
       ``(B) Individual ratings for each criterion.--In rating a 
     project under this paragraph, the Secretary shall--
       ``(i) provide, in addition to the overall project rating 
     under subparagraph (A), individual ratings for each of the 
     criteria established under subsection (d)(2)(A)(iii) or 
     (e)(2)(A)(iv), as applicable; and
       ``(ii) give comparable, but not necessarily equal, 
     numerical weight to each of the criteria established under 
     subsections (d)(2)(A)(iii) or (e)(2)(A)(iv), as applicable, 
     in calculating the overall project rating under clause (i).
       ``(C) Medium rating not required.--The Secretary shall not 
     require that any single project justification criterion meet 
     or exceed a `medium' rating in order to advance the project 
     from one phase to another.
       ``(3) Warrants.--The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, develop and use special warrants for making a 
     project justification determination under subsection (d)(2) 
     or (e)(2), as applicable, for a project proposed to be funded 
     using a grant under this section, if--
       ``(A) the share of the cost of the project to be provided 
     under this section does not exceed--
       ``(i) $100,000,000; or
       ``(ii) 50 percent of the total cost of the project;
       ``(B) the applicant requests the use of the warrants;
       ``(C) the applicant certifies that its existing public 
     transportation system is in a state of good repair; and
       ``(D) the applicant meets any other requirements that the 
     Secretary considers appropriate to carry out this subsection.
       ``(4) Letters of intent and early systems work 
     agreements.--In order to expedite a project under this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, issue letters of intent and enter into early 
     systems work agreements upon issuance of a record of decision 
     for projects that receive an overall project rating of medium 
     or better.
       ``(5) Policy guidance.--The Secretary shall issue policy 
     guidance regarding the review and evaluation process and 
     criteria--
       ``(A) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
     of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012; and
       ``(B) each time the Secretary makes significant changes to 
     the process and criteria, but not less frequently than once 
     every 2 years.
       ``(6) Rules.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, 
     the Secretary shall issue rules establishing an evaluation 
     and rating process for--
       ``(A) new fixed guideway capital projects that is based on 
     the results of project justification, policies and land use 
     patterns that promote public transportation, and local 
     financial commitment, as required under this subsection; and
       ``(B) core capacity improvement projects that is based on 
     the results of the capacity needs of the corridor, project 
     justification, and local financial commitment.
       ``(7) Applicability.--This subsection shall not apply to a 
     project for which the Secretary issued a letter of intent, 
     entered into a full funding grant agreement, or entered into 
     a project construction agreement before the date of enactment 
     of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012.
       ``(h) Programs of Interrelated Projects.--
       ``(1) Project development phase.--A federally funded 
     project in a program of interrelated projects shall advance 
     through project development as provided in subsection (d) or 
     (e), as applicable.
       ``(2) Engineering phase.--A federally funded project in a 
     program of interrelated projects may advance into the 
     engineering phase upon completion of activities required 
     under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
     U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), as demonstrated by a record of decision 
     with respect to the project, a finding that the project has 
     no significant impact, or a determination that the project is 
     categorically excluded, only if the Secretary determines 
     that--
       ``(A) the project is selected as the locally preferred 
     alternative at the completion of the process required under 
     the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969;
       ``(B) the project is adopted into the metropolitan 
     transportation plan required under section 5303;
       ``(C) the program of interrelated projects involves 
     projects that have a logical connectivity to one another;
       ``(D) the program of interrelated projects, when evaluated 
     as a whole, meets the requirements of subsection (d)(2) or 
     (e)(2), as applicable;
       ``(E) the program of interrelated projects is supported by 
     a program implementation plan demonstrating that construction 
     will begin on each of the projects in the program of 
     interrelated projects within a reasonable time frame; and
       ``(F) the program of interrelated projects is supported by 
     an acceptable degree of local financial commitment, as 
     described in subsection (f).
       ``(3) Project advancement and ratings.--
       ``(A) Project advancement.--A project receiving a grant 
     under this section that is part of a program of interrelated 
     projects may not advance from the project development phase 
     to the engineering phase, or from the engineering phase to 
     the construction phase, unless the Secretary determines that 
     the program of interrelated projects meets the applicable 
     requirements of this section and there is a reasonable 
     likelihood that the program will continue to meet such 
     requirements.
       ``(B) Ratings.--
       ``(i) Overall rating.--In making a determination under 
     subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall evaluate and rate a 
     program of interrelated projects on a 5-point scale (high, 
     medium-high, medium, medium-low, or low) based on the 
     criteria described in paragraph (2).
       ``(ii) Individual rating for each criterion.--In rating a 
     program of interrelated projects, the Secretary shall 
     provide, in addition to the overall program rating, 
     individual ratings for each of the criteria described in 
     paragraph (2) and shall give comparable, but not necessarily 
     equal, numerical weight to each such criterion in calculating 
     the overall program rating.
       ``(iii) Medium rating not required.--The Secretary shall 
     not require that any single criterion described in paragraph 
     (2) meet or exceed a `medium' rating in order to advance the 
     program of interrelated projects from one phase to another.
       ``(4) Annual review.--
       ``(A) Review required.--The Secretary shall annually review 
     the program implementation plan required under paragraph 
     (2)(E) to determine whether the program of interrelated 
     projects is adhering to its schedule.
       ``(B) Extension of time.--If a program of interrelated 
     projects is not adhering to its schedule, the Secretary may, 
     upon the request of the applicant, grant an extension of time 
     if the applicant submits a reasonable plan that includes--
       ``(i) evidence of continued adequate funding; and
       ``(ii) an estimated time frame for completing the program 
     of interrelated projects.
       ``(C) Satisfactory progress required.--If the Secretary 
     determines that a program of interrelated projects is not 
     making satisfactory progress, no Federal funds shall be 
     provided for a project within the program of interrelated 
     projects.
       ``(5) Failure to carry out program of interrelated 
     projects.--
       ``(A) Repayment required.--If an applicant does not carry 
     out the program of interrelated projects within a reasonable 
     time, for reasons within the control of the applicant, the 
     applicant shall repay all Federal funds provided for the 
     program, and any reasonable interest and penalty charges that 
     the Secretary may establish.
       ``(B) Crediting of funds received.--Any funds received by 
     the Government under this paragraph, other than interest and 
     penalty charges, shall be credited to the appropriation 
     account from which the funds were originally derived.
       ``(6) Non-federal funds.--Any non-Federal funds committed 
     to a project in a program of interrelated projects may be 
     used to meet a non-Government share requirement for any other 
     project in the program of interrelated projects, if the 
     Government share of the cost of each project within the 
     program of interrelated projects does not exceed 80 percent.
       ``(7) Priority.--In making grants under this section, the 
     Secretary may give priority to programs of interrelated 
     projects for which the non-Government share of the cost of 
     the projects included in the programs of interrelated 
     projects exceeds the non-Government share required under 
     subsection (k).
       ``(8) Non-government projects.--Including a project not 
     financed by the Government in a program of interrelated 
     projects does not impose Government requirements that would 
     not otherwise apply to the project.
       ``(i) Previously Issued Letter of Intent or Full Funding 
     Grant Agreement.--Subsections (d) and (e) shall not apply to 
     projects for which the Secretary has issued a letter of 
     intent, entered into a full funding grant agreement, or 
     entered into a project construction grant agreement before 
     the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation 
     Act of 2012.
       ``(j) Letters of Intent, Full Funding Grant Agreements, and 
     Early Systems Work Agreements.--
       ``(1) Letters of intent.--
       ``(A) Amounts intended to be obligated.--The Secretary may 
     issue a letter of intent to an applicant announcing an 
     intention to obligate, for a new fixed guideway capital 
     project or core capacity improvement project, an amount from 
     future available budget authority specified in law that is 
     not more than the amount stipulated as the financial 
     participation of the Secretary in the project. When a letter 
     is issued for a capital project under this section, the 
     amount shall

[[Page S725]]

     be sufficient to complete at least an operable segment.
       ``(B) Treatment.--The issuance of a letter under 
     subparagraph (A) is deemed not to be an obligation under 
     sections 1108(c), 1501, and 1502(a) of title 31, United 
     States Code, or an administrative commitment.
       ``(2) Full funding grant agreements.--
       ``(A) In general.--A new fixed guideway capital project or 
     core capacity improvement project shall be carried out 
     through a full funding grant agreement.
       ``(B) Criteria.--The Secretary shall enter into a full 
     funding grant agreement, based on the evaluations and ratings 
     required under subsection (d), (e), or (h), as applicable, 
     with each grantee receiving assistance for a new fixed 
     guideway capital project or core capacity improvement project 
     that has been rated as high, medium-high, or medium, in 
     accordance with subsection (g)(2)(A) or (h)(3)(B), as 
     applicable.
       ``(C) Terms.--A full funding grant agreement shall--
       ``(i) establish the terms of participation by the 
     Government in a new fixed guideway capital project or core 
     capacity improvement project;
       ``(ii) establish the maximum amount of Federal financial 
     assistance for the project;
       ``(iii) include the period of time for completing the 
     project, even if that period extends beyond the period of an 
     authorization; and
       ``(iv) make timely and efficient management of the project 
     easier according to the law of the United States.
       ``(D) Special financial rules.--
       ``(i) In general.--A full funding grant agreement under 
     this paragraph obligates an amount of available budget 
     authority specified in law and may include a commitment, 
     contingent on amounts to be specified in law in advance for 
     commitments under this paragraph, to obligate an additional 
     amount from future available budget authority specified in 
     law.
       ``(ii) Statement of contingent commitment.--The agreement 
     shall state that the contingent commitment is not an 
     obligation of the Government.
       ``(iii) Interest and other financing costs.--Interest and 
     other financing costs of efficiently carrying out a part of 
     the project within a reasonable time are a cost of carrying 
     out the project under a full funding grant agreement, except 
     that eligible costs may not be more than the cost of the most 
     favorable financing terms reasonably available for the 
     project at the time of borrowing. The applicant shall 
     certify, in a way satisfactory to the Secretary, that the 
     applicant has shown reasonable diligence in seeking the most 
     favorable financing terms.
       ``(iv) Completion of operable segment.--The amount 
     stipulated in an agreement under this paragraph for a new 
     fixed guideway capital project shall be sufficient to 
     complete at least an operable segment.
       ``(E) Before and after study.--
       ``(i) In general.--A full funding grant agreement under 
     this paragraph shall require the applicant to conduct a study 
     that--

       ``(I) describes and analyzes the impacts of the new fixed 
     guideway capital project or core capacity improvement project 
     on public transportation services and public transportation 
     ridership;
       ``(II) evaluates the consistency of predicted and actual 
     project characteristics and performance; and
       ``(III) identifies reasons for differences between 
     predicted and actual outcomes.

       ``(ii) Information collection and analysis plan.--

       ``(I) Submission of plan.--Applicants seeking a full 
     funding grant agreement under this paragraph shall submit a 
     complete plan for the collection and analysis of information 
     to identify the impacts of the new fixed guideway capital 
     project or core capacity improvement project and the accuracy 
     of the forecasts prepared during the development of the 
     project. Preparation of this plan shall be included in the 
     full funding grant agreement as an eligible activity.
       ``(II) Contents of plan.--The plan submitted under 
     subclause (I) shall provide for--

       ``(aa) collection of data on the current public 
     transportation system regarding public transportation service 
     levels and ridership patterns, including origins and 
     destinations, access modes, trip purposes, and rider 
     characteristics;
       ``(bb) documentation of the predicted scope, service 
     levels, capital costs, operating costs, and ridership of the 
     project;
       ``(cc) collection of data on the public transportation 
     system 2 years after the opening of a new fixed guideway 
     capital project or core capacity improvement project, 
     including analogous information on public transportation 
     service levels and ridership patterns and information on the 
     as-built scope, capital, and financing costs of the project; 
     and
       ``(dd) analysis of the consistency of predicted project 
     characteristics with actual outcomes.
       ``(F) Collection of data on current system.--To be eligible 
     for a full funding grant agreement under this paragraph, 
     recipients shall have collected data on the current system, 
     according to the plan required under subparagraph (E)(ii), 
     before the beginning of construction of the proposed new 
     fixed guideway capital project or core capacity improvement 
     project. Collection of this data shall be included in the 
     full funding grant agreement as an eligible activity.
       ``(3) Early systems work agreements.--
       ``(A) Conditions.--The Secretary may enter into an early 
     systems work agreement with an applicant if a record of 
     decision under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
     (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) has been issued on the project and 
     the Secretary finds there is reason to believe--
       ``(i) a full funding grant agreement for the project will 
     be made; and
       ``(ii) the terms of the work agreement will promote 
     ultimate completion of the project more rapidly and at less 
     cost.
       ``(B) Contents.--
       ``(i) In general.--An early systems work agreement under 
     this paragraph obligates budget authority available under 
     this chapter and title 23 and shall provide for reimbursement 
     of preliminary costs of carrying out the project, including 
     land acquisition, timely procurement of system elements for 
     which specifications are decided, and other activities the 
     Secretary decides are appropriate to make efficient, long-
     term project management easier.
       ``(ii) Contingent commitment.--An early systems work 
     agreement may include a commitment, contingent on amounts to 
     be specified in law in advance for commitments under this 
     paragraph, to obligate an additional amount from future 
     available budget authority specified in law.
       ``(iii) Period covered.--An early systems work agreement 
     under this paragraph shall cover the period of time the 
     Secretary considers appropriate. The period may extend beyond 
     the period of current authorization.
       ``(iv) Interest and other financing costs.--Interest and 
     other financing costs of efficiently carrying out the early 
     systems work agreement within a reasonable time are a cost of 
     carrying out the agreement, except that eligible costs may 
     not be more than the cost of the most favorable financing 
     terms reasonably available for the project at the time of 
     borrowing. The applicant shall certify, in a way satisfactory 
     to the Secretary, that the applicant has shown reasonable 
     diligence in seeking the most favorable financing terms.
       ``(v) Failure to carry out project.--If an applicant does 
     not carry out the project for reasons within the control of 
     the applicant, the applicant shall repay all Federal grant 
     funds awarded for the project from all Federal funding 
     sources, for all project activities, facilities, and 
     equipment, plus reasonable interest and penalty charges 
     allowable by law or established by the Secretary in the early 
     systems work agreement.
       ``(vi) Crediting of funds received.--Any funds received by 
     the Government under this paragraph, other than interest and 
     penalty charges, shall be credited to the appropriation 
     account from which the funds were originally derived.
       ``(4) Limitation on amounts.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may enter into full 
     funding grant agreements under this subsection for new fixed 
     guideway capital projects and core capacity improvement 
     projects that contain contingent commitments to incur 
     obligations in such amounts as the Secretary determines are 
     appropriate.
       ``(B) Appropriation required.--An obligation may be made 
     under this subsection only when amounts are appropriated for 
     the obligation.
       ``(5) Notification to congress.--At least 30 days before 
     issuing a letter of intent, entering into a full funding 
     grant agreement, or entering into an early systems work 
     agreement under this section, the Secretary shall notify, in 
     writing, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs 
     and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
     of the proposed letter or agreement. The Secretary shall 
     include with the notification a copy of the proposed letter 
     or agreement as well as the evaluations and ratings for the 
     project.
       ``(k) Government Share of Net Capital Project Cost.--
       ``(1) In general.--Based on engineering studies, studies of 
     economic feasibility, and information on the expected use of 
     equipment or facilities, the Secretary shall estimate the net 
     capital project cost. A grant for the project shall not 
     exceed 80 percent of the net capital project cost.
       ``(2) Adjustment for completion under budget.--The 
     Secretary may adjust the final net capital project cost of a 
     new fixed guideway capital project or core capacity 
     improvement project evaluated under subsection (d), (e), or 
     (h) to include the cost of eligible activities not included 
     in the originally defined project if the Secretary determines 
     that the originally defined project has been completed at a 
     cost that is significantly below the original estimate.
       ``(3) Maximum government share.--The Secretary may provide 
     a higher grant percentage than requested by the grant 
     recipient if--
       ``(A) the Secretary determines that the net capital project 
     cost of the project is not more than 10 percent higher than 
     the net capital project cost estimated at the time the 
     project was approved for advancement into the engineering 
     phase; and
       ``(B) the ridership estimated for the project is not less 
     than 90 percent of the ridership estimated for the project at 
     the time the project was approved for advancement into the 
     engineering phase.
       ``(4) Remainder of net capital project cost.--The remainder 
     of the net capital

[[Page S726]]

     project cost shall be provided from an undistributed cash 
     surplus, a replacement or depreciation cash fund or reserve, 
     or new capital.
       ``(5) Limitation on statutory construction.--Nothing in 
     this section shall be construed as authorizing the Secretary 
     to require a non-Federal financial commitment for a project 
     that is more than 20 percent of the net capital project cost.
       ``(6) Special rule for rolling stock costs.--In addition to 
     amounts allowed pursuant to paragraph (1), a planned 
     extension to a fixed guideway system may include the cost of 
     rolling stock previously purchased if the applicant satisfies 
     the Secretary that only amounts other than amounts provided 
     by the Government were used and that the purchase was made 
     for use on the extension. A refund or reduction of the 
     remainder may be made only if a refund of a proportional 
     amount of the grant of the Government is made at the same 
     time.
       ``(7) Limitation on applicability.--This subsection shall 
     not apply to projects for which the Secretary entered into a 
     full funding grant agreement before the date of enactment of 
     the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012.
       ``(l) Undertaking Projects in Advance.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may pay the Government 
     share of the net capital project cost to a State or local 
     governmental authority that carries out any part of a project 
     described in this section without the aid of amounts of the 
     Government and according to all applicable procedures and 
     requirements if--
       ``(A) the State or local governmental authority applies for 
     the payment;
       ``(B) the Secretary approves the payment; and
       ``(C) before the State or local governmental authority 
     carries out the part of the project, the Secretary approves 
     the plans and specifications for the part in the same way as 
     other projects under this section.
       ``(2) Financing costs.--
       ``(A) In general.--The cost of carrying out part of a 
     project includes the amount of interest earned and payable on 
     bonds issued by the State or local governmental authority to 
     the extent proceeds of the bonds are expended in carrying out 
     the part.
       ``(B) Limitation on amount of interest.--The amount of 
     interest under this paragraph may not be more than the most 
     favorable interest terms reasonably available for the project 
     at the time of borrowing.
       ``(C) Certification.--The applicant shall certify, in a 
     manner satisfactory to the Secretary, that the applicant has 
     shown reasonable diligence in seeking the most favorable 
     financing terms.
       ``(m) Availability of Amounts.--
       ``(1) In general.--An amount made available or appropriated 
     for a new fixed guideway capital project or core capacity 
     improvement project shall remain available to that project 
     for 5 fiscal years, including the fiscal year in which the 
     amount is made available or appropriated. Any amounts that 
     are unobligated to the project at the end of the 5-fiscal-
     year period may be used by the Secretary for any purpose 
     under this section.
       ``(2) Use of deobligated amounts.--An amount available 
     under this section that is deobligated may be used for any 
     purpose under this section.
       ``(n) Reports on New Fixed Guideway and Core Capacity 
     Improvement Projects.--
       ``(1) Annual report on funding recommendations.--Not later 
     than the first Monday in February of each year, the Secretary 
     shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban 
     Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a 
     report that includes--
       ``(A) a proposal of allocations of amounts to be available 
     to finance grants for projects under this section among 
     applicants for these amounts;
       ``(B) evaluations and ratings, as required under 
     subsections (d), (e), and (h), for each such project that is 
     in project development, engineering, or has received a full 
     funding grant agreement; and
       ``(C) recommendations of such projects for funding based on 
     the evaluations and ratings and on existing commitments and 
     anticipated funding levels for the next 3 fiscal years based 
     on information currently available to the Secretary.
       ``(2) Reports on before and after studies.--Not later than 
     the first Monday in August of each year, the Secretary shall 
     submit to the committees described in paragraph (1) a report 
     containing a summary of the results of any studies conducted 
     under subsection (j)(2)(E).
       ``(3) Annual gao review.--The Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall--
       ``(A) conduct an annual review of--
       ``(i) the processes and procedures for evaluating, rating, 
     and recommending new fixed guideway capital projects and core 
     capacity improvement projects; and
       ``(ii) the Secretary's implementation of such processes and 
     procedures; and
       ``(B) report to Congress on the results of such review by 
     May 31 of each year.''.
       (b) Pilot Program for Expedited Project Delivery.--
       (1) Definitions.--In this subsection the following 
     definitions shall apply:
       (A) Eligible project.--The term ``eligible project'' means 
     a new fixed guideway capital project or a core capacity 
     improvement project, as those terms are defined in section 
     5309 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this 
     section, that has not entered into a full funding grant 
     agreement with the Federal Transit Administration before the 
     date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 
     2012.
       (B) Program.--The term ``program'' means the pilot program 
     for expedited project delivery established under this 
     subsection.
       (C) Recipient.--The term ``recipient'' means a recipient of 
     funding under chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code.
       (D) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Transportation.
       (2) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and 
     implement a pilot program to demonstrate whether innovative 
     project development and delivery methods or innovative 
     financing arrangements can expedite project delivery for 
     certain meritorious new fixed guideway capital projects and 
     core capacity improvement projects.
       (3) Limitation on number of projects.--The Secretary shall 
     select 3 eligible projects to participate in the program, of 
     which--
       (A) at least 1 shall be an eligible project requesting more 
     than $100,000,000 in Federal financial assistance under 
     section 5309 of title 49, United States Code; and
       (B) at least 1 shall be an eligible project requesting less 
     than $100,000,000 in Federal financial assistance under 
     section 5309 of title 49, United States Code.
       (4) Government share.--The Government share of the total 
     cost of an eligible project that participates in the program 
     may not exceed 50 percent.
       (5) Eligibility.--A recipient that desires to participate 
     in the program shall submit to the Secretary an application 
     that contains, at a minimum--
       (A) identification of an eligible project;
       (B) a schedule and finance plan for the construction and 
     operation of the eligible project;
       (C) an analysis of the efficiencies of the proposed project 
     development and delivery methods or innovative financing 
     arrangement for the eligible project; and
       (D) a certification that the recipient's existing public 
     transportation system is in a state of good repair.
       (6) Selection criteria.--The Secretary may award a full 
     funding grant agreement under this subsection if the 
     Secretary determines that--
       (A) the recipient has completed planning and the activities 
     required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
     (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
       (B) the recipient has the necessary legal, financial, and 
     technical capacity to carry out the eligible project.
       (7) Before and after study and report.--
       (A) Study required.--A full funding grant agreement under 
     this paragraph shall require a recipient to conduct a study 
     that--
       (i) describes and analyzes the impacts of the eligible 
     project on public transportation services and public 
     transportation ridership;
       (ii) describes and analyzes the consistency of predicted 
     and actual benefits and costs of the innovative project 
     development and delivery methods or innovative financing for 
     the eligible project; and
       (iii) identifies reasons for any differences between 
     predicted and actual outcomes for the eligible project.
       (B) Submission of report.--Not later than 9 months after an 
     eligible project selected to participate in the program 
     begins revenue operations, the recipient shall submit to the 
     Secretary a report on the results of the study under 
     subparagraph (A).

     SEC. 20011. FORMULA GRANTS FOR THE ENHANCED MOBILITY OF 
                   SENIORS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

       Section 5310 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5310. Formula grants for the enhanced mobility of 
       seniors and individuals with disabilities

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions shall apply:
       ``(1) Recipient.--The term `recipient' means a designated 
     recipient or a State that receives a grant under this section 
     directly.
       ``(2) Subrecipient.--The term `subrecipient' means a State 
     or local governmental authority, nonprofit organization, or 
     operator of public transportation that receives a grant under 
     this section indirectly through a recipient.
       ``(b) General Authority.--
       ``(1) Grants.--The Secretary may make grants under this 
     section to recipients for--
       ``(A) public transportation capital projects planned, 
     designed, and carried out to meet the special needs of 
     seniors and individuals with disabilities when public 
     transportation is insufficient, inappropriate, or 
     unavailable;
       ``(B) public transportation projects that exceed the 
     requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 
     (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.);
       ``(C) public transportation projects that improve access to 
     fixed route service and decrease reliance by individuals with 
     disabilities on complementary paratransit; and
       ``(D) alternatives to public transportation that assist 
     seniors and individuals with disabilities with 
     transportation.
       ``(2) Limitations for capital projects.--
       ``(A) Amount available.--The amount available for capital 
     projects under paragraph (1)(A) shall be not less than 55 
     percent of the funds apportioned to the recipient under this 
     section.
       ``(B) Allocation to subrecipients.--A recipient of a grant 
     under paragraph (1)(A)

[[Page S727]]

     may allocate the amounts provided under the grant to--
       ``(i) a nonprofit organization; or
       ``(ii) a State or local governmental authority that--

       ``(I) is approved by a State to coordinate services for 
     seniors and individuals with disabilities; or
       ``(II) certifies that there are no nonprofit organizations 
     readily available in the area to provide the services 
     described in paragraph (1)(A).

       ``(3) Administrative expenses.--
       ``(A) In general.--A recipient may use not more than 10 
     percent of the amounts apportioned to the recipient under 
     this section to administer, plan, and provide technical 
     assistance for a project funded under this section.
       ``(B) Government share of costs.--The Government share of 
     the costs of administering a program carried out using funds 
     under this section shall be 100 percent.
       ``(4) Eligible capital expenses.--The acquisition of public 
     transportation services is an eligible capital expense under 
     this section.
       ``(5) Coordination.--
       ``(A) Department of transportation.--To the maximum extent 
     feasible, the Secretary shall coordinate activities under 
     this section with related activities under other Federal 
     departments and agencies.
       ``(B) Other federal agencies and nonprofit organizations.--
     A State or local governmental authority or nonprofit 
     organization that receives assistance from Government sources 
     (other than the Department of Transportation) for 
     nonemergency transportation services shall--
       ``(i) participate and coordinate with recipients of 
     assistance under this chapter in the design and delivery of 
     transportation services; and
       ``(ii) participate in the planning for the transportation 
     services described in clause (i).
       ``(6) Program of projects.--
       ``(A) In general.--Amounts made available to carry out this 
     section may be used for transportation projects to assist in 
     providing transportation services for seniors and individuals 
     with disabilities, if such transportation projects are 
     included in a program of projects.
       ``(B) Submission.--A recipient shall annually submit a 
     program of projects to the Secretary.
       ``(C) Assurance.--The program of projects submitted under 
     subparagraph (B) shall contain an assurance that the program 
     provides for the maximum feasible coordination of 
     transportation services assisted under this section with 
     transportation services assisted by other Government sources.
       ``(7) Meal delivery for homebound individuals.--A public 
     transportation service provider that receives assistance 
     under this section or section 5311(c) may coordinate and 
     assist in regularly providing meal delivery service for 
     homebound individuals, if the delivery service does not 
     conflict with providing public transportation service or 
     reduce service to public transportation passengers.
       ``(c) Apportionment and Transfers.--
       ``(1) Formula.--The Secretary shall apportion amounts made 
     available to carry out this section as follows:
       ``(A) Large urbanized areas.--Sixty percent of the funds 
     shall be apportioned among designated recipients for 
     urbanized areas with a population of 200,000 or more 
     individuals, as determined by the Bureau of the Census, in 
     the ratio that--
       ``(i) the number of seniors and individuals with 
     disabilities in each such urbanized area; bears to
       ``(ii) the number of seniors and individuals with 
     disabilities in all such urbanized areas.
       ``(B) Small urbanized areas.--Twenty percent of the funds 
     shall be apportioned among the States in the ratio that--
       ``(i) the number of seniors and individuals with 
     disabilities in urbanized areas with a population of fewer 
     than 200,000 individuals, as determined by the Bureau of the 
     Census, in each State; bears to
       ``(ii) the number of seniors and individuals with 
     disabilities in urbanized areas with a population of fewer 
     than 200,000 individuals, as determined by the Bureau of the 
     Census, in all States.
       ``(C) Other than urbanized areas.--Twenty percent of the 
     funds shall be apportioned among the States in the ratio 
     that--
       ``(i) the number of seniors and individuals with 
     disabilities in other than urbanized areas in each State; 
     bears to
       ``(ii) the number of seniors and individuals with 
     disabilities in other than urbanized areas in all States.
       ``(2) Areas served by projects.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B)--
       ``(i) funds apportioned under paragraph (1)(A) shall be 
     used for projects serving urbanized areas with a population 
     of 200,000 or more individuals, as determined by the Bureau 
     of the Census;
       ``(ii) funds apportioned under paragraph (1)(B) shall be 
     used for projects serving urbanized areas with a population 
     of fewer than 200,000 individuals, as determined by the 
     Bureau of the Census; and
       ``(iii) funds apportioned under paragraph (1)(C) shall be 
     used for projects serving other than urbanized areas.
       ``(B) Exceptions.--A State may use funds apportioned to the 
     State under subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (1)--
       ``(i) for a project serving an area other than an area 
     specified in subparagraph (A)(ii) or (A)(iii), as the case 
     may be, if the Governor of the State certifies that all of 
     the objectives of this section are being met in the area 
     specified in subparagraph (A)(ii) or (A)(iii); or
       ``(ii) for a project anywhere in the State, if the State 
     has established a statewide program for meeting the 
     objectives of this section.
       ``(C) Limited to eligible projects.--Any funds transferred 
     pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be made available only for 
     eligible projects selected under this section.
       ``(D) Consultation.--A recipient may transfer an amount 
     under subparagraph (B) only after consulting with responsible 
     local officials, publicly owned operators of public 
     transportation, and nonprofit providers in the area for which 
     the amount was originally apportioned.
       ``(d) Government Share of Costs.--
       ``(1) Capital projects.--A grant for a capital project 
     under this section shall be in an amount equal to 80 percent 
     of the net capital costs of the project, as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(2) Operating assistance.--A grant made under this 
     section for operating assistance may not exceed an amount 
     equal to 50 percent of the net operating costs of the 
     project, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(3) Remainder of net costs.--The remainder of the net 
     costs of a project carried out under this section--
       ``(A) may be provided from an undistributed cash surplus, a 
     replacement or depreciation cash fund or reserve, a service 
     agreement with a State or local social service agency or a 
     private social service organization, or new capital; and
       ``(B) may be derived from amounts appropriated or otherwise 
     made available--
       ``(i) to a department or agency of the Government (other 
     than the Department of Transportation) that are eligible to 
     be expended for transportation; or
       ``(ii) to carry out the Federal lands highways program 
     under section 204 of title 23, United States Code.
       ``(4) Use of certain funds.--For purposes of paragraph 
     (3)(B)(i), the prohibition under section 403(a)(5)(C)(vii) of 
     the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 603(a)(5)(C)(vii)) on the 
     use of grant funds for matching requirements shall not apply 
     to Federal or State funds to be used for transportation 
     purposes.
       ``(e) Grant Requirements.--
       ``(1) In general.--A grant under this section shall be 
     subject to the same requirements as a grant under section 
     5307, to the extent the Secretary determines appropriate.
       ``(2) Certification requirements.--
       ``(A) Project selection and plan development.--Before 
     receiving a grant under this section, each recipient shall 
     certify that--
       ``(i) the projects selected by the recipient are included 
     in a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human 
     services transportation plan;
       ``(ii) the plan described in clause (i) was developed and 
     approved through a process that included participation by 
     seniors, individuals with disabilities, representatives of 
     public, private, and nonprofit transportation and human 
     services providers, and other members of the public; and
       ``(iii) to the maximum extent feasible, the services funded 
     under this section will be coordinated with transportation 
     services assisted by other Federal departments and agencies.
       ``(B) Allocations to subrecipients.--If a recipient 
     allocates funds received under this section to subrecipients, 
     the recipient shall certify that the funds are allocated on a 
     fair and equitable basis.
       ``(f) Competitive Process for Grants to Subrecipients.--
       ``(1) Areawide solicitations.--A recipient of funds 
     apportioned under subsection (c)(1)(A) may conduct, in 
     cooperation with the appropriate metropolitan planning 
     organization, an areawide solicitation for applications for 
     grants under this section.
       ``(2) Statewide solicitations.--A recipient of funds 
     apportioned under subparagraph (B) or (C) of subsection 
     (c)(1) may conduct a statewide solicitation for applications 
     for grants under this section.
       ``(3) Application.--If the recipient elects to engage in a 
     competitive process, a recipient or subrecipient seeking to 
     receive a grant from funds apportioned under subsection (c) 
     shall submit to the recipient making the election an 
     application in such form and in accordance with such 
     requirements as the recipient making the election shall 
     establish.
       ``(g) Transfers of Facilities and Equipment.--A recipient 
     may transfer a facility or equipment acquired using a grant 
     under this section to any other recipient eligible to receive 
     assistance under this chapter, if--
       ``(1) the recipient in possession of the facility or 
     equipment consents to the transfer; and
       ``(2) the facility or equipment will continue to be used as 
     required under this section.
       ``(h) Performance Measures.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, 
     the Secretary shall issue a final rule to establish 
     performance measures for grants under this section.
       ``(2) Targets.--Not later than 3 months after the date on 
     which the Secretary issues

[[Page S728]]

     a final rule under paragraph (1), and each fiscal year 
     thereafter, each recipient that receives Federal financial 
     assistance under this section shall establish performance 
     targets in relation to the performance measures established 
     by the Secretary.
       ``(3) Reports.--Each recipient of Federal financial 
     assistance under this section shall submit to the Secretary 
     an annual report that describes--
       ``(A) the progress of the recipient toward meeting the 
     performance targets established under paragraph (2) for that 
     fiscal year; and
       ``(B) the performance targets established by the recipient 
     for the subsequent fiscal year.''.

     SEC. 20012. FORMULA GRANTS FOR OTHER THAN URBANIZED AREAS.

       Section 5311 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5311. Formula grants for other than urbanized areas

       ``(a) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following 
     definitions shall apply:
       ``(1) Recipient.--The term `recipient' means a State or 
     Indian tribe that receives a Federal transit program grant 
     directly from the Government.
       ``(2) Subrecipient.--The term `subrecipient' means a State 
     or local governmental authority, a nonprofit organization, or 
     an operator of public transportation or intercity bus service 
     that receives Federal transit program grant funds indirectly 
     through a recipient.
       ``(b) General Authority.--
       ``(1) Grants authorized.--Except as provided by paragraph 
     (2), the Secretary may award grants under this section to 
     recipients located in areas other than urbanized areas for--
       ``(A) planning, provided that a grant under this section 
     for planning activities shall be in addition to funding 
     awarded to a State under section 5305 for planning activities 
     that are directed specifically at the needs of other than 
     urbanized areas in the State;
       ``(B) public transportation capital projects;
       ``(C) operating costs of equipment and facilities for use 
     in public transportation; and
       ``(D) the acquisition of public transportation services, 
     including service agreements with private providers of public 
     transportation service.
       ``(2) State program.--
       ``(A) In general.--A project eligible for a grant under 
     this section shall be included in a State program for public 
     transportation service projects, including agreements with 
     private providers of public transportation service.
       ``(B) Submission to secretary.--Each State shall submit to 
     the Secretary annually the program described in subparagraph 
     (A).
       ``(C) Approval.--The Secretary may not approve the program 
     unless the Secretary determines that--
       ``(i) the program provides a fair distribution of amounts 
     in the State, including Indian reservations; and
       ``(ii) the program provides the maximum feasible 
     coordination of public transportation service assisted under 
     this section with transportation service assisted by other 
     Federal sources.
       ``(3) Rural transportation assistance program.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a rural 
     transportation assistance program in other than urbanized 
     areas.
       ``(B) Grants and contracts.--In carrying out this 
     paragraph, the Secretary may use not more than 2 percent of 
     the amount made available under section 5338(a)(2)(F) to make 
     grants and contracts for transportation research, technical 
     assistance, training, and related support services in other 
     than urbanized areas.
       ``(C) Projects of a national scope.--Not more than 15 
     percent of the amounts available under subparagraph (B) may 
     be used by the Secretary to carry out projects of a national 
     scope, with the remaining balance provided to the States.
       ``(4) Data collection.--Each recipient under this section 
     shall submit an annual report to the Secretary containing 
     information on capital investment, operations, and service 
     provided with funds received under this section, including--
       ``(A) total annual revenue;
       ``(B) sources of revenue;
       ``(C) total annual operating costs;
       ``(D) total annual capital costs;
       ``(E) fleet size and type, and related facilities;
       ``(F) vehicle revenue miles; and
       ``(G) ridership.
       ``(c) Apportionments.--
       ``(1) Public transportation on indian reservations.--Of the 
     amounts made available or appropriated for each fiscal year 
     pursuant to section 5338(a)(2)(F) to carry out this 
     paragraph, the following amounts shall be apportioned each 
     fiscal year for grants to Indian tribes for any purpose 
     eligible under this section, under such terms and conditions 
     as may be established by the Secretary:
       ``(A) $10,000,000 shall be distributed on a competitive 
     basis by the Secretary.
       ``(B) $20,000,000 shall be apportioned as formula grants, 
     as provided in subsection (k).
       ``(2) Appalachian development public transportation 
     assistance program.--
       ``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph--
       ``(i) the term `Appalachian region' has the same meaning as 
     in section 14102 of title 40; and
       ``(ii) the term `eligible recipient' means a State that 
     participates in a program established under subtitle IV of 
     title 40.
       ``(B) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a public 
     transportation assistance program in the Appalachian region.
       ``(C) Apportionment.--Of amounts made available or 
     appropriated for each fiscal year under section 5338(a)(2)(F) 
     to carry out this paragraph, the Secretary shall apportion 
     funds to eligible recipients for any purpose eligible under 
     this section, based on the guidelines established under 
     section 9.5(b) of the Appalachian Regional Commission Code.
       ``(D) Special rule.--An eligible recipient may use amounts 
     that cannot be used for operating expenses under this 
     paragraph for a highway project if--
       ``(i) that use is approved, in writing, by the eligible 
     recipient after appropriate notice and an opportunity for 
     comment and appeal are provided to affected public 
     transportation providers; and
       ``(ii) the eligible recipient, in approving the use of 
     amounts under this subparagraph, determines that the local 
     transit needs are being addressed.
       ``(3) Remaining amounts.--
       ``(A) In general.--The amounts made available or 
     appropriated for each fiscal year pursuant to section 
     5338(a)(2)(F) that are not apportioned under paragraph (1) or 
     (2) shall be apportioned in accordance with this paragraph.
       ``(B) Apportionment based on land area and population in 
     nonurbanized areas.--
       ``(i) In general.--83.15 percent of the amount described in 
     subparagraph (A) shall be apportioned to the States in 
     accordance with this subparagraph.
       ``(ii) Land area.--

       ``(I) In general.--Subject to subclause (II), each State 
     shall receive an amount that is equal to 20 percent of the 
     amount apportioned under clause (i), multiplied by the ratio 
     of the land area in areas other than urbanized areas in that 
     State and divided by the land area in all areas other than 
     urbanized areas in the United States, as shown by the most 
     recent decennial census of population.
       ``(II) Maximum apportionment.--No State shall receive more 
     than 5 percent of the amount apportioned under subclause (I).

       ``(iii) Population.--Each State shall receive an amount 
     equal to 80 percent of the amount apportioned under clause 
     (i), multiplied by the ratio of the population of areas other 
     than urbanized areas in that State and divided by the 
     population of all areas other than urbanized areas in the 
     United States, as shown by the most recent decennial census 
     of population.
       ``(C) Apportionment based on land area, vehicle revenue 
     miles, and low-income individuals in nonurbanized areas.--
       ``(i) In general.--16.85 percent of the amount described in 
     subparagraph (A) shall be apportioned to the States in 
     accordance with this subparagraph.
       ``(ii) Land area.--Subject to clause (v), each State shall 
     receive an amount that is equal to 29.68 percent of the 
     amount apportioned under clause (i), multiplied by the ratio 
     of the land area in areas other than urbanized areas in that 
     State and divided by the land area in all areas other than 
     urbanized areas in the United States, as shown by the most 
     recent decennial census of population.
       ``(iii) Vehicle revenue miles.--Subject to clause (v), each 
     State shall receive an amount that is equal to 29.68 percent 
     of the amount apportioned under clause (i), multiplied by the 
     ratio of vehicle revenue miles in areas other than urbanized 
     areas in that State and divided by the vehicle revenue miles 
     in all areas other than urbanized areas in the United States, 
     as determined by national transit database reporting.
       ``(iv) Low-income individuals.--Each State shall receive an 
     amount that is equal to 40.64 percent of the amount 
     apportioned under clause (i), multiplied by the ratio of low-
     income individuals in areas other than urbanized areas in 
     that State and divided by the number of low-income 
     individuals in all areas other than urbanized areas in the 
     United States, as shown by the Bureau of the Census.
       ``(v) Maximum apportionment.--No State shall receive--

       ``(I) more than 5 percent of the amount apportioned under 
     clause (ii); or
       ``(II) more than 5 percent of the amount apportioned under 
     clause (iii).

       ``(d) Use for Local Transportation Service.--A State may 
     use an amount apportioned under this section for a project 
     included in a program under subsection (b) of this section 
     and eligible for assistance under this chapter if the project 
     will provide local transportation service, as defined by the 
     Secretary of Transportation, in an area other than an 
     urbanized area.
       ``(e) Use for Administration, Planning, and Technical 
     Assistance.--The Secretary may allow a State to use not more 
     than 15 percent of the amount apportioned under this section 
     to administer this section and provide technical assistance 
     to a subrecipient, including project planning, program and 
     management development, coordination of public transportation 
     programs, and research the State considers appropriate to 
     promote effective delivery of public transportation to an 
     area other than an urbanized area.
       ``(f) Intercity Bus Transportation.--
       ``(1) In general.--A State shall expend at least 15 percent 
     of the amount made available in each fiscal year to carry out 
     a program to develop and support intercity bus 
     transportation. Eligible activities under the program 
     include--

[[Page S729]]

       ``(A) planning and marketing for intercity bus 
     transportation;
       ``(B) capital grants for intercity bus shelters;
       ``(C) joint-use stops and depots;
       ``(D) operating grants through purchase-of-service 
     agreements, user-side subsidies, and demonstration projects; 
     and
       ``(E) coordinating rural connections between small public 
     transportation operations and intercity bus carriers.
       ``(2) Certification.--A State does not have to comply with 
     paragraph (1) of this subsection in a fiscal year in which 
     the Governor of the State certifies to the Secretary, after 
     consultation with affected intercity bus service providers, 
     that the intercity bus service needs of the State are being 
     met adequately.
       ``(g) Access to Jobs Projects.--
       ``(1) In general.--Amounts made available under section 
     5338(a)(2)(F) may be used to carry out a program to develop 
     and maintain job access projects. Eligible projects may 
     include--
       ``(A) projects relating to the development and maintenance 
     of public transportation services designed to transport 
     eligible low-income individuals to and from jobs and 
     activities related to their employment, including--
       ``(i) public transportation projects to finance planning, 
     capital, and operating costs of providing access to jobs 
     under this chapter;
       ``(ii) promoting public transportation by low-income 
     workers, including the use of public transportation by 
     workers with nontraditional work schedules;
       ``(iii) promoting the use of transit vouchers for welfare 
     recipients and eligible low-income individuals; and
       ``(iv) promoting the use of employer-provided 
     transportation, including the transit pass benefit program 
     under section 132 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and
       ``(B) transportation projects designed to support the use 
     of public transportation including--
       ``(i) enhancements to existing public transportation 
     service for workers with non-traditional hours or reverse 
     commutes;
       ``(ii) guaranteed ride home programs;
       ``(iii) bicycle storage facilities; and
       ``(iv) projects that otherwise facilitate the provision of 
     public transportation services to employment opportunities.
       ``(2) Project selection and plan development.--Each grant 
     recipient under this subsection shall certify that--
       ``(A) the projects selected were included in a locally 
     developed, coordinated public transit-human services 
     transportation plan;
       ``(B) the plan was developed and approved through a process 
     that included participation by low-income individuals, 
     representatives of public, private, and nonprofit 
     transportation and human services providers, and the public;
       ``(C) to the maximum extent feasible, services funded under 
     this subsection are coordinated with transportation services 
     funded by other Federal departments and agencies; and
       ``(D) allocations of the grant to subrecipients, if any, 
     are distributed on a fair and equitable basis.
       ``(3) Competitive process for grants to subrecipients.--
       ``(A) Statewide solicitations.--A State may conduct a 
     statewide solicitation for applications for grants to 
     recipients and subrecipients under this subsection.
       ``(B) Application.--If the State elects to engage in a 
     competitive process, recipients and subrecipients seeking to 
     receive a grant from apportioned funds shall submit to the 
     State an application in the form and in accordance with such 
     requirements as the State shall establish.
       ``(h) Government Share of Costs.--
       ``(1) Capital projects.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided by subparagraph (B), 
     a grant awarded under this section for a capital project or 
     project administrative expenses shall be for 80 percent of 
     the net costs of the project, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(B) Exception.--A State described in section 120(b) of 
     title 23 shall receive a Government share of the net costs in 
     accordance with the formula under that section.
       ``(2) Operating assistance.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided by subparagraph (B), 
     a grant made under this section for operating assistance may 
     not exceed 50 percent of the net operating costs of the 
     project, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(B) Exception.--A State described in section 120(b) of 
     title 23 shall receive a Government share of the net 
     operating costs equal to 62.5 percent of the Government share 
     provided for under paragraph (1)(B).
       ``(3) Remainder.--The remainder of net project costs--
       ``(A) may be provided from an undistributed cash surplus, a 
     replacement or depreciation cash fund or reserve, a service 
     agreement with a State or local social service agency or a 
     private social service organization, or new capital;
       ``(B) may be derived from amounts appropriated or otherwise 
     made available to a department or agency of the Government 
     (other than the Department of Transportation) that are 
     eligible to be expended for transportation; and
       ``(C) notwithstanding subparagraph (B), may be derived from 
     amounts made available to carry out the Federal lands highway 
     program established by section 204 of title 23.
       ``(4) Use of certain funds.--For purposes of paragraph 
     (3)(B), the prohibitions on the use of funds for matching 
     requirements under section 403(a)(5)(C)(vii) of the Social 
     Security Act (42 U.S.C. 603(a)(5)(C)(vii)) shall not apply to 
     Federal or State funds to be used for transportation 
     purposes.
       ``(5) Limitation on operating assistance.--A State carrying 
     out a program of operating assistance under this section may 
     not limit the level or extent of use of the Government grant 
     for the payment of operating expenses.
       ``(i) Transfer of Facilities and Equipment.--With the 
     consent of the recipient currently having a facility or 
     equipment acquired with assistance under this section, a 
     State may transfer the facility or equipment to any recipient 
     eligible to receive assistance under this chapter if the 
     facility or equipment will continue to be used as required 
     under this section.
       ``(j) Relationship to Other Laws.--
       ``(1) In general.--Section 5333(b) applies to this section 
     if the Secretary of Labor utilizes a special warranty that 
     provides a fair and equitable arrangement to protect the 
     interests of employees.
       ``(2) Rule of construction.--This subsection does not 
     affect or discharge a responsibility of the Secretary of 
     Transportation under a law of the United States.
       ``(k) Formula Grants for Public Transportation on Indian 
     Reservations.--
       ``(1) Apportionment.--
       ``(A) In general.--Of the amounts described in subsection 
     (c)(1)(B)--
       ``(i) 50 percent of the total amount shall be apportioned 
     so that each Indian tribe providing public transportation 
     service shall receive an amount equal to the total amount 
     apportioned under this clause multiplied by the ratio of the 
     number of vehicle revenue miles provided by an Indian tribe 
     divided by the total number of vehicle revenue miles provided 
     by all Indian tribes, as reported to the Secretary;
       ``(ii) 25 percent of the total amount shall be apportioned 
     equally among each Indian tribe providing at least 200,000 
     vehicle revenue miles of public transportation service 
     annually, as reported to the Secretary; and
       ``(iii) 25 percent of the total amount shall be apportioned 
     among each Indian tribe providing public transportation on 
     tribal lands on which more than 1,000 low-income individuals 
     reside (as determined by the Bureau of the Census) so that 
     each Indian tribe shall receive an amount equal to the total 
     amount apportioned under this clause multiplied by the ratio 
     of the number of low-income individuals residing on an Indian 
     tribe's lands divided by the total number of low-income 
     individuals on tribal lands on which more than 1,000 low-
     income individuals reside.
       ``(B) Limitation.--No recipient shall receive more than 
     $300,000 of the amounts apportioned under subparagraph 
     (A)(iii) in a fiscal year.
       ``(C) Remaining amounts.--Of the amounts made available 
     under subparagraph (A)(iii), any amounts not apportioned 
     under that subparagraph shall be allocated among Indian 
     tribes receiving less than $300,000 in a fiscal year 
     according to the formula specified in that clause.
       ``(D) Low-income individuals.--For purposes of subparagraph 
     (A)(iii), the term `low-income individual' means an 
     individual whose family income is at or below 100 percent of 
     the poverty line, as that term is defined in section 673(2) 
     of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 
     9902(2)), including any revision required by that section, 
     for a family of the size involved.
       ``(2) Non-tribal service providers.--A recipient that is an 
     Indian tribe may use funds apportioned under this subsection 
     to finance public transportation services provided by a non-
     tribal provider of public transportation that connects 
     residents of tribal lands with surrounding communities, 
     improves access to employment or healthcare, or otherwise 
     addresses the mobility needs of tribal members.''.

     SEC. 20013. RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, AND 
                   DEPLOYMENT PROJECTS.

       Section 5312 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5312. Research, development, demonstration, and 
       deployment projects

       ``(a) Research, Development, Demonstration, and Deployment 
     Projects.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make grants and enter 
     into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other agreements 
     for research, development, demonstration, and deployment 
     projects, and evaluation of research and technology of 
     national significance to public transportation, that the 
     Secretary determines will improve public transportation.
       ``(2) Agreements.--In order to carry out paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary may make grants to and enter into contracts, 
     cooperative agreements, and other agreements with--
       ``(A) departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the 
     Government;
       ``(B) State and local governmental entities;
       ``(C) providers of public transportation;
       ``(D) private or non-profit organizations;
       ``(E) institutions of higher education; and
       ``(F) technical and community colleges.
       ``(3) Application.--
       ``(A) In general.--To receive a grant, contract, 
     cooperative agreement, or other agreement under this section, 
     an entity described in paragraph (2) shall submit an 
     application to the Secretary.

[[Page S730]]

       ``(B) Form and contents.--An application under subparagraph 
     (A) shall be in such form and contain such information as the 
     Secretary may require, including--
       ``(i) a statement of purpose detailing the need being 
     addressed;
       ``(ii) the short- and long-term goals of the project, 
     including opportunities for future innovation and 
     development, the potential for deployment, and benefits to 
     riders and public transportation; and
       ``(iii) the short- and long-term funding requirements to 
     complete the project and any future objectives of the 
     project.
       ``(b) Research.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make a grant to or 
     enter into a contract, cooperative agreement, or other 
     agreement under this section with an entity described in 
     subsection (a)(2) to carry out a public transportation 
     research project that has as its ultimate goal the 
     development and deployment of new and innovative ideas, 
     practices, and approaches.
       ``(2) Project eligibility.--A public transportation 
     research project that receives assistance under paragraph (1) 
     shall focus on--
       ``(A) providing more effective and efficient public 
     transportation service, including services to--
       ``(i) seniors;
       ``(ii) individuals with disabilities; and
       ``(iii) low-income individuals;
       ``(B) mobility management and improvements and travel 
     management systems;
       ``(C) data and communication system advancements;
       ``(D) system capacity, including--
       ``(i) train control;
       ``(ii) capacity improvements; and
       ``(iii) performance management;
       ``(E) capital and operating efficiencies;
       ``(F) planning and forecasting modeling and simulation;
       ``(G) advanced vehicle design;
       ``(H) advancements in vehicle technology;
       ``(I) asset maintenance and repair systems advancement;
       ``(J) construction and project management;
       ``(K) alternative fuels;
       ``(L) the environment and energy efficiency;
       ``(M) safety improvements; or
       ``(N) any other area that the Secretary determines is 
     important to advance the interests of public transportation.
       ``(c) Innovation and Development.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make a grant to or 
     enter into a contract, cooperative agreement, or other 
     agreement under this section with an entity described in 
     subsection (a)(2) to carry out a public transportation 
     innovation and development project that seeks to improve 
     public transportation systems nationwide in order to provide 
     more efficient and effective delivery of public 
     transportation services, including through technology and 
     technological capacity improvements.
       ``(2) Project eligibility.--A public transportation 
     innovation and development project that receives assistance 
     under paragraph (1) shall focus on--
       ``(A) the development of public transportation research 
     projects that received assistance under subsection (b) that 
     the Secretary determines were successful;
       ``(B) planning and forecasting modeling and simulation;
       ``(C) capital and operating efficiencies;
       ``(D) advanced vehicle design;
       ``(E) advancements in vehicle technology;
       ``(F) the environment and energy efficiency;
       ``(G) system capacity, including train control and capacity 
     improvements; or
       ``(H) any other area that the Secretary determines is 
     important to advance the interests of public transportation.
       ``(d) Demonstration, Deployment, and Evaluation.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may, under terms and 
     conditions that the Secretary prescribes, make a grant to or 
     enter into a contract, cooperative agreement, or other 
     agreement with an entity described in paragraph (2) to 
     promote the early deployment and demonstration of innovation 
     in public transportation that has broad applicability.
       ``(2) Participants.--An entity described in this paragraph 
     is--
       ``(A) an entity described in subsection (a)(2); or
       ``(B) a consortium of entities described in subsection 
     (a)(2), including a provider of public transportation, that 
     will share the costs, risks, and rewards of early deployment 
     and demonstration of innovation.
       ``(3) Project eligibility.--A project that receives 
     assistance under paragraph (1) shall seek to build on 
     successful research, innovation, and development efforts to 
     facilitate--
       ``(A) the deployment of research and technology development 
     resulting from private efforts or federally funded efforts; 
     and
       ``(B) the implementation of research and technology 
     development to advance the interests of public 
     transportation.
       ``(4) Evaluation.--Not later than 2 years after the date on 
     which a project receives assistance under paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the 
     success or failure of the projects funded under this 
     subsection and any plan for broad-based implementation of the 
     innovation promoted by successful projects.
       ``(e) Annual Report on Research.--Not later than the first 
     Monday in February of each year, the Secretary shall submit 
     to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and 
     the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a 
     report that includes--
       ``(1) a description of each project that received 
     assistance under this section during the preceding fiscal 
     year;
       ``(2) an evaluation of each project described in paragraph 
     (1), including any evaluation conducted under subsection 
     (d)(4) for the preceding fiscal year; and
       ``(3) a proposal for allocations of amounts for assistance 
     under this section for the subsequent fiscal year.
       ``(f) Government Share of Costs.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Government share of the cost of a 
     project carried out under this section shall not exceed 80 
     percent.
       ``(2) Non-government share.--The non-Government share of 
     the cost of a project carried out under this section may be 
     derived from in-kind contributions.
       ``(3) Financial benefit.--If the Secretary determines that 
     there would be a clear and direct financial benefit to an 
     entity under a grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or 
     other agreement under this section, the Secretary shall 
     establish a Government share of the costs of the project to 
     be carried out under the grant, contract, cooperative 
     agreement, or other agreement that is consistent with the 
     benefit.''.

     SEC. 20014. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT.

       Section 5314 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5314. Technical assistance and standards development

       ``(a) Technical Assistance and Standards Development.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make grants and enter 
     into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other agreements 
     (including agreements with departments, agencies, and 
     instrumentalities of the Government) to carry out activities 
     that the Secretary determines will assist recipients of 
     assistance under this chapter to--
       ``(A) more effectively and efficiently provide public 
     transportation service;
       ``(B) administer funds received under this chapter in 
     compliance with Federal law; and
       ``(C) improve public transportation.
       ``(2) Eligible activities.--The activities carried out 
     under paragraph (1) may include--
       ``(A) technical assistance; and
       ``(B) the development of standards and best practices by 
     the public transportation industry.
       ``(b) Technical Assistance Centers.--
       ``(1) Definition.--In this subsection, the term `eligible 
     entity' means a nonprofit organization, an institution of 
     higher education, or a technical or community college.
       ``(2) In general.--The Secretary may make grants to and 
     enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other 
     agreements with eligible entities to administer centers to 
     provide technical assistance, including--
       ``(A) the development of tools and guidance; and
       ``(B) the dissemination of best practices.
       ``(3) Competitive process.--The Secretary may make grants 
     and enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other 
     agreements under paragraph (2) through a competitive process 
     on a biennial basis for technical assistance in each of the 
     following categories:
       ``(A) Human services transportation coordination, 
     including--
       ``(i) transportation for seniors;
       ``(ii) transportation for individuals with disabilities; 
     and
       ``(iii) coordination of local resources and programs to 
     assist low-income individuals and veterans in gaining access 
     to training and employment opportunities.
       ``(B) Transit-oriented development.
       ``(C) Transportation equity with regard to the impact that 
     transportation planning, investment, and operations have on 
     low-income and minority individuals.
       ``(D) Financing mechanisms, including--
       ``(i) public-private partnerships;
       ``(ii) bonding; and
       ``(iii) State and local capacity building.
       ``(E) Any other activity that the Secretary determines is 
     important to advance the interests of public transportation.
       ``(4) Expertise of technical assistance centers.--In 
     selecting an eligible entity to administer a center under 
     this subsection, the Secretary shall consider--
       ``(A) the demonstrated subject matter expertise of the 
     eligible entity; and
       ``(B) the capacity of the eligible entity to deliver 
     technical assistance on a regional or nationwide basis.
       ``(5) Partnerships.--An eligible entity may partner with 
     another eligible entity to provide technical assistance under 
     this subsection.
       ``(c) Government Share of Costs.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Government share of the cost of an 
     activity under this section may not exceed 80 percent.
       ``(2) Non-government share.--The non-Government share of 
     the cost of an activity under this section may be derived 
     from in-kind contributions.''.

     SEC. 20015. BUS TESTING FACILITIES.

       Section 5318 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5318. Bus testing facilities

       ``(a) Facilities.--The Secretary shall certify not more 
     than 4 comprehensive facilities

[[Page S731]]

     for testing new bus models for maintainability, reliability, 
     safety, performance (including braking performance), 
     structural integrity, fuel economy, emissions, and noise.
       ``(b) Cooperative Agreement.--The Secretary shall enter 
     into a cooperative agreement with not more than 4 qualified 
     entities to test public transportation vehicles under 
     subsection (a).
       ``(c) Fees.--An entity that operates and maintains a 
     facility certified under subsection (a) shall establish and 
     collect reasonable fees for the testing of vehicles at the 
     facility. The Secretary must approve the fees.
       ``(d) Availability of Amounts To Pay for Testing.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into a 
     cooperative agreement with an entity that operates and 
     maintains a facility certified under subsection (a), under 
     which 80 percent of the fee for testing a vehicle at the 
     facility may be available from amounts apportioned to a 
     recipient under section 5336 or from amounts appropriated to 
     carry out this section.
       ``(2) Prohibition.--An entity that operates and maintains a 
     facility described in subsection (a) shall not have a 
     financial interest in the outcome of the testing carried out 
     at the facility.
       ``(e) Acquiring New Bus Models.--Amounts appropriated or 
     made available under this chapter may be obligated or 
     expended to acquire a new bus model only if--
       ``(1) a bus of that model has been tested at a facility 
     described in subsection (a); and
       ``(2) the bus tested under paragraph (1) met--
       ``(A) performance standards for maintainability, 
     reliability, performance (including braking performance), 
     structural integrity, fuel economy, emissions, and noise, as 
     established by the Secretary by rule; and
       ``(B) the minimum safety performance standards established 
     by the Secretary pursuant to section 5329(b).''.

     SEC. 20016. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND 
                   HUMAN RESOURCE PROGRAMS.

       Section 5322 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5322. Public transportation workforce development and 
       human resource programs

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may undertake, or make 
     grants or enter into contracts for, activities that address 
     human resource needs as the needs apply to public 
     transportation activities, including activities that--
       ``(1) educate and train employees;
       ``(2) develop the public transportation workforce through 
     career outreach and preparation;
       ``(3) develop a curriculum for workforce development;
       ``(4) conduct outreach programs to increase minority and 
     female employment in public transportation;
       ``(5) conduct research on public transportation personnel 
     and training needs;
       ``(6) provide training and assistance for minority business 
     opportunities;
       ``(7) advance training relating to maintenance of 
     alternative energy, energy efficiency, or zero emission 
     vehicles and facilities used in public transportation; and
       ``(8) address a current or projected workforce shortage in 
     an area that requires technical expertise.
       ``(b) Funding.--
       ``(1) Urbanized area formula grants.--A recipient or 
     subrecipient of funding under section 5307 shall expend not 
     less than 0.5 percent of such funding for activities 
     consistent with subsection (a).
       ``(2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the requirement 
     under paragraph (1) with respect to a recipient or 
     subrecipient if the Secretary determines that the recipient 
     or subrecipient--
       ``(A) has an adequate workforce development program; or
       ``(B) has partnered with a local educational institution in 
     a manner that sufficiently promotes or addresses workforce 
     development and human resource needs.
       ``(c) Innovative Public Transportation Workforce 
     Development Program.--
       ``(1) Program established.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     competitive grant program to assist the development of 
     innovative activities eligible for assistance under 
     subsection (a).
       ``(2) Selection of recipients.--To the maximum extent 
     feasible, the Secretary shall select recipients that--
       ``(A) are geographically diverse;
       ``(B) address the workforce and human resources needs of 
     large public transportation providers;
       ``(C) address the workforce and human resources needs of 
     small public transportation providers;
       ``(D) address the workforce and human resources needs of 
     urban public transportation providers;
       ``(E) address the workforce and human resources needs of 
     rural public transportation providers;
       ``(F) advance training related to maintenance of 
     alternative energy, energy efficiency, or zero emission 
     vehicles and facilities used in public transportation;
       ``(G) target areas with high rates of unemployment; and
       ``(H) address current or projected workforce shortages in 
     areas that require technical expertise.
       ``(d) Government's Share of Costs.--The Government share of 
     the cost of a project carried out using a grant under this 
     section shall be 50 percent.
       ``(e) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, 
     the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Banking, 
     Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report concerning the measurable outcomes 
     and impacts of the programs funded under this section.''.

     SEC. 20017. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

       Section 5323 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5323. General provisions

       ``(a) Interests in Property.--
       ``(1) In general.--Financial assistance provided under this 
     chapter to a State or a local governmental authority may be 
     used to acquire an interest in, or to buy property of, a 
     private company engaged in public transportation, for a 
     capital project for property acquired from a private company 
     engaged in public transportation after July 9, 1964, or to 
     operate a public transportation facility or equipment in 
     competition with, or in addition to, transportation service 
     provided by an existing public transportation company, only 
     if--
       ``(A) the Secretary determines that such financial 
     assistance is essential to a program of projects required 
     under sections 5303 and 5304;
       ``(B) the Secretary determines that the program provides 
     for the participation of private companies engaged in public 
     transportation to the maximum extent feasible; and
       ``(C) just compensation under State or local law will be 
     paid to the company for its franchise or property.
       ``(2) Limitation.--A governmental authority may not use 
     financial assistance of the United States Government to 
     acquire land, equipment, or a facility used in public 
     transportation from another governmental authority in the 
     same geographic area.
       ``(b) Relocation and Real Property Requirements.--The 
     Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition 
     Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.) shall apply to 
     financial assistance for capital projects under this chapter.
       ``(c) Consideration of Economic, Social, and Environmental 
     Interests.--
       ``(1) Cooperation and consultation.--In carrying out the 
     goal described in section 5301(c)(2), the Secretary shall 
     cooperate and consult with the Secretary of the Interior and 
     the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on 
     each project that may have a substantial impact on the 
     environment.
       ``(2) Compliance with nepa.--The National Environmental 
     Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) shall apply to 
     financial assistance for capital projects under this chapter.
       ``(d) Corridor Preservation.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may assist a recipient in 
     acquiring right-of-way before the completion of the 
     environmental reviews for any project that may use the right-
     of-way if the acquisition is otherwise permitted under 
     Federal law. The Secretary may establish restrictions on such 
     an acquisition as the Secretary determines to be necessary 
     and appropriate.
       ``(2) Environmental reviews.--Right-of-way acquired under 
     this subsection may not be developed in anticipation of the 
     project until all required environmental reviews for the 
     project have been completed.
       ``(e) Condition on Charter Bus Transportation Service.--
       ``(1) Agreements.--Financial assistance under this chapter 
     may be used to buy or operate a bus only if the applicant, 
     governmental authority, or publicly owned operator that 
     receives the assistance agrees that, except as provided in 
     the agreement, the governmental authority or an operator of 
     public transportation for the governmental authority will not 
     provide charter bus transportation service outside the urban 
     area in which it provides regularly scheduled public 
     transportation service. An agreement shall provide for a fair 
     arrangement the Secretary of Transportation considers 
     appropriate to ensure that the assistance will not enable a 
     governmental authority or an operator for a governmental 
     authority to foreclose a private operator from providing 
     intercity charter bus service if the private operator can 
     provide the service.
       ``(2) Violations.--
       ``(A) Investigations.--On receiving a complaint about a 
     violation of the agreement required under paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall investigate and decide whether a violation 
     has occurred.
       ``(B) Enforcement of agreements.--If the Secretary decides 
     that a violation has occurred, the Secretary shall correct 
     the violation under terms of the agreement.
       ``(C) Additional remedies.--In addition to any remedy 
     specified in the agreement, the Secretary shall bar a 
     recipient or an operator from receiving Federal transit 
     assistance in an amount the Secretary considers appropriate 
     if the Secretary finds a pattern of violations of the 
     agreement.
       ``(f) Bond Proceeds Eligible for Local Share.--
       ``(1) Use as local matching funds.--Notwithstanding any 
     other provision of law, a recipient of assistance under 
     section 5307, 5309, or 5337 may use the proceeds from the 
     issuance of revenue bonds as part of the local matching funds 
     for a capital project.
       ``(2) Maintenance of effort.--The Secretary shall approve 
     of the use of the proceeds from the issuance of revenue bonds 
     for

[[Page S732]]

     the remainder of the net project cost only if the Secretary 
     finds that the aggregate amount of financial support for 
     public transportation in the urbanized area provided by the 
     State and affected local governmental authorities during the 
     next 3 fiscal years, as programmed in the State 
     transportation improvement program under section 5304, is not 
     less than the aggregate amount provided by the State and 
     affected local governmental authorities in the urbanized area 
     during the preceding 3 fiscal years.
       ``(3) Debt service reserve.--The Secretary may reimburse an 
     eligible recipient for deposits of bond proceeds in a debt 
     service reserve that the recipient establishes pursuant to 
     section 5302(3)(J) from amounts made available to the 
     recipient under section 5309.
       ``(g) Schoolbus Transportation.--
       ``(1) Agreements.--Financial assistance under this chapter 
     may be used for a capital project, or to operate public 
     transportation equipment or a public transportation facility, 
     only if the applicant agrees not to provide schoolbus 
     transportation that exclusively transports students and 
     school personnel in competition with a private schoolbus 
     operator. This subsection does not apply--
       ``(A) to an applicant that operates a school system in the 
     area to be served and a separate and exclusive schoolbus 
     program for the school system; and
       ``(B) unless a private schoolbus operator can provide 
     adequate transportation that complies with applicable safety 
     standards at reasonable rates.
       ``(2) Violations.--If the Secretary finds that an 
     applicant, governmental authority, or publicly owned operator 
     has violated the agreement required under paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall bar a recipient or an operator from receiving 
     Federal transit assistance in an amount the Secretary 
     considers appropriate.
       ``(h) Buying Buses Under Other Laws.--Subsections (e) and 
     (g) of this section apply to financial assistance to buy a 
     bus under sections 133 and 142 of title 23.
       ``(i) Grant and Loan Prohibitions.--A grant or loan may not 
     be used to--
       ``(1) pay ordinary governmental or nonproject operating 
     expenses; or
       ``(2) support a procurement that uses an exclusionary or 
     discriminatory specification.
       ``(j) Government Share of Costs for Certain Projects.--A 
     grant for a project to be assisted under this chapter that 
     involves acquiring vehicle-related equipment or facilities 
     required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 
     U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) or vehicle-related equipment or 
     facilities (including clean fuel or alternative fuel vehicle-
     related equipment or facilities) for purposes of complying 
     with or maintaining compliance with the Clean Air Act, is for 
     90 percent of the net project cost of such equipment or 
     facilities attributable to compliance with those Acts. The 
     Secretary shall have discretion to determine, through 
     practicable administrative procedures, the costs of such 
     equipment or facilities attributable to compliance with those 
     Acts.
       ``(k) Buy America.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may obligate an amount 
     that may be appropriated to carry out this chapter for a 
     project only if the steel, iron, and manufactured goods used 
     in the project are produced in the United States.
       ``(2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive paragraph (1) of 
     this subsection if the Secretary finds that--
       ``(A) applying paragraph (1) would be inconsistent with the 
     public interest;
       ``(B) the steel, iron, and goods produced in the United 
     States are not produced in a sufficient and reasonably 
     available amount or are not of a satisfactory quality;
       ``(C) when procuring rolling stock (including train 
     control, communication, and traction power equipment) under 
     this chapter--
       ``(i) the cost of components and subcomponents produced in 
     the United States is more than 60 percent of the cost of all 
     components of the rolling stock; and
       ``(ii) final assembly of the rolling stock has occurred in 
     the United States; or
       ``(D) including domestic material will increase the cost of 
     the overall project by more than 25 percent.
       ``(3) Written waiver determination and annual report.--
       ``(A) Written determination.--Before issuing a waiver under 
     paragraph (2), the Secretary shall--
       ``(i) publish in the Federal Register and make publicly 
     available in an easily identifiable location on the website 
     of the Department of Transportation a detailed written 
     explanation of the waiver determination; and
       ``(ii) provide the public with a reasonable period of time 
     for notice and comment.
       ``(B) Annual report.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 
     2012, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to 
     the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives a report listing any waiver 
     issued under paragraph (2) during the preceding year.
       ``(4) Labor costs for final assembly.--In this subsection, 
     labor costs involved in final assembly are not included in 
     calculating the cost of components.
       ``(5) Waiver prohibited.--The Secretary may not make a 
     waiver under paragraph (2) of this subsection for goods 
     produced in a foreign country if the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the United States Trade Representative, 
     decides that the government of that foreign country--
       ``(A) has an agreement with the United States Government 
     under which the Secretary has waived the requirement of this 
     subsection; and
       ``(B) has violated the agreement by discriminating against 
     goods to which this subsection applies that are produced in 
     the United States and to which the agreement applies.
       ``(6) Penalty for mislabeling and misrepresentation.--A 
     person is ineligible under subpart 9.4 of the Federal 
     Acquisition Regulation, or any successor thereto, to receive 
     a contract or subcontract made with amounts authorized under 
     the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012 if a court or 
     department, agency, or instrumentality of the Government 
     decides the person intentionally--
       ``(A) affixed a `Made in America' label, or a label with an 
     inscription having the same meaning, to goods sold in or 
     shipped to the United States that are used in a project to 
     which this subsection applies but not produced in the United 
     States; or
       ``(B) represented that goods described in subparagraph (A) 
     of this paragraph were produced in the United States.
       ``(7) State requirements.--The Secretary may not impose any 
     limitation on assistance provided under this chapter that 
     restricts a State from imposing more stringent requirements 
     than this subsection on the use of articles, materials, and 
     supplies mined, produced, or manufactured in foreign 
     countries in projects carried out with that assistance or 
     restricts a recipient of that assistance from complying with 
     those State-imposed requirements.
       ``(8) Opportunity to correct inadvertent error.--The 
     Secretary may allow a manufacturer or supplier of steel, 
     iron, or manufactured goods to correct after bid opening any 
     certification of noncompliance or failure to properly 
     complete the certification (but not including failure to sign 
     the certification) under this subsection if such manufacturer 
     or supplier attests under penalty of perjury that such 
     manufacturer or supplier submitted an incorrect certification 
     as a result of an inadvertent or clerical error. The burden 
     of establishing inadvertent or clerical error is on the 
     manufacturer or supplier.
       ``(9) Administrative review.--A party adversely affected by 
     an agency action under this subsection shall have the right 
     to seek review under section 702 of title 5.
       ``(l) Participation of Governmental Agencies in Design and 
     Delivery of Transportation Services.--Governmental agencies 
     and nonprofit organizations that receive assistance from 
     Government sources (other than the Department of 
     Transportation) for nonemergency transportation services 
     shall--
       ``(1) participate and coordinate with recipients of 
     assistance under this chapter in the design and delivery of 
     transportation services; and
       ``(2) be included in the planning for those services.
       ``(m) Relationship to Other Laws.--
       ``(1) Fraud and false statements.--Section 1001 of title 18 
     applies to a certificate, submission, or statement provided 
     under this chapter. The Secretary may terminate financial 
     assistance under this chapter and seek reimbursement 
     directly, or by offsetting amounts, available under this 
     chapter if the Secretary determines that a recipient of such 
     financial assistance has made a false or fraudulent statement 
     or related act in connection with a Federal public 
     transportation program.
       ``(2) Political activities of nonsupervisory employees.--
     The provision of assistance under this chapter shall not be 
     construed to require the application of chapter 15 of title 5 
     to any nonsupervisory employee of a public transportation 
     system (or any other agency or entity performing related 
     functions) to whom such chapter does not otherwise apply.
       ``(n) Preaward and Postdelivery Review of Rolling Stock 
     Purchases.--The Secretary shall prescribe regulations 
     requiring a preaward and postdelivery review of a grant under 
     this chapter to buy rolling stock to ensure compliance with 
     Government motor vehicle safety requirements, subsection (k) 
     of this section, and bid specifications requirements of grant 
     recipients under this chapter. Under this subsection, 
     independent inspections and review are required, and a 
     manufacturer certification is not sufficient. Rolling stock 
     procurements of 20 vehicles or fewer made for the purpose of 
     serving other than urbanized areas and urbanized areas with 
     populations of 200,000 or fewer shall be subject to the same 
     requirements as established for procurements of 10 or fewer 
     buses under the post-delivery purchaser's requirements 
     certification process under section 663.37(c) of title 49, 
     Code of Federal Regulations.
       ``(o) Submission of Certifications.--A certification 
     required under this chapter and any additional certification 
     or assurance required by law or regulation to be submitted to 
     the Secretary may be consolidated into a single document to 
     be submitted annually as part of a grant application under 
     this chapter. The Secretary shall publish annually a list of 
     all certifications required under this chapter with the 
     publication required under section 5336(d)(2).
       ``(p) Grant Requirements.--The grant requirements under 
     sections 5307, 5309, and 5337 apply to any project under this 
     chapter that

[[Page S733]]

     receives any assistance or other financing under chapter 6 
     (other than section 609) of title 23.
       ``(q) Alternative Fueling Facilities.--A recipient of 
     assistance under this chapter may allow the incidental use of 
     federally funded alternative fueling facilities and equipment 
     by nontransit public entities and private entities if--
       ``(1) the incidental use does not interfere with the 
     recipient's public transportation operations;
       ``(2) all costs related to the incidental use are fully 
     recaptured by the recipient from the nontransit public entity 
     or private entity;
       ``(3) the recipient uses revenues received from the 
     incidental use in excess of costs for planning, capital, and 
     operating expenses that are incurred in providing public 
     transportation; and
       ``(4) private entities pay all applicable excise taxes on 
     fuel.
       ``(r) Fixed Guideway Categorical Exclusion.--
       ``(1) Study.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, 
     the Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the 
     feasibility of providing a categorical exclusion for 
     streetcar, bus rapid transit, and light rail projects located 
     within an existing transportation right-of-way from the 
     requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
     (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) in accordance with the Council on 
     Environmental Quality implementing regulations under parts 
     1500 through 1508 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, 
     or any successor thereto.
       ``(2) Findings and rules.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 
     2012, the Secretary shall issue findings and, if appropriate, 
     issue rules to provide categorical exclusions for suitable 
     categories of projects.''.

     SEC. 20018. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS.

       Section 5325 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (h), by striking ``Federal Public 
     Transportation Act of 2005'' and inserting ``Federal Public 
     Transportation Act of 2012'';
       (2) in subsection (j)(2)(C), by striking ``, including the 
     performance reported in the Contractor Performance Assessment 
     Reports required under section 5309(l)(2)''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(k) Veterans Employment.--Recipients and subrecipients of 
     Federal financial assistance under this chapter shall ensure 
     that contractors working on a capital project funded using 
     such assistance give a hiring preference to veterans, as 
     defined in section 2108 of title 5, who have the requisite 
     skills and abilities to perform the construction work 
     required under the contract.''.

     SEC. 20019. TRANSIT ASSET MANAGEMENT.

       Section 5326 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5326. Transit asset management

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section the following 
     definitions shall apply:
       ``(1) Capital asset.--The term `capital asset' includes 
     equipment, rolling stock, infrastructure, and facilities for 
     use in public transportation and owned or leased by a 
     recipient or subrecipient of Federal financial assistance 
     under this chapter.
       ``(2) Transit asset management plan.--The term `transit 
     asset management plan' means a plan developed by a recipient 
     of funding under this chapter that--
       ``(A) includes, at a minimum, capital asset inventories and 
     condition assessments, decision support tools, and investment 
     prioritization; and
       ``(B) the recipient certifies complies with the rule issued 
     under this section.
       ``(3) Transit asset management system.--The term `transit 
     asset management system' means a strategic and systematic 
     process of operating, maintaining, and improving public 
     transportation capital assets effectively throughout the life 
     cycle of such assets.
       ``(b) Transit Asset Management System.--The Secretary shall 
     establish and implement a national transit asset management 
     system, which shall include--
       ``(1) a definition of the term `state of good repair' that 
     includes objective standards for measuring the condition of 
     capital assets of recipients, including equipment, rolling 
     stock, infrastructure, and facilities;
       ``(2) a requirement that recipients and subrecipients of 
     Federal financial assistance under this chapter develop a 
     transit asset management plan;
       ``(3) a requirement that each recipient of Federal 
     financial assistance under this chapter report on the 
     condition of the system of the recipient and provide a 
     description of any change in condition since the last report;
       ``(4) an analytical process or decision support tool for 
     use by public transportation systems that--
       ``(A) allows for the estimation of capital investment needs 
     of such systems over time; and
       ``(B) assists with asset investment prioritization by such 
     systems; and
       ``(5) technical assistance to recipients of Federal 
     financial assistance under this chapter.
       ``(c) Performance Measures and Targets.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, 
     the Secretary shall issue a final rule to establish 
     performance measures based on the state of good repair 
     standards established under subsection (b)(1).
       ``(2) Targets.--Not later than 3 months after the date on 
     which the Secretary issues a final rule under paragraph (1), 
     and each fiscal year thereafter, each recipient of Federal 
     financial assistance under this chapter shall establish 
     performance targets in relation to the performance measures 
     established by the Secretary.
       ``(3) Reports.--Each recipient of Federal financial 
     assistance under this chapter shall submit to the Secretary 
     an annual report that describes--
       ``(A) the progress of the recipient during the fiscal year 
     to which the report relates toward meeting the performance 
     targets established under paragraph (2) for that fiscal year; 
     and
       ``(B) the performance targets established by the recipient 
     for the subsequent fiscal year.
       ``(d) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, 
     the Secretary shall issue a final rule to implement the 
     transit asset management system described in subsection 
     (b).''.

     SEC. 20020. PROJECT MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT.

       Section 5327 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``United States'' and all that follows through ``Secretary of 
     Transportation'' and inserting the following: ``Federal 
     financial assistance for a major capital project for public 
     transportation under this chapter or any other provision of 
     Federal law, a recipient must prepare a project management 
     plan approved by the Secretary and carry out the project in 
     accordance with the project management plan''; and
       (B) in paragraph (12), by striking ``each month'' and 
     inserting ``quarterly'';
       (2) by striking subsections (c), (d), and (f);
       (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) Access to Sites and Records.--Each recipient of 
     Federal financial assistance for public transportation under 
     this chapter or any other provision of Federal law shall 
     provide the Secretary and a contractor the Secretary chooses 
     under section 5338(g) with access to the construction sites 
     and records of the recipient when reasonably necessary.'';
       (4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d); and
       (5) in subsection (d), as so redesignated--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``subsection (c) of this 
     section'' and inserting ``section 5338(g)''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``preliminary engineering stage'' and 
     inserting ``project development phase''; and
       (ii) by striking ``another stage'' and inserting ``another 
     phase''.

     SEC. 20021. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SAFETY.

       (a) Public Transportation Safety Program.--Section 5329 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5329. Public transportation safety program

       ``(a) Definition.--In this section, the term `recipient' 
     means a State or local governmental authority, or any other 
     operator of a public transportation system, that receives 
     financial assistance under this chapter.
       ``(b) National Public Transportation Safety Plan.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall create and implement 
     a national public transportation safety plan to improve the 
     safety of all public transportation systems that receive 
     funding under this chapter.
       ``(2) Contents of plan.--The national public transportation 
     safety plan under paragraph (1) shall include--
       ``(A) safety performance criteria for all modes of public 
     transportation;
       ``(B) the definition of the term `state of good repair' 
     established under section 5326(b);
       ``(C) minimum safety performance standards for public 
     transportation vehicles used in revenue operations that--
       ``(i) do not apply to rolling stock otherwise regulated by 
     the Secretary or any other Federal agency; and
       ``(ii) to the extent practicable, take into consideration--

       ``(I) relevant recommendations of the National 
     Transportation Safety Board; and
       ``(II) recommendations of, and best practices standards 
     developed by, the public transportation industry; and

       ``(D) a public transportation safety certification training 
     program, as described in subsection (c).
       ``(c) Public Transportation Safety Certification Training 
     Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a public 
     transportation safety certification training program for 
     Federal and State employees, or other designated personnel, 
     who conduct safety audits and examinations of public 
     transportation systems and employees of public transportation 
     agencies directly responsible for safety oversight.
       ``(2) Interim provisions.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 
     2012, the Secretary shall establish interim provisions for 
     the certification and training of the personnel described in 
     paragraph (1), which shall be in effect until the effective 
     date of the final rule issued by the Secretary to implement 
     this subsection.
       ``(d) Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan.--
       ``(1) In general.--Effective 1 year after the effective 
     date of a final rule issued by the

[[Page S734]]

     Secretary to carry out this subsection, each recipient shall 
     certify that the recipient has established a comprehensive 
     agency safety plan that includes, at a minimum--
       ``(A) a requirement that the board of directors (or 
     equivalent entity) of the recipient approve the agency safety 
     plan and any updates to the agency safety plan;
       ``(B) methods for identifying and evaluating safety risks 
     throughout all elements of the public transportation system 
     of the recipient;
       ``(C) strategies to minimize the exposure of the public, 
     personnel, and property to hazards and unsafe conditions;
       ``(D) a process and timeline for conducting an annual 
     review and update of the safety plan of the recipient;
       ``(E) performance targets based on the safety performance 
     criteria and state of good repair standards established under 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, of subsection 
     (b)(2);
       ``(F) assignment of an adequately trained safety officer 
     who reports directly to the general manager, president, or 
     equivalent officer of the recipient; and
       ``(G) a comprehensive staff training program for the 
     operations personnel and personnel directly responsible for 
     safety of the recipient that includes--
       ``(i) the completion of a safety training program; and
       ``(ii) continuing safety education and training.
       ``(2) Interim agency safety plan.--A system safety plan 
     developed pursuant to part 659 of title 49, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of the 
     Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, shall remain in 
     effect until such time as this subsection takes effect.
       ``(e) State Safety Oversight Program.--
       ``(1) Applicability.--This subsection applies only to 
     eligible States.
       ``(2) Definition.--In this subsection, the term `eligible 
     State' means a State that has--
       ``(A) a rail fixed guideway public transportation system 
     within the jurisdiction of the State that is not subject to 
     regulation by the Federal Railroad Administration; or
       ``(B) a rail fixed guideway public transportation system in 
     the engineering or construction phase of development within 
     the jurisdiction of the State that will not be subject to 
     regulation by the Federal Railroad Administration.
       ``(3) In general.--In order to obligate funds apportioned 
     under section 5338 to carry out this chapter, effective 3 
     years after the date on which a final rule under this 
     subsection becomes effective, an eligible State shall have in 
     effect a State safety oversight program approved by the 
     Secretary under which the State--
       ``(A) assumes responsibility for overseeing rail fixed 
     guideway public transportation safety;
       ``(B) adopts and enforces Federal law on rail fixed 
     guideway public transportation safety;
       ``(C) establishes a State safety oversight agency;
       ``(D) determines, in consultation with the Secretary, an 
     appropriate staffing level for the State safety oversight 
     agency that is commensurate with the number, size, and 
     complexity of the rail fixed guideway public transportation 
     systems in the eligible State;
       ``(E) requires that employees and other designated 
     personnel of the eligible State safety oversight agency who 
     are responsible for rail fixed guideway public transportation 
     safety oversight are qualified to perform such functions 
     through appropriate training, including successful completion 
     of the public transportation safety certification training 
     program established under subsection (c); and
       ``(F) prohibits any public transportation agency from 
     providing funds to the State safety oversight agency or an 
     entity designated by the eligible State as the State safety 
     oversight agency under paragraph (4).
       ``(4) State safety oversight agency.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each State safety oversight program 
     shall establish a State safety oversight agency that--
       ``(i) is an independent legal entity responsible for the 
     safety of rail fixed guideway public transportation systems;
       ``(ii) is financially and legally independent from any 
     public transportation entity that the State safety oversight 
     agency oversees;
       ``(iii) does not fund, promote, or provide public 
     transportation services;
       ``(iv) does not employ any individual who is also 
     responsible for the administration of public transportation 
     programs;
       ``(v) has the authority to review, approve, oversee, and 
     enforce the implementation by the rail fixed guideway public 
     transportation agency of the public transportation agency 
     safety plan required under subsection (d);
       ``(vi) has investigative and enforcement authority with 
     respect to the safety of rail fixed guideway public 
     transportation systems of the eligible State;
       ``(vii) audits, at least once triennially, the compliance 
     of the rail fixed guideway public transportation systems in 
     the eligible State subject to this subsection with the public 
     transportation agency safety plan required under subsection 
     (d); and
       ``(viii) provides, at least once annually, a status report 
     on the safety of the rail fixed guideway public 
     transportation systems the State safety oversight agency 
     oversees to--

       ``(I) the Federal Transit Administration;
       ``(II) the Governor of the eligible State; and
       ``(III) the board of directors, or equivalent entity, of 
     any rail fixed guideway public transportation system that the 
     State safety oversight agency oversees.

       ``(B) Waiver.--At the request of an eligible State, the 
     Secretary may waive clauses (i) and (iii) of subparagraph (A) 
     for eligible States with 1 or more rail fixed guideway 
     systems in revenue operations, design, or construction, 
     that--
       ``(i) have fewer than 1,000,000 combined actual and 
     projected rail fixed guideway revenue miles per year; or
       ``(ii) provide fewer than 10,000,000 combined actual and 
     projected unlinked passenger trips per year.
       ``(5) Enforcement.--Each State safety oversight agency 
     shall have the authority to request that the Secretary take 
     enforcement actions available under subsection (g) against a 
     rail fixed guideway public transportation system that is not 
     in compliance with Federal safety laws.
       ``(6) Programs for multi-state rail fixed guideway public 
     transportation systems.--An eligible State that has within 
     the jurisdiction of the eligible State a rail fixed guideway 
     public transportation system that operates in more than 1 
     eligible State shall--
       ``(A) jointly with all other eligible States in which the 
     rail fixed guideway public transportation system operates, 
     ensure uniform safety standards and enforcement procedures 
     that shall be in compliance with this section, and establish 
     and implement a State safety oversight program approved by 
     the Secretary; or
       ``(B) jointly with all other eligible States in which the 
     rail fixed guideway public transportation system operates, 
     designate an entity having characteristics consistent with 
     the characteristics described in paragraph (3) to carry out 
     the State safety oversight program approved by the Secretary.
       ``(7) Grants.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may make a grant to an 
     eligible State to develop or carry out a State safety 
     oversight program, if the eligible State submits--
       ``(i) a proposal for the establishment of a State safety 
     oversight program to the Secretary for review and written 
     approval before implementing a State safety oversight 
     program; and
       ``(ii) any amendment to the State safety oversight program 
     of the eligible State to the Secretary for review not later 
     than 60 days before the effective date of the amendment.
       ``(B) Determination by secretary.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall transmit written 
     approval to an eligible State that submits a State safety 
     oversight program, if the Secretary determines the State 
     safety oversight program meets the requirements of this 
     subsection and the State safety oversight program is adequate 
     to promote the purposes of this section.
       ``(ii) Amendment.--The Secretary shall transmit to an 
     eligible State that submits an amendment under subparagraph 
     (A)(ii) a written determination with respect to the 
     amendment.
       ``(iii) No written decision.--If an eligible State does not 
     receive a written decision from the Secretary with respect to 
     an amendment submitted under subparagraph (A)(ii) before the 
     end of the 60-day period beginning on the date on which the 
     eligible State submits the amendment, the amendment shall be 
     deemed to be approved.
       ``(iv) Disapproval.--If the Secretary determines that a 
     State safety oversight program does not meet the requirements 
     of this subsection, the Secretary shall transmit to the 
     eligible State a written explanation and allow the eligible 
     State to modify and resubmit the State safety oversight 
     program for approval.
       ``(C) Government share.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Government share of the reasonable 
     cost of a State safety oversight program developed or carried 
     out using a grant under this paragraph shall be 80 percent.
       ``(ii) In-kind contributions.--Any calculation of the non-
     Government share of a State safety oversight program shall 
     include in-kind contributions by an eligible State.
       ``(iii) Non-government share.--The non-Government share of 
     the cost of a State safety oversight program developed or 
     carried out using a grant under this paragraph may not be met 
     by--

       ``(I) any Federal funds;
       ``(II) any funds received from a public transportation 
     agency; or
       ``(III) any revenues earned by a public transportation 
     agency.

       ``(iv) Safety training program.--The Secretary may 
     reimburse an eligible State or a recipient for the full costs 
     of participation in the public transportation safety 
     certification training program established under subsection 
     (c) by an employee of a State safety oversight agency or a 
     recipient who is directly responsible for safety oversight.
       ``(8) Continual evaluation of program.--The Secretary shall 
     continually evaluate the implementation of a State safety 
     oversight program by a State safety oversight agency, on the 
     basis of--
       ``(A) reports submitted by the State safety oversight 
     agency under paragraph (4)(A)(viii); and
       ``(B) audits carried out by the Secretary.
       ``(9) Inadequate program.--
       ``(A) In general.--If the Secretary finds that a State 
     safety oversight program approved by the Secretary is not 
     being carried out in accordance with this section or has

[[Page S735]]

     become inadequate to ensure the enforcement of Federal safety 
     regulations, the Secretary shall--
       ``(i) transmit to the eligible State a written explanation 
     of the reason the program has become inadequate and inform 
     the State of the intention to withhold funds, including the 
     amount of funds proposed to be withheld under this section, 
     or withdraw approval of the State safety oversight program; 
     and
       ``(ii) allow the eligible State a reasonable period of time 
     to modify the State safety oversight program or 
     implementation of the program and submit an updated proposal 
     for the State safety oversight program to the Secretary for 
     approval.
       ``(B) Failure to correct.--If the Secretary determines that 
     a modification by an eligible State of the State safety 
     oversight program is not sufficient to ensure the enforcement 
     of Federal safety regulations, the Secretary may--
       ``(i) withhold funds available under this section in an 
     amount determined by the Secretary; or
       ``(ii) provide written notice of withdrawal of State safety 
     oversight program approval.
       ``(C) Temporary oversight.--In the event the Secretary 
     takes action under subparagraph (B)(ii), the Secretary shall 
     provide oversight of the rail fixed guideway systems in an 
     eligible State until the State submits a State safety 
     oversight program approved by the Secretary.
       ``(D) Restoration.--
       ``(i) Correction.--The eligible State shall address any 
     inadequacy to the satisfaction of the Secretary prior to the 
     Secretary restoring funds withheld under this paragraph.
       ``(ii) Availability and reallocation.--Any funds withheld 
     under this paragraph shall remain available for restoration 
     to the eligible State until the end of the first fiscal year 
     after the fiscal year in which the funds were withheld, after 
     which time the funds shall be available to the Secretary for 
     allocation to other eligible States under this section.
       ``(10) Federal oversight.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) oversee the implementation of each State safety 
     oversight program under this subsection;
       ``(B) audit the operations of each State safety oversight 
     agency at least once triennially; and
       ``(C) issue rules to carry out this subsection.
       ``(f) Authority of Secretary.--In carrying out this 
     section, the Secretary may--
       ``(1) conduct inspections, investigations, audits, 
     examinations, and testing of the equipment, facilities, 
     rolling stock, and operations of the public transportation 
     system of a recipient;
       ``(2) make reports and issue directives with respect to the 
     safety of the public transportation system of a recipient;
       ``(3) in conjunction with an accident investigation or an 
     investigation into a pattern or practice of conduct that 
     negatively affects public safety, issue a subpoena to, and 
     take the deposition of, any employee of a recipient or a 
     State safety oversight agency, if--
       ``(A) before the issuance of the subpoena, the Secretary 
     requests a determination by the Attorney General of the 
     United States as to whether the subpoena will interfere with 
     an ongoing criminal investigation; and
       ``(B) the Attorney General--
       ``(i) determines that the subpoena will not interfere with 
     an ongoing criminal investigation; or
       ``(ii) fails to make a determination under clause (i) 
     before the date that is 30 days after the date on which the 
     Secretary makes a request under subparagraph (A);
       ``(4) require the production of documents by, and prescribe 
     recordkeeping and reporting requirements for, a recipient or 
     a State safety oversight agency;
       ``(5) investigate public transportation accidents and 
     incidents and provide guidance to recipients regarding 
     prevention of accidents and incidents;
       ``(6) at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, enter 
     and inspect equipment, facilities, rolling stock, operations, 
     and relevant records of the public transportation system of a 
     recipient; and
       ``(7) issue rules to carry out this section.
       ``(g) Enforcement Actions.--
       ``(1) Types of enforcement actions.--The Secretary may take 
     enforcement action against a recipient that does not comply 
     with Federal law with respect to the safety of the public 
     transportation system, including--
       ``(A) issuing directives;
       ``(B) requiring more frequent oversight of the recipient by 
     a State safety oversight agency or the Secretary;
       ``(C) imposing more frequent reporting requirements;
       ``(D) requiring that any Federal financial assistance 
     provided under this chapter be spent on correcting safety 
     deficiencies identified by the Secretary or the State safety 
     oversight agency before such funds are spent on other 
     projects;
       ``(E) subject to paragraph (2), withholding Federal 
     financial assistance, in an amount to be determined by the 
     Secretary, from the recipient, until such time as the 
     recipient comes into compliance with this section; and
       ``(F) subject to paragraph (3), imposing a civil penalty, 
     in an amount to be determined by the Secretary.
       ``(2) Use or withholding of funds.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may require the use of 
     funds in accordance with paragraph (1)(D), or withhold funds 
     under paragraph (1)(E), only if the Secretary finds that a 
     recipient is engaged in a pattern or practice of serious 
     safety violations or has otherwise refused to comply with 
     Federal law relating to the safety of the public 
     transportation system.
       ``(B) Notice.--Before withholding funds from a recipient 
     under paragraph (1)(E), the Secretary shall provide to the 
     recipient--
       ``(i) written notice of a violation and the amount proposed 
     to be withheld; and
       ``(ii) a reasonable period of time within which the 
     recipient may address the violation or propose and initiate 
     an alternative means of compliance that the Secretary 
     determines is acceptable.
       ``(C) Failure to address.--If the recipient does not 
     address the violation or propose an alternative means of 
     compliance that the Secretary determines is acceptable within 
     the period of time specified in the written notice, the 
     Secretary may withhold funds under paragraph (1)(E).
       ``(D) Restoration.--
       ``(i) Correction.--The recipient shall address any 
     violation to the satisfaction of the Secretary prior to the 
     Secretary restoring funds withheld under paragraph (1)(E).
       ``(ii) Availability and reallocation.--Any funds withheld 
     under paragraph (1)(E) shall remain available for restoration 
     to the recipient until the end of the first fiscal year after 
     the fiscal year in which the funds were withheld, after which 
     time the funds shall be available to the Secretary for 
     allocation to other eligible recipients.
       ``(E) Notification.--Not later than 3 days before taking 
     any action under subparagraph (C), the Secretary shall notify 
     the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives of such action.
       ``(3) Civil penalties.--
       ``(A) Imposition of civil penalties.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary may impose a civil penalty 
     under paragraph (1)(F) only if--

       ``(I) the Secretary has exhausted the enforcement actions 
     available under subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph 
     (1); and
       ``(II) the recipient continues to be in violation of 
     Federal safety law.

       ``(ii) Exception.--The Secretary may waive the requirement 
     under clause (i)(I) if the Secretary determines that such a 
     waiver is in the public interest.
       ``(B) Notice.--Before imposing a civil penalty on a 
     recipient under paragraph (1)(F), the Secretary shall provide 
     to the recipient--
       ``(i) written notice of any violation and the penalty 
     proposed to be imposed; and
       ``(ii) a reasonable period of time within which the 
     recipient may address the violation or propose and initiate 
     an alternative means of compliance that the Secretary 
     determines is acceptable.
       ``(C) Failure to address.--If the recipient does not 
     address the violation or propose an alternative means of 
     compliance that the Secretary determines is acceptable within 
     the period of time specified in the written notice, the 
     Secretary may impose a civil penalty under paragraph (1)(F).
       ``(D) Notification.--Not later than 3 days before taking 
     any action under subparagraph (C), the Secretary shall notify 
     the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives of such action.
       ``(E) Deposit of civil penalties.--Any amounts collected by 
     the Secretary under this paragraph shall be deposited into 
     the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund.
       ``(4) Enforcement by the attorney general.--At the request 
     of the Secretary, the Attorney General may bring a civil 
     action--
       ``(A) for appropriate injunctive relief to ensure 
     compliance with this section;
       ``(B) to collect a civil penalty imposed under paragraph 
     (1)(F); and
       ``(C) to enforce a subpoena, request for admissions, 
     request for production of documents or other tangible things, 
     or request for testimony by deposition issued by the 
     Secretary under this section.
       ``(h) Cost-benefit Analysis.--
       ``(1) Analysis required.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Secretary shall take into consideration the costs and 
     benefits of each action the Secretary proposes to take under 
     this section.
       ``(2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the requirement 
     under this subsection if the Secretary determines that such a 
     waiver is in the public interest.
       ``(i) Consultation by the Secretary of Homeland Security.--
     The Secretary of Homeland Security shall consult with the 
     Secretary of Transportation before the Secretary of Homeland 
     Security issues a rule or order that the Secretary of 
     Transportation determines affects the safety of public 
     transportation design, construction, or operations.
       ``(j) Preemption of State Law.--
       ``(1) National uniformity of regulation.--Laws, 
     regulations, and orders related to public transportation 
     safety shall be nationally uniform to the extent practicable.
       ``(2) In general.--A State may adopt or continue in force a 
     law, regulation, or order related to the safety of public 
     transportation until the Secretary issues a rule or order 
     covering the subject matter of the State requirement.
       ``(3) More stringent law.--A State may adopt or continue in 
     force a law, regulation,

[[Page S736]]

     or order related to the safety of public transportation that 
     is consistent with, in addition to, or more stringent than a 
     regulation or order of the Secretary if the Secretary 
     determines that the law, regulation, or order--
       ``(A) has a safety benefit;
       ``(B) is not incompatible with a law, regulation, or order, 
     or the terms and conditions of a financial assistance 
     agreement of the United States Government; and
       ``(C) does not unreasonably burden interstate commerce.
       ``(4) Actions under state law.--
       ``(A) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
     be construed to preempt an action under State law seeking 
     damages for personal injury, death, or property damage 
     alleging that a party has failed to comply with--
       ``(i) a Federal standard of care established by a 
     regulation or order issued by the Secretary under this 
     section;
       ``(ii) its own program, rule, or standard that it created 
     pursuant to a rule or order issued by the Secretary; or
       ``(iii) a State law, regulation, or order that is not 
     incompatible with paragraph (2).
       ``(B) Effective date.--This paragraph shall apply to any 
     cause of action under State law arising from an event or 
     activity occurring on or after the date of enactment of the 
     Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012.
       ``(5) Jurisdiction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to create a cause of action under Federal law on 
     behalf of an injured party or confer Federal question 
     jurisdiction for a State law cause of action.
       ``(k) Annual Report.--The Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives an annual report that--
       ``(1) analyzes public transportation safety trends among 
     the States and documents the most effective safety programs 
     implemented using grants under this section; and
       ``(2) describes the effect on public transportation safety 
     of activities carried out using grants under this section.''.
       (b) Bus Safety Study.--
       (1) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``highway 
     route'' means a route where 50 percent or more of the route 
     is on roads having a speed limit of more than 45 miles per 
     hour.
       (2) Study.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban 
     Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report 
     that--
       (A) examines the safety of public transportation buses that 
     travel on highway routes;
       (B) examines laws and regulations that apply to commercial 
     over-the-road buses; and
       (C) makes recommendations as to whether additional safety 
     measures should be required for public transportation buses 
     that travel on highway routes.

     SEC. 20022. ALCOHOL AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES TESTING.

       Section 5331(b)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as 
     subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so 
     redesignated, the following:
       ``(A) shall establish and implement an enforcement program 
     that includes the imposition of penalties for failure to 
     comply with this section;''.

     SEC. 20023. NONDISCRIMINATION.

       (a) Amendments.--Section 5332 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``creed'' and inserting ``religion''; and
       (B) by inserting ``disability,'' after ``sex,''; and
       (2) in subsection (d)(3), by striking ``and'' and inserting 
     ``or''.
       (b) Evaluation and Report.--
       (1) Evaluation.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the 
     Federal Transit Administration in assisting recipients of 
     assistance under chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, 
     to comply with section 5332(b) of title 49, including--
       (A) by reviewing discrimination complaints, reports, and 
     other relevant information collected or prepared by the 
     Federal Transit Administration or recipients of assistance 
     from the Federal Transit Administration pursuant to any 
     applicable civil rights statute, regulation, or other 
     requirement; and
       (B) by reviewing the process that the Federal Transit 
     Administration uses to resolve discrimination complaints 
     filed by members of the public.
       (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of 
     the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report 
     concerning the evaluation under paragraph (1) that includes--
       (A) a description of the ability of the Federal Transit 
     Administration to address discrimination and foster equal 
     opportunities in federally funded public transportation 
     projects, programs, and activities;
       (B) recommendations for improvements if the Comptroller 
     General determines that improvements are necessary; and
       (C) information upon which the evaluation under paragraph 
     (1) is based.

     SEC. 20024. LABOR STANDARDS.

       Section 5333(b) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``sections 5307-5312, 
     5316, 5318, 5323(a)(1), 5323(b), 5323(d), 5328, 5337, and 
     5338(b)'' each place that term appears and inserting 
     ``sections 5307, 5308, 5309, 5311, and 5337''; and
       (2) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``of Labor'' after 
     ``Secretary''.

     SEC. 20025. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

       Section 5334 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``under sections 5307 
     and 5309-5311 of this title'' and inserting ``that receives 
     Federal financial assistance under this chapter'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(1)--
       (A) by inserting after ``emergency,'' the following: ``or 
     for purposes of establishing and enforcing a program to 
     improve the safety of public transportation systems in the 
     United States,''; and
       (B) by striking ``chapter, nor may the Secretary'' and 
     inserting ``chapter. The Secretary may not'';
       (3) in subsection (c)(4), by striking ``section (except 
     subsection (i)) and sections 5318(e), 5323(a)(2), 5325(a), 
     5325(b), and 5325(f)'' and inserting ``subsection'';
       (4) in subsection (h)(3), by striking ``another'' and 
     inserting ``any other'';
       (5) in subsection (i)(1), by striking ``title 23 shall'' 
     and inserting ``title 23 may'';
       (6) by striking subsection (j); and
       (7) by redesignating subsections (k) and (l) as subsections 
     (j) and (k), respectively.

     SEC. 20026. NATIONAL TRANSIT DATABASE.

       Section 5335 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Data Required To Be Reported.--The recipient of a 
     grant under this chapter shall report to the Secretary, for 
     inclusion in the National Transit Database, any information 
     relating to--
       ``(1) the causes of a reportable incident, as defined by 
     the Secretary; and
       ``(2) a transit asset inventory or condition assessment 
     conducted by the recipient.''.

     SEC. 20027. APPORTIONMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR FORMULA 
                   GRANTS.

       Section 5336 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5336. Apportionment of appropriations for formula 
       grants

       ``(a) Based on Urbanized Area Population.--Of the amount 
     apportioned under subsection (h)(4) to carry out section 
     5307--
       ``(1) 9.32 percent shall be apportioned each fiscal year 
     only in urbanized areas with a population of less than 
     200,000 so that each of those areas is entitled to receive an 
     amount equal to--
       ``(A) 50 percent of the total amount apportioned multiplied 
     by a ratio equal to the population of the area divided by the 
     total population of all urbanized areas with populations of 
     less than 200,000 as shown in the most recent decennial 
     census; and
       ``(B) 50 percent of the total amount apportioned multiplied 
     by a ratio for the area based on population weighted by a 
     factor, established by the Secretary, of the number of 
     inhabitants in each square mile; and
       ``(2) 90.68 percent shall be apportioned each fiscal year 
     only in urbanized areas with populations of at least 200,000 
     as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
       ``(b) Based on Fixed Guideway Vehicle Revenue Miles, 
     Directional Route Miles, and Passenger Miles.--(1) In this 
     subsection, `fixed guideway vehicle revenue miles' and `fixed 
     guideway directional route miles' include passenger ferry 
     operations directly or under contract by the designated 
     recipient.
       ``(2) Of the amount apportioned under subsection (a)(2) of 
     this section, 33.29 percent shall be apportioned as follows:
       ``(A) 95.61 percent of the total amount apportioned under 
     this subsection shall be apportioned so that each urbanized 
     area with a population of at least 200,000 is entitled to 
     receive an amount equal to--
       ``(i) 60 percent of the 95.61 percent apportioned under 
     this subparagraph multiplied by a ratio equal to the number 
     of fixed guideway vehicle revenue miles attributable to the 
     area, as established by the Secretary, divided by the total 
     number of all fixed guideway vehicle revenue miles 
     attributable to all areas; and
       ``(ii) 40 percent of the 95.61 percent apportioned under 
     this subparagraph multiplied by a ratio equal to the number 
     of fixed guideway directional route miles attributable to the 
     area, established by the Secretary, divided by the total 
     number of all fixed guideway directional route miles 
     attributable to all areas.
     An urbanized area with a population of at least 750,000 in 
     which commuter rail transportation is provided shall receive 
     at least .75 percent of the total amount apportioned under 
     this subparagraph.
       ``(B) 4.39 percent of the total amount apportioned under 
     this subsection shall be apportioned so that each urbanized 
     area with a population of at least 200,000 is entitled to 
     receive an amount equal to--
       ``(i) the number of fixed guideway vehicle passenger miles 
     traveled multiplied by the number of fixed guideway vehicle 
     passenger

[[Page S737]]

     miles traveled for each dollar of operating cost in an area; 
     divided by
       ``(ii) the total number of fixed guideway vehicle passenger 
     miles traveled multiplied by the total number of fixed 
     guideway vehicle passenger miles traveled for each dollar of 
     operating cost in all areas.

     An urbanized area with a population of at least 750,000 in 
     which commuter rail transportation is provided shall receive 
     at least .75 percent of the total amount apportioned under 
     this subparagraph.
       ``(C) Under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, fixed 
     guideway vehicle revenue or directional route miles, and 
     passengers served on those miles, in an urbanized area with a 
     population of less than 200,000, where the miles and 
     passengers served otherwise would be attributable to an 
     urbanized area with a population of at least 1,000,000 in an 
     adjacent State, are attributable to the governmental 
     authority in the State in which the urbanized area with a 
     population of less than 200,000 is located. The authority is 
     deemed an urbanized area with a population of at least 
     200,000 if the authority makes a contract for the service.
       ``(D) A recipient's apportionment under subparagraph (A)(i) 
     of this paragraph may not be reduced if the recipient, after 
     satisfying the Secretary that energy or operating 
     efficiencies would be achieved, reduces vehicle revenue miles 
     but provides the same frequency of revenue service to the 
     same number of riders.
       ``(c) Based on Bus Vehicle Revenue Miles and Passenger 
     Miles.--Of the amount apportioned under subsection (a)(2) of 
     this section, 66.71 percent shall be apportioned as follows:
       ``(1) 90.8 percent of the total amount apportioned under 
     this subsection shall be apportioned as follows:
       ``(A) 73.39 percent of the 90.8 percent apportioned under 
     this paragraph shall be apportioned so that each urbanized 
     area with a population of at least 1,000,000 is entitled to 
     receive an amount equal to--
       ``(i) 50 percent of the 73.39 percent apportioned under 
     this subparagraph multiplied by a ratio equal to the total 
     bus vehicle revenue miles operated in or directly serving the 
     urbanized area divided by the total bus vehicle revenue miles 
     attributable to all areas;
       ``(ii) 25 percent of the 73.39 percent apportioned under 
     this subparagraph multiplied by a ratio equal to the 
     population of the area divided by the total population of all 
     areas, as shown in the most recent decennial census; and
       ``(iii) 25 percent of the 73.39 percent apportioned under 
     this subparagraph multiplied by a ratio for the area based on 
     population weighted by a factor, established by the 
     Secretary, of the number of inhabitants in each square mile.
       ``(B) 26.61 percent of the 90.8 percent apportioned under 
     this paragraph shall be apportioned so that each urbanized 
     area with a population of at least 200,000 but not more than 
     999,999 is entitled to receive an amount equal to--
       ``(i) 50 percent of the 26.61 percent apportioned under 
     this subparagraph multiplied by a ratio equal to the total 
     bus vehicle revenue miles operated in or directly serving the 
     urbanized area divided by the total bus vehicle revenue miles 
     attributable to all areas;
       ``(ii) 25 percent of the 26.61 percent apportioned under 
     this subparagraph multiplied by a ratio equal to the 
     population of the area divided by the total population of all 
     areas, as shown by the most recent decennial census; and
       ``(iii) 25 percent of the 26.61 percent apportioned under 
     this subparagraph multiplied by a ratio for the area based on 
     population weighted by a factor, established by the 
     Secretary, of the number of inhabitants in each square mile.
       ``(2) 9.2 percent of the total amount apportioned under 
     this subsection shall be apportioned so that each urbanized 
     area with a population of at least 200,000 is entitled to 
     receive an amount equal to--
       ``(A) the number of bus passenger miles traveled multiplied 
     by the number of bus passenger miles traveled for each dollar 
     of operating cost in an area; divided by
       ``(B) the total number of bus passenger miles traveled 
     multiplied by the total number of bus passenger miles 
     traveled for each dollar of operating cost in all areas.
       ``(d) Date of Apportionment.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(1) apportion amounts appropriated under section 
     5338(a)(2)(C) of this title to carry out section 5307 of this 
     title not later than the 10th day after the date the amounts 
     are appropriated or October 1 of the fiscal year for which 
     the amounts are appropriated, whichever is later; and
       ``(2) publish apportionments of the amounts, including 
     amounts attributable to each urbanized area with a population 
     of more than 50,000 and amounts attributable to each State of 
     a multistate urbanized area, on the apportionment date.
       ``(e) Amounts Not Apportioned to Designated Recipients.--
     The Governor of a State may expend in an urbanized area with 
     a population of less than 200,000 an amount apportioned under 
     this section that is not apportioned to a designated 
     recipient, as defined in section 5302(4).
       ``(f) Transfers of Apportionments.--(1) The Governor of a 
     State may transfer any part of the State's apportionment 
     under subsection (a)(1) of this section to supplement amounts 
     apportioned to the State under section 5311(c)(3). The 
     Governor may make a transfer only after consulting with 
     responsible local officials and publicly owned operators of 
     public transportation in each area for which the amount 
     originally was apportioned under this section.
       ``(2) The Governor of a State may transfer any part of the 
     State's apportionment under section 5311(c)(3) to supplement 
     amounts apportioned to the State under subsection (a)(1) of 
     this section.
       ``(3) The Governor of a State may use throughout the State 
     amounts of a State's apportionment remaining available for 
     obligation at the beginning of the 90-day period before the 
     period of the availability of the amounts expires.
       ``(4) A designated recipient for an urbanized area with a 
     population of at least 200,000 may transfer a part of its 
     apportionment under this section to the Governor of a State. 
     The Governor shall distribute the transferred amounts to 
     urbanized areas under this section.
       ``(5) Capital and operating assistance limitations 
     applicable to the original apportionment apply to amounts 
     transferred under this subsection.
       ``(g) Period of Availability to Recipients.--An amount 
     apportioned under this section may be obligated by the 
     recipient for 5 years after the fiscal year in which the 
     amount is apportioned. Not later than 30 days after the end 
     of the 5-year period, an amount that is not obligated at the 
     end of that period shall be added to the amount that may be 
     apportioned under this section in the next fiscal year.
       ``(h) Apportionments.--Of the amounts made available for 
     each fiscal year under section 5338(a)(2)(C)--
       ``(1) $35,000,000 shall be set aside to carry out section 
     5307(i);
       ``(2) 3.07 percent shall be apportioned to urbanized areas 
     in accordance with subsection (j);
       ``(3) of amounts not apportioned under paragraphs (1) and 
     (2), 1 percent shall be apportioned to urbanized areas with 
     populations of less than 200,000 in accordance with 
     subsection (i); and
       ``(4) any amount not apportioned under paragraphs (1), (2), 
     and (3) shall be apportioned to urbanized areas in accordance 
     with subsections (a) through (c).
       ``(i) Small Transit Intensive Cities Formula.--
       ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection, the following 
     definitions apply:
       ``(A) Eligible area.--The term `eligible area' means an 
     urbanized area with a population of less than 200,000 that 
     meets or exceeds in one or more performance categories the 
     industry average for all urbanized areas with a population of 
     at least 200,000 but not more than 999,999, as determined by 
     the Secretary in accordance with subsection (c)(2).
       ``(B) Performance category.--The term `performance 
     category' means each of the following:
       ``(i) Passenger miles traveled per vehicle revenue mile.
       ``(ii) Passenger miles traveled per vehicle revenue hour.
       ``(iii) Vehicle revenue miles per capita.
       ``(iv) Vehicle revenue hours per capita.
       ``(v) Passenger miles traveled per capita.
       ``(vi) Passengers per capita.
       ``(2) Apportionment.--
       ``(A) Apportionment formula.--The amount to be apportioned 
     under subsection (h)(3) shall be apportioned among eligible 
     areas in the ratio that--
       ``(i) the number of performance categories for which each 
     eligible area meets or exceeds the industry average in 
     urbanized areas with a population of at least 200,000 but not 
     more than 999,999; bears to
       ``(ii) the aggregate number of performance categories for 
     which all eligible areas meet or exceed the industry average 
     in urbanized areas with a population of at least 200,000 but 
     not more than 999,999.
       ``(B) Data used in formula.--The Secretary shall calculate 
     apportionments under this subsection for a fiscal year using 
     data from the national transit database used to calculate 
     apportionments for that fiscal year under this section.
       ``(j) Apportionment Formula.--The amounts apportioned under 
     subsection (h)(2) shall be apportioned among urbanized areas 
     as follows:
       ``(1) 75 percent of the funds shall be apportioned among 
     designated recipients for urbanized areas with a population 
     of 200,000 or more in the ratio that--
       ``(A) the number of eligible low-income individuals in each 
     such urbanized area; bears to
       ``(B) the number of eligible low-income individuals in all 
     such urbanized areas.
       ``(2) 25 percent of the funds shall be apportioned among 
     designated recipients for urbanized areas with a population 
     of less than 200,000 in the ratio that--
       ``(A) the number of eligible low-income individuals in each 
     such urbanized area; bears to
       ``(B) the number of eligible low-income individuals in all 
     such urbanized areas.''.

     SEC. 20028. STATE OF GOOD REPAIR GRANTS.

       Section 5337 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5337. State of good repair grants

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions shall apply:
       ``(1) Fixed guideway.--The term `fixed guideway' means a 
     public transportation facility--

[[Page S738]]

       ``(A) using and occupying a separate right-of-way for the 
     exclusive use of public transportation;
       ``(B) using rail;
       ``(C) using a fixed catenary system;
       ``(D) for a passenger ferry system; or
       ``(E) for a bus rapid transit system.
       ``(2) State.--The term `State' means the 50 States, the 
     District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
       ``(3) State of good repair.--The term `state of good 
     repair' has the meaning given that term by the Secretary, by 
     rule, under section 5326(b).
       ``(4) Transit asset management plan.--The term `transit 
     asset management plan' means a plan developed by a recipient 
     of funding under this chapter that--
       ``(A) includes, at a minimum, capital asset inventories and 
     condition assessments, decision support tools, and investment 
     prioritization; and
       ``(B) the recipient certifies that the recipient complies 
     with the rule issued under section 5326(d).
       ``(b) General Authority.--
       ``(1) Eligible projects.--The Secretary may make grants 
     under this section to assist State and local governmental 
     authorities in financing capital projects to maintain public 
     transportation systems in a state of good repair, including 
     projects to replace and rehabilitate--
       ``(A) rolling stock;
       ``(B) track;
       ``(C) line equipment and structures;
       ``(D) signals and communications;
       ``(E) power equipment and substations;
       ``(F) passenger stations and terminals;
       ``(G) security equipment and systems;
       ``(H) maintenance facilities and equipment;
       ``(I) operational support equipment, including computer 
     hardware and software;
       ``(J) development and implementation of a transit asset 
     management plan; and
       ``(K) other replacement and rehabilitation projects the 
     Secretary determines appropriate.
       ``(2) Inclusion in plan.--A recipient shall include a 
     project carried out under paragraph (1) in the transit asset 
     management plan of the recipient upon completion of the plan.
       ``(c) High Intensity Fixed Guideway State of Good Repair 
     Formula.--
       ``(1) In general.--Of the amount authorized or made 
     available under section 5338(a)(2)(M), $1,874,763,500 shall 
     be apportioned to recipients in accordance with this 
     subsection.
       ``(2) Area share.--
       ``(A) In general.--50 percent of the amount described in 
     paragraph (1) shall be apportioned for fixed guideway systems 
     in accordance with this paragraph.
       ``(B) Share.--A recipient shall receive an amount equal to 
     the amount described in subparagraph (A), multiplied by the 
     amount the recipient would have received under this section, 
     as in effect for fiscal year 2011, if the amount had been 
     calculated in accordance with section 5336(b)(1) and using 
     the definition of the term `fixed guideway' under subsection 
     (a) of this section, as such sections are in effect on the 
     day after the date of enactment of the Federal Public 
     Transportation Act of 2012, and divided by the total amount 
     apportioned for all areas under this section for fiscal year 
     2011.
       ``(C) Recipient.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term 
     `recipient' means an entity that received funding under this 
     section, as in effect for fiscal year 2011.
       ``(3) Vehicle revenue miles and directional route miles.--
       ``(A) In general.--50 percent of the amount described in 
     paragraph (1) shall be apportioned to recipients in 
     accordance with this paragraph.
       ``(B) Vehicle revenue miles.--A recipient in an urbanized 
     area shall receive an amount equal to 60 percent of the 
     amount described in subparagraph (A), multiplied by the 
     number of fixed guideway vehicle revenue miles attributable 
     to the urbanized area, as established by the Secretary, 
     divided by the total number of all fixed guideway vehicle 
     revenue miles attributable to all urbanized areas.
       ``(C) Directional route miles.--A recipient in an urbanized 
     area shall receive an amount equal to 40 percent of the 
     amount described in subparagraph (A), multiplied by the 
     number of fixed guideway directional route miles attributable 
     to the urbanized area, as established by the Secretary, 
     divided by the total number of all fixed guideway directional 
     route miles attributable to all urbanized areas.
       ``(4) Limitation.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the share of the total amount apportioned under this section 
     that is apportioned to an area under this subsection shall 
     not decrease by more than 0.25 percentage points compared to 
     the share apportioned to the area under this subsection in 
     the previous fiscal year.
       ``(B) Special rule for fiscal year 2012.--In fiscal year 
     2012, the share of the total amount apportioned under this 
     section that is apportioned to an area under this subsection 
     shall not decrease by more than 0.25 percentage points 
     compared to the share that would have been apportioned to the 
     area under this section, as in effect for fiscal year 2011, 
     if the share had been calculated using the definition of the 
     term `fixed guideway' under subsection (a) of this section, 
     as in effect on the day after the date of enactment of the 
     Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012.
       ``(5) Use of funds.--Amounts made available under this 
     subsection shall be available for the exclusive use of fixed 
     guideway projects.
       ``(6) Receiving apportionment.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     for an area with a fixed guideway system, the amounts 
     provided under this section shall be apportioned to the 
     designated recipient for the urbanized area in which the 
     system operates.
       ``(B) Exception.--An area described in the amendment made 
     by section 3028(a) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 
     21st Century (Public Law 105 178; 112 Stat. 366) shall 
     receive an individual apportionment under this subsection.
       ``(7) Apportionment requirements.--For purposes of 
     determining the number of fixed guideway vehicle revenue 
     miles or fixed guideway directional route miles attributable 
     to an urbanized area for a fiscal year under this subsection, 
     only segments of fixed guideway systems placed in revenue 
     service not later than 7 years before the first day of the 
     fiscal year shall be deemed to be attributable to an 
     urbanized area.
       ``(d) Fixed Guideway State of Good Repair Grant Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make grants under this 
     section to assist State and local governmental authorities in 
     financing fixed guideway capital projects to maintain public 
     transportation systems in a state of good repair.
       ``(2) Competitive process.--The Secretary shall solicit 
     grant applications and make grants for eligible projects on a 
     competitive basis.
       ``(3) Priority consideration.--In making grants under this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to grant 
     applications received from recipients receiving an amount 
     under this section that is not less than 2 percent less than 
     the amount the recipient would have received under this 
     section, as in effect for fiscal year 2011, if the amount had 
     been calculated using the definition of the term `fixed 
     guideway' under subsection (a) of this section, as in effect 
     on the day after the date of enactment of the Federal Public 
     Transportation Act of 2012.
       ``(e) High Intensity Motorbus State of Good Repair.--
       ``(1) Definition.--For purposes of this subsection, the 
     term `fixed guideway motorbus' means public transportation 
     that is provided on a facility with access for other high-
     occupancy vehicles.
       ``(2) Apportionment.--Of the amount authorized or made 
     available under section 5338(a)(2)(M), $112,500,000 shall be 
     apportioned to urbanized areas for high intensity motorbus 
     state of good repair in accordance with this subsection.
       ``(3) Vehicle revenue miles and directional route miles.--
       ``(A) In general.--$60,000,000 of the amount described in 
     paragraph (2) shall be apportioned to each area in accordance 
     with this paragraph.
       ``(B) Vehicle revenue miles.--Each area shall receive an 
     amount equal to 60 percent of the amount described in 
     subparagraph (A), multiplied by the number of fixed guideway 
     motorbus vehicle revenue miles attributable to the area, as 
     established by the Secretary, divided by the total number of 
     all fixed guideway motorbus vehicle revenue miles 
     attributable to all areas.
       ``(C) Directional route miles.--Each area shall receive an 
     amount equal to 40 percent of the amount described in 
     subparagraph (A), multiplied by the number of fixed guideway 
     motorbus directional route miles attributable to the area, as 
     established by the Secretary, divided by the total number of 
     all fixed guideway motorbus directional route miles 
     attributable to all areas.
       ``(4) Special rule for fixed guideway motorbus.--
       ``(A) In general.--$52,500,000 of the amount described in 
     paragraph (2) shall be apportioned--
       ``(i) in accordance with this paragraph; and
       ``(ii) among urbanized areas within a State in the same 
     proportion as funds are apportioned within a State under 
     section 5336, except subsection (b), and shall be added to 
     such amounts.
       ``(B) Territories.--Of the amount described in subparagraph 
     (A), $500,000 shall be distributed among the territories, as 
     determined by the Secretary.
       ``(C) States.--Of the amount described in subparagraph (A), 
     each State shall receive $1,000,000.
       ``(5) Use of funds.--A recipient may transfer any part of 
     the apportionment under this subsection for use under 
     subsection (c).
       ``(6) Apportionment requirements.--For purposes of 
     determining the number of fixed guideway motorbus vehicle 
     revenue miles or fixed guideway motorbus directional route 
     miles attributable to an urbanized area for a fiscal year 
     under this subsection, only segments of fixed guideway 
     motorbus systems placed in revenue service not later than 7 
     years before the first day of the fiscal year shall be deemed 
     to be attributable to an urbanized area.''.

     SEC. 20029. AUTHORIZATIONS.

       Section 5338 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5338. Authorizations

       ``(a) Formula Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--There shall be available from the Mass 
     Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund to carry out 
     sections 5305, 5307, 5308, 5310, 5311, 5312, 5313, 5314, 
     5315, 5322, 5335, and 5340, subsections (c) and (e) of 
     section 5337, and section 20005(b) of the Federal

[[Page S739]]

     Public Transportation Act of 2012, $8,360,565,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2012 and 2013.
       ``(2) Allocation of funds.--Of the amounts made available 
     under paragraph (1)--
       ``(A) $124,850,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013 
     shall be available to carry out section 5305;
       ``(B) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013 
     shall be available to carry out section 20005(b) of the 
     Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012;
       ``(C) $4,756,161,500 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013 
     shall be allocated in accordance with section 5336 to provide 
     financial assistance for urbanized areas under section 5307;
       ``(D) $65,150,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013 
     shall be available to carry out section 5308, of which not 
     less than $8,500,000 shall be used to carry out activities 
     under section 5312;
       ``(E) $248,600,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013 
     shall be available to provide financial assistance for 
     services for the enhanced mobility of seniors and individuals 
     with disabilities under section 5310;
       ``(F) $591,190,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013 
     shall be available to provide financial assistance for other 
     than urbanized areas under section 5311, of which not less 
     than $30,000,000 shall be available to carry out section 
     5311(c)(1) and $20,000,000 shall be available to carry out 
     section 5311(c)(2);
       ``(G) $34,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013 
     shall be available to carry out research, development, 
     demonstration, and deployment projects under section 5312;
       ``(H) $6,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013 
     shall be available to carry out a transit cooperative 
     research program under section 5313;
       ``(I) $4,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013 
     shall be available for technical assistance and standards 
     development under section 5314;
       ``(J) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013 
     shall be available for the National Transit Institute under 
     section 5315;
       ``(K) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013 
     shall be available for workforce development and human 
     resource grants under section 5322;
       ``(L) $3,850,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013 
     shall be available to carry out section 5335;
       ``(M) $1,987,263,500 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013 
     shall be available to carry out subsections (c) and (e) of 
     section 5337; and
       ``(N) $511,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013 
     shall be allocated in accordance with section 5340 to provide 
     financial assistance for urbanized areas under section 5307 
     and other than urbanized areas under section 5311.
       ``(b) Emergency Relief Program.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out section 
     5306.
       ``(c) Capital Investment Grants.--There are authorized to 
     be appropriated to carry out section 5309, $1,955,000,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013.
       ``(d) Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in the Parks.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 5320, 
     $26,900,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013.
       ``(e) Fixed Guideway State of Good Repair Grant Program.--
     There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 
     5337(d), $7,463,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013.
       ``(f) Administration.--
       ``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     to carry out section 5334, $108,350,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2012 and 2013.
       ``(2) Section 5329.--Of the amounts authorized to be 
     appropriated under paragraph (1), not less than $10,000,000 
     shall be available to carry out section 5329.
       ``(3) Section 5326.--Of the amounts made available under 
     paragraph (2), not less than $1,000,000 shall be available to 
     carry out section 5326.
       ``(g) Oversight.--
       ``(1) In general.--Of the amounts made available to carry 
     out this chapter for a fiscal year, the Secretary may use not 
     more than the following amounts for the activities described 
     in paragraph (2):
       ``(A) 0.5 percent of amounts made available to carry out 
     section 5305.
       ``(B) 0.75 percent of amounts made available to carry out 
     section 5307.
       ``(C) 1 percent of amounts made available to carry out 
     section 5309.
       ``(D) 1 percent of amounts made available to carry out 
     section 601 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement 
     Act of 2008 (Public Law 110 432; 126 Stat. 4968).
       ``(E) 0.5 percent of amounts made available to carry out 
     section 5310.
       ``(F) 0.5 percent of amounts made available to carry out 
     section 5311.
       ``(G) 0.5 percent of amounts made available to carry out 
     section 5320.
       ``(H) 0.75 percent of amounts made available to carry out 
     section 5337(c).
       ``(2) Activities.--The activities described in this 
     paragraph are as follows:
       ``(A) Activities to oversee the construction of a major 
     capital project.
       ``(B) Activities to review and audit the safety and 
     security, procurement, management, and financial compliance 
     of a recipient or subrecipient of funds under this chapter.
       ``(C) Activities to provide technical assistance generally, 
     and to provide technical assistance to correct deficiencies 
     identified in compliance reviews and audits carried out under 
     this section.
       ``(3) Government share of costs.--The Government shall pay 
     the entire cost of carrying out a contract under this 
     subsection.
       ``(4) Availability of certain funds.--Funds made available 
     under paragraph (1)(C) shall be made available to the 
     Secretary before allocating the funds appropriated to carry 
     out any project under a full funding grant agreement.
       ``(h) Grants as Contractual Obligations.--
       ``(1) Grants financed from highway trust fund.--A grant or 
     contract that is approved by the Secretary and financed with 
     amounts made available from the Mass Transit Account of the 
     Highway Trust Fund pursuant to this section is a contractual 
     obligation of the Government to pay the Government share of 
     the cost of the project.
       ``(2) Grants financed from general fund.--A grant or 
     contract that is approved by the Secretary and financed with 
     amounts appropriated in advance from the General Fund of the 
     Treasury pursuant to this section is a contractual obligation 
     of the Government to pay the Government share of the cost of 
     the project only to the extent that amounts are appropriated 
     for such purpose by an Act of Congress.
       ``(i) Availability of Amounts.--Amounts made available by 
     or appropriated under this section shall remain available 
     until expended.''.

     SEC. 20030. APPORTIONMENTS BASED ON GROWING STATES AND HIGH 
                   DENSITY STATES FORMULA FACTORS.

       Section 5340 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5340. Apportionments based on growing States and high 
       density States formula factors

       ``(a) Definition.--In this section, the term `State' shall 
     mean each of the 50 States of the United States.
       ``(b) Allocation.--Of the amounts made available for each 
     fiscal year under section 5338(a)(2)(N), the Secretary shall 
     apportion--
       ``(1) 50 percent to States and urbanized areas in 
     accordance with subsection (c); and
       ``(2) 50 percent to States and urbanized areas in 
     accordance with subsection (d).
       ``(c) Growing State Apportionments.--
       ``(1) Apportionment among states.--The amounts apportioned 
     under subsection (b)(1) shall provide each State with an 
     amount equal to the total amount apportioned multiplied by a 
     ratio equal to the population of that State forecast for the 
     year that is 15 years after the most recent decennial census, 
     divided by the total population of all States forecast for 
     the year that is 15 years after the most recent decennial 
     census. Such forecast shall be based on the population trend 
     for each State between the most recent decennial census and 
     the most recent estimate of population made by the Secretary 
     of Commerce.
       ``(2) Apportionments between urbanized areas and other than 
     urbanized areas in each state.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall apportion amounts to 
     each State under paragraph (1) so that urbanized areas in 
     that State receive an amount equal to the amount apportioned 
     to that State multiplied by a ratio equal to the sum of the 
     forecast population of all urbanized areas in that State 
     divided by the total forecast population of that State. In 
     making the apportionment under this subparagraph, the 
     Secretary shall utilize any available forecasts made by the 
     State. If no forecasts are available, the Secretary shall 
     utilize data on urbanized areas and total population from the 
     most recent decennial census.
       ``(B) Remaining amounts.--Amounts remaining for each State 
     after apportionment under subparagraph (A) shall be 
     apportioned to that State and added to the amount made 
     available for grants under section 5311.
       ``(3) Apportionments among urbanized areas in each state.--
     The Secretary shall apportion amounts made available to 
     urbanized areas in each State under paragraph (2)(A) so that 
     each urbanized area receives an amount equal to the amount 
     apportioned under paragraph (2)(A) multiplied by a ratio 
     equal to the population of each urbanized area divided by the 
     sum of populations of all urbanized areas in the State. 
     Amounts apportioned to each urbanized area shall be added to 
     amounts apportioned to that urbanized area under section 
     5336, and made available for grants under section 5307.
       ``(d) High Density State Apportionments.--Amounts to be 
     apportioned under subsection (b)(2) shall be apportioned as 
     follows:
       ``(1) Eligible states.--The Secretary shall designate as 
     eligible for an apportionment under this subsection all 
     States with a population density in excess of 370 persons per 
     square mile.
       ``(2) State urbanized land factor.--For each State 
     qualifying for an apportionment under paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall calculate an amount equal to--
       ``(A) the total land area of the State (in square miles); 
     multiplied by
       ``(B) 370; multiplied by
       ``(C)(i) the population of the State in urbanized areas; 
     divided by
       ``(ii) the total population of the State.
       ``(3) State apportionment factor.--For each State 
     qualifying for an apportionment under paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall calculate an amount equal to the difference 
     between the total population of the State less the amount 
     calculated in paragraph (2).
       ``(4) State apportionment.--Each State qualifying for an 
     apportionment under paragraph (1) shall receive an amount 
     equal to

[[Page S740]]

     the amount to be apportioned under this subsection multiplied 
     by the amount calculated for the State under paragraph (3) 
     divided by the sum of the amounts calculated under paragraph 
     (3) for all States qualifying for an apportionment under 
     paragraph (1).
       ``(5) Apportionments among urbanized areas in each state.--
     The Secretary shall apportion amounts made available to each 
     State under paragraph (4) so that each urbanized area 
     receives an amount equal to the amount apportioned under 
     paragraph (4) multiplied by a ratio equal to the population 
     of each urbanized area divided by the sum of populations of 
     all urbanized areas in the State. For multistate urbanized 
     areas, the Secretary shall suballocate funds made available 
     under paragraph (4) to each State's part of the multistate 
     urbanized area in proportion to the State's share of 
     population of the multistate urbanized area. Amounts 
     apportioned to each urbanized area shall be made available 
     for grants under section 5307.''.

     SEC. 20031. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Section 5305.--Section 5305 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c), by striking ``sections 5303, 5304, 
     and 5306'' and inserting ``sections 5303 and 5304'';
       (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``sections 5303 and 
     5306'' each place that term appears and inserting ``section 
     5303'';
       (3) in subsection (e)(1)(A), by striking ``sections 5304, 
     5306, 5315, and 5322'' and inserting ``section 5304'';
       (4) in subsection (f)--
       (A) in the heading, by striking ``Government's'' and 
     inserting ``Government''; and
       (B) by striking ``Government's'' and inserting 
     ``Government''; and
       (5) in subsection (g), by striking ``section 5338(c) for 
     fiscal years 2005 through 2011 and for the period beginning 
     on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31, 2012'' and 
     inserting ``section 5338(a)(2)(A) for a fiscal year''.
       (b) Section 5313.--Section 5313(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the first sentence, by striking ``subsections 
     (a)(5)(C)(iii) and (d)(1) of section 5338'' and inserting 
     section ``5338(a)(2)(H)''; and
       (2) in the second sentence, by striking ``of 
     Transportation''.
       (c) Section 5319.--Section 5319 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended, in the second sentence--
       (1) by striking ``sections 5307(e), 5309(h), and 5311(g) of 
     this title'' and inserting ``sections 5307(e), 5309(k), and 
     5311(h)''; and
       (2) by striking ``of the United States'' and inserting 
     ``made by the''.
       (d) Section 5325.--Section 5325 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(2)(A), by striking ``title 48, Code 
     of Federal Regulations (commonly known as the Federal 
     Acquisition Regulation)'' and inserting ``the Federal 
     Acquisition Regulation, or any successor thereto''; and
       (2) in subsection (e), by striking ``Government financial 
     assistance'' and inserting ``Federal financial assistance''.
       (e) Section 5330.--Effective 3 years after the effective 
     date of the final rules issued by the Secretary of 
     Transportation under section 5329(e) of title 49, United 
     States Code, as amended by this division, section 5330 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is repealed.
       (f) Section 5331.--Section 5331 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking ``Secretary of Transportation'' 
     each place that term appears and inserting ``Secretary''.
       (g) Section 5332.--Section 5332(c)(1) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by striking ``of Transportation''.
       (h) Section 5333.--Section 5333(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by striking ``sections 3141-3144'' 
     and inserting ``sections 3141 through 3144''.
       (i) Section 5334.--Section 5334 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by striking ``Secretary of Transportation'' each place 
     that term appears and inserting ``Secretary''; and
       (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Committees on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure and Appropriations of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committees on Banking, 
     Housing, and Urban Affairs and Appropriations of the Senate'' 
     and inserting ``Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban 
     Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives'';
       (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``of Transportation'';
       (3) in subsection (e), by striking ``of Transportation'';
       (4) in subsection (f), by striking ``of Transportation'';
       (5) in subsection (g), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1)--
       (A) by striking ``of Transportation''; and
       (B) by striking ``subsection (a)(3) or (4) of this 
     section'' and inserting ``paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection 
     (a)'';
       (6) in subsection (h)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph 
     (A), by striking ``of Transportation''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``of this section'';
       (7) in subsection (i)(1), by striking ``of 
     Transportation''; and
       (8) in subsection (j), as so redesignated by section 20025 
     of this division, by striking ``Committees on Banking, 
     Housing, and Urban Affairs and Appropriations of the Senate 
     and Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives'' and 
     inserting ``Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs 
     and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives''.
       (j) Section 5335.--Section 5335(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by striking ``of Transportation''.
       (k) Table of Sections.--The table of sections for chapter 
     53 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as 
     follows:

``Sec.
``5301. Policies, purposes, and goals.
``5302. Definitions.
``5303. Metropolitan transportation planning.
``5304. Statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning.
``5305. Planning programs.
``5306. Public transportation emergency relief program.
``5307. Urbanized area formula grants.
``5308. Clean fuel grant program.
``5309. Fixed guideway capital investment grants.
``5310. Formula grants for the enhanced mobility of seniors and 
              individuals with disabilities.
``5311. Formula grants for other than urbanized areas.
``5312. Research, development, demonstration, and deployment projects.
``5313. Transit cooperative research program.
``5314. Technical assistance and standards development.
``5315. National Transit Institute.
``[5316. Repealed.]
``[5317. Repealed.]
``5318. Bus testing facilities.
``5319. Bicycle facilities.
``5320. Alternative transportation in parks and public lands.
``[5321. Repealed.]
``5322. Public transportation workforce development and human resource 
              programs.
``5323. General provisions.
``[5324. Repealed.]
``5325. Contract requirements.
``5326. Transit asset management.
``5327. Project management oversight.
``[5328. Repealed.]
``5329. Public transportation safety program.
``5330. State safety oversight.
``5331. Alcohol and controlled substances testing.
``5332. Nondiscrimination.
``5333. Labor standards.
``5334. Administrative provisions.
``5335. National transit database.
``5336. Apportionment of appropriations for formula grants.
``5337. State of good repair grants.
``5338. Authorizations.
``[5339. Repealed.]
``5340. Apportionments based on growing States and high density States 
              formula factors.''.

  DIVISION C--TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION POLICY

   TITLE I--MOTOR VEHICLE AND HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2012

     SEC. 31001. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This title may be cited as the ``Motor 
     Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2012'' or 
     ``Mariah's Act''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this 
     division is as follows:

  DIVISION C--TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION POLICY

   TITLE I--MOTOR VEHICLE AND HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2012

Sec. 31001. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 31002. Definition.

                       Subtitle A--Highway Safety

Sec. 31101. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 31102. Highway safety programs.
Sec. 31103. Highway safety research and development.
Sec. 31104. National driver register.
Sec. 31105. Combined occupant protection grants.
Sec. 31106. State traffic safety information system improvements.
Sec. 31107. Impaired driving countermeasures.
Sec. 31108. Distracted driving grants.
Sec. 31109. High visibility enforcement program.
Sec. 31110. Motorcyclist safety.
Sec. 31111. Driver alcohol detection system for safety research.
Sec. 31112. State graduated driver licensing laws.
Sec. 31113. Agency accountability.
Sec. 31114. Emergency medical services.

                Subtitle B--Enhanced Safety Authorities

Sec. 31201. Definition of motor vehicle equipment.
Sec. 31202. Permit reminder system for non-use of safety belts.
Sec. 31203. Civil penalties.
Sec. 31204. Motor vehicle safety research and development.
Sec. 31205. Odometer requirements definition.
Sec. 31206. Electronic disclosures of odometer information.
Sec. 31207. Increased penalties and damages for odometer fraud.
Sec. 31208. Extend prohibitions on importing noncompliant vehicles and 
              equipment to defective vehicles and equipment.

[[Page S741]]

Sec. 31209. Financial responsibility requirements for importers.
Sec. 31210. Conditions on importation of vehicles and equipment.
Sec. 31211. Port inspections; samples for examination or testing.

              Subtitle C--Transparency and Accountability

Sec. 31301. Improved National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 
              vehicle safety database.
Sec. 31302. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hotline for 
              manufacturer, dealer, and mechanic personnel.
Sec. 31303. Consumer notice of software updates and other 
              communications with dealers.
Sec. 31304. Public availability of early warning data.
Sec. 31305. Corporate responsibility for National Highway Traffic 
              Safety Administration reports.
Sec. 31306. Passenger motor vehicle information program.
Sec. 31307. Promotion of vehicle defect reporting.
Sec. 31308. Whistleblower protections for motor vehicle manufacturers, 
              part suppliers, and dealership employees.
Sec. 31309. Anti-revolving door.
Sec. 31310. Study of crash data collection.
Sec. 31311. Update of means of providing notification; improving 
              efficacy of recalls.
Sec. 31312. Expanding choices of remedy available to manufacturers of 
              replacement equipment.
Sec. 31313. Recall obligations and bankruptcy of manufacturer.
Sec. 31314. Repeal of insurance reports and information provision.
Sec. 31315. Monroney sticker to permit additional safety rating 
              categories.

          Subtitle D--Vehicle Electronics and Safety Standards

Sec. 31401. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration electronics, 
              software, and engineering expertise.
Sec. 31402. Vehicle stopping distance and brake override standard.
Sec. 31403. Pedal placement standard.
Sec. 31404. Electronic systems performance standard.
Sec. 31405. Pushbutton ignition systems standard.
Sec. 31406. Vehicle event data recorders.
Sec. 31407. Prohibition on electronic visual entertainment in driver's 
              view.

                   Subtitle E--Child Safety Standards

Sec. 31501. Child safety seats.
Sec. 31502. Child restraint anchorage systems.
Sec. 31503. Rear seat belt reminders.
Sec. 31504. Unattended passenger reminders.
Sec. 31505. New deadline.

 Subtitle F--Improved Daytime and Nighttime Visibility of Agricultural 
                               Equipment

Sec. 31601. Rulemaking on visibility of agricultural equipment.

   TITLE II--COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2012

Sec. 32001. Short title.
Sec. 32002. Definition.
Sec. 32003. References to title 49, United States Code.

           Subtitle A--Commercial Motor Vehicle Registration

Sec. 32101. Registration of motor carriers.
Sec. 32102. Safety fitness of new operators.
Sec. 32103. Reincarnated carriers.
Sec. 32104. Financial responsibility requirements.
Sec. 32105. USDOT number registration requirement.
Sec. 32106. Registration fee system.
Sec. 32107. Registration update.
Sec. 32108. Increased penalties for operating without registration.
Sec. 32109. Revocation of registration for imminent hazard.
Sec. 32110. Revocation of registration and other penalties for failure 
              to respond to subpoena.
Sec. 32111. Fleetwide out of service order for operating without 
              required registration.
Sec. 32112. Motor carrier and officer patterns of safety violations.
Sec. 32113. Federal successor standard.

              Subtitle B--Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety

Sec. 32201. Repeal of commercial jurisdiction exception for brokers of 
              motor carriers of passengers.
Sec. 32202. Bus rentals and definition of employer.
Sec. 32203. Crashworthiness standards.
Sec. 32204. Canadian safety rating reciprocity.
Sec. 32205. State reporting of foreign commercial driver convictions.
Sec. 32206. Authority to disqualify foreign commercial drivers.
Sec. 32207. Revocation of foreign motor carrier operating authority for 
              failure to pay civil penalties.

                       Subtitle C--Driver Safety

Sec. 32301. Electronic on-board recording devices.
Sec. 32302. Safety fitness.
Sec. 32303. Driver medical qualifications.
Sec. 32304. Commercial driver's license notification system.
Sec. 32305. Commercial motor vehicle operator training.
Sec. 32306. Commercial driver's license program.
Sec. 32307. Commercial driver's license requirements.
Sec. 32308. Commercial motor vehicle driver information systems.
Sec. 32309. Disqualifications based on non-commercial motor vehicle 
              operations.
Sec. 32310. Federal driver disqualifications.
Sec. 32311. Employer responsibilities.

                   Subtitle D--Safe Roads Act of 2012

Sec. 32401. Short title.
Sec. 32402. National clearinghouse for controlled substance and alcohol 
              test results of commercial motor vehicle operators.
Sec. 32403. Drug and alcohol violation sanctions.
Sec. 32404. Authorization of appropriations.

                        Subtitle E--Enforcement

Sec. 32501. Inspection demand and display of credentials.
Sec. 32502. Out of service penalty for denial of access to records.
Sec. 32503. Penalties for violation of operation out of service orders.
Sec. 32504. Minimum prohibition on operation for unfit carriers.
Sec. 32505. Minimum out of service penalties.
Sec. 32506. Impoundment and immobilization of commercial motor vehicles 
              for imminent hazard.
Sec. 32507. Increased penalties for evasion of regulations.
Sec. 32508. Failure to pay civil penalty as a disqualifying offense.
Sec. 32509. Violations relating to commercial motor vehicle safety 
              regulation and operators.
Sec. 32510. Emergency disqualification for imminent hazard.
Sec. 32511. Intrastate operations of interstate motor carriers.
Sec. 32512. Enforcement of safety laws and regulations.
Sec. 32513. Disclosure to State and local law enforcement agencies.

             Subtitle F--Compliance, Safety, Accountability

Sec. 32601. Compliance, safety, accountability.
Sec. 32602. Performance and registration information systems management 
              program.
Sec. 32603. Commercial motor vehicle defined.
Sec. 32604. Driver safety fitness ratings.
Sec. 32605. Uniform electronic clearance for commercial motor vehicle 
              inspections.
Sec. 32606. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 32607. High risk carrier reviews.
Sec. 32608. Data and technology grants.
Sec. 32609. Driver safety grants.
Sec. 32610. Commercial vehicle information systems and networks.

           Subtitle G--Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2012

Sec. 32701. Short title.
Sec. 32702. Definitions.
Sec. 32703. Regulations for improved occupant protection, passenger 
              evacuation, and crash avoidance.
Sec. 32704. Standards for improved fire safety.
Sec. 32705. Occupant protection, collision avoidance, fire causation, 
              and fire extinguisher research and testing.
Sec. 32706. Motorcoach registration.
Sec. 32707. Improved oversight of motorcoach service providers.
Sec. 32708. Report on feasibility, benefits, and costs of establishing 
              a system of certification of training programs.
Sec. 32709. Report on driver's license requirements for 9- to 15-
              passenger vans.
Sec. 32710. Event data recorders.
Sec. 32711. Safety inspection program for commercial motor vehicles of 
              passengers.
Sec. 32712. Distracted driving.
Sec. 32713. Regulations.

       Subtitle H--Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation

Sec. 32801. Comprehensive truck size and weight limits study.
Sec. 32802. Compilation of existing State truck size and weight limit 
              laws.

                       Subtitle I--Miscellaneous

                      PART I--Detention Time Study

Sec. 32911. Detention time study.
Sec. 32912. Prohibition of coercion.
Sec. 32913. Motor carrier safety advisory committee.
Sec. 32914. Waivers, exemptions, and pilot programs.
Sec. 32915. Transportation of horses.

                PART II--Household Goods Transportation

Sec. 32921. Additional registration requirements for household goods 
              motor carriers.
Sec. 32922. Failure to give up possession of household goods.
Sec. 32923. Settlement authority.
Sec. 32924. Household goods transportation assistance program.
Sec. 32925. Household goods consumer education program.

                     PART III--Technical Amendments

Sec. 32931. Update of obsolete text.

[[Page S742]]

Sec. 32932. Correction of interstate commerce commission references.
Sec. 32933. Technical and conforming amendments.

     PART IV--Surface Transportation and Freight Policy Act of 2012

Sec. 32941. Short title.
Sec. 32942. Establishment of a national surface transportation and 
              freight policy.
Sec. 32943. Surface transportation and freight strategic plan.
Sec. 32944. Transportation investment data and planning tools.
Sec. 32945. National freight infrastructure investment grants.
Sec. 32946. Port infrastructure development initiative.
Sec. 32947. Office of Freight Planning and Development.
Sec. 32948. Safety for motorized and nonmotorized users.

TITLE III--HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 
                                  2012

Sec. 33001. Short title.
Sec. 33002. Definition.
Sec. 33003. References to title 49, United States Code.
Sec. 33004. Training for emergency responders.
Sec. 33005. Paperless Hazard Communications Pilot Program.
Sec. 33006. Improving data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Sec. 33007. Loading and unloading of hazardous materials.
Sec. 33008. Hazardous material technical assessment, research and 
              development, and analysis program.
Sec. 33009. Hazardous Material Enforcement Training Program.
Sec. 33010. Inspections.
Sec. 33011. Civil penalties.
Sec. 33012. Reporting of fees.
Sec. 33013. Special permits, approvals, and exclusions.
Sec. 33014. Highway routing disclosures.
Sec. 33015. Authorization of appropriations.

      TITLE IV--RESEARCH AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATION 
                      REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2012

Sec. 34001. Short title.
Sec. 34002. National Cooperative Freight Research Program.
Sec. 34003. Multimodal Innovative Research Program.
Sec. 34004. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Sec. 34005. 5.9 GHz vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure 
              communications systems deployment.
Sec. 34006. Administrative authority.
Sec. 34007. Prize authority.
Sec. 34008. Transportation research and development.
Sec. 34009. Use of funds for intelligent transportation systems 
              activities.
Sec. 34010. National Travel Data Program.
Sec. 34011. Authorization of appropriations.

     SEC. 31002. DEFINITION.

       In this title, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Transportation.

                       Subtitle A--Highway Safety

     SEC. 31101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) In General.--The following sums are authorized to be 
     appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the 
     Mass Transit Account):
       (1) Highway safety programs.--For carrying out section 402 
     of title 23, United States Code--
       (A) $243,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
       (B) $243,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       (2) Highway safety research and development.--For carrying 
     out section 403 of title 23, United States Code--
       (A) $130,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
       (B) $139,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       (3) Combined occupant protection grants.--For carrying out 
     section 405 of title 23, United States Code--
       (A) $44,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
       (B) $44,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       (4) State traffic safety information system improvements.--
     For carrying out section 408 of title 23, United States 
     Code--
       (A) $44,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
       (B) $44,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       (5) Impaired driving countermeasures.--For carrying out 
     section 410 of title 23, United States Code--
       (A) $139,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
       (B) $139,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       (6) Distracted driving grants.--For carrying out section 
     411 of title 23, United States Code--
       (A) $39,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
       (B) $39,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       (7) National driver register.--For the National Highway 
     Traffic Safety Administration to carry out chapter 303 of 
     title 49, United States Code--
       (A) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
       (B) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       (8) High visibility enforcement program.--For carrying out 
     section 2009 of SAFETEA LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note)--
       (A) $37,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
       (B) $37,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       (9) Motorcyclist safety.--For carrying out section 2010 of 
     SAFETEA LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note)--
       (A) $6,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
       (B) $6,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       (10) Administrative expenses.--For administrative and 
     related operating expenses of the National Highway Traffic 
     Safety Administration in carrying out chapter 4 of title 23, 
     United States Code, and this subtitle--
       (A) $25,581,280 for fiscal year 2012; and
       (B) $25,862,674 for fiscal year 2013.
       (11) Driver alcohol detection system for safety research.--
     For carrying out section 413 of title 23, United States 
     Code--
       (A) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
       (B) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       (12) State graduated driver licensing laws.--For carrying 
     out section 414 of title 23, United States Code--
       (A) $22,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
       (B) $22,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       (b) Prohibition on Other Uses.--Except as otherwise 
     provided in chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, in 
     this subtitle, and in the amendments made by this subtitle, 
     the amounts made available from the Highway Trust Fund (other 
     than the Mass Transit Account) for a program under such 
     chapter--
       (1) shall only be used to carry out such program; and
       (2) may not be used by States or local governments for 
     construction purposes.
       (c) Applicability of Title 23.--Except as otherwise 
     provided in chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, and in 
     this subtitle, amounts made available under subsection (a) 
     for fiscal years 2012 and 2013 shall be available for 
     obligation in the same manner as if such funds were 
     apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code.
       (d) Regulatory Authority.--Grants awarded under this 
     subtitle shall be in accordance with regulations issued by 
     the Secretary.
       (e) State Matching Requirements.--If a grant awarded under 
     this subtitle requires a State to share in the cost, the 
     aggregate of all expenditures for highway safety activities 
     made during any fiscal year by the State and its political 
     subdivisions (exclusive of Federal funds) for carrying out 
     the grant (other than planning and administration) shall be 
     available for the purpose of crediting the State during such 
     fiscal year for the non-Federal share of the cost of any 
     project under this subtitle (other than planning or 
     administration) without regard to whether such expenditures 
     were actually made in connection with such project.
       (f) Maintenance of Effort.--
       (1) Requirement.--No grant may be made to a State under 
     section 405, 408, or 410 of title 23, United States Code, in 
     any fiscal year unless the State enters into such agreements 
     with the Secretary as the Secretary may require to ensure 
     that the State will maintain its aggregate expenditures from 
     all State and local sources for programs described in such 
     sections at or above the average level of such expenditures 
     in the 2 fiscal years preceding the date of enactment of this 
     Act.
       (2) Waiver.--Upon the request of a State, the Secretary may 
     waive or modify the requirements under paragraph (1) for not 
     more than 1 fiscal year if the Secretary determines that such 
     a waiver would be equitable due to exceptional or 
     uncontrollable circumstances.
       (g) Transfers.--In each fiscal year, the Secretary may 
     transfer any amounts remaining available under paragraphs 
     (3), (4), (5), (6), (9), (11), and (12) of subsection (a) to 
     the amounts made available under paragraph (1) or any other 
     of such paragraphs in order to ensure, to the maximum extent 
     possible, that all funds are obligated.
       (h) Grant Application and Deadline.--To receive a grant 
     under this subtitle, a State shall submit an application, and 
     the Secretary shall establish a single deadline for such 
     applications to enable the award of grants early in the next 
     fiscal year.
       (i) Allocation To Support State Distracted Driving Laws.--
     Of the amounts made available under subsection (a)(6) for 
     distracted driving grants, the Secretary may expend, in each 
     fiscal year, up to $5,000,000 for the development and 
     placement of broadcast media to support the enforcement of 
     State distracted driving laws.

     SEC. 31102. HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS.

       (a) Programs Included.--Section 402(a) of title 23, United 
     States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(a) Program Required.--
       ``(1) In general.--Each State shall have a highway safety 
     program, approved by the Secretary, that is designed to 
     reduce traffic accidents and the resulting deaths, injuries, 
     and property damage.
       ``(2) Uniform guidelines.--Programs required under 
     paragraph (1) shall comply with uniform guidelines, 
     promulgated by the Secretary and expressed in terms of 
     performance criteria, that--
       ``(A) include programs--
       ``(i) to reduce injuries and deaths resulting from motor 
     vehicles being driven in excess of posted speed limits;
       ``(ii) to encourage the proper use of occupant protection 
     devices (including the use of safety belts and child 
     restraint systems) by occupants of motor vehicles;
       ``(iii) to reduce injuries and deaths resulting from 
     persons driving motor vehicles while impaired by alcohol or a 
     controlled substance;
       ``(iv) to prevent accidents and reduce injuries and deaths 
     resulting from accidents involving motor vehicles and 
     motorcycles;
       ``(v) to reduce injuries and deaths resulting from 
     accidents involving school buses;
       ``(vi) to reduce accidents resulting from unsafe driving 
     behavior (including aggressive or fatigued driving and 
     distracted driving arising from the use of electronic devices 
     in vehicles); and

[[Page S743]]

       ``(vii) to improve law enforcement services in motor 
     vehicle accident prevention, traffic supervision, and post-
     accident procedures;
       ``(B) improve driver performance, including--
       ``(i) driver education;
       ``(ii) driver testing to determine proficiency to operate 
     motor vehicles; and
       ``(iii) driver examinations (physical, mental, and driver 
     licensing);
       ``(C) improve pedestrian performance and bicycle safety;
       ``(D) include provisions for--
       ``(i) an effective record system of accidents (including 
     resulting injuries and deaths);
       ``(ii) accident investigations to determine the probable 
     causes of accidents, injuries, and deaths;
       ``(iii) vehicle registration, operation, and inspection; 
     and
       ``(iv) emergency services; and
       ``(E) to the extent determined appropriate by the 
     Secretary, are applicable to federally administered areas 
     where a Federal department or agency controls the highways or 
     supervises traffic operations.''.
       (b) Administration of State Programs.--Section 402(b)(1) of 
     title 23, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F);
       (3) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
       ``(E) beginning on October 1, 2012, provide for a robust, 
     data-driven traffic safety enforcement program to prevent 
     traffic violations, crashes, and crash fatalities and 
     injuries in areas most at risk for such incidents, to the 
     satisfaction of the Secretary;''; and
       (4) in subparagraph (F), as redesignated--
       (A) in clause (i), by inserting ``and high-visibility law 
     enforcement mobilizations coordinated by the Secretary'' 
     after ``mobilizations'';
       (B) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (C) in clause (iv), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(v) ensuring that the State will coordinate its highway 
     safety plan, data collection, and information systems with 
     the State strategic highway safety plan (as defined in 
     section 148(a)).''.
       (c) Approved Highway Safety Programs.--Section 402(c) of 
     title 23, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``(c) Funds authorized'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(c) Use of Funds.--
       ``(1) In general.--Funds authorized'';
       (2) by striking ``Such funds'' and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Apportionment.--Except for amounts identified in 
     subsection (l) and section 403(e), funds described in 
     paragraph (1)'';
       (3) by striking ``The Secretary shall not'' and all that 
     follows through ``subsection, a highway safety program'' and 
     inserting ``A highway safety program'';
       (4) by inserting ``A State may use the funds apportioned 
     under this section, in cooperation with neighboring States, 
     for highway safety programs or related projects that may 
     confer benefits on such neighboring States.'' after ``in 
     every State.'';
       (5) by striking ``50 per centum'' and inserting ``20 
     percent''; and
       (6) by striking ``The Secretary shall promptly'' and all 
     that follows and inserting the following:
       ``(3) Reapportionment.--The Secretary shall promptly 
     apportion the funds withheld from a State's apportionment to 
     the State if the Secretary approves the State's highway 
     safety program or determines that the State has begun 
     implementing an approved program, as appropriate, not later 
     than July 31st of the fiscal year for which the funds were 
     withheld. If the Secretary determines that the State did not 
     correct its failure within such period, the Secretary shall 
     reapportion the withheld funds to the other States in 
     accordance with the formula specified in paragraph (2) not 
     later than the last day of the fiscal year.''.
       (d) Use of Highway Safety Program Funds.--Section 402(g) of 
     title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(g) Savings Provision.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (2), 
     nothing in this section may be construed to authorize the 
     appropriation or expenditure of funds for--
       ``(A) highway construction, maintenance, or design (other 
     than design of safety features of highways to be incorporated 
     into guidelines); or
       ``(B) any purpose for which funds are authorized by section 
     403.
       ``(2) Demonstration projects.--A State may use funds made 
     available to carry out this section to assist in 
     demonstration projects carried out by the Secretary under 
     section 403.''.
       (e) In General.--Section 402 of title 23, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking subsections (k) and (m);
       (2) by redesignating subsections (i) and (j) as subsections 
     (h) and (i), respectively; and
       (3) by redesignating subsection (l) as subsection (j).
       (f) Highway Safety Plan and Reporting Requirements.--
     Section 402 of title 23, United States Code, as amended by 
     this section, is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(k) Highway Safety Plan and Reporting Requirements.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require each State 
     to develop and submit to the Secretary a highway safety plan 
     that complies with the requirements under this subsection not 
     later than July 1, 2012, and annually thereafter.
       ``(2) Contents.--State highway safety plans submitted under 
     paragraph (1) shall include--
       ``(A) performance measures required by the Secretary or 
     otherwise necessary to support additional State safety goals, 
     including--
       ``(i) documentation of current safety levels for each 
     performance measure;
       ``(ii) quantifiable annual performance targets for each 
     performance measure; and
       ``(iii) a justification for each performance target;
       ``(B) a strategy for programming funds apportioned to the 
     State under this section on projects and activities that will 
     allow the State to meet the performance targets described in 
     subparagraph (A);
       ``(C) data and data analysis supporting the effectiveness 
     of proposed countermeasures;
       ``(D) a description of any Federal, State, local, or 
     private funds that the State plans to use, in addition to 
     funds apportioned to the State under this section, to carry 
     out the strategy described in subparagraph (B);
       ``(E) beginning with the plan submitted by July 1, 2013, a 
     report on the State's success in meeting State safety goals 
     set forth in the previous year's highway safety plan; and
       ``(F) an application for any additional grants available to 
     the State under this chapter.
       ``(3) Performance measures.--For the first highway safety 
     plan submitted under this subsection, the performance 
     measures required by the Secretary under paragraph (2)(A) 
     shall be limited to those developed by the National Highway 
     Traffic Safety Administration and the Governor's Highway 
     Safety Association and described in the report, `Traffic 
     Safety Performance Measures for States and Federal Agencies' 
     (DOT HS 811 025). For subsequent highway safety plans, the 
     Secretary shall consult with the Governor's Highway Safety 
     Association and safety experts if the Secretary makes 
     revisions to the set of required performance measures.
       ``(4) Review of highway safety plans.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date on 
     which a State's highway safety plan is received by the 
     Secretary, the Secretary shall review and approve or 
     disapprove the plan.
       ``(B) Approvals and disapprovals.--
       ``(i) Approvals.--The Secretary shall approve a State's 
     highway safety plan if the Secretary determines that--

       ``(I) the plan is evidence-based and supported by data;
       ``(II) the performance targets are adequate; and
       ``(III) the plan, once implemented, will allow the State to 
     meet such targets.

       ``(ii) Disapprovals.--The Secretary shall disapprove a 
     State's highway safety plan if the Secretary determines that 
     the plan does not--

       ``(I) set appropriate performance targets; or
       ``(II) provide for evidence-based programming of funding in 
     a manner sufficient to allow the State to meet such targets.

       ``(C) Actions upon disapproval.--If the Secretary 
     disapproves a State's highway safety plan, the Secretary 
     shall--
       ``(i) inform the State of the reasons for such disapproval; 
     and
       ``(ii) require the State to resubmit the plan with any 
     modifications that the Secretary determines to be necessary.
       ``(D) Review of resubmitted plans.--If the Secretary 
     requires a State to resubmit a highway safety plan, with 
     modifications, the Secretary shall review and approve or 
     disapprove the modified plan not later than 30 days after the 
     date on which the Secretary receives such plan.
       ``(E) Reprogramming authority.--If the Secretary determines 
     that the modifications contained in a State's resubmitted 
     highway safety plan do not provide for the programming of 
     funding in a manner sufficient to meet the State's 
     performance goals, the Secretary, in consultation with the 
     State, shall take such action as may be necessary to bring 
     the State's plan into compliance with the performance 
     targets.
       ``(F) Public notice.--A State shall make the State's 
     highway safety plan, and decisions of the Secretary 
     concerning approval or disapproval of a revised plan, 
     available to the public.''.
       (g) Cooperative Research and Evaluation.--Section 402 of 
     title 23, United States Code, as amended by this section, is 
     further amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(l) Cooperative Research and Evaluation.--
       ``(1) Establishment and funding.--Notwithstanding the 
     apportionment formula set forth in subsection (c)(2), 
     $2,500,000 of the total amount available for apportionment to 
     the States for highway safety programs under subsection (c) 
     in each fiscal year shall be available for expenditure by the 
     Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the National 
     Highway Traffic Safety Administration, for a cooperative 
     research and evaluation program to research and evaluate 
     priority highway safety countermeasures.
       ``(2) Administration.--The program established under 
     paragraph (1)--
       ``(A) shall be administered by the Administrator of the 
     National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and
       ``(B) shall be jointly managed by the Governors Highway 
     Safety Association and the

[[Page S744]]

     National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.''.
       (h) Teen Traffic Safety Program.--Section 402 of title 23, 
     United States Code, as amended by this section, is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(m) Teen Traffic Safety Program.--
       ``(1) Program authorized.--Subject to the requirements of a 
     State's highway safety plan, as approved by the Secretary 
     under subsection (k), a State may use a portion of the 
     amounts received under this section to implement a statewide 
     teen traffic safety program to improve traffic safety for 
     teen drivers.
       ``(2) Strategies.--The program implemented under paragraph 
     (1)--
       ``(A) shall include peer-to-peer education and prevention 
     strategies in schools and communities designed to--
       ``(i) increase safety belt use;
       ``(ii) reduce speeding;
       ``(iii) reduce impaired and distracted driving;
       ``(iv) reduce underage drinking; and
       ``(v) reduce other behaviors by teen drivers that lead to 
     injuries and fatalities; and
       ``(B) may include--
       ``(i) working with student-led groups and school advisors 
     to plan and implement teen traffic safety programs;
       ``(ii) providing subgrants to schools throughout the State 
     to support the establishment and expansion of student groups 
     focused on teen traffic safety;
       ``(iii) providing support, training, and technical 
     assistance to establish and expand school and community 
     safety programs for teen drivers;
       ``(iv) creating statewide or regional websites to publicize 
     and circulate information on teen safety programs;
       ``(v) conducting outreach and providing educational 
     resources for parents;
       ``(vi) establishing State or regional advisory councils 
     comprised of teen drivers to provide input and 
     recommendations to the governor and the governor's safety 
     representative on issues related to the safety of teen 
     drivers;
       ``(vii) collaborating with law enforcement;
       ``(viii) organizing and hosting State and regional 
     conferences for teen drivers;
       ``(ix) establishing partnerships and promoting coordination 
     among community stakeholders, including public, not-for-
     profit, and for profit entities; and
       ``(x) funding a coordinator position for the teen safety 
     program in the State or region.''.

     SEC. 31103. HIGHWAY SAFETY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

       Section 403 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  403. Highway safety research and development

       ``(a) Defined Term.--In this section, the term `Federal 
     laboratory' includes--
       ``(1) a Government-owned, Government-operated laboratory; 
     and
       ``(2) a Government-owned, contractor-operated laboratory.
       ``(b) General Authority.--
       ``(1) Research and development activities.--The Secretary 
     may conduct research and development activities, including 
     demonstration projects and the collection and analysis of 
     highway and motor vehicle safety data and related information 
     needed to carry out this section, with respect to--
       ``(A) all aspects of highway and traffic safety systems and 
     conditions relating to--
       ``(i) vehicle, highway, driver, passenger, motorcyclist, 
     bicyclist, and pedestrian characteristics;
       ``(ii) accident causation and investigations;
       ``(iii) communications;
       ``(iv) emergency medical services; and
       ``(v) transportation of the injured;
       ``(B) human behavioral factors and their effect on highway 
     and traffic safety, including--
       ``(i) driver education;
       ``(ii) impaired driving;
       ``(iii) distracted driving; and
       ``(iv) new technologies installed in, or brought into, 
     vehicles;
       ``(C) an evaluation of the effectiveness of countermeasures 
     to increase highway and traffic safety, including occupant 
     protection and alcohol- and drug-impaired driving 
     technologies and initiatives; and
       ``(D) the effect of State laws on any aspects, activities, 
     or programs described in subparagraphs (A) through (C).
       ``(2) Cooperation, grants, and contracts.--The Secretary 
     may carry out this section--
       ``(A) independently;
       ``(B) in cooperation with other Federal departments, 
     agencies, and instrumentalities and Federal laboratories;
       ``(C) by entering into contracts, cooperative agreements, 
     and other transactions with the National Academy of Sciences, 
     any Federal laboratory, State or local agency, authority, 
     association, institution, foreign country, or person (as 
     defined in chapter 1 of title 1); or
       ``(D) by making grants to the National Academy of Sciences, 
     any Federal laboratory, State or local agency, authority, 
     association, institution, or person (as defined in chapter 1 
     of title 1).
       ``(c) Collaborative Research and Development.--
       ``(1) In general.--To encourage innovative solutions to 
     highway safety problems, stimulate voluntary improvements in 
     highway safety, and stimulate the marketing of new highway 
     safety related technology by private industry, the Secretary 
     is authorized to carry out, on a cost-shared basis, 
     collaborative research and development with--
       ``(A) non-Federal entities, including State and local 
     governments, foreign countries, colleges, universities, 
     corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, 
     organizations serving the interests of children, people with 
     disabilities, low-income populations, and older adults, and 
     trade associations that are incorporated or established under 
     the laws of any State or the United States; and
       ``(B) Federal laboratories.
       ``(2) Agreements.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Secretary may enter into cooperative research and development 
     agreements (as defined in section 12 of the Stevenson-Wydler 
     Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3710a)) in which 
     the Secretary provides not more than 50 percent of the cost 
     of any research or development project under this subsection.
       ``(3) Use of technology.--The research, development, or use 
     of any technology pursuant to an agreement under this 
     subsection, including the terms under which technology may be 
     licensed and the resulting royalties may be distributed, 
     shall be subject to the provisions of the Stevenson-Wydler 
     Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.).
       ``(d) Title to Equipment.--In furtherance of the purposes 
     set forth in section 402, the Secretary may vest title to 
     equipment purchased for demonstration projects with funds 
     authorized under this section to State or local agencies on 
     such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be 
     appropriate.
       ``(e) Training.--Notwithstanding the apportionment formula 
     set forth in section 402(c)(2), 1 percent of the total amount 
     available for apportionment to the States for highway safety 
     programs under section 402(c) in each fiscal year shall be 
     available, through the end of the succeeding fiscal year, to 
     the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the 
     National Highway Traffic Safety Administration--
       ``(1) to provide training, conducted or developed by 
     Federal or non-Federal entity or personnel, to Federal, 
     State, and local highway safety personnel; and
       ``(2) to pay for any travel, administrative, and other 
     expenses related to such training.
       ``(f) Driver Licensing and Fitness To Drive 
     Clearinghouse.--From amounts made available under this 
     section, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of 
     the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is 
     authorized to expend $1,280,000 between the date of enactment 
     of the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 
     2012 and September 30, 2013, to establish an electronic 
     clearinghouse and technical assistance service to collect and 
     disseminate research and analysis of medical and technical 
     information and best practices concerning drivers with 
     medical issues that may be used by State driver licensing 
     agencies in making licensing qualification decisions.
       ``(g) International Highway Safety Information and 
     Cooperation.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety 
     Administration, may establish an international highway safety 
     information and cooperation program to--
       ``(A) inform the United States highway safety community of 
     laws, projects, programs, data, and technology in foreign 
     countries that could be used to enhance highway safety in the 
     United States;
       ``(B) permit the exchange of information with foreign 
     countries about laws, projects, programs, data, and 
     technology that could be used to enhance highway safety; and
       ``(C) allow the Secretary, represented by the 
     Administrator, to participate and cooperate in international 
     activities to enhance highway safety.
       ``(2) Cooperation.--The Secretary may carry out this 
     subsection in cooperation with any appropriate Federal 
     agency, State or local agency or authority, foreign 
     government, or multinational institution.
       ``(h) Prohibition on Certain Disclosures.--Any report of 
     the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or of any 
     officer, employee, or contractor of the National Highway 
     Traffic Safety Administration, relating to any highway 
     traffic accident or the investigation of such accident 
     conducted pursuant to this chapter or chapter 301 shall be 
     made available to the public in a manner that does not 
     identify individuals.
       ``(i) Model Specifications for Devices.--The Secretary, 
     acting through the Administrator of the National Highway 
     Traffic Safety Administration, may--
       ``(1) develop model specifications and testing procedures 
     for devices, including devices designed to measure the 
     concentration of alcohol in the body;
       ``(2) conduct periodic tests of such devices;
       ``(3) publish a Conforming Products List of such devices 
     that have met the model specifications; and
       ``(4) may require that any necessary tests of such devices 
     are conducted by a Federal laboratory and paid for by the 
     device manufacturers.''.

     SEC. 31104. NATIONAL DRIVER REGISTER.

       Section 30302(b) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following: ``The Secretary 
     shall make continual improvements to modernize the Register's 
     data processing system.''.

[[Page S745]]

     SEC. 31105. COMBINED OCCUPANT PROTECTION GRANTS.

       (a) In General.--Section 405 of title 23, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec.  405. Combined occupant protection grants

       ``(a) General Authority.--Subject to the requirements of 
     this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall award 
     grants to States that adopt and implement effective occupant 
     protection programs to reduce highway deaths and injuries 
     resulting from individuals riding unrestrained or improperly 
     restrained in motor vehicles.
       ``(b) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the costs of 
     activities funded using amounts from grants awarded under 
     this section may not exceed 80 percent for each fiscal year 
     for which a State receives a grant.
       ``(c) Eligibility.--
       ``(1) High seat belt use rate.--A State with an observed 
     seat belt use rate of 90 percent or higher, based on the most 
     recent data from a survey that conforms with national 
     criteria established by the National Highway Traffic Safety 
     Administration, shall be eligible for a grant in a fiscal 
     year if the State--
       ``(A) submits an occupant protection plan during the first 
     fiscal year;
       ``(B) participates in the Click It or Ticket national 
     mobilization;
       ``(C) has an active network of child restraint inspection 
     stations; and
       ``(D) has a plan to recruit, train, and maintain a 
     sufficient number of child passenger safety technicians.
       ``(2) Lower seat belt use rate.--A State with an observed 
     seat belt use rate below 90 percent, based on the most recent 
     data from a survey that conforms with national criteria 
     established by the National Highway Traffic Safety 
     Administration, shall be eligible for a grant in a fiscal 
     year if--
       ``(A) the State meets all of the requirements under 
     subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (1); and
       ``(B) the Secretary determines that the State meets at 
     least 3 of the following criteria:
       ``(i) The State conducts sustained (on-going and periodic) 
     seat belt enforcement at a defined level of participation 
     during the year.
       ``(ii) The State has enacted and enforces a primary 
     enforcement seat belt use law.
       ``(iii) The State has implemented countermeasure programs 
     for high-risk populations, such as drivers on rural roadways, 
     unrestrained nighttime drivers, or teenage drivers.
       ``(iv) The State has enacted and enforces occupant 
     protection laws requiring front and rear occupant protection 
     use by all occupants in an age-appropriate restraint.
       ``(v) The State has implemented a comprehensive occupant 
     protection program in which the State has--

       ``(I) conducted a program assessment;
       ``(II) developed a statewide strategic plan;
       ``(III) designated an occupant protection coordinator; and
       ``(IV) established a statewide occupant protection task 
     force.

       ``(vi) The State--

       ``(I) completed an assessment of its occupant protection 
     program during the 3-year period preceding the grant year; or
       ``(II) will conduct such an assessment during the first 
     year of the grant.

       ``(d) Use of Grant Amounts.--Grant funds received pursuant 
     to this section may be used to--
       ``(1) carry out a program to support high-visibility 
     enforcement mobilizations, including paid media that 
     emphasizes publicity for the program, and law enforcement;
       ``(2) carry out a program to train occupant protection 
     safety professionals, police officers, fire and emergency 
     medical personnel, educators, and parents concerning all 
     aspects of the use of child restraints and occupant 
     protection;
       ``(3) carry out a program to educate the public concerning 
     the proper use and installation of child restraints, 
     including related equipment and information systems;
       ``(4) carry out a program to provide community child 
     passenger safety services, including programs about proper 
     seating positions for children and how to reduce the improper 
     use of child restraints;
       ``(5) purchase and distribute child restraints to low-
     income families if not more than 5 percent of the funds 
     received in a fiscal year are used for this purpose;
       ``(6) establish and maintain information systems containing 
     data concerning occupant protection, including the collection 
     and administration of child passenger safety and occupant 
     protection surveys; and
       ``(7) carry out a program to educate the public concerning 
     the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles.
       ``(e) Grant Amount.--The allocation of grant funds under 
     this section to a State for a fiscal year shall be in 
     proportion to the State's apportionment under section 402 for 
     fiscal year 2009.
       ``(f) Report.--A State that receives a grant under this 
     section shall submit a report to the Secretary that documents 
     the manner in which the grant amounts were obligated and 
     expended and identifies the specific programs carried out 
     with the grant funds. The report shall be in a form 
     prescribed by the Secretary and may be combined with other 
     State grant reporting requirements under chapter 4 of title 
     23, United States Code.
       ``(g) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Child restraint.--The term `child restraint' means 
     any device (including child safety seat, booster seat, 
     harness, and excepting seat belts) designed for use in a 
     motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position children who 
     weigh 65 pounds (30 kilograms) or less, and certified to the 
     Federal motor vehicle safety standard prescribed by the 
     National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for child 
     restraints.
       ``(2) Seat belt.--The term `seat belt' means--
       ``(A) with respect to open-body motor vehicles, including 
     convertibles, an occupant restraint system consisting of a 
     lap belt or a lap belt and a detachable shoulder belt; and
       ``(B) with respect to other motor vehicles, an occupant 
     restraint system consisting of integrated lap and shoulder 
     belts.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 4 of 
     title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 405 and inserting the following:

``405. Combined occupant protection grants.''.

     SEC. 31106. STATE TRAFFIC SAFETY INFORMATION SYSTEM 
                   IMPROVEMENTS.

       Section 408 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  408. State traffic safety information system 
       improvements

       ``(a) General Authority.--Subject to the requirements of 
     this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall award 
     grants to States to support the development and 
     implementation of effective State programs that--
       ``(1) improve the timeliness, accuracy, completeness, 
     uniformity, integration, and accessibility of the State 
     safety data that is needed to identify priorities for 
     Federal, State, and local highway and traffic safety 
     programs;
       ``(2) evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to make such 
     improvements;
       ``(3) link the State data systems, including traffic 
     records, with other data systems within the State, such as 
     systems that contain medical, roadway, and economic data;
       ``(4) improve the compatibility and interoperability of the 
     data systems of the State with national data systems and data 
     systems of other States; and
       ``(5) enhance the ability of the Secretary to observe and 
     analyze national trends in crash occurrences, rates, 
     outcomes, and circumstances.
       ``(b) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of 
     adopting and implementing in a fiscal year a State program 
     described in this section may not exceed 80 percent.
       ``(c) Eligibility.--A State is not eligible for a grant 
     under this section in a fiscal year unless the State 
     demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that the 
     State--
       ``(1) has a functioning traffic records coordinating 
     committee (referred to in this subsection as `TRCC') that 
     meets at least 3 times a year;
       ``(2) has designated a TRCC coordinator;
       ``(3) has established a State traffic record strategic plan 
     that has been approved by the TRCC and describes specific 
     quantifiable and measurable improvements anticipated in the 
     State's core safety databases, including crash, citation or 
     adjudication, driver, emergency medical services or injury 
     surveillance system, roadway, and vehicle databases;
       ``(4) has demonstrated quantitative progress in relation to 
     the significant data program attribute of--
       ``(A) accuracy;
       ``(B) completeness;
       ``(C) timeliness;
       ``(D) uniformity;
       ``(E) accessibility; or
       ``(F) integration of a core highway safety database; and
       ``(5) has certified to the Secretary that an assessment of 
     the State's highway safety data and traffic records system 
     was conducted or updated during the preceding 5 years.
       ``(d) Use of Grant Amounts.--Grant funds received by a 
     State under this section shall be used for making data 
     program improvements to core highway safety databases related 
     to quantifiable, measurable progress in any of the 6 
     significant data program attributes set forth in subsection 
     (c)(4).
       ``(e) Grant Amount.--The allocation of grant funds under 
     this section to a State for a fiscal year shall be in 
     proportion to the State's apportionment under section 402 for 
     fiscal year 2009.''.

     SEC. 31107. IMPAIRED DRIVING COUNTERMEASURES.

       (a) In General.--Section 410 of title 23, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec.  410. Impaired driving countermeasures

       ``(a) Grants Authorized.--Subject to the requirements of 
     this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall award 
     grants to States that adopt and implement--
       ``(1) effective programs to reduce driving under the 
     influence of alcohol, drugs, or the combination of alcohol 
     and drugs; or
       ``(2) alcohol-ignition interlock laws.
       ``(b) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the costs of 
     activities funded using amounts from grants under this 
     section may not exceed 80 percent in any fiscal year in which 
     the State receives a grant.
       ``(c) Eligibility.--
       ``(1) Low-range states.--Low-range States shall be eligible 
     for a grant under this section.
       ``(2) Mid-range states.--A mid-range State shall be 
     eligible for a grant under this section if--
       ``(A) a statewide impaired driving task force in the State 
     developed a statewide plan

[[Page S746]]

     during the most recent 3 calendar years to address the 
     problem of impaired driving; or
       ``(B) the State will convene a statewide impaired driving 
     task force to develop such a plan during the first year of 
     the grant.
       ``(3) High-range states.--A high-range State shall be 
     eligible for a grant under this section if the State--
       ``(A)(i) conducted an assessment of the State's impaired 
     driving program during the most recent 3 calendar years; or
       ``(ii) will conduct such an assessment during the first 
     year of the grant;
       ``(B) convenes, during the first year of the grant, a 
     statewide impaired driving task force to develop a statewide 
     plan that--
       ``(i) addresses any recommendations from the assessment 
     conducted under subparagraph (A);
       ``(ii) includes a detailed plan for spending any grant 
     funds provided under this section; and
       ``(iii) describes how such spending supports the statewide 
     program;
       ``(C)(i) submits the statewide plan to the National Highway 
     Traffic Safety Administration during the first year of the 
     grant for the agency's review and approval;
       ``(ii) annually updates the statewide plan in each 
     subsequent year of the grant; and
       ``(iii) submits each updated statewide plan for the 
     agency's review and comment; and
       ``(D) appoints a full- or part-time impaired driving 
     coordinator--
       ``(i) to coordinate the State's activities to address 
     enforcement and adjudication of laws to address driving while 
     impaired by alcohol; and
       ``(ii) to oversee the implementation of the statewide plan.
       ``(d) Use of Grant Amounts.--
       ``(1) Required programs.--High-range States shall use grant 
     funds for--
       ``(A) high visibility enforcement efforts; and
       ``(B) any of the activities described in paragraph (2) if--
       ``(i) the activity is described in the statewide plan; and
       ``(ii) the Secretary approves the use of funding for such 
     activity.
       ``(2) Authorized programs.--Medium- and low-range States 
     may use grant funds for--
       ``(A) any of the purposes described in paragraph (1);
       ``(B) paid and earned media in support of high visibility 
     enforcement efforts;
       ``(C) hiring a full-time impaired driving coordinator of 
     the State's activities to address the enforcement and 
     adjudication of laws regarding driving while impaired by 
     alcohol;
       ``(D) court support of high visibility enforcement efforts;
       ``(E) alcohol ignition interlock programs;
       ``(F) improving blood-alcohol concentration testing and 
     reporting;
       ``(G) establishing driving while intoxicated courts;
       ``(H) conducting--
       ``(i) standardized field sobriety training;
       ``(ii) advanced roadside impaired driving evaluation 
     training; and
       ``(iii) drug recognition expert training for law 
     enforcement;
       ``(I) training and education of criminal justice 
     professionals (including law enforcement, prosecutors, judges 
     and probation officers) to assist such professionals in 
     handling impaired driving cases;
       ``(J) traffic safety resource prosecutors;
       ``(K) judicial outreach liaisons;
       ``(L) equipment and related expenditures used in connection 
     with impaired driving enforcement in accordance with criteria 
     established by the National Highway Traffic Safety 
     Administration;
       ``(M) training on the use of alcohol screening and brief 
     intervention;
       ``(N) developing impaired driving information systems; and
       ``(O) costs associated with a `24-7 sobriety program'.
       ``(3) Other programs.--Low-range States may use grant funds 
     for any expenditure designed to reduce impaired driving based 
     on problem identification. Medium- and high-range States may 
     use funds for such expenditures upon approval by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(e) Grant Amount.--Subject to subsection (g), the 
     allocation of grant funds to a State under this section for a 
     fiscal year shall be in proportion to the State's 
     apportionment under section 402(c) for fiscal year 2009.
       ``(f) Grants to States That Adopt and Enforce Mandatory 
     Alcohol-Ignition Interlock Laws.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make a separate 
     grant under this section to each State that adopts and is 
     enforcing a mandatory alcohol-ignition interlock law for all 
     individuals convicted of driving under the influence of 
     alcohol or of driving while intoxicated.
       ``(2) Use of funds.--Such grants may be used by recipient 
     States only for costs associated with the State's alcohol-
     ignition interlock program, including screening, assessment, 
     and program and offender oversight.
       ``(3) Allocation.--Funds made available under this 
     subsection shall be allocated among States described in 
     paragraph (1) on the basis of the apportionment formula under 
     section 402(c).
       ``(4) Funding.--Not more than 15 percent of the amounts 
     made available to carry out this section in a fiscal year 
     shall be made available by the Secretary for making grants 
     under this subsection.
       ``(g) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) 24-7 sobriety program.--The term `24-7 sobriety 
     program' means a State law or program that authorizes a State 
     court or a State agency, as a condition of sentence, 
     probation, parole, or work permit, to--
       ``(A) require an individual who plead guilty or was 
     convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs 
     to totally abstain from alcohol or drugs for a period of 
     time; and
       ``(B) require the individual to be subject to testing for 
     alcohol or drugs--
       ``(i) at least twice a day;
       ``(ii) by continuous transdermal alcohol monitoring via an 
     electronic monitoring device; or
       ``(iii) by an alternate method with the concurrence of the 
     Secretary.
       ``(2) Average impaired driving fatality rate.--The term 
     `average impaired driving fatality rate' means the number of 
     fatalities in motor vehicle crashes involving a driver with a 
     blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08 for every 
     100,000,000 vehicle miles traveled, based on the most 
     recently reported 3 calendar years of final data from the 
     Fatality Analysis Reporting System, as calculated in 
     accordance with regulations prescribed by the Administrator 
     of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
       ``(3) High-range state.--The term `high-range State' means 
     a State that has an average impaired driving fatality rate of 
     0.60 or higher.
       ``(4) Low-range state.--The term `low-range State' means a 
     State that has an average impaired driving fatality rate of 
     0.30 or lower.
       ``(5) Mid-range state.--The term `mid-range State' means a 
     State that has an average impaired driving fatality rate that 
     is higher than 0.30 and lower than 0.60.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 4 of 
     title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 410 and inserting the following:

``410. Impaired driving countermeasures.''.

     SEC. 31108. DISTRACTED DRIVING GRANTS.

       (a) In General.--Section 411 of title 23, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec.  411. Distracted driving grants

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall award a grant under 
     this section to any State that enacts and enforces a statute 
     that meets the requirements set forth in subsections (b) and 
     (c).
       ``(b) Prohibition on Texting While Driving.--A State 
     statute meets the requirements set forth in this subsection 
     if the statute--
       ``(1) prohibits drivers from texting through a personal 
     wireless communications device while driving;
       ``(2) makes violation of the statute a primary offense;
       ``(3) establishes--
       ``(A) a minimum fine for a first violation of the statute; 
     and
       ``(B) increased fines for repeat violations; and
       ``(4) provides increased civil and criminal penalties than 
     would otherwise apply if a vehicle accident is caused by a 
     driver who is using such a device in violation of the 
     statute.
       ``(c) Prohibition on Youth Cell Phone Use While Driving.--A 
     State statute meets the requirements set forth in this 
     subsection if the statute--
       ``(1) prohibits a driver who is younger than 18 years of 
     age from using a personal wireless communications device 
     while driving;
       ``(2) makes violation of the statute a primary offense;
       ``(3) requires distracted driving issues to be tested as 
     part of the State driver's license examination;
       ``(4) establishes--
       ``(A) a minimum fine for a first violation of the statute; 
     and
       ``(B) increased fines for repeat violations; and
       ``(5) provides increased civil and criminal penalties than 
     would otherwise apply if a vehicle accident is caused by a 
     driver who is using such a device in violation of the 
     statute.
       ``(d) Permitted Exceptions.--A statute that meets the 
     requirements set forth in subsections (b) and (c) may provide 
     exceptions for--
       ``(1) a driver who uses a personal wireless communications 
     device to contact emergency services;
       ``(2) emergency services personnel who use a personal 
     wireless communications device while--
       ``(A) operating an emergency services vehicle; and
       ``(B) engaged in the performance of their duties as 
     emergency services personnel; and
       ``(3) an individual employed as a commercial motor vehicle 
     driver or a school bus driver who uses a personal wireless 
     communications device within the scope of such individual's 
     employment if such use is permitted under the regulations 
     promulgated pursuant to section 31152 of title 49.
       ``(e) Use of Grant Funds.--Of the grant funds received by a 
     State under this section--
       ``(1) at least 50 percent shall be used--
       ``(A) to educate the public through advertising containing 
     information about the dangers of texting or using a cell 
     phone while driving;
       ``(B) for traffic signs that notify drivers about the 
     distracted driving law of the State; or

[[Page S747]]

       ``(C) for law enforcement costs related to the enforcement 
     of the distracted driving law; and
       ``(2) up to 50 percent may be used for other projects 
     that--
       ``(A) improve traffic safety; and
       ``(B) are consistent with the criteria set forth in section 
     402(a).
       ``(f) Additional Grants.--In fiscal year 2012, the 
     Secretary may use up to 25 percent of the funding available 
     for grants under this section to award grants to States 
     that--
       ``(1) enacted statutes before July 1, 2011, which meet the 
     requirements under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b); 
     and
       ``(2) are otherwise ineligible for a grant under this 
     section.
       ``(g) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Driving.--The term `driving'--
       ``(A) means operating a motor vehicle on a public road, 
     including operation while temporarily stationary because of 
     traffic, a traffic light or stop sign, or otherwise; and
       ``(B) does not include operating a motor vehicle when the 
     vehicle has pulled over to the side of, or off, an active 
     roadway and has stopped in a location where it can safely 
     remain stationary.
       ``(2) Personal wireless communications device.--The term 
     `personal wireless communications device'--
       ``(A) means a device through which personal wireless 
     services (as defined in section 332(c)(7)(C)(i) of the 
     Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332(c)(7)(C)(i))) are 
     transmitted; and
       ``(B) does not include a global navigation satellite system 
     receiver used for positioning, emergency notification, or 
     navigation purposes.
       ``(3) Primary offense.--The term `primary offense' means an 
     offense for which a law enforcement officer may stop a 
     vehicle solely for the purpose of issuing a citation in the 
     absence of evidence of another offense.
       ``(4) Public road.--The term `public road' has the meaning 
     given that term in section 402(c).
       ``(5) Texting.--The term `texting' means reading from or 
     manually entering data into a personal wireless 
     communications device, including doing so for the purpose of 
     SMS texting, e-mailing, instant messaging, or engaging in any 
     other form of electronic data retrieval or electronic data 
     communication.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 4 of 
     title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 411 and inserting the following:

``411. Distracted driving grants.''.

     SEC. 31109. HIGH VISIBILITY ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM.

       Section 2009 of SAFETEA LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``at least 2'' and inserting ``at least 
     3''; and
       (B) by striking ``years 2006 through 2012.'' and inserting 
     ``fiscal years 2012 and 2013. The Administrator may also 
     initiate and support additional campaigns in each of fiscal 
     years 2012 and 2013 for the purposes specified in subsection 
     (b).'';
       (2) in subsection (b) by striking ``either or both'' and 
     inserting ``outcomes related to at least 1'';
       (3) in subsection (c), by inserting ``and Internet-based 
     outreach'' after ``print media advertising'';
       (4) in subsection (e), by striking ``subsections (a), (c), 
     and (f)'' and inserting ``subsection (c)'';
       (5) by striking subsection (f); and
       (6) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (f).

     SEC. 31110. MOTORCYCLIST SAFETY.

       Section 2010 of SAFETEA LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking subsections (b) and (g);
       (2) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), (e), and (f) as 
     subsections (b), (c), (d), and (e), respectively; and
       (3) in subsection (c)(1), as redesignated, by striking ``to 
     the satisfaction of the Secretary--'' and all that follows 
     and inserting ``, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, at 
     least 2 of the 6 criteria listed in paragraph (2).''.

     SEC. 31111. DRIVER ALCOHOL DETECTION SYSTEM FOR SAFETY 
                   RESEARCH.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, 
     is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec.  413. In-vehicle alcohol detection device research

       ``(a) In General.--The Administrator of the National 
     Highway Traffic Safety Administration shall carry out a 
     collaborative research effort under chapter 301 of title 49, 
     United States Code, to continue to explore the feasibility 
     and the potential benefits of, and the public policy 
     challenges associated with, more widespread deployment of in-
     vehicle technology to prevent alcohol-impaired driving.
       ``(b) Reports.--The Administrator shall submit a report 
     annually to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives--
       ``(1) describing progress in carrying out the collaborative 
     research effort; and
       ``(2) including an accounting for the use of Federal funds 
     obligated or expended in carrying out that effort.
       ``(c) Definitions.--In this title:
       ``(1) Alcohol-impaired driving.--The term `alcohol-impaired 
     driving' means operation of a motor vehicle (as defined in 
     section 30102(a)(6) of title 49, United States Code) by an 
     individual whose blood alcohol content is at or above the 
     legal limit.
       ``(2) Legal limit.--The term `legal limit' means a blood 
     alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or greater (as 
     specified by chapter 163 of title 23, United States Code) or 
     such other percentage limitation as may be established by 
     applicable Federal, State, or local law.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 4 of 
     title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to section 412 the following:

``413. In-vehicle alcohol detection device research.''.

     SEC. 31112. STATE GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSING LAWS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, 
     as amended by this title, is further amended by adding at the 
     end the following:

     ``Sec.  414. State Graduated Driver Licensing Incentive Grant

       ``(a) Grants Authorized.--Subject to the requirements of 
     this section, the Secretary shall award grants to States that 
     adopt and implement graduated driver licensing laws in 
     accordance with the requirements set forth in subsection (b).
       ``(b) Minimum Requirements.--
       ``(1) In general.--A State meets the requirements set forth 
     in this subsection if the State has a graduated driver 
     licensing law that requires novice drivers younger than 21 
     years of age to comply with the 2-stage licensing process 
     described in paragraph (2) before receiving an unrestricted 
     driver's license.
       ``(2) Licensing process.--A State is in compliance with the 
     2-stage licensing process described in this paragraph if the 
     State's driver's license laws include--
       ``(A) a learner's permit stage that--
       ``(i) is at least 6 months in duration;
       ``(ii) prohibits the driver from using a cellular telephone 
     or any communications device in a nonemergency situation; and
       ``(iii) remains in effect until the driver--

       ``(I) reaches 16 years of age and enters the intermediate 
     stage; or
       ``(II) reaches 18 years of age;

       ``(B) an intermediate stage that--
       ``(i) commences immediately after the expiration of the 
     learner's permit stage;
       ``(ii) is at least 6 months in duration;
       ``(iii) prohibits the driver from using a cellular 
     telephone or any communications device in a nonemergency 
     situation;
       ``(iv) restricts driving at night;
       ``(v) prohibits the driver from operating a motor vehicle 
     with more than 1 nonfamilial passenger younger than 21 years 
     of age unless a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of 
     age is in the motor vehicle; and
       ``(vi) remains in effect until the driver reaches 18 years 
     of age; and
       ``(C) any other requirement prescribed by the Secretary of 
     Transportation, including--
       ``(i) in the learner's permit stage--

       ``(I) at least 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a 
     licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age;
       ``(II) a driver training course; and
       ``(III) a requirement that the driver be accompanied and 
     supervised by a licensed driver, who is at least 21 years of 
     age, at all times while such driver is operating a motor 
     vehicle; and

       ``(ii) in the learner's permit or intermediate stage, a 
     requirement, in addition to any other penalties imposed by 
     State law, that the grant of an unrestricted driver's license 
     be automatically delayed for any individual who, during the 
     learner's permit or intermediate stage, is convicted of a 
     driving-related offense, including--

       ``(I) driving while intoxicated;
       ``(II) misrepresentation of his or her true age;
       ``(III) reckless driving;
       ``(IV) driving without wearing a seat belt;
       ``(V) speeding; or
       ``(VI) any other driving-related offense, as determined by 
     the Secretary.

       ``(c) Rulemaking.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall promulgate 
     regulations necessary to implement the requirements under 
     subsection (b), in accordance with the notice and comment 
     provisions under section 553 of title 5, United States Code.
       ``(2) Exception.--A State that otherwise meets the minimum 
     requirements set forth in subsection (b) shall be deemed by 
     the Secretary to be in compliance with the requirement set 
     forth in subsection (b) if the State enacted a law before 
     January 1, 2011, establishing a class of license that permits 
     licensees or applicants younger than 18 years of age to drive 
     a motor vehicle--
       ``(A) in connection with work performed on, or for the 
     operation of, a farm owned by family members who are directly 
     related to the applicant or licensee; or
       ``(B) if demonstrable hardship would result from the denial 
     of a license to the licensees or applicants.
       ``(d) Allocation.--Grant funds allocated to a State under 
     this section for a fiscal year shall be in proportion to a 
     State's apportionment under section 402 for such fiscal year.
       ``(e) Use of Funds.--Grant funds received by a State under 
     this section may be used for--
       ``(1) enforcing a 2-stage licensing process that complies 
     with subsection (b)(2);
       ``(2) training for law enforcement personnel and other 
     relevant State agency personnel

[[Page S748]]

     relating to the enforcement described in paragraph (1);
       ``(3) publishing relevant educational materials that 
     pertain directly or indirectly to the State graduated driver 
     licensing law;
       ``(4) carrying out other administrative activities that the 
     Secretary considers relevant to the State's 2-stage licensing 
     process; and
       ``(5) carrying out a teen traffic safety program described 
     in section 402(m).''.

     SEC. 31113. AGENCY ACCOUNTABILITY.

       Section 412 of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
       ``(a) Triennial State Management Reviews.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (2), 
     the Secretary shall conduct a review of each State highway 
     safety program at least once every 3 years.
       ``(2) Exceptions.--The Secretary may conduct reviews of the 
     highway safety programs of the United States Virgin Islands, 
     Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern 
     Mariana Islands as often as the Secretary determines to be 
     appropriate.
       ``(3) Components.--Reviews under this subsection shall 
     include--
       ``(A) a management evaluation of all grant programs funded 
     under this chapter;
       ``(B) an assessment of State data collection and evaluation 
     relating to performance measures established by the 
     Secretary;
       ``(C) a comparison of State efforts under subparagraphs (A) 
     and (B) to best practices and programs that have been 
     evaluated for effectiveness; and
       ``(D) the development of recommendations on how each State 
     could--
       ``(i) improve the management and oversight of its grant 
     activities; and
       ``(ii) provide a management and oversight plan for such 
     grant programs.''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (f).

     SEC. 31114. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.

       Section 10202 of Public Law 109 59 (42 U.S.C. 300d 4), is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) National Emergency Medical Services Advisory 
     Council.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary of Transportation, in 
     coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
     and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall establish a 
     National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council 
     (referred to in this subsection as the `Advisory Council').
       ``(2) Membership.--The Advisory Council shall be composed 
     of 25 members, who--
       ``(A) shall be appointed by the Secretary of 
     Transportation; and
       ``(B) shall collectively be representative of all sectors 
     of the emergency medical services community.
       ``(3) Purposes.--The purposes of the Advisory Council are 
     to advise and consult with--
       ``(A) the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency 
     Medical Services on matters relating to emergency medical 
     services issues; and
       ``(B) the Secretary of Transportation on matters relating 
     to emergency medical services issues affecting the Department 
     of Transportation.
       ``(4) Administration.--The Administrator of the National 
     Highway Traffic Safety Administration shall provide 
     administrative support to the Advisory Council, including 
     scheduling meetings, setting agendas, keeping minutes and 
     records, and producing reports.
       ``(5) Leadership.--The members of the Advisory Council 
     shall annually select a chairperson of the Council.
       ``(6) Meetings.--The Advisory Council shall meet as 
     frequently as is determined necessary by the chairperson of 
     the Council.
       ``(7) Annual reports.--The Advisory Council shall prepare 
     an annual report to the Secretary of Transportation regarding 
     the Council's actions and recommendations.''.

                Subtitle B--Enhanced Safety Authorities

     SEC. 31201. DEFINITION OF MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPMENT.

       Section 30102(a)(7)(C) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(C) any device or an article or apparel, including a 
     motorcycle helmet and excluding medicine or eyeglasses 
     prescribed by a licensed practitioner, that--
       ``(i) is not a system, part, or component of a motor 
     vehicle; and
       ``(ii) is manufactured, sold, delivered, or offered to be 
     sold for use on public streets, roads, and highways with the 
     apparent purpose of safeguarding motor vehicles and highway 
     users against risk of accident, injury, or death.''.

     SEC. 31202. PERMIT REMINDER SYSTEM FOR NON-USE OF SAFETY 
                   BELTS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 301 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in section 30122, by striking subsection (d); and
       (2) by amending section 30124 to read as follows:

     ``Sec.  30124. Nonuse of safety belts

       ``A motor vehicle safety standard prescribed under this 
     chapter may not require a manufacturer to comply with the 
     standard by using a safety belt interlock designed to prevent 
     starting or operating a motor vehicle if an occupant is not 
     using a safety belt.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 301 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 30124 and inserting the following:

``30124. Nonuse of safety belts.''.

     SEC. 31203. CIVIL PENALTIES.

       (a) In General.--Section 30165 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``30123(d)'' and inserting ``30123(a)''; 
     and
       (ii) by striking ``$15,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$250,000,000''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``$15,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$250,000,000''; and
       (2) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
       ``(c) Relevant Factors in Determining Amount of Penalty or 
     Compromise.--In determining the amount of a civil penalty or 
     compromise under this section, the Secretary of 
     Transportation shall consider the nature, circumstances, 
     extent, and gravity of the violation. Such determination 
     shall include, as appropriate--
       ``(1) the nature of the defect or noncompliance;
       ``(2) knowledge by the person charged of its obligation to 
     recall or notify the public;
       ``(3) the severity of the risk of injury;
       ``(4) the occurrence or absence of injury;
       ``(5) the number of motor vehicles or items of motor 
     vehicle equipment distributed with the defect or 
     noncompliance;
       ``(6) the existence of an imminent hazard;
       ``(7) actions taken by the person charged to identify, 
     investigate, or mitigate the condition;
       ``(8) the appropriateness of such penalty in relation to 
     the size of the business of the person charged, including the 
     potential for undue adverse economic impacts;
       ``(9) whether the person has previously been assessed civil 
     penalties under this section during the most recent 5 years; 
     and
       ``(10) other appropriate factors.''.
       (b) Civil Penalty Criteria.--Not later than 1 year after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue 
     a final rule, in accordance with the procedures of section 
     553 of title 5, United States Code, which provides an 
     interpretation of the penalty factors described in section 
     30165(c) of title 49, United States Code.
       (c) Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed 
     as preventing the imposition of penalties under section 30165 
     of title 49, United States Code, before the issuance of a 
     final rule under subsection (b).

     SEC. 31204. MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 301 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SUBCHAPTER V--MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

     ``Sec.  30181. Policy

       ``The Secretary of Transportation shall conduct research, 
     development, and testing on any area or aspect of motor 
     vehicle safety necessary to carry out this chapter.

     ``Sec.  30182. Powers and duties

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall--
       ``(1) conduct motor vehicle safety research, development, 
     and testing programs and activities, including new and 
     emerging technologies that impact or may impact motor vehicle 
     safety;
       ``(2) collect and analyze all types of motor vehicle and 
     highway safety data and related information to determine the 
     relationship between motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment 
     performance characteristics and--
       ``(A) accidents involving motor vehicles; and
       ``(B) deaths or personal injuries resulting from those 
     accidents;
       ``(3) promote, support, and advance the education and 
     training of motor vehicle safety staff of the National 
     Highway Traffic Safety Administration, including using 
     program funds for--
       ``(A) planning, implementing, conducting, and presenting 
     results of program activities; and
       ``(B) travel and related expenses;
       ``(4) obtain experimental and other motor vehicles and 
     motor vehicle equipment for research or testing;
       ``(5)(A) use any test motor vehicles and motor vehicle 
     equipment suitable for continued use, as determined by the 
     Secretary to assist in carrying out this chapter or any other 
     chapter of this title; or
       ``(B) sell or otherwise dispose of test motor vehicles and 
     motor vehicle equipment and use the resulting proceeds to 
     carry out this chapter;
       ``(6) award grants to States and local governments, 
     interstate authorities, and nonprofit institutions; and
       ``(7) enter into cooperative agreements, collaborative 
     research, or contracts with Federal agencies, interstate 
     authorities, State and local governments, other public 
     entities, private organizations and persons, nonprofit 
     institutions, colleges and universities, consumer advocacy 
     groups, corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, 
     trade associations, Federal laboratories (including 
     Government-owned, Government-operated laboratories and 
     Government-owned, contractor-operated laboratories), and 
     foreign governments and research organizations.
       ``(b) Use of Public Agencies.--In carrying out this 
     subchapter, the Secretary shall avoid duplication by using 
     the services, research, and testing facilities of public 
     agencies, as appropriate.

[[Page S749]]

       ``(c) Facilities.--The Secretary may plan, design, and 
     build a new facility or modify an existing facility to 
     conduct research, development, and testing in traffic safety, 
     highway safety, and motor vehicle safety.
       ``(d) Availability of Information, Patents, and 
     Developments.--When the United States Government makes more 
     than a minimal contribution to a research or development 
     activity under this chapter, the Secretary shall include in 
     the arrangement for the activity a provision to ensure that 
     all information, patents, and developments related to the 
     activity are available to the public without charge. The 
     owner of a background patent may not be deprived of a right 
     under the patent.

     ``Sec.  30183. Prohibition on certain disclosures.

       ``Any report of the National Highway Traffic Safety 
     Administration, or of any officer, employee, or contractor of 
     the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, relating 
     to any highway traffic accident or the investigation of such 
     accident conducted pursuant to this chapter or section 403 of 
     title 23, shall be made available to the public in a manner 
     that does not identify individuals.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Amendment of chapter analysis.--The chapter analysis 
     for chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:

      ``subchapter v--motor vehicle safety research and development

``30181. Policy.
``30182. Powers and duties.
``30183. Prohibition on certain disclosures.''.
       (2) Deletion of redundant material.--Chapter 301 of title 
     49, United States Code, is amended--
       (A) in the chapter analysis, by striking the item relating 
     to section 30168; and
       (B) by striking section 30168.

     SEC. 31205. ODOMETER REQUIREMENTS DEFINITION.

       Section 32702(5) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by inserting ``or system of components'' after 
     ``instrument''.

     SEC. 31206. ELECTRONIC DISCLOSURES OF ODOMETER INFORMATION.

       Section 32705 of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(g) Electronic Disclosures.--In carrying out this 
     section, the Secretary may prescribe regulations permitting 
     any written disclosures or notices and related matters to be 
     provided electronically.''.

     SEC. 31207. INCREASED PENALTIES AND DAMAGES FOR ODOMETER 
                   FRAUD.

       Chapter 327 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in section 32709(a)(1)--
       (A) by striking ``$2,000'' and inserting ``$10,000''; and
       (B) by striking ``$100,000'' and inserting ``$1,000,000''; 
     and
       (2) in section 32710(a), by striking ``$1,500'' and 
     inserting ``$10,000''.

     SEC. 31208. EXTEND PROHIBITIONS ON IMPORTING NONCOMPLIANT 
                   VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO DEFECTIVE VEHICLES 
                   AND EQUIPMENT.

       Section 30112 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Except as provided in this section, section 30114, 
     subsections (i) and (j) of section 30120, and subchapter III, 
     a person may not sell, offer for sale, introduce or deliver 
     for introduction in interstate commerce, or import into the 
     United States any motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment if 
     the vehicle or equipment contains a defect related to motor 
     vehicle safety about which notice was given under section 
     30118(c) or an order was issued under section 30118(b). 
     Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to prohibit the 
     importation of a new motor vehicle that receives a required 
     recall remedy before being sold to a consumer in the United 
     States.''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)(2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by adding ``or'' at the end; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) having no reason to know, despite exercising 
     reasonable care, that a motor vehicle or motor vehicle 
     equipment contains a defect related to motor vehicle safety 
     about which notice was given under section 30118(c) or an 
     order was issued under section 30118(b);''.

     SEC. 31209. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR 
                   IMPORTERS.

       Chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the chapter analysis, by striking the item relating 
     to subchapter III and inserting the following:

       ``subchapter iii--importing motor vehicles and equipment'';

       (2) in the heading for subchapter III, by striking 
     ``NONCOMPLYING''; and
       (3) in section 30147, by amending subsection (b) to read as 
     follows:
       ``(b) Financial Responsibility Requirement.--
       ``(1) Rulemaking.--The Secretary of Transportation may 
     issue regulations requiring each person that imports a motor 
     vehicle or motor vehicle equipment into the customs territory 
     of the United States, including a registered importer (or any 
     successor in interest), provide and maintain evidence, 
     satisfactory to the Secretary, of sufficient financial 
     responsibility to meet its obligations under section 
     30117(b), sections 30118 through 30121, and section 30166(f).
       ``(2) Refusal of admission.--If the Secretary of 
     Transportation believes that a person described in paragraph 
     (1) has not provided and maintained evidence of sufficient 
     financial responsibility to meet the obligations referred to 
     in paragraph (1), the Secretary of Homeland Security may 
     refuse the admission into the customs territory of the United 
     States of any motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment 
     imported by the person.
       ``(3) Exception.--This subsection shall not apply to 
     original manufacturers (or wholly owned subsidiaries) of 
     motor vehicles that, prior to the date of enactment of the 
     Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2012--
       ``(A) have imported motor vehicles into the United States 
     that are certified to comply with all applicable Federal 
     motor vehicle safety standards;
       ``(B) have submitted to the Secretary appropriate 
     manufacturer identification information under part 566 of 
     title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; and
       ``(C) if applicable, have identified a current agent for 
     service of process in accordance with part 551 of title 49, 
     Code of Federal Regulations.''.

     SEC. 31210. CONDITIONS ON IMPORTATION OF VEHICLES AND 
                   EQUIPMENT.

       Chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the chapter analysis, by striking the item relating 
     to section 30164 and inserting the following:

``30164. Service of process; conditions on importation of vehicles and 
              equipment.'';
     and
       (2) in section 30164--
       (A) in the section heading, by adding ``; CONDITIONS ON 
     IMPORTATION OF VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT'' at the end; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Identifying Information.--A manufacturer (including 
     an importer) offering a motor vehicle or motor vehicle 
     equipment for import shall provide such information as the 
     Secretary may, by rule, request including--
       ``(1) the product by name and the manufacturer's address; 
     and
       ``(2) each retailer or distributor to which the 
     manufacturer directly supplied motor vehicles or motor 
     vehicle equipment over which the Secretary has jurisdiction 
     under this chapter.
       ``(d) Rulemaking.--The Secretary may issue regulations 
     that--
       ``(1) condition the import of a motor vehicle or motor 
     vehicle equipment on the manufacturer's compliance with--
       ``(A) the requirements under this section;
       ``(B) any rules issued with respect to such requirements; 
     or
       ``(C) any other requirements under this chapter or rules 
     issued with respect to such requirements;
       ``(2) provide an opportunity for the manufacturer to 
     present information before the Secretary's determination as 
     to whether the manufacturer's imports should be restricted; 
     and
       ``(3) establish a process by which a manufacturer may 
     petition for reinstatement of its ability to import motor 
     vehicles or motor vehicle equipment.
       ``(e) Exception.--The requirements of subsections (c) and 
     (d) shall not apply to original manufacturers (or wholly 
     owned subsidiaries) of motor vehicles that, prior to the date 
     of enactment of the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety 
     Improvement Act of 2012--
       ``(1) have imported motor vehicles into the United States 
     that are certified to comply with all applicable Federal 
     motor vehicle safety standards,
       ``(2) have submitted to the Secretary appropriate 
     manufacturer identification information under part 566 of 
     title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; and
       ``(3) if applicable, have identified a current agent for 
     service of process in accordance with part 551 of title 49, 
     Code of Federal Regulations.''.

     SEC. 31211. PORT INSPECTIONS; SAMPLES FOR EXAMINATION OR 
                   TESTING.

       Section 30166(c) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``(including at 
     United States ports of entry)'' after ``held for introduction 
     in interstate commerce''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) shall obtain from the Secretary of Homeland Security 
     without charge, upon the request of the Secretary of 
     Transportation, a reasonable number of samples of motor 
     vehicle equipment being offered for import to determine 
     compliance with this chapter or a regulation or order issued 
     under this chapter; and
       ``(5) shall instruct the Secretary of Homeland Security to 
     refuse admission of the motor vehicle equipment into the 
     customs territory of the United States if the Secretary of 
     Transportation determines, after examination of the samples 
     obtained under paragraph (4), that such refusal is warranted 
     due to noncompliance with--
       ``(A) this chapter;

[[Page S750]]

       ``(B) a regulation prescribed under this chapter; or
       ``(C) an order issued under this chapter.''.

              Subtitle C--Transparency and Accountability

     SEC. 31301. IMPROVED NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY 
                   ADMINISTRATION VEHICLE SAFETY DATABASE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall improve public 
     accessibility to information on the National Highway Traffic 
     Safety Administration's publicly accessible vehicle safety 
     databases by--
       (1) improving organization and functionality, including 
     modern web design features, and allowing for data to be 
     searched, aggregated, and downloaded;
       (2) providing greater consistency in presentation of 
     vehicle safety issues; and
       (3) improving searchability about specific vehicles and 
     issues through standardization of commonly used search terms.
       (b) Vehicle Recall Information.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall require that motor 
     vehicle safety recall information--
       (A) is available to the public on the Internet;
       (B) is searchable by vehicle make and model and vehicle 
     identification number;
       (C) is in a format that preserves consumer privacy; and
       (D) includes information about each recall that has not 
     been completed for each vehicle.
       (2) Rulemaking.--The Secretary may initiate a rulemaking 
     proceeding to require each manufacturer to provide the 
     information described in paragraph (1), with respect to that 
     manufacturer's motor vehicles, at no cost on a publicly 
     accessible Internet website.
       (3) Database awareness promotion activities.--The 
     Secretary, in consultation with the heads of other relevant 
     agencies, shall promote consumer awareness of the information 
     made available to the public pursuant to this subsection.

     SEC. 31302. NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION 
                   HOTLINE FOR MANUFACTURER, DEALER, AND MECHANIC 
                   PERSONNEL.

       The Secretary shall--
       (1) establish a means by which mechanics, passenger motor 
     vehicle dealership personnel, and passenger motor vehicle 
     manufacturer personnel may directly and confidentially 
     contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to 
     report potential passenger motor vehicle safety defects; and
       (2) publicize the means for contacting the National Highway 
     Traffic Safety Administration in a manner that targets 
     mechanics, passenger motor vehicle dealership personnel, and 
     manufacturer personnel.

     SEC. 31303. CONSUMER NOTICE OF SOFTWARE UPDATES AND OTHER 
                   COMMUNICATIONS WITH DEALERS.

       (a) Internet Accessibility.--Section 30166(f) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``A manufacturer shall give the Secretary 
     of Transportation'' and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--A manufacturer shall give the Secretary 
     of Transportation, and make available on a publicly 
     accessible Internet website,''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Notices.--Communications required to be submitted to 
     the Secretary and made available on a publicly accessible 
     Internet website under this subsection shall include all 
     notices to dealerships of software upgrades and modifications 
     recommended by a manufacturer for all previously sold 
     vehicles. Notice is required even if the software upgrade or 
     modification is not related to a safety defect or 
     noncompliance with a motor vehicle safety standard. The 
     notice shall include a plain language description of the 
     purpose of the update and that description shall be 
     prominently placed at the beginning of the notice.
       ``(3) Index.--Communications required to be submitted to 
     the Secretary under this subsection shall be accompanied by 
     an index to each communication, which--
       ``(A) identifies the make, model, and model year of the 
     affected vehicles;
       ``(B) includes a concise summary of the subject matter of 
     the communication; and
       ``(C) shall be made available by the Secretary to the 
     public on the Internet in a searchable format.''.

     SEC. 31304. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF EARLY WARNING DATA.

       Section 30166(m) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended in paragraph (4), by amending subparagraph (C) to 
     read as follows:
       ``(C) Disclosure.--
       ``(i) In general.--The information provided to the 
     Secretary pursuant to this subsection shall be disclosed 
     publicly unless exempt from disclosure under section 552(b) 
     of title 5.
       ``(ii) Presumption.--In administering this subparagraph, 
     the Secretary shall presume in favor of maximum public 
     availability of information.''.

     SEC. 31305. CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR NATIONAL HIGHWAY 
                   TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION REPORTS.

       (a) In General.--Section 30166 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(o) Corporate Responsibility for Reports.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require a senior 
     official responsible for safety in each company submitting 
     information to the Secretary in response to a request for 
     information in a safety defect or compliance investigation 
     under this chapter to certify that--
       ``(A) the signing official has reviewed the submission; and
       ``(B) based on the official's knowledge, the submission 
     does not--
       ``(i) contain any untrue statement of a material fact; or
       ``(ii) omit to state a material fact necessary in order to 
     make the statements made not misleading, in light of the 
     circumstances under which such statements were made.
       ``(2) Notice.--The certification requirements of this 
     section shall be clearly stated on any request for 
     information under paragraph (1).''.
       (b) Civil Penalty.--Section 30165(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``A person'' and 
     inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (4), a person''; 
     and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) False, misleading, or incomplete reports.--A person 
     who knowingly and willfully submits materially false, 
     misleading, or incomplete information to the Secretary, after 
     certifying the same information as accurate and complete 
     under the certification process established pursuant to 
     section 30166(o), shall be subject to a civil penalty of not 
     more than $5,000 per day. The maximum penalty under this 
     paragraph for a related series of daily violations is 
     $5,000,000.''.

     SEC. 31306. PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION PROGRAM.

       (a) Definition.--Section 32301 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs 
     (2) and (3), respectively;
       (2) by inserting before paragraph (2), as redesignated, the 
     following:
       ``(1) `crash avoidance' means preventing or mitigating a 
     crash;''; and
       (3) in paragraph (2), as redesignated, by striking the 
     period at the end and inserting ``; and''.
       (b) Information Included.--Section 32302(a) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, crash avoidance, and 
     any other areas the Secretary determines will improve the 
     safety of passenger motor vehicles'' after 
     ``crashworthiness''; and
       (2) by striking paragraph (4).

     SEC. 31307. PROMOTION OF VEHICLE DEFECT REPORTING.

       Section 32302 of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Motor Vehicle Defect Reporting Information.--
       ``(1) Rulemaking required.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety 
     Improvement Act of 2012, the Secretary shall prescribe 
     regulations that require passenger motor vehicle 
     manufacturers--
       ``(A) to affix, in the glove compartment or in another 
     readily accessible location on the vehicle, a sticker, decal, 
     or other device that provides, in simple and understandable 
     language, information about how to submit a safety-related 
     motor vehicle defect complaint to the National Highway 
     Traffic Safety Administration;
       ``(B) to prominently print the information described in 
     subparagraph (A) on a separate page within the owner's 
     manual; and
       ``(C) to not place such information on the label required 
     under section 3 of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act 
     (15 U.S.C. 1232).
       ``(2) Application.--The requirements under paragraph (1) 
     shall apply to passenger motor vehicles manufactured in any 
     model year beginning more than 1 year after the date on which 
     a final rule is published under paragraph (1).''.

     SEC. 31308. WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE 
                   MANUFACTURERS, PART SUPPLIERS, AND DEALERSHIP 
                   EMPLOYEES.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter IV of chapter 301 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec.  30171. Protection of employees providing motor 
       vehicle safety information

       ``(a) Discrimination Against Employees of Manufacturers, 
     Part Suppliers, and Dealerships.--No motor vehicle 
     manufacturer, part supplier, or dealership may discharge an 
     employee or otherwise discriminate against an employee with 
     respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of 
     employment because the employee (or any person acting 
     pursuant to a request of the employee)--
       ``(1) provided, caused to be provided, or is about to 
     provide (with any knowledge of the employer) or cause to be 
     provided to the employer or the Secretary of Transportation 
     information relating to any motor vehicle defect, 
     noncompliance, or any violation or alleged violation of any 
     notification or reporting requirement of this chapter;
       ``(2) has filed, caused to be filed, or is about to file 
     (with any knowledge of the employer) or cause to be filed a 
     proceeding relating to any violation or alleged violation of 
     any motor vehicle defect, noncompliance, or any violation or 
     alleged violation of any notification or reporting 
     requirement of this chapter;
       ``(3) testified or is about to testify in such a 
     proceeding;
       ``(4) assisted or participated or is about to assist or 
     participate in such a proceeding; or

[[Page S751]]

       ``(5) objected to, or refused to participate in, any 
     activity that the employee reasonably believed to be in 
     violation of any provision of any Act enforced by the 
     Secretary of Transportation, or any order, rule, regulation, 
     standard, or ban under any such Act.
       ``(b) Complaint Procedure.--
       ``(1) Filing and notification.--A person who believes that 
     he or she has been discharged or otherwise discriminated 
     against by any person in violation of subsection (a) may, not 
     later than 180 days after the date on which such violation 
     occurs, file (or have any person file on his or her behalf) a 
     complaint with the Secretary of Labor (hereinafter in this 
     section referred to as the `Secretary') alleging such 
     discharge or discrimination. Upon receipt of such a 
     complaint, the Secretary shall notify, in writing, the person 
     named in the complaint of the filing of the complaint, of the 
     allegations contained in the complaint, of the substance of 
     evidence supporting the complaint, and of the opportunities 
     that will be afforded to such person under paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Investigation; preliminary order.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     receipt of a complaint filed under paragraph (1) and after 
     affording the person named in the complaint an opportunity to 
     submit to the Secretary a written response to the complaint 
     and an opportunity to meet with a representative of the 
     Secretary to present statements from witnesses, the Secretary 
     shall conduct an investigation and determine whether there is 
     reasonable cause to believe that the complaint has merit and 
     notify, in writing, the complainant and the person alleged to 
     have committed a violation of subsection (a) of the 
     Secretary's findings. If the Secretary concludes that there 
     is a reasonable cause to believe that a violation of 
     subsection (a) has occurred, the Secretary shall accompany 
     the Secretary's findings with a preliminary order providing 
     the relief prescribed by paragraph (3)(B). Not later than 30 
     days after the date of notification of findings under this 
     paragraph, either the person alleged to have committed the 
     violation or the complainant may file objections to the 
     findings or preliminary order, or both, and request a hearing 
     on the record. The filing of such objections shall not 
     operate to stay any reinstatement remedy contained in the 
     preliminary order. Such hearings shall be conducted 
     expeditiously. If a hearing is not requested in such 30-day 
     period, the preliminary order shall be deemed a final order 
     that is not subject to judicial review.
       ``(B) Requirements.--
       ``(i) Required showing by complainant.--The Secretary shall 
     dismiss a complaint filed under this subsection and shall not 
     conduct an investigation otherwise required under 
     subparagraph (A) unless the complainant makes a prima facie 
     showing that any behavior described in paragraphs (1) through 
     (5) of subsection (a) was a contributing factor in the 
     unfavorable personnel action alleged in the complaint.
       ``(ii) Showing by employer.--Notwithstanding a finding by 
     the Secretary that the complainant has made the showing 
     required under clause (i), no investigation otherwise 
     required under subparagraph (A) shall be conducted if the 
     employer demonstrates, by clear and convincing evidence, that 
     the employer would have taken the same unfavorable personnel 
     action in the absence of that behavior.
       ``(iii) Criteria for determination by secretary.--The 
     Secretary may determine that a violation of subsection (a) 
     has occurred only if the complainant demonstrates that any 
     behavior described in paragraphs (1) through (5) of 
     subsection (a) was a contributing factor in the unfavorable 
     personnel action alleged in the complaint.
       ``(iv) Prohibition.--Relief may not be ordered under 
     subparagraph (A) if the employer demonstrates, by clear and 
     convincing evidence, that the employer would have taken the 
     same unfavorable personnel action in the absence of that 
     behavior.
       ``(3) Final order.--
       ``(A) Deadline for issuance; settlement agreements.--Not 
     later than 120 days after the date of conclusion of a hearing 
     under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall issue a final order 
     providing the relief prescribed by this paragraph or denying 
     the complaint. At any time before issuance of a final order, 
     a proceeding under this subsection may be terminated on the 
     basis of a settlement agreement entered into by the 
     Secretary, the complainant, and the person alleged to have 
     committed the violation.
       ``(B) Remedy.--If, in response to a complaint filed under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary determines that a violation of 
     subsection (a) has occurred, the Secretary shall order the 
     person who committed such violation--
       ``(i) to take affirmative action to abate the violation;
       ``(ii) to reinstate the complainant to his or her former 
     position together with the compensation (including back pay) 
     and restore the terms, conditions, and privileges associated 
     with his or her employment; and
       ``(iii) to provide compensatory damages to the complainant.
       ``(C) Attorneys' fees.--If such an order is issued under 
     this paragraph, the Secretary, at the request of the 
     complainant, shall assess against the person against whom the 
     order is issued a sum equal to the aggregate amount of all 
     costs and expenses (including attorneys' and expert witness 
     fees) reasonably incurred, as determined by the Secretary, by 
     the complainant for, or in connection with, bringing the 
     complaint upon which the order was issued.
       ``(D) Frivolous complaints.--If the Secretary determines 
     that a complaint under paragraph (1) is frivolous or has been 
     brought in bad faith, the Secretary may award to the 
     prevailing employer a reasonable attorney's fee not exceeding 
     $1,000.
       ``(E) De novo review.--With respect to a complaint under 
     paragraph (1), if the Secretary of Labor has not issued a 
     final decision within 210 days after the filing of the 
     complaint and if the delay is not due to the bad faith of the 
     employee, the employee may bring an original action at law or 
     equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court 
     of the United States, which shall have jurisdiction over such 
     an action without regard to the amount in controversy, and 
     which action shall, at the request of either party to the 
     action, be tried by the court with a jury. The action shall 
     be governed by the same legal burdens of proof specified in 
     paragraph (2)(B) for review by the Secretary of Labor.
       ``(4) Review.--
       ``(A) Appeal to court of appeals.--Any person adversely 
     affected or aggrieved by an order issued under paragraph (3) 
     may obtain review of the order in the United States Court of 
     Appeals for the circuit in which the violation, with respect 
     to which the order was issued, allegedly occurred or the 
     circuit in which the complainant resided on the date of such 
     violation. The petition for review shall be filed not later 
     than 60 days after the date of the issuance of the final 
     order of the Secretary. Review shall conform to chapter 7 of 
     title 5. The commencement of proceedings under this 
     subparagraph shall not, unless ordered by the court, operate 
     as a stay of the order.
       ``(B) Limitation on collateral attack.--An order of the 
     Secretary with respect to which review could have been 
     obtained under subparagraph (A) shall not be subject to 
     judicial review in any criminal or other civil proceeding.
       ``(5) Enforcement of order by secretary.--Whenever any 
     person fails to comply with an order issued under paragraph 
     (3), the Secretary may file a civil action in the United 
     States district court for the district in which the violation 
     was found to occur to enforce such order. In actions brought 
     under this paragraph, the district courts shall have 
     jurisdiction to grant all appropriate relief, including 
     injunctive relief and compensatory damages.
       ``(6) Enforcement of order by parties.--
       ``(A) Commencement of action.--A person on whose behalf an 
     order was issued under paragraph (3) may commence a civil 
     action against the person to whom such order was issued to 
     require compliance with such order. The appropriate United 
     States district court shall have jurisdiction, without regard 
     to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the 
     parties, to enforce such order.
       ``(B) Attorney fees.--The court, in issuing any final order 
     under this paragraph, may award costs of litigation 
     (including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) to 
     any party whenever the court determines such award is 
     appropriate.
       ``(c) Mandamus.--Any nondiscretionary duty imposed under 
     this section shall be enforceable in a mandamus proceeding 
     brought under section 1361 of title 28.
       ``(d) Nonapplicability To Deliberate Violations.--
     Subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to an employee of 
     a motor vehicle manufacturer, part supplier, or dealership 
     who, acting without direction from such motor vehicle 
     manufacturer, part supplier, or dealership (or such person's 
     agent), deliberately causes a violation of any requirement 
     relating to motor vehicle safety under this chapter.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for 
     chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     inserting after the item relating to section 30170 the 
     following:

``30171. Protection of employees providing motor vehicle safety 
              information.''.

     SEC. 31309. ANTI-REVOLVING DOOR.

       (a) Amendment.--Subchapter I of chapter 301 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec.  30107. Restriction on covered motor vehicle safety 
       officials

       ``(a) In General.--During the 2-year period after the 
     termination of his or her service or employment, a covered 
     vehicle safety official may not knowingly make, with the 
     intent to influence, any communication to or appearance 
     before any officer or employee of the National Highway 
     Traffic Safety Administration on behalf of any manufacturer 
     subject to regulation under this chapter in connection with 
     any matter involving motor vehicle safety on which such 
     person seeks official action by any officer or employee of 
     the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
       ``(b) Manufacturers.--It is unlawful for any manufacturer 
     or other person subject to regulation under this chapter to 
     employ or contract for the services of an individual to whom 
     subsection (a) applies during the 2-year period commencing on 
     the individual's termination of employment with the National 
     Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a capacity in which 
     the individual is prohibited from serving during that period.
       ``(c) Special Rule for Detailees.--For purposes of this 
     section, a person who is detailed from 1 department, agency, 
     or other

[[Page S752]]

     entity to another department, agency, or other entity shall, 
     during the period such person is detailed, be deemed to be an 
     officer or employee of both departments, agencies, or such 
     entities.
       ``(d) Savings Provision.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed to expand, contract, or otherwise affect the 
     application of any waiver or criminal penalties under section 
     207 of title 18.
       ``(e) Exception for Testimony.--Nothing in this section may 
     be construed to prevent an individual from giving testimony 
     under oath, or from making statements required to be made 
     under penalty of perjury.
       ``(f) Defined Term.--In this section, the term `covered 
     vehicle safety official' means any officer or employee of the 
     National Highway Traffic Safety Administration--
       ``(1) who, during the final 12 months of his or her service 
     or employment with the agency, serves or served in a 
     technical or legal capacity, and whose job responsibilities 
     include or included vehicle safety defect investigation, 
     vehicle safety compliance, vehicle safety rulemaking, or 
     vehicle safety research; and
       ``(2) who serves in a supervisory or management capacity 
     over an officer or employee described in paragraph (1).
       ``(g) Effective Date.--This section shall apply to covered 
     vehicle safety officials who terminate service or employment 
     with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after 
     the date of enactment of the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety 
     Improvement Act of 2012.''.
       (b) Civil Penalty.--Section 30165(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, as amended by this subtitle, is further amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Improper influence.--An individual who violates 
     section 30107(a) is liable to the United States Government 
     for a civil penalty, as determined under section 216(b) of 
     title 18, for an offense under section 207 of that title. A 
     manufacturer or other person subject to regulation under this 
     chapter who violates section 30107(b) is liable to the United 
     States Government for a civil penalty equal to the sum of--
       ``(A) an amount equal to not less than $100,000; and
       ``(B) an amount equal to 90 percent of the annual 
     compensation or fee paid or payable to the individual with 
     respect to whom the violation occurred.''.
       (c) Study of Department of Transportation Policies on 
     Official Communication With Former Motor Vehicle Safety Issue 
     Employees.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
     of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of 
     Transportation shall--
       (1) review the Department of Transportation's policies and 
     procedures applicable to official communication with former 
     employees concerning motor vehicle safety compliance matters 
     for which they had responsibility during the last 12 months 
     of their tenure at the Department, including any limitations 
     on the ability of such employees to submit comments, or 
     otherwise communicate directly with the Department, on motor 
     vehicle safety issues; and
       (2) submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy 
     and Commerce of the House of Representatives that contains 
     the Inspector General's findings, conclusions, and 
     recommendations for strengthening those policies and 
     procedures to minimize the risk of undue influence without 
     compromising the ability of the Department to employ and 
     retain highly qualified individuals for such 
     responsibilities.
       (d) Post-Employment Policy Study.--
       (1) In general.--The Inspector General of the Department of 
     Transportation shall conduct a study of the Department's 
     policies relating to post-employment restrictions on 
     employees who perform functions related to transportation 
     safety.
       (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Inspector General shall submit a 
     report containing the results of the study conducted under 
     paragraph (1) to--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate;
       (B) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (C) the Secretary of Transportation.
       (3) Use of results.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     review the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1) 
     and take whatever action the Secretary determines to be 
     appropriate.
       (e) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for 
     chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     inserting after the item relating to section 30106 the 
     following:

``30107. Restriction on covered motor vehicle safety officials.''.

     SEC. 31310. STUDY OF CRASH DATA COLLECTION.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to 
     the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives regarding the quality of data collected 
     through the National Automotive Sampling System, including 
     the Special Crash Investigations Program.
       (b) Review.--The Administrator of the National Highway 
     Traffic Safety Administration (referred to in this section as 
     the ``Administration'') shall conduct a comprehensive review 
     of the data elements collected from each crash to determine 
     if additional data should be collected. The review under this 
     subsection shall include input from interested parties, 
     including suppliers, automakers, safety advocates, the 
     medical community, and research organizations.
       (c) Contents.--The report issued under this section shall 
     include--
       (1) the analysis and conclusions the Administration can 
     reach from the amount of motor vehicle crash data collected 
     in a given year;
       (2) the additional analysis and conclusions the 
     Administration could reach if more crash investigations were 
     conducted each year;
       (3) the number of investigations per year that would allow 
     for optimal data analysis and crash information;
       (4) the results of the comprehensive review conducted 
     pursuant to subsection (b);
       (5) recommendations for improvements to the 
     Administration's data collection program; and
       (6) the resources needed by the Administration to implement 
     such recommendations.

     SEC. 31311. UPDATE OF MEANS OF PROVIDING NOTIFICATION; 
                   IMPROVING EFFICACY OF RECALLS.

       (a) Update of Means of Providing Notification.--Section 
     30119(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking, in paragraph (1), ``by first class mail'' 
     and inserting ``in the manner prescribed by the Secretary, by 
     regulation'';
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) by striking ``(except a tire) shall be sent by first 
     class mail'' and inserting ``shall be sent in the manner 
     prescribed by the Secretary, by regulation,''; and
       (B) by striking the second sentence;
       (3) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) by striking the first sentence;
       (B) by inserting ``to the notification required under 
     paragraphs (1) and (2)'' after ``addition''; and
       (C) by inserting ``by the manufacturer'' after ``given''; 
     and
       (4) in paragraph (4), by striking ``by certified mail or 
     quicker means if available'' and inserting ``in the manner 
     prescribed by the Secretary, by regulation''.
       (b) Improving Efficacy of Recalls.--Section 30119(e) of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Second'' and 
     inserting ``Additional'';
       (2) by striking ``If the Secretary'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) Second notification.--If the Secretary''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Additional notifications.--If the Secretary 
     determines, after considering the severity of the defect or 
     noncompliance, that the second notification by a manufacturer 
     does not result in an adequate number of motor vehicles or 
     items of replacement equipment being returned for remedy, the 
     Secretary may order the manufacturer--
       ``(A) to send additional notifications in the manner 
     prescribed by the Secretary, by regulation;
       ``(B) to take additional steps to locate and notify each 
     person registered under State law as the owner or lessee or 
     the most recent purchaser or lessee, as appropriate; and
       ``(C) to emphasize the magnitude of the safety risk caused 
     by the defect or noncompliance in such notification.''.

     SEC. 31312. EXPANDING CHOICES OF REMEDY AVAILABLE TO 
                   MANUFACTURERS OF REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT.

       Section 30120 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), by amending subparagraph (B) to 
     read as follows:
       ``(B) if replacement equipment, by repairing the equipment, 
     replacing the equipment with identical or reasonably 
     equivalent equipment, or by refunding the purchase price.'';
       (2) in the heading of subsection (i), by adding ``of New 
     Vehicles or Equipment'' at the end; and
       (3) in the heading of subsection (j), by striking 
     ``Replaced'' and inserting ``Replacement''.

     SEC. 31313. RECALL OBLIGATIONS AND BANKRUPTCY OF 
                   MANUFACTURER.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 301 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by inserting the following after section 
     30120:

     ``Sec.  30120A. Recall obligations and bankruptcy of a 
       manufacturer

       ``A manufacturer's filing of a petition in bankruptcy under 
     chapter 11 of title 11, does not negate the manufacturer's 
     duty to comply with section 30112 or sections 30115 through 
     30120 of this title. In any bankruptcy proceeding, the 
     manufacturer's obligations under such sections shall be 
     treated as a claim of the United States Government against 
     such manufacturer, subject to subchapter II of chapter 37 of 
     title 31, United States Code, and given priority, pursuant to 
     section 3710 of such chapter, to ensure that consumers are 
     adequately protected from any safety defect or noncompliance 
     determined to exist in the manufacturer's products. This 
     section shall apply equally to actions of a manufacturer 
     taken before or after the filing of a petition in 
     bankruptcy.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The chapter analysis of chapter 
     301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 30120 the following:

``30120a. Recall obligations and bankruptcy of a manufacturer.''.

[[Page S753]]

     SEC. 31314. REPEAL OF INSURANCE REPORTS AND INFORMATION 
                   PROVISION.

       Chapter 331 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the chapter analysis, by striking the item relating 
     to section 33112; and
       (2) by striking section 33112.

     SEC. 31315. MONRONEY STICKER TO PERMIT ADDITIONAL SAFETY 
                   RATING CATEGORIES.

       Section 3(g)(2) of the Automobile Information Disclosure 
     Act (15 U.S.C. 1232(g)(2)), is amended by inserting ``safety 
     rating categories that may include'' after ``refers to''.

          Subtitle D--Vehicle Electronics and Safety Standards

     SEC. 31401. NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION 
                   ELECTRONICS, SOFTWARE, AND ENGINEERING 
                   EXPERTISE.

       (a) Council for Vehicle Electronics, Vehicle Software, and 
     Emerging Technologies.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish, within the 
     National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a Council for 
     Vehicle Electronics, Vehicle Software, and Emerging 
     Technologies (referred to in this section as the ``Council'') 
     to build, integrate, and aggregate the Administration's 
     expertise in passenger motor vehicle electronics and other 
     new and emerging technologies.
       (2) Implementation of roadmap.--The Council shall research 
     the inclusion of emerging lightweight plastic and composite 
     technologies in motor vehicles to increase fuel efficiency, 
     lower emissions, meet fuel economy standards, and enhance 
     passenger motor vehicle safety through continued utilization 
     of the Administration's Plastic and Composite Intensive 
     Vehicle Safety Roadmap (Report No. DOT HS 810 863).
       (3) Intra-agency coordination.--The Council shall 
     coordinate with all components of the Administration 
     responsible for vehicle safety, including research and 
     development, rulemaking, and defects investigation.
       (b) Honors Recruitment Program.--
       (1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish, within 
     the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an honors 
     program for engineering students, computer science students, 
     and other students interested in vehicle safety that will 
     enable such students to train with engineers and other safety 
     officials for a career in vehicle safety.
       (2) Stipend.--The Secretary is authorized to provide a 
     stipend to students during their participation in the program 
     established pursuant to paragraph (1).
       (c) Assessment.--The Council, in consultation with affected 
     stakeholders, shall assess the implications of emerging 
     safety technologies in passenger motor vehicles, including 
     the effect of such technologies on consumers, product 
     availability, and cost.

     SEC. 31402. VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE AND BRAKE OVERRIDE 
                   STANDARD.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary shall prescribe a Federal motor vehicle 
     safety standard that--
       (1) mitigates unintended acceleration in passenger motor 
     vehicles;
       (2) establishes performance requirements, based on the 
     speed, size, and weight of the vehicle, that enable a driver 
     to bring a passenger motor vehicle safely to a full stop by 
     normal braking application even if the vehicle is 
     simultaneously receiving accelerator input signals, including 
     a full-throttle input signal;
       (3) may permit compliance through a system that requires 
     brake pedal application, after a period of time determined by 
     the Secretary, to override an accelerator pedal input signal 
     in order to stop the vehicle;
       (4) requires that redundant circuits or other mechanisms be 
     built into accelerator control systems, including systems 
     controlled by electronic throttle, to maintain vehicle 
     control in the event of failure of the primary circuit or 
     mechanism; and
       (5) may permit vehicles to incorporate a means to 
     temporarily disengage the function required under paragraph 
     (2) to facilitate operations, such as maneuvering trailers or 
     climbing steep hills, which may require the simultaneous 
     operation of brake and accelerator.

     SEC. 31403. PEDAL PLACEMENT STANDARD.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall initiate a rulemaking 
     proceeding to consider a Federal motor vehicle safety 
     standard that would mitigate potential obstruction of pedal 
     movement in passenger motor vehicles, after taking into 
     account--
       (1) various pedal mounting configurations; and
       (2) minimum clearances for passenger motor vehicle foot 
     pedals with respect to other pedals, the vehicle floor 
     (including aftermarket floor coverings), and any other 
     potential obstructions to pedal movement that the Secretary 
     determines to be relevant.
       (b) Deadline.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (2), 
     the Secretary shall issue a final rule to implement the 
     safety standard described in subsection (a) not later than 3 
     years after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (2) Report.--If the Secretary determines that a pedal 
     placement standard does not meet the requirements and 
     considerations set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of 
     section 30111 of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary 
     shall submit a report describing the reasons for not 
     prescribing such standard to--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (c) Combined Rulemaking.--The Secretary may combine the 
     rulemaking proceeding required under subsection (a) with the 
     rulemaking proceeding required under section 31402.

     SEC. 31404. ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS PERFORMANCE STANDARD.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate a 
     rulemaking proceeding to consider prescribing or amending a 
     Federal motor vehicle safety standard that--
       (1) requires electronic systems in passenger motor vehicles 
     to meet minimum performance requirements; and
       (2) may include requirements for--
       (A) electronic components;
       (B) the interaction of electronic components;
       (C) security needs for those electronic systems to prevent 
     unauthorized access; or
       (D) the effect of surrounding environments on those 
     electronic systems.
       (b) Deadline.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (2), 
     the Secretary shall issue a final rule to implement the 
     safety standard described in subsection (a) not later than 4 
     years after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (2) Report.--If the Secretary determines that such a 
     standard does not meet the requirements and considerations 
     set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of section 30111 of 
     title 49, United States Code, the Secretary shall submit a 
     report describing the reasons for not prescribing such 
     standard to--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (c) National Academy of Sciences.--In conducting the 
     rulemaking under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider 
     the findings and recommendations of the National Academy of 
     Sciences, if any, pursuant to its study of electronic vehicle 
     controls.

     SEC. 31405. PUSHBUTTON IGNITION SYSTEMS STANDARD.

       (a) Pushbutton Ignition Standard.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall initiate a rulemaking 
     proceeding to consider a Federal motor vehicle safety 
     standard for passenger motor vehicles with pushbutton 
     ignition systems that establishes a standardized operation of 
     such systems when used by drivers, including drivers who may 
     be unfamiliar with such systems, in an emergency situation 
     when the vehicle is in motion.
       (2) Other ignition systems.--In the rulemaking proceeding 
     initiated under paragraph (1), the Secretary may include any 
     other ignition-starting mechanism that the Secretary 
     determines should be considered.
       (b) Pushbutton Ignition System Defined.--The term 
     ``pushbutton ignition system'' means a mechanism, such as the 
     push of a button, for starting a passenger motor vehicle that 
     does not involve the physical insertion and turning of a 
     tangible key.
       (c) Deadline.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (2), 
     the Secretary shall issue a final rule to implement the 
     standard described in subsection (a) not later than 2 years 
     after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (2) Report.--If the Secretary determines that a standard 
     does not meet the requirements and considerations set forth 
     in subsections (a) and (b) of section 30111 of title 49, 
     United States Code, the Secretary shall submit a report 
     describing the reasons for not prescribing such standard to--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives.

     SEC. 31406. VEHICLE EVENT DATA RECORDERS.

       (a) Mandatory Event Data Recorders.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall revise part 563 of 
     title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to require, beginning 
     with model year 2015, that new passenger motor vehicles sold 
     in the United States be equipped with an event data recorder 
     that meets the requirements under that part.
       (2) Penalty.--The violation of any provision under part 563 
     of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations--
       (A) shall be deemed to be a violation of section 30112 of 
     title 49, United States Code;
       (B) shall be subject to civil penalties under section 
     30165(a) of that title; and
       (C) shall not subject a manufacturer (as defined in section 
     30102(a)(5) of that title) to the requirements under section 
     30120 of that title.
       (b) Limitations on Information Retrieval.--
       (1) Ownership of data.--Any data in an event data recorder 
     required under part 563 of title 49, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, regardless of when the passenger motor vehicle 
     in which it is installed was manufactured, is the property of 
     the owner, or in the case of a leased vehicle, the lessee of 
     the passenger motor vehicle in which the data recorder is 
     installed.
       (2) Privacy.--Data recorded or transmitted by such a data 
     recorder may not be retrieved by a person other than the 
     owner or lessee of the motor vehicle in which the recorder is 
     installed unless--

[[Page S754]]

       (A) a court authorizes retrieval of the information in 
     furtherance of a legal proceeding;
       (B) the owner or lessee consents to the retrieval of the 
     information for any purpose, including the purpose of 
     diagnosing, servicing, or repairing the motor vehicle;
       (C) the information is retrieved pursuant to an 
     investigation or inspection authorized under section 1131(a) 
     or 30166 of title 49, United States Code, and the personally 
     identifiable information of the owner, lessee, or driver of 
     the vehicle and the vehicle identification number is not 
     disclosed in connection with the retrieved information; or
       (D) the information is retrieved for the purpose of 
     determining the need for, or facilitating, emergency medical 
     response in response to a motor vehicle crash.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Two years after the date of 
     implementation of subsection (a), the Secretary shall study 
     the safety impact and the impact on individual privacy of 
     event data recorders in passenger motor vehicles and report 
     its findings to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and 
     Commerce of the House of Representatives. The report shall 
     include--
       (1) the safety benefits gained from installation of event 
     data recorders;
       (2) the recommendations on what, if any, additional data 
     the event data recorder should be modified to record;
       (3) the additional safety benefit such information would 
     yield;
       (4) the estimated cost to manufacturers to implement the 
     new enhancements;
       (5) an analysis of how the information proposed to be 
     recorded by an event data recorder conforms to applicable 
     legal, regulatory, and policy requirements regarding privacy;
       (6) a determination of the risks and effects of collecting 
     and maintaining the information proposed to be recorded by an 
     event data recorder;
       (7) an examination and evaluation of the protections and 
     alternative processes for handling information recorded by an 
     event data recorder to mitigate potential privacy risks.
       (d) Revised Requirements for Event Data Recorders.--Based 
     on the findings of the study under subsection (c), the 
     Secretary shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to revise 
     part 563 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. The rule--
       (1) shall require event data recorders to capture and store 
     data related to motor vehicle safety covering a reasonable 
     time period before, during, and after a motor vehicle crash 
     or airbag deployment, including a rollover;
       (2) shall require that data stored on such event data 
     recorders be accessible, regardless of vehicle manufacturer 
     or model, with commercially available equipment in a 
     specified data format;
       (3) shall establish requirements for preventing 
     unauthorized access to the data stored on an event data 
     recorder in order to protect the security, integrity, and 
     authenticity of the data; and
       (4) may require an interoperable data access port to 
     facilitate universal accessibility and analysis.
       (e) Disclosure of Existence and Purpose of Event Data 
     Recorder.--The rule issued under subsection (d) shall require 
     that any owner's manual or similar documentation provided to 
     the first purchaser of a passenger motor vehicle for purposes 
     other than resale--
       (1) disclose that the vehicle is equipped with such a data 
     recorder; and
       (2) explain the purpose of the data recorder.
       (f) Access to Event Data Recorders in Agency 
     Investigations.--Section 30166(c)(3)(C) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by inserting ``, including any 
     electronic data contained within the vehicle's diagnostic 
     system or event data recorder'' after ``equipment.''
       (g) Deadline for Rulemaking.--The Secretary shall issue a 
     final rule under subsection (d) not later than 4 years after 
     the date of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 31407. PROHIBITION ON ELECTRONIC VISUAL ENTERTAINMENT IN 
                   DRIVER'S VIEW.

       (a) Visual Entertainment Screens in Driver's View.--Not 
     later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, 
     the Secretary of Transportation shall issue a final rule that 
     prescribes a Federal motor vehicle safety standard 
     prohibiting electronic screens from displaying broadcast 
     television, movies, video games, and other forms of similar 
     visual entertainment that is visible to the driver while 
     driving.
       (b) Exceptions.--The standard prescribed under subsection 
     (a) shall allow electronic screens that display information 
     or images regarding operation of the vehicle, vehicle 
     surroundings, and telematic functions, such as the vehicles 
     navigation and communications system, weather, time, or the 
     vehicle's audio system.

                   Subtitle E--Child Safety Standards

     SEC. 31501. CHILD SAFETY SEATS.

       (a) Protection for Larger Children.--Not later than 1 year 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
     issue a final rule amending Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 
     Standard Number 213 to establish frontal crash protection 
     requirements for child restraint systems for children 
     weighing more than 65 pounds.
       (b) Side Impact Crashes.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a 
     final rule amending Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 
     Number 213 to improve the protection of children seated in 
     child restraint systems during side impact crashes.
       (c) Frontal Impact Test Parameters.--
       (1) Commencement.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall commence a 
     rulemaking proceeding to amend test parameters under Federal 
     Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 213 to better replicate 
     real world conditions.
       (2) Final rule.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule 
     pursuant to paragraph (1).

     SEC. 31502. CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.

       (a) Initiation of Rulemaking Proceeding.--Not later than 1 
     year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
     shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to--
       (1) amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 225 
     (relating to child restraint anchorage systems) to improve 
     the visibility of, accessibility to, and ease of use for 
     lower anchorages and tethers in all rear seat seating 
     positions if such anchorages and tethers are feasible; and
       (2) amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 213 
     (relating to child restraint systems) or Federal Motor 
     Vehicle Safety Standard Number 225 (relating to child 
     restraint anchorage systems)--
       (A) to establish a maximum allowable weight of the child 
     and child restraint for standardizing the recommended use of 
     child restraint anchorage systems in all vehicles; and
       (B) to provide the information described in subparagraph 
     (A) to the consumer.
       (b) Final Rule.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (2), 
     the Secretary shall issue a final rule under subsection (a) 
     not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this 
     Act.
       (2) Report.--If the Secretary determines that an amendment 
     to the standard referred to in subsection (a) does not meet 
     the requirements and considerations set forth in subsections 
     (a) and (b) of section 30111 of title 49, United States Code, 
     the Secretary shall submit a report describing the reasons 
     for not prescribing such a standard to--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives.

     SEC. 31503. REAR SEAT BELT REMINDERS.

       (a) Initiation of Rulemaking Proceeding.--Not later than 2 
     years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
     shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to amend Federal Motor 
     Vehicle Safety Standard Number 208 (relating to occupant 
     crash protection) to provide a safety belt use warning system 
     for designated seating positions in the rear seat.
       (b) Final Rule.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (2), 
     the Secretary shall issue a final rule under subsection (a) 
     not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this 
     Act.
       (2) Report.--If the Secretary determines that an amendment 
     to the standard referred to in subsection (a) does not meet 
     the requirements and considerations set forth in subsections 
     (a) and (b) of section 30111 of title 49, United States Code, 
     the Secretary shall submit a report describing the reasons 
     for not prescribing such a standard to--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives.

     SEC. 31504. UNATTENDED PASSENGER REMINDERS.

       (a) Safety Research Initiative.--Not later than 2 years 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
     complete research into the development of performance 
     requirements to warn drivers that a child or other unattended 
     passenger remains in a rear seating position after the 
     vehicle motor is disengaged.
       (b) Specifications.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Secretary shall consider performance requirements that--
       (1) sense weight, the presence of a buckled seat belt, or 
     other indications of the presence of a child or other 
     passenger; and
       (2) provide an alert to prevent hyperthermia and 
     hypothermia that can result in death or severe injuries.
       (c) Rulemaking or Report.--
       (1) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the completion 
     of each research and testing initiative required under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall initiate a rulemaking 
     proceeding to issue a Federal motor vehicle safety standard 
     if the Secretary determines that such a standard meets the 
     requirements and considerations set forth in subsections (a) 
     and (b) of section 30111 of title 49, United States Code.
       (2) Report.--If the Secretary determines that the standard 
     described in subsection (a) does not meet the requirements 
     and considerations set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of 
     section 30111 of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary 
     shall submit a report describing the reasons for not 
     prescribing such a standard to--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives.

[[Page S755]]

     SEC. 31505. NEW DEADLINE.

       If the Secretary determines that any deadline for issuing a 
     final rule under this Act cannot be met, the Secretary 
     shall--
       (1) provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and 
     Commerce of the House of Representatives with an explanation 
     for why such deadline cannot be met; and
       (2) establish a new deadline for that rule.

 Subtitle F--Improved Daytime and Nighttime Visibility of Agricultural 
                               Equipment

     SEC. 31601. RULEMAKING ON VISIBILITY OF AGRICULTURAL 
                   EQUIPMENT.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Agricultural equipment.--The term ``agricultural 
     equipment'' has the meaning given the term ``agricultural 
     field equipment'' in ASABE Standard 390.4, entitled 
     ``Definitions and Classifications of Agricultural Field 
     Equipment'', which was published in January 2005 by the 
     American Society of Agriculture and Biological Engineers, or 
     any successor standard.
       (2) Public road.--The term ``public road'' has the meaning 
     given the term in section 101(a)(27) of title 23, United 
     States Code.
       (b) Rulemaking.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, after 
     consultation with representatives of the American Society of 
     Agricultural and Biological Engineers and appropriate Federal 
     agencies, and with other appropriate persons, shall 
     promulgate a rule to improve the daytime and nighttime 
     visibility of agricultural equipment that may be operated on 
     a public road.
       (2) Minimum standards.--The rule promulgated pursuant to 
     this subsection shall--
       (A) establish minimum lighting and marking standards for 
     applicable agricultural equipment manufactured at least 1 
     year after the date on which such rule is promulgated; and
       (B) provide for the methods, materials, specifications, and 
     equipment to be employed to comply with such standards, which 
     shall be equivalent to ASABE Standard 279.14, entitled 
     ``Lighting and Marking of Agricultural Equipment on 
     Highways'', which was published in July 2008 by the American 
     Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, or any 
     successor standard.
       (c) Review.--Not less frequently than once every 5 years, 
     the Secretary of Transportation shall--
       (1) review the standards established pursuant to subsection 
     (b); and
       (2) revise such standards to reflect the revision of ASABE 
     Standard 279 that is in effect at the time of such review.
       (d) Limitations.--
       (1) Compliance with successor standards.--Any rule 
     promulgated pursuant to this section may not prohibit the 
     operation on public roads of agricultural equipment that is 
     equipped in accordance with any adopted revision of ASABE 
     Standard 279 that is later than the revision of such standard 
     that was referenced during the promulgation of the rule.
       (2) No retrofitting required.--Any rule promulgated 
     pursuant to this section may not require the retrofitting of 
     agricultural equipment that was manufactured before the date 
     on which the lighting and marking standards are enforceable 
     under subsection (b)(2)(A).
       (3) No effect on additional materials and equipment.--Any 
     rule promulgated pursuant to this section may not prohibit 
     the operation on public roads of agricultural equipment that 
     is equipped with materials or equipment that are in addition 
     to the minimum materials and equipment specified in the 
     standard upon which such rule is based.

   TITLE II--COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2012

     SEC. 32001. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Commercial Motor Vehicle 
     Safety Enhancement Act of 2012''.

     SEC. 32002. DEFINITION.

       In this title, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Transportation.

     SEC. 32003. REFERENCES TO TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE.

       Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this 
     title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an 
     amendment to, or a repeal of, a section or other provision, 
     the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or 
     other provision of title 49, United States Code.

           Subtitle A--Commercial Motor Vehicle Registration

     SEC. 32101. REGISTRATION OF MOTOR CARRIERS.

       (a) Registration Requirements.--Section 13902(a)(1) is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
     section, the Secretary of Transportation may not register a 
     person to provide transportation subject to jurisdiction 
     under subchapter I of chapter 135 as a motor carrier unless 
     the Secretary determines that the person--
       ``(A) is willing and able to comply with--
       ``(i) this part and the applicable regulations of the 
     Secretary and the Board;
       ``(ii) any safety regulations imposed by the Secretary;
       ``(iii) the duties of employers and employees established 
     by the Secretary under section 31135;
       ``(iv) the safety fitness requirements established by the 
     Secretary under section 31144;
       ``(v) the accessibility requirements established by the 
     Secretary under subpart H of part 37 of title 49, Code of 
     Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), for 
     transportation provided by an over-the-road bus; and
       ``(vi) the minimum financial responsibility requirements 
     established by the Secretary under sections 13906, 31138, and 
     31139;
       ``(B) has submitted a comprehensive management plan 
     documenting that the person has management systems in place 
     to ensure compliance with safety regulations imposed by the 
     Secretary;
       ``(C) has disclosed any relationship involving common 
     ownership, common management, common control, or a common 
     familial relationship between that person and any other motor 
     carrier, freight forwarder, or broker, or any other applicant 
     for motor carrier, freight forwarder, or broker registration, 
     or a successor (as that term is defined under section 31153), 
     if the relationship occurred in the 5-year period preceding 
     the date of the filing of the application for registration; 
     and
       ``(D) after the Secretary establishes a written proficiency 
     examination pursuant to section 32101(b) of the Commercial 
     Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012, has passed the 
     written proficiency examination.''.
       (b) Written Proficiency Examination.--
       (1) Establishment.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a 
     written proficiency examination for applicant motor carriers 
     pursuant to section 13902(a)(1)(D) of title 49, United States 
     Code. The written proficiency examination shall test a 
     person's knowledge of applicable safety regulations, 
     standards, and orders of the Federal Government and State 
     government.
       (2) Additional fee.--The Secretary may assess a fee to 
     cover the expenses incurred by the Department of 
     Transportation in--
       (A) developing and administering the written proficiency 
     examination; and
       (B) reviewing the comprehensive management plan required 
     under section 13902(a)(1)(B) of title 49, United States Code.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 210(b) of the Motor 
     Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (49 U.S.C. 31144 note) 
     is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``, commercial regulations, and provisions 
     of subpart H of part 37 of title 49, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, or successor regulations'' after ``applicable 
     safety regulations''; and
       (2) by striking ``consider the establishment of'' and 
     inserting ``establish''.

     SEC. 32102. SAFETY FITNESS OF NEW OPERATORS.

       (a) Safety Reviews of New Operators.--Section 31144(g)(1) 
     is amended to read as follows:
       ``(1) Safety review.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall require, by 
     regulation, each owner and each operator granted new 
     registration under section 13902 or 31134 to undergo a safety 
     review not later than 12 months after the owner or operator, 
     as the case may be, begins operations under such 
     registration.
       ``(B) Providers of motorcoach services.--The Secretary may 
     register a person to provide motorcoach services under 
     section 13902 or 31134 after the person undergoes a pre-
     authorization safety audit, including verification, in a 
     manner sufficient to demonstrate the ability to comply with 
     Federal rules and regulations, as described in section 13902. 
     The Secretary shall continue to monitor the safety 
     performance of each owner and each operator subject to this 
     section for 12 months after the owner or operator is granted 
     registration under section 13902 or 31134. The registration 
     of each owner and each operator subject to this section shall 
     become permanent after the motorcoach service provider is 
     granted registration following a pre-authorization safety 
     audit and the expiration of the 12 month monitoring period.
       ``(C) Pre-authorization safety audit.--The Secretary may 
     require, by regulation, that the pre-authorization safety 
     audit under subparagraph (B) be completed on-site not later 
     than 90 days after the submission of an application for 
     operating authority.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 32103. REINCARNATED CARRIERS.

       (a) Effective Periods of Registration.--
       (1) Suspensions, amendments, and revocations.--Section 
     13905(d) is amended--
       (A) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (4);
       (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) Applications.--On application of the registrant, the 
     Secretary may amend or revoke a registration.
       ``(2) Complaints and actions on secretary's own 
     initiative.--On complaint or on the Secretary's own 
     initiative and after notice and an opportunity for a 
     proceeding, the Secretary may--
       ``(A) suspend, amend, or revoke any part of the 
     registration of a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder 
     for willful failure to comply with--
       ``(i) this part;
       ``(ii) an applicable regulation or order of the Secretary 
     or the Board, including the accessibility requirements 
     established by the Secretary under subpart H of part 37 of 
     title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
     regulations), for transportation provided by an over-the-road 
     bus; or
       ``(iii) a condition of its registration;

[[Page S756]]

       ``(B) withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke any part of the 
     registration of a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder 
     for failure--
       ``(i) to pay a civil penalty imposed under chapter 5, 51, 
     149, or 311;
       ``(ii) to arrange and abide by an acceptable payment plan 
     for such civil penalty, not later than 90 days after the date 
     specified by order of the Secretary for the payment of such 
     penalty; or
       ``(iii) for failure to obey a subpoena issued by the 
     Secretary;
       ``(C) withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke any part of a 
     registration of a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder 
     following a determination by the Secretary that the motor 
     carrier, broker, or freight forwarder failed to disclose, in 
     its application for registration, a material fact relevant to 
     its willingness and ability to comply with--
       ``(i) this part;
       ``(ii) an applicable regulation or order of the Secretary 
     or the Board; or
       ``(iii) a condition of its registration; or
       ``(D) withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke any part of a 
     registration of a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder 
     if the Secretary finds that--
       ``(i) the motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder is or 
     was related through common ownership, common management, 
     common control, or a common familial relationship to any 
     other motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder, or any 
     other applicant for motor carrier, broker, or freight 
     forwarder registration that the Secretary determines is or 
     was unwilling or unable to comply with the relevant 
     requirements listed in section 13902, 13903, or 13904; or
       ``(ii) the person is the successor, as defined in section 
     31153, to a person who is or was unwilling or unable to 
     comply with the relevant requirements of section 13902, 
     13903, or 13904.
       ``(3) Limitation.--Paragraph (2)(B) shall not apply to a 
     person who is unable to pay a civil penalty because the 
     person is a debtor in a case under chapter 11 of title 11.''; 
     and
       (C) in paragraph (4), as redesignated by section 
     32103(a)(1)(A) of this Act, by striking ``paragraph (1)(B)'' 
     and inserting ``paragraph (2)(B)''.
       (2) Procedure.--Section 13905(e) is amended by inserting 
     ``or if the Secretary determines that the registrant failed 
     to disclose a material fact in an application for 
     registration in accordance with subsection (d)(2)(C),'' after 
     ``registrant,''.
       (b) Information Systems.--Section 31106(a)(3) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(H) determine whether a person or employer is or was 
     related, through common ownership, common management, common 
     control, or a common familial relationship, to any other 
     person, employer, or any other applicant for registration 
     under section 13902 or 31134.''.

     SEC. 32104. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--
       (1) issue a report on the appropriateness of--
       (A) the current minimum financial responsibility 
     requirements under sections 31138 and 31139 of title 49, 
     United States Code; and
       (B) the current bond and insurance requirements under 
     section 13904(d) of title 49, United States Code; and
       (2) submit the report issued under paragraph (1) to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives.
       (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 6 months after the 
     publication of the report under subsection (a), the Secretary 
     shall initiate a rulemaking--
       (1) to revise the minimum financial responsibility 
     requirements under sections 31138 and 31139 of title 49, 
     United States Code; and
       (2) to revise the bond and insurance requirements under 
     section 13904(d) of such title, as appropriate, based on the 
     findings of the report submitted under subsection (a).
       (c) Deadline.--Not later than 1 year after the start of the 
     rulemaking under subsection (b), the Secretary shall--
       (1) issue a final rule; or
       (2) if the Secretary determines that a rulemaking is not 
     required following the Secretary's analysis, submit a report 
     stating the reason for not increasing the minimum financial 
     responsibility requirements to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (d) Biennial Reviews.--Not less than once every 2 years, 
     the Secretary shall review the requirements prescribed under 
     subsection (b) and revise the requirements, as appropriate.

     SEC. 32105. USDOT NUMBER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 311 is amended by inserting after 
     section 31133 the following:

     ``Sec.  31134. Requirement for registration and USDOT number

       ``(a) In General.--Upon application, and subject to 
     subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary shall register an 
     employer or person subject to the safety jurisdiction of this 
     subchapter. An employer or person may operate a commercial 
     motor vehicle in interstate commerce only if the employer or 
     person is registered by the Secretary under this section and 
     receives a USDOT number. Nothing in this section shall 
     preclude registration by the Secretary of an employer or 
     person not engaged in interstate commerce. An employer or 
     person subject to jurisdiction under subchapter I of chapter 
     135 of this title shall apply for commercial registration 
     under section 13902 of this title.
       ``(b) Withholding Registration.--The Secretary may withhold 
     registration under subsection (a), after notice and an 
     opportunity for a proceeding, if the Secretary determines 
     that--
       ``(1) the employer or person seeking registration is 
     unwilling or unable to comply with the requirements of this 
     subchapter and the regulations prescribed thereunder and 
     chapter 51 and the regulations prescribed thereunder;
       ``(2) the employer or person is or was related through 
     common ownership, common management, common control, or a 
     common familial relationship to any other person or applicant 
     for registration subject to this subchapter who is or was 
     unfit, unwilling, or unable to comply with the requirements 
     listed in subsection (b)(1); or
       ``(3) the person is the successor, as defined in section 
     31153, to a person who is or was unfit, unwilling, or unable 
     to comply with the requirements listed in subsection (b)(1).
       ``(c) Revocation or Suspension of Registration.--The 
     Secretary shall revoke the registration of an employer or 
     person under subsection (a) after notice and an opportunity 
     for a proceeding, or suspend the registration after giving 
     notice of the suspension to the employer or person, if the 
     Secretary determines that--
       ``(1) the employer's or person's authority to operate 
     pursuant to chapter 139 of this title would be subject to 
     revocation or suspension under sections 13905(d)(1) or 
     13905(f) of this title;
       ``(2) the employer or person is or was related through 
     common ownership, common management, common control, or a 
     common familial relationship to any other person or applicant 
     for registration subject to this subchapter that the 
     Secretary determines is or was unfit, unwilling, or unable to 
     comply with the requirements listed in subsection (b)(1);
       ``(3) the person is the successor, as defined in section 
     31153, to a person the Secretary determines is or was unfit, 
     unwilling, or unable to comply with the requirements listed 
     in subsection (b)(1); or
       ``(4) the employer or person failed or refused to submit to 
     the safety review required by section 31144(g) of this title.
       ``(d) Periodic Registration Update.--The Secretary may 
     require an employer to update a registration under this 
     section periodically or not later than 30 days after a change 
     in the employer's address, other contact information, 
     officers, process agent, or other essential information, as 
     determined by the Secretary.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis of chapter 311 is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 31133 
     the following:

``31134. Requirement for registration and USDOT number.''.

     SEC. 32106. REGISTRATION FEE SYSTEM.

       Section 13908(d)(1) is amended by striking ``but shall not 
     exceed $300''.

     SEC. 32107. REGISTRATION UPDATE.

       (a) Periodic Motor Carrier Update.--Section 13902 is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(h) Update of Registration.--The Secretary may require a 
     registrant to update its registration under this section 
     periodically or not later than 30 days after a change in the 
     registrant's address, other contact information, officers, 
     process agent, or other essential information, as determined 
     by the Secretary.''.
       (b) Periodic Freight Forwarder Update.--Section 13903 is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Update of Registration.--The Secretary may require a 
     freight forwarder to update its registration under this 
     section periodically or not later than 30 days after a change 
     in the freight forwarder's address, other contact 
     information, officers, process agent, or other essential 
     information, as determined by the Secretary.''.
       (c) Periodic Broker Update.--Section 13904 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Update of Registration.--The Secretary may require a 
     broker to update its registration under this section 
     periodically or not later than 30 days after a change in the 
     broker's address, other contact information, officers, 
     process agent, or other essential information, as determined 
     by the Secretary.''.

     SEC. 32108. INCREASED PENALTIES FOR OPERATING WITHOUT 
                   REGISTRATION.

       (a) Penalties.--Section 14901(a) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``$500'' and inserting ``$1,000'';
       (2) by striking ``who is not registered under this part to 
     provide transportation of passengers,'';
       (3) by striking ``with respect to providing transportation 
     of passengers,'' and inserting ``or section 13902(c) of this 
     title,''; and
       (4) by striking ``$2,000 for each violation and each 
     additional day the violation continues'' and inserting 
     ``$10,000 for each violation, or $25,000 for each violation 
     relating to providing transportation of passengers''.

[[Page S757]]

       (b) Transportation of Hazardous Wastes.--Section 14901(b) 
     is amended by striking ``not to exceed $20,000'' and 
     inserting ``not less than $25,000''.

     SEC. 32109. REVOCATION OF REGISTRATION FOR IMMINENT HAZARD.

       Section 13905(f)(2) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(2) Imminent hazard to public health.--Notwithstanding 
     subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, the Secretary shall 
     revoke the registration of a motor carrier if the Secretary 
     finds that the carrier is or was conducting unsafe operations 
     that are or were an imminent hazard to public health or 
     property.''.

     SEC. 32110. REVOCATION OF REGISTRATION AND OTHER PENALTIES 
                   FOR FAILURE TO RESPOND TO SUBPOENA.

       Section 525 is amended--
       (1) by striking ``subpenas'' in the section heading and 
     inserting ``subpoenas'';
       (2) by striking ``subpena'' and inserting ``subpoena'';
       (3) by striking ``$100'' and inserting ``$1,000'';
       (4) by striking ``$5,000'' and inserting ``$10,000''; and
       (5) by adding at the end the following:
       ``The Secretary may withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke any 
     part of the registration of a person required to register 
     under chapter 139 for failing to obey a subpoena or 
     requirement of the Secretary under this chapter to appear and 
     testify or produce records.''.

     SEC. 32111. FLEETWIDE OUT OF SERVICE ORDER FOR OPERATING 
                   WITHOUT REQUIRED REGISTRATION.

       Section 13902(e)(1) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``motor vehicle'' and inserting ``motor 
     carrier'' after ``the Secretary determines that a''; and
       (2) by striking ``order the vehicle'' and inserting ``order 
     the motor carrier operations'' after ``the Secretary may''.

     SEC. 32112. MOTOR CARRIER AND OFFICER PATTERNS OF SAFETY 
                   VIOLATIONS.

       Section 31135 is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Noncompliance.--
       ``(1) Motor carriers.--Two or more motor carriers, 
     employers, or persons shall not use common ownership, common 
     management, common control, or a common familial relationship 
     to enable any or all such motor carriers, employers, or 
     persons to avoid compliance, or mask or otherwise conceal 
     non-compliance, or a history of non-compliance, with 
     regulations prescribed under this subchapter or an order of 
     the Secretary issued under this subchapter.
       ``(2) Pattern.--If the Secretary finds that a motor 
     carrier, employer, or person engaged in a pattern or practice 
     of avoiding compliance, or masking or otherwise concealing 
     noncompliance, with regulations prescribed under this 
     subchapter, the Secretary--
       ``(A) may withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke any part of 
     the motor carrier's, employer's, or person's registration in 
     accordance with section 13905 or 31134; and
       ``(B) shall take into account such non-compliance for 
     purposes of determining civil penalty amounts under section 
     521(b)(2)(D).
       ``(3) Officers.--If the Secretary finds, after notice and 
     an opportunity for proceeding, that an officer of a motor 
     carrier, employer, or owner or operator engaged in a pattern 
     or practice of violating regulations prescribed under this 
     subchapter, or assisted a motor carrier, employer, or owner 
     or operator in avoiding compliance, or masking or otherwise 
     concealing noncompliance, the Secretary may impose 
     appropriate sanctions, subject to the limitations in 
     paragraph (4), including--
       ``(A) suspension or revocation of registration granted to 
     the officer individually under section 13902 or 31134;
       ``(B) temporary or permanent suspension or bar from 
     association with any motor carrier, employer, or owner or 
     operator registered under section 13902 or 31134; or
       ``(C) any appropriate sanction approved by the Secretary.
       ``(4) Limitations.--The sanctions described in 
     subparagraphs (A) through (C) of subsection (b)(3) shall 
     apply to--
       ``(A) intentional or knowing conduct, including reckless 
     conduct that violates applicable laws (including 
     regulations); and
       ``(B) repeated instances of negligent conduct that violates 
     applicable laws (including regulations).''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Avoiding Compliance.--For purposes of this section, 
     `avoiding compliance' or `masking or otherwise concealing 
     noncompliance' includes serving as an officer or otherwise 
     exercising controlling influence over 2 or more motor 
     carriers where--
       ``(1) 1 of the carriers was placed out of service, or 
     received notice from the Secretary that it will be placed out 
     of service, following--
       ``(A) a determination of unfitness under section 31144(b);
       ``(B) a suspension or revocation of registration under 
     section 13902, 13905, or 31144(g);
       ``(C) issuance of an imminent hazard out of service order 
     under section 521(b)(5) or section 5121(d); or
       ``(D) notice of failure to pay a civil penalty or abide by 
     a penalty payment plan; and
       ``(2) 1 or more of the carriers is the `successor,' as that 
     term is defined in section 31153, to the carrier that is the 
     subject of the action in paragraph (1).''.

     SEC. 32113. FEDERAL SUCCESSOR STANDARD.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 311 is amended by adding after 
     section 31152, as added by section 32508 of this Act, the 
     following:

     ``Sec.  31153. Federal successor standard

       ``(a) Federal Successor Standard.--Notwithstanding any 
     other provision of Federal or State law, the Secretary may 
     take an action authorized under chapters 5, 51, 131 through 
     149, subchapter III of chapter 311 (except sections 31138 and 
     31139), or sections 31302, 31303, 31304, 31305(b), 
     31310(g)(1)(A), or 31502 of this title, or a regulation 
     issued under any of those provisions, against a successor of 
     a motor carrier (as defined in section 13102), a successor of 
     an employer (as defined in section 31132), or a successor of 
     an owner or operator (as that term is used in subchapter III 
     of chapter 311), to the same extent and on the same basis as 
     the Secretary may take the action against the motor carrier, 
     employer, or owner or operator.
       ``(b) Successor Defined.--For purposes of this section, the 
     term `successor' means a motor carrier, employer, or owner or 
     operator that the Secretary determines, after notice and an 
     opportunity for a proceeding, has 1 or more features that 
     correspond closely with the features of another existing or 
     former motor carrier, employer, or owner or operator, such 
     as--
       ``(1) consideration paid for assets purchased or 
     transferred;
       ``(2) dates of corporate creation and dissolution or 
     termination of operations;
       ``(3) commonality of ownership;
       ``(4) commonality of officers and management personnel and 
     their functions;
       ``(5) commonality of drivers and other employees;
       ``(6) identity of physical or mailing addresses, telephone, 
     fax numbers, or e-mail addresses;
       ``(7) identity of motor vehicle equipment;
       ``(8) continuity of liability insurance policies;
       ``(9) commonality of coverage under liability insurance 
     policies;
       ``(10) continuation of carrier facilities and other 
     physical assets;
       ``(11) continuity of the nature and scope of operations, 
     including customers;
       ``(12) commonality of the nature and scope of operations, 
     including customers;
       ``(13) advertising, corporate name, or other acts through 
     which the motor carrier, employer, or owner or operator holds 
     itself out to the public;
       ``(14) history of safety violations and pending orders or 
     enforcement actions of the Secretary; and
       ``(15) additional factors that the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       ``(c) Effective Date.--Notwithstanding any other provision 
     of law, this section shall apply to any action commenced on 
     or after the date of enactment of the Commercial Motor 
     Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012 without regard to 
     whether the violation that is the subject of the action, or 
     the conduct that caused the violation, occurred before the 
     date of enactment.
       ``(d) Rights Not Affected.--Nothing in this section shall 
     affect the rights, functions, or responsibilities under law 
     of any other Department, Agency, or instrumentality of the 
     United States, the laws of any State, or any rights between a 
     private party and a motor carrier, employer, or owner or 
     operator.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis of chapter 311 is 
     amended by inserting after the item related to section 31152, 
     as added by section 32508 of this Act, the following:

``31153. Federal successor standard.''.

              Subtitle B--Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety

     SEC. 32201. REPEAL OF COMMERCIAL JURISDICTION EXCEPTION FOR 
                   BROKERS OF MOTOR CARRIERS OF PASSENGERS.

       (a) In General.--Section 13506(a) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``or'' at the end of paragraph (13);
       (2) by striking paragraph (14); and
       (3) by redesignating paragraph (15) as paragraph (14).
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 13904(a) is amended by 
     striking ``of property'' in the first sentence.

     SEC. 32202. BUS RENTALS AND DEFINITION OF EMPLOYER.

       Paragraph (3) of section 31132 is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(3) `employer'--
       ``(A) means a person engaged in a business affecting 
     interstate commerce that--
       ``(i) owns or leases a commercial motor vehicle in 
     connection with that business, or assigns an employee to 
     operate the commercial motor vehicle; or
       ``(ii) offers for rent or lease a motor vehicle designed or 
     used to transport more than 8 passengers, including the 
     driver, and from the same location or as part of the same 
     business provides names or contact information of drivers, or 
     holds itself out to the public as a charter bus company; but
       ``(B) does not include the Government, a State, or a 
     political subdivision of a State.''.

     SEC. 32203. CRASHWORTHINESS STANDARDS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a 
     comprehensive analysis on the need for crashworthiness 
     standards on property-carrying commercial motor vehicles with 
     a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at 
     least 26,001 pounds involved in interstate commerce, 
     including an evaluation of the need for roof strength, pillar 
     strength, air bags, and frontal and back wall standards.

[[Page S758]]

       (b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after completing the 
     comprehensive analysis under subsection (a), the Secretary 
     shall report the results of the analysis and any 
     recommendations to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives.

     SEC. 32204. CANADIAN SAFETY RATING RECIPROCITY.

       Section 31144 is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(h) Recognition of Canadian Motor Carrier Safety Fitness 
     Determinations.--
       ``(1) If an authorized agency of the Canadian federal 
     government or a Canadian Territorial or Provincial government 
     determines, by applying the procedure and standards 
     prescribed by the Secretary under subsection (b) or pursuant 
     to an agreement under paragraph (2), that a Canadian employer 
     is unfit and prohibits the employer from operating a 
     commercial motor vehicle in Canada or any Canadian Province, 
     the Secretary may prohibit the employer from operating such 
     vehicle in interstate and foreign commerce until the 
     authorized Canadian agency determines that the employer is 
     fit.
       ``(2) The Secretary may consult and participate in 
     negotiations with authorized officials of the Canadian 
     federal government or a Canadian Territorial or Provincial 
     government, as necessary, to provide reciprocal recognition 
     of each country's motor carrier safety fitness 
     determinations. An agreement shall provide, to the maximum 
     extent practicable, that each country will follow the 
     procedure and standards prescribed by the Secretary under 
     subsection (b) in making motor carrier safety fitness 
     determinations.''.

     SEC. 32205. STATE REPORTING OF FOREIGN COMMERCIAL DRIVER 
                   CONVICTIONS.

       (a) Definition of Foreign Commercial Driver.--Section 31301 
     is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (10) through (14) as 
     paragraphs (11) through (15), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
       ``(10) `foreign commercial driver' means an individual 
     licensed to operate a commercial motor vehicle by an 
     authority outside the United States, or a citizen of a 
     foreign country who operates a commercial motor vehicle in 
     the United States.''.
       (b) State Reporting of Convictions.--Section 31311(a) is 
     amended by adding after paragraph (21) the following:
       ``(22) The State shall report a conviction of a foreign 
     commercial driver by that State to the Federal Convictions 
     and Withdrawal Database, or another information system 
     designated by the Secretary to record the convictions. A 
     report shall include--
       ``(A) for a driver holding a foreign commercial driver's 
     license, each conviction relating to the operation of--
       ``(i) a commercial motor vehicle; and
       ``(ii) a non-commercial motor vehicle; and
       ``(B) for an unlicensed driver or a driver holding a 
     foreign non-commercial driver's license, each conviction for 
     operating a commercial motor vehicle.''.

     SEC. 32206. AUTHORITY TO DISQUALIFY FOREIGN COMMERCIAL 
                   DRIVERS.

       Section 31310 is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(k) Foreign Commercial Drivers.--A foreign commercial 
     driver shall be subject to disqualification under this 
     section.''.

     SEC. 32207. REVOCATION OF FOREIGN MOTOR CARRIER OPERATING 
                   AUTHORITY FOR FAILURE TO PAY CIVIL PENALTIES.

       Section 13905(d)(2), as amended by section 32103(a) of this 
     Act, is amended by inserting ``foreign motor carrier, foreign 
     motor private carrier,'' after ``registration of a motor 
     carrier,'' each place it appears.

                       Subtitle C--Driver Safety

     SEC. 32301. ELECTRONIC ON-BOARD RECORDING DEVICES.

       (a) General Authority.--Section 31137 is amended--
       (1) by amending the section heading to read as follows:

     ``Sec.  31137. Electronic on-board recording devices and 
       brake maintenance regulations'';

       (2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (e); and
       (3) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
       ``(a) Electronic On-Board Recording Devices.--Not later 
     than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Commercial 
     Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012, the Secretary 
     of Transportation shall prescribe regulations--
       ``(1) requiring a commercial motor vehicle involved in 
     interstate commerce and operated by a driver subject to the 
     hours of service and the record of duty status requirements 
     under part 395 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, be 
     equipped with an electronic on-board recording device to 
     improve compliance by an operator of a vehicle with hours of 
     service regulations prescribed by the Secretary; and
       ``(2) ensuring that an electronic on-board recording device 
     is not used to harass a vehicle operator.
       ``(b) Electronic On-Board Recording Device Requirements.--
       ``(1) In general.--The regulations prescribed under 
     subsection (a) shall--
       ``(A) require an electronic on-board recording device--
       ``(i) to accurately record commercial driver hours of 
     service;
       ``(ii) to record the location of a commercial motor 
     vehicle;
       ``(iii) to be tamper resistant; and
       ``(iv) to be integrally synchronized with an engine's 
     control module;
       ``(B) allow law enforcement to access the data contained in 
     the device during a roadside inspection; and
       ``(C) apply to a commercial motor vehicle beginning on the 
     date that is 2 years after the date that the regulations are 
     published as a final rule.
       ``(2) Performance and design standards.--The regulations 
     prescribed under subsection (a) shall establish performance 
     standards--
       ``(A) defining a standardized user interface to aid vehicle 
     operator compliance and law enforcement review;
       ``(B) establishing a secure process for standardized--
       ``(i) and unique vehicle operator identification;
       ``(ii) data access;
       ``(iii) data transfer for vehicle operators between motor 
     vehicles;
       ``(iv) data storage for a motor carrier; and
       ``(v) data transfer and transportability for law 
     enforcement officials;
       ``(C) establishing a standard security level for an 
     electronic on-board recording device and related components 
     to be tamper resistant by using a methodology endorsed by a 
     nationally recognized standards organization; and
       ``(D) identifying each driver subject to the hours of 
     service and record of duty status requirements under part 395 
     of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
       ``(c) Certification Criteria.--
       ``(1) In general.--The regulations prescribed by the 
     Secretary under this section shall establish the criteria and 
     a process for the certification of an electronic on-board 
     recording device to ensure that the device meets the 
     performance requirements under this section.
       ``(2) Effect of noncertification.--An electronic on-board 
     recording device that is not certified in accordance with the 
     certification process referred to in paragraph (1) shall not 
     be acceptable evidence of hours of service and record of duty 
     status requirements under part 395 of title 49, Code of 
     Federal Regulations.
       ``(d) Electronic On-Board Recording Device Defined.--In 
     this section, the term `electronic on-board recording device' 
     means an electronic device that--
       ``(1) is capable of recording a driver's hours of service 
     and duty status accurately and automatically; and
       ``(2) meets the requirements established by the Secretary 
     through regulation.''.
       (b) Civil Penalties.--Section 30165(a)(1) is amended by 
     striking ``or 30141 through 30147'' and inserting ``30141 
     through 30147, or 31137''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 311 is 
     amended by striking the item relating to section 31137 and 
     inserting the following:

``31137. Electronic on-board recording devices and brake maintenance 
              regulations.''.

     SEC. 32302. SAFETY FITNESS.

       (a) Safety Fitness Rating Methodology.--The Secretary 
     shall--
       (1) incorporate into its Compliance, Safety, Accountability 
     program a safety fitness rating methodology that assigns 
     sufficient weight to adverse vehicle and driver performance-
     based data that elevate crash risks to warrant an 
     unsatisfactory rating for a carrier; and
       (2) ensure that the data to support such assessments is 
     accurate.
       (b) Interim Measures.--Not later than March 31, 2012, the 
     Secretary shall take interim measures to implement a similar 
     safety fitness rating methodology in its current safety 
     rating system if the Compliance, Safety, Accountability 
     program is not fully implemented.

     SEC. 32303. DRIVER MEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS.

       (a) Deadline for Establishment of National Registry of 
     Medical Examiners.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a 
     national registry of medical examiners in accordance with 
     section 31149(d)(1) of title 49, United States Code.
       (b) Examination Requirement for National Registry of 
     Medical Examiners.--Section 31149(c)(1)(D) is amended to read 
     as follows:
       ``(D) not later than 1 year after enactment of the 
     Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012, 
     develop requirements for a medical examiner to be listed in 
     the national registry under this section, including--
       ``(i) the completion of specific courses and materials;
       ``(ii) certification, including self-certification, if the 
     Secretary determines that self-certification is necessary for 
     sufficient participation in the national registry, to verify 
     that a medical examiner completed specific training, 
     including refresher courses, that the Secretary determines 
     necessary to be listed in the national registry;
       ``(iii) an examination that requires a passing grade; and
       ``(iv) demonstration of a medical examiner's willingness to 
     meet the reporting requirements established by the 
     Secretary;''.
       (c) Additional Oversight of Licensing Authorities.--
       (1) In general.--Section 31149(c)(1) is amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;

[[Page S759]]

       (B) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(G) annually review the implementation of commercial 
     driver's license requirements by not fewer than 10 States to 
     assess the accuracy, validity, and timeliness of--
       ``(i) the submission of physical examination reports and 
     medical certificates to State licensing agencies; and
       ``(ii) the processing of the submissions by State licensing 
     agencies.''.
       (2) Internal oversight policy.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an 
     oversight policy and procedure to carry out section 
     31149(c)(1)(G) of title 49, United States Code, as added by 
     section 32303(c)(1) of this Act.
       (B) Effective date.--The amendments made by section 
     32303(c)(1) of this Act shall take effect on the date the 
     oversight policies and procedures are established pursuant to 
     subparagraph (A).
       (d) Electronic Filing of Medical Examination 
     Certificates.--Section 31311(a), as amended by sections 
     _2205(b) and _2306(b) of this Act, is amended by adding at 
     the end the following:
       ``(24) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
     the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012, 
     the State shall establish and maintain, as part of its driver 
     information system, the capability to receive an electronic 
     copy of a medical examiner's certificate, from a certified 
     medical examiner, for each holder of a commercial driver's 
     license issued by the State who operates or intends to 
     operate in interstate commerce.''.
       (e) Funding.--
       (1) Authorization of appropriations.--Of the funds provided 
     for Data and Technology Grants under section 31104(a) of 
     title 49, United States Code, there are authorized to be 
     appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass 
     Transit Account) for the Secretary to make grants to States 
     or an organization representing agencies and officials of the 
     States to support development costs of the information 
     technology needed to carry out section 31311(a)(24) of title 
     49, United States Code, up to $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2012 
     and up to $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       (2) Period of availability.--The amounts made available 
     under this subsection shall remain available until expended.

     SEC. 32304. COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM.

       (a) In General.--Section 31304 is amended--
       (1) by striking ``An employer'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) In General.--An employer''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Driver Violation Records.--
       ``(1) Periodic review.--Except as provided in paragraph 
     (3), an employer shall ascertain the driving record of each 
     driver it employs--
       ``(A) by making an inquiry at least once every 12 months to 
     the appropriate State agency in which the driver held or 
     holds a commercial driver's license or permit during such 
     time period;
       ``(B) by receiving occurrence-based reports of changes in 
     the status of a driver's record from 1 or more driver record 
     notification systems that meet minimum standards issued by 
     the Secretary; or
       ``(C) by a combination of inquiries to States and reports 
     from driver record notification systems.
       ``(2) Record keeping.--A copy of the reports received under 
     paragraph (1) shall be maintained in the driver's 
     qualification file.
       ``(3) Exceptions to record review requirement.--Paragraph 
     (1) shall not apply to a driver employed by an employer who, 
     in any 7-day period, is employed or used as a driver by more 
     than 1 employer--
       ``(A) if the employer obtains the driver's identification 
     number, type, and issuing State of the driver's commercial 
     motor vehicle license; or
       ``(B) if the information described in subparagraph (A) is 
     furnished by another employer and the employer that regularly 
     employs the driver meets the other requirements under this 
     section.
       ``(4) Driver record notification system defined.--In this 
     section, the term `driver record notification system' means a 
     system that automatically furnishes an employer with a 
     report, generated by the appropriate agency of a State, on 
     the change in the status of an employee's driver's license 
     due to a conviction for a moving violation, a failure to 
     appear, an accident, driver's license suspension, driver's 
     license revocation, or any other action taken against the 
     driving privilege.''.
       (b) Standards for Driver Record Notification Systems.--Not 
     later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, 
     the Secretary shall issue minimum standards for driver 
     notification systems, including standards for the accuracy, 
     consistency, and completeness of the information provided.
       (c) Plan for National Notification System.--
       (1) Development.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop 
     recommendations and a plan for the development and 
     implementation of a national driver record notification 
     system, including--
       (A) an assessment of the merits of achieving a national 
     system by expanding the Commercial Driver's License 
     Information System; and
       (B) an estimate of the fees that an employer will be 
     charged to offset the operating costs of the national system.
       (2) Submission to congress.--Not later than 90 days after 
     the recommendations and plan are developed under paragraph 
     (1), the Secretary shall submit a report on the 
     recommendations and plan to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives.

     SEC. 32305. COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR TRAINING.

       (a) In General.--Section 31305 is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(c) Standards for Training.--Not later than 6 months 
     after the date of enactment of the Commercial Motor Vehicle 
     Safety Enhancement Act of 2012, the Secretary shall issue 
     final regulations establishing minimum entry-level training 
     requirements for an individual operating a commercial motor 
     vehicle--
       ``(1) addressing the knowledge and skills that--
       ``(A) are necessary for an individual operating a 
     commercial motor vehicle to safely operate a commercial motor 
     vehicle; and
       ``(B) must be acquired before obtaining a commercial 
     driver's license for the first time or upgrading from 1 class 
     of commercial driver's license to another class;
       ``(2) addressing the specific training needs of a 
     commercial motor vehicle operator seeking passenger or 
     hazardous materials endorsements, including for an operator 
     seeking a passenger endorsement training--
       ``(A) to suppress motorcoach fires; and
       ``(B) to evacuate passengers from motorcoaches safely;
       ``(3) requiring effective instruction to acquire the 
     knowledge, skills, and training referred to in paragraphs (1) 
     and (2), including classroom and behind-the-wheel 
     instruction;
       ``(4) requiring certification that an individual operating 
     a commercial motor vehicle meets the requirements established 
     by the Secretary; and
       ``(5) requiring a training provider (including a public or 
     private driving school, motor carrier, or owner or operator 
     of a commercial motor vehicle) that offers training that 
     results in the issuance of a certification to an individual 
     under paragraph (4) to demonstrate that the training meets 
     the requirements of the regulations, through a process 
     established by the Secretary.''.
       (b) Commercial Driver's License Uniform Standards.--Section 
     31308(1) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(1) an individual issued a commercial driver's license--
       ``(A) pass written and driving tests for the operation of a 
     commercial motor vehicle that comply with the minimum 
     standards prescribed by the Secretary under section 31305(a); 
     and
       ``(B) present certification of completion of driver 
     training that meets the requirements established by the 
     Secretary under section 31305(c);''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--The section heading for section 
     31305 is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec.  31305. General driver fitness, testing, and 
       training''.

       (d) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 313 is 
     amended by striking the item relating to section 31305 and 
     inserting the following:

``31305. General driver fitness, testing, and training.''.

     SEC. 32306. COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Section 31309 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (e)(4), by amending subparagraph (A) to 
     read as follows:
       ``(A) In general.--The plan shall specify--
       ``(i) a date by which all States shall be operating 
     commercial driver's license information systems that are 
     compatible with the modernized information system under this 
     section; and
       ``(ii) that States must use the systems to receive and 
     submit conviction and disqualification data.''; and
       (2) in subsection (f), by striking ``use'' and inserting 
     ``use, subject to section 31313(a),''.
       (b) Requirements for State Participation.--Section 31311 is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), as amended by section 32205(b) of 
     this Act--
       (A) in paragraph (5), by striking ``At least'' and all that 
     follows through ``regulation),'' and inserting: ``Not later 
     than the time period prescribed by the Secretary by 
     regulation,''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(23) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
     the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012, 
     the State shall implement a system and practices for the 
     exclusive electronic exchange of driver history record 
     information on the system the Secretary maintains under 
     section 31309, including the posting of convictions, 
     withdrawals, and disqualifications.''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Critical Requirements.--
       ``(1) Identification of critical requirements.--After 
     reviewing the requirements under subsection (a), including 
     the regulations issued pursuant to subsection (a) and section 
     31309(e)(4), the Secretary shall identify the requirements 
     that are critical to an effective State commercial driver's 
     license program.

[[Page S760]]

       ``(2) Guidance.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement 
     Act of 2012, the Secretary shall issue guidance to assist 
     States in complying with the critical requirements identified 
     under paragraph (1). The guidance shall include a description 
     of the actions that each State must take to collect and share 
     accurate and complete data in a timely manner.
       ``(e) State Commercial Driver's License Program Plan.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     Secretary issues guidance under subsection (d)(2), a State 
     shall submit a plan to the Secretary for complying with the 
     requirements under this section during the period beginning 
     on the date the plan is submitted and ending on September 30, 
     2016.
       ``(2) Contents.--A plan submitted by a State under 
     paragraph (1) shall identify--
       ``(A) the actions that the State will take to comply with 
     the critical requirements identified under subsection (d)(1);
       ``(B) the actions that the State will take to address any 
     deficiencies in the State's commercial driver's license 
     program, as identified by the Secretary in the most recent 
     audit of the program; and
       ``(C) other actions that the State will take to comply with 
     the requirements under subsection (a).
       ``(3) Priority.--
       ``(A) Implementation schedule.--A plan submitted by a State 
     under paragraph (1) shall include a schedule for the 
     implementation of the actions identified under paragraph (2). 
     In establishing the schedule, the State shall prioritize the 
     actions identified under paragraphs (2)(A) and (2)(B).
       ``(B) Deadline for compliance with critical requirements.--
     A plan submitted by a State under paragraph (1) shall include 
     assurances that the State will take the necessary actions to 
     comply with the critical requirements pursuant to subsection 
     (d) not later than September 30, 2015.
       ``(4) Approval and disapproval.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) review each plan submitted under paragraph (1);
       ``(B) approve a plan that the Secretary determines meets 
     the requirements under this subsection and promotes the goals 
     of this chapter; and
       ``(C) disapprove a plan that the Secretary determines does 
     not meet the requirements or does not promote the goals.
       ``(5) Modification of disapproved plans.--If the Secretary 
     disapproves a plan under paragraph (4)(C), the Secretary 
     shall--
       ``(A) provide a written explanation of the disapproval to 
     the State; and
       ``(B) allow the State to modify the plan and resubmit it 
     for approval.
       ``(6) Plan updates.--The Secretary may require a State to 
     review and update a plan, as appropriate.
       ``(f) Annual Comparison of State Levels of Compliance.--The 
     Secretary shall annually--
       ``(1) compare the relative levels of compliance by States 
     with the requirements under subsection (a); and
       ``(2) make the results of the comparison available to the 
     public.''.
       (c) Decertification Authority.--Section 31312 is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections 
     (c) and (d), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
       ``(b) Deadline for Compliance With Critical Requirements.--
     Beginning on October 1, 2016, in making a determination under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider a State to be in 
     substantial noncompliance with this chapter if the Secretary 
     determines that--
       ``(1) the State is not complying with a critical 
     requirement under section 31311(d)(1); and
       ``(2) sufficient grant funding was made available to the 
     State under section 31313(a) to comply with the 
     requirement.''.

     SEC. 32307. COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) Licensing Standards.--Section 31305(a)(7) is amended by 
     inserting ``would not be subject to a disqualification under 
     section 31310(g) of this title and'' after ``taking the 
     tests''.
       (b) Disqualifications.--Section 31310(g)(1) is amended by 
     deleting ``who holds a commercial driver's license and''.

     SEC. 32308. COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER INFORMATION 
                   SYSTEMS.

       Section 31106(c) is amended--
       (1) by striking the subsection heading and inserting ``(1) 
     In general.--'';
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as 
     subparagraphs (A) through (D); and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Access to records.--The Secretary may require a 
     State, as a condition of an award of grant money under this 
     section, to provide the Secretary access to all State 
     licensing status and driver history records via an electronic 
     information system, subject to section 2721 of title 18.''.

     SEC. 32309. DISQUALIFICATIONS BASED ON NON-COMMERCIAL MOTOR 
                   VEHICLE OPERATIONS.

       (a) First Offense.--Section 31310(b)(1)(D) is amended by 
     striking ``commercial'' after ``revoked, suspended, or 
     canceled based on the individual's operation of a,'' and 
     before ``motor vehicle''.
       (b) Second Offense.--Section 31310(c)(1)(D) is amended by 
     striking ``commercial'' after ``revoked, suspended, or 
     canceled based on the individual's operation of a,'' and 
     before ``motor vehicle''.

     SEC. 32310. FEDERAL DRIVER DISQUALIFICATIONS.

       (a) Disqualification Defined.--Section 31301, as amended by 
     section 32205 of this Act, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (15) as 
     paragraphs (7) through (16), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
       ``(6) `Disqualification' means--
       ``(A) the suspension, revocation, or cancellation of a 
     commercial driver's license by the State of issuance;
       ``(B) a withdrawal of an individual's privilege to drive a 
     commercial motor vehicle by a State or other jurisdiction as 
     the result of a violation of State or local law relating to 
     motor vehicle traffic control, except for a parking, vehicle 
     weight, or vehicle defect violation;
       ``(C) a determination by the Secretary that an individual 
     is not qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle; or
       ``(D) a determination by the Secretary that a commercial 
     motor vehicle driver is unfit under section 31144(g).''.
       (b) Commercial Driver's License Information System 
     Contents.--Section 31309(b)(1)(F) is amended by inserting 
     after ``disqualified'' the following: ``by the State that 
     issued the individual a commercial driver's license, or by 
     the Secretary,''.
       (c) State Action on Federal Disqualification.--Section 
     31310(h) is amended by inserting after the first sentence the 
     following:
       ``If the State has not disqualified the individual from 
     operating a commercial vehicle under subsections (b) through 
     (g), the State shall disqualify the individual if the 
     Secretary determines under section 31144(g) that the 
     individual is disqualified from operating a commercial motor 
     vehicle.''.

     SEC. 32311. EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES.

       Section 31304, as amended by section 32304 of this Act, is 
     amended in subsection (a)--
       (1) by striking ``knowingly''; and
       (2) by striking ``in which'' and inserting ``that the 
     employer knows or should reasonably know that''.

                   Subtitle D--Safe Roads Act of 2012

     SEC. 32401. SHORT TITLE.

       This subtitle may be cited as the ``Safe Roads Act of 
     2012''.

     SEC. 32402. NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE FOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 
                   AND ALCOHOL TEST RESULTS OF COMMERCIAL MOTOR 
                   VEHICLE OPERATORS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 313 is amended--
       (1) in section 31306(a), by inserting ``and section 
     31306a'' after ``this section''; and
       (2) by inserting after section 31306 the following:

     ``Sec.  31306a. National clearinghouse for controlled 
       substance and alcohol test results of commercial motor 
       vehicle operators

       ``(a) Establishment.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of the Safe Roads Act of 2012, the Secretary of 
     Transportation shall establish a national clearinghouse for 
     records relating to alcohol and controlled substances testing 
     of commercial motor vehicle operators.
       ``(2) Purposes.--The purposes of the clearinghouse shall 
     be--
       ``(A) to improve compliance with the Department of 
     Transportation's alcohol and controlled substances testing 
     program applicable to commercial motor vehicle operators;
       ``(B) to facilitate access to information about an 
     individual before employing the individual as a commercial 
     motor vehicle operator;
       ``(C) to enhance the safety of our United States roadways 
     by reducing accident fatalities involving commercial motor 
     vehicles; and
       ``(D) to reduce the number of impaired commercial motor 
     vehicle operators.
       ``(3) Contents.--The clearinghouse shall function as a 
     repository for records relating to the positive test results 
     and test refusals of commercial motor vehicle operators and 
     violations by such operators of prohibitions set forth in 
     subpart B of part 382 of title 49, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (or any subsequent corresponding regulations).
       ``(4) Electronic exchange of records.--The Secretary shall 
     ensure that records can be electronically submitted to, and 
     requested from, the clearinghouse by authorized users.
       ``(5) Authorized operator.--The Secretary may authorize a 
     qualified and experienced private entity to operate and 
     maintain the clearinghouse and to collect fees on behalf of 
     the Secretary under subsection (e). The entity shall 
     establish, operate, maintain and expand the clearinghouse and 
     permit access to driver information and records from the 
     clearinghouse in accordance with this section.
       ``(b) Design of Clearinghouse.--
       ``(1) Use of federal motor carrier safety administration 
     recommendations.--In establishing the clearinghouse, the 
     Secretary shall consider--
       ``(A) the findings and recommendations contained in the 
     Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's March 2004 
     report to Congress required under section 226 of the Motor 
     Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (49 U.S.C. 31306 
     note); and
       ``(B) the findings and recommendations contained in the 
     Government Accountability

[[Page S761]]

     Office's May 2008 report to Congress entitled `Motor Carrier 
     Safety: Improvements to Drug Testing Programs Could Better 
     Identify Illegal Drug Users and Keep Them off the Road.'.
       ``(2) Development of secure processes.--In establishing the 
     clearinghouse, the Secretary shall develop a secure process 
     for--
       ``(A) administering and managing the clearinghouse in 
     compliance with applicable Federal security standards;
       ``(B) registering and authenticating authorized users of 
     the clearinghouse;
       ``(C) registering and authenticating persons required to 
     report to the clearinghouse under subsection (g);
       ``(D) preventing the unauthorized access of information 
     from the clearinghouse;
       ``(E) storing and transmitting data;
       ``(F) persons required to report to the clearinghouse under 
     subsection (g) to timely and accurately submit electronic 
     data to the clearinghouse;
       ``(G) generating timely and accurate reports from the 
     clearinghouse in response to requests for information by 
     authorized users; and
       ``(H) updating an individual's record upon completion of 
     the return-to-duty process described in title 49, Code of 
     Federal Regulations.
       ``(3) Employer alert of positive test result.--In 
     establishing the clearinghouse, the Secretary shall develop a 
     secure method for electronically notifying an employer of 
     each additional positive test result or other noncompliance--
       ``(A) for an employee, that is entered into the 
     clearinghouse during the 7-day period immediately following 
     an employer's inquiry about the employee; and
       ``(B) for an employee who is listed as having multiple 
     employers.
       ``(4) Archive capability.--In establishing the 
     clearinghouse, the Secretary shall develop a process for 
     archiving all clearinghouse records, including the depositing 
     of personal records, records relating to each individual in 
     the database, and access requests for personal records, for 
     the purposes of--
       ``(A) auditing and evaluating the timeliness, accuracy, and 
     completeness of data in the clearinghouse; and
       ``(B) auditing to monitor compliance and enforce penalties 
     for noncompliance.
       ``(5) Future needs.--
       ``(A) Interoperability with other data systems.--In 
     establishing the clearinghouse, the Secretary shall 
     consider--
       ``(i) the existing data systems containing regulatory and 
     safety data for commercial motor vehicle operators;
       ``(ii) the efficacy of using or combining clearinghouse 
     data with 1 or more of such systems; and
       ``(iii) the potential interoperability of the clearinghouse 
     with such systems.
       ``(B) Specific considerations.--In carrying out 
     subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall determine--
       ``(i) the clearinghouse's capability for interoperability 
     with--

       ``(I) the National Driver Register established under 
     section 30302;
       ``(II) the Commercial Driver's License Information System 
     established under section 31309;
       ``(III) the Motor Carrier Management Information System for 
     preemployment screening services under section 31150; and
       ``(IV) other data systems, as appropriate; and

       ``(ii) any change to the administration of the current 
     testing program, such as forms, that is necessary to collect 
     data for the clearinghouse.
       ``(c) Standard Formats.--The Secretary shall develop 
     standard formats to be used--
       ``(1) by an authorized user of the clearinghouse to--
       ``(A) request a record from the clearinghouse; and
       ``(B) obtain the consent of an individual who is the 
     subject of a request from the clearinghouse, if applicable; 
     and
       ``(2) to notify an individual that a positive alcohol or 
     controlled substances test result, refusing to test, and a 
     violation of any of the prohibitions under subpart B of part 
     382 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or any 
     subsequent corresponding regulations), will be reported to 
     the clearinghouse.
       ``(d) Privacy.--A release of information from the 
     clearinghouse shall--
       ``(1) comply with applicable Federal privacy laws, 
     including the fair information practices under the Privacy 
     Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a);
       ``(2) comply with applicable sections of the Fair Credit 
     Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.); and
       ``(3) not be made to any person or entity unless expressly 
     authorized or required by law.
       ``(e) Fees.--
       ``(1) Authority to collect fees.--Except as provided under 
     paragraph (3), the Secretary may collect a reasonable, 
     customary, and nominal fee from an authorized user of the 
     clearinghouse for a request for information from the 
     clearinghouse.
       ``(2) Use of fees.--Fees collected under this subsection 
     shall be used for the operation and maintenance of the 
     clearinghouse.
       ``(3) Limitation.--The Secretary may not collect a fee from 
     an individual requesting information from the clearinghouse 
     that pertains to the record of that individual.
       ``(f) Employer Requirements.--
       ``(1) Determination concerning use of clearinghouse.--The 
     Secretary shall determine if an employer is authorized to use 
     the clearinghouse to meet the alcohol and controlled 
     substances testing requirements under title 49, Code of 
     Federal Regulations.
       ``(2) Applicability of existing requirements.--Each 
     employer and service agent shall comply with the alcohol and 
     controlled substances testing requirements under title 49, 
     Code of Federal Regulations.
       ``(3) Employment prohibitions.--Beginning 30 days after the 
     date that the clearinghouse is established under subsection 
     (a), an employer shall not hire an individual to operate a 
     commercial motor vehicle unless the employer determines that 
     the individual, during the preceding 3-year period--
       ``(A) if tested for the use of alcohol and controlled 
     substances, as required under title 49, Code of Federal 
     Regulations--
       ``(i) did not test positive for the use of alcohol or 
     controlled substances in violation of the regulations; or
       ``(ii) tested positive for the use of alcohol or controlled 
     substances and completed the required return-to-duty process 
     under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations;
       ``(B)(i) did not refuse to take an alcohol or controlled 
     substance test under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; 
     or
       ``(ii) refused to take an alcohol or controlled substance 
     test and completed the required return-to-duty process under 
     title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; and
       ``(C) did not violate any other provision of subpart B of 
     part 382 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or any 
     subsequent corresponding regulations).
       ``(4) Annual review.--Beginning 30 days after the date that 
     the clearinghouse is established under subsection (a), an 
     employer shall request and review a commercial motor vehicle 
     operator's record from the clearinghouse annually for as long 
     as the commercial motor vehicle operator is under the employ 
     of the employer.
       ``(g) Reporting of Records.--
       ``(1) In general.--Beginning 30 days after the date that 
     the clearinghouse is established under subsection (a), a 
     medical review officer, employer, service agent, and other 
     appropriate person, as determined by the Secretary, shall 
     promptly submit to the Secretary any record generated after 
     the clearinghouse is initiated of an individual who--
       ``(A) refuses to take an alcohol or controlled substances 
     test required under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations;
       ``(B) tests positive for alcohol or a controlled substance 
     in violation of the regulations; or
       ``(C) violates any other provision of subpart B of part 382 
     of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or any subsequent 
     corresponding regulations).
       ``(2) Inclusion of records in clearinghouse.--The Secretary 
     shall include in the clearinghouse the records of positive 
     test results and test refusals received under paragraph (1).
       ``(3) Modifications and deletions.--If the Secretary 
     determines that a record contained in the clearinghouse is 
     not accurate, the Secretary shall modify or delete the 
     record, as appropriate.
       ``(4) Notification.--The Secretary shall expeditiously 
     notify an individual, unless such notification would be 
     duplicative, when--
       ``(A) a record relating to the individual is received by 
     the clearinghouse;
       ``(B) a record in the clearinghouse relating to the 
     individual is modified or deleted, and include in the 
     notification the reason for the modification or deletion; or
       ``(C) a record in the clearinghouse relating to the 
     individual is released to an employer and specify the reason 
     for the release.
       ``(5) Data quality and security standards for reporting and 
     releasing.--The Secretary may establish additional 
     requirements, as appropriate, to ensure that--
       ``(A) the submission of records to the clearinghouse is 
     timely and accurate;
       ``(B) the release of data from the clearinghouse is timely, 
     accurate, and released to the appropriate authorized user 
     under this section; and
       ``(C) an individual with a record in the clearinghouse has 
     a cause of action for any inappropriate use of information 
     included in the clearinghouse.
       ``(6) Retention of records.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) retain a record submitted to the clearinghouse for a 
     5-year period beginning on the date the record is submitted;
       ``(B) remove the record from the clearinghouse at the end 
     of the 5-year period, unless the individual fails to meet a 
     return-to-duty or follow-up requirement under title 49, Code 
     of Federal Regulations; and
       ``(C) retain a record after the end of the 5-year period in 
     a separate location for archiving and auditing purposes.
       ``(h) Authorized Users.--
       ``(1) Employers.--The Secretary shall establish a process 
     for an employer to request and receive an individual's record 
     from the clearinghouse.
       ``(A) Consent.--An employer may not access an individual's 
     record from the clearinghouse unless the employer--
       ``(i) obtains the prior written or electronic consent of 
     the individual for access to the record; and
       ``(ii) submits proof of the individual's consent to the 
     Secretary.
       ``(B) Access to records.--After receiving a request from an 
     employer for an individual's record under subparagraph (A), 
     the Secretary shall grant access to the individual's record 
     to the employer as expeditiously as practicable.

[[Page S762]]

       ``(C) Retention of record requests.--The Secretary shall 
     require an employer to retain for a 3-year period--
       ``(i) a record of each request made by the employer for 
     records from the clearinghouse; and
       ``(ii) the information received pursuant to the request.
       ``(D) Use of records.--An employer may use an individual's 
     record received from the clearinghouse only to assess and 
     evaluate the qualifications of the individual to operate a 
     commercial motor vehicle for the employer.
       ``(E) Protection of privacy of individuals.--An employer 
     that receives an individual's record from the clearinghouse 
     under subparagraph (B) shall--
       ``(i) protect the privacy of the individual and the 
     confidentiality of the record; and
       ``(ii) ensure that information contained in the record is 
     not divulged to a person or entity that is not directly 
     involved in assessing and evaluating the qualifications of 
     the individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle for the 
     employer.
       ``(2) State licensing authorities.--The Secretary shall 
     establish a process for the chief commercial driver's 
     licensing official of a State to request and receive an 
     individual's record from the clearinghouse if the individual 
     is applying for a commercial driver's license from the State.
       ``(A) Consent.--The Secretary may grant access to an 
     individual's record in the clearinghouse under this paragraph 
     without the prior written or electronic consent of the 
     individual. An individual who holds a commercial driver's 
     license shall be deemed to consent to such access by 
     obtaining a commercial driver's license.
       ``(B) Protection of privacy of individuals.--A chief 
     commercial driver's licensing official of a State that 
     receives an individual's record from the clearinghouse under 
     this paragraph shall--
       ``(i) protect the privacy of the individual and the 
     confidentiality of the record; and
       ``(ii) ensure that the information in the record is not 
     divulged to any person that is not directly involved in 
     assessing and evaluating the qualifications of the individual 
     to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
       ``(3) National transportation safety board.--The Secretary 
     shall establish a process for the National Transportation 
     Safety Board to request and receive an individual's record 
     from the clearinghouse if the individual is involved in an 
     accident that is under investigation by the National 
     Transportation Safety Board.
       ``(A) Consent.--The Secretary may grant access to an 
     individual's record in the clearinghouse under this paragraph 
     without the prior written or electronic consent of the 
     individual. An individual who holds a commercial driver's 
     license shall be deemed to consent to such access by 
     obtaining a commercial driver's license.
       ``(B) Protection of privacy of individuals.--An official of 
     the National Transportation Safety Board that receives an 
     individual's record from the clearinghouse under this 
     paragraph shall--
       ``(i) protect the privacy of the individual and the 
     confidentiality of the record; and
       ``(ii) unless the official determines that the information 
     in the individual's record should be reported under section 
     1131(e), ensure that the information in the record is not 
     divulged to any person that is not directly involved with 
     investigating the accident.
       ``(4) Additional authorized users.--The Secretary shall 
     consider whether to grant access to the clearinghouse to 
     additional users. The Secretary may authorize access to an 
     individual's record from the clearinghouse to an additional 
     user if the Secretary determines that granting access will 
     further the purposes under subsection (a)(2). In determining 
     whether the access will further the purposes under subsection 
     (a)(2), the Secretary shall consider, among other things--
       ``(A) what use the additional user will make of the 
     individual's record;
       ``(B) the costs and benefits of the use; and
       ``(C) how to protect the privacy of the individual and the 
     confidentiality of the record.
       ``(i) Access to Clearinghouse by Individuals.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a process 
     for an individual to request and receive information from the 
     clearinghouse--
       ``(A) to determine whether the clearinghouse contains a 
     record pertaining to the individual;
       ``(B) to verify the accuracy of a record;
       ``(C) to update an individual's record, including 
     completing the return-to-duty process described in title 49, 
     Code of Federal Regulations; and
       ``(D) to determine whether the clearinghouse received 
     requests for the individual's information.
       ``(2) Dispute procedure.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     procedure, including an appeal process, for an individual to 
     dispute and remedy an administrative error in the 
     individual's record.
       ``(j) Penalties.--
       ``(1) In general.--An employer, employee, medical review 
     officer, or service agent who violates any provision of this 
     section shall be subject to civil penalties under section 
     521(b)(2)(C) and criminal penalties under section 
     521(b)(6)(B), and any other applicable civil and criminal 
     penalties, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(2) Violation of privacy.--The Secretary shall establish 
     civil and criminal penalties, consistent with paragraph (1), 
     for an authorized user who violates paragraph (2)(B) or 
     (3)(B) of subsection (h).
       ``(k) Compatibility of State and Local Laws.--
       ``(1) Preemption.--Except as provided under paragraph (2), 
     any law, regulation, order, or other requirement of a State, 
     political subdivision of a State, or Indian tribe related to 
     a commercial driver's license holder subject to alcohol or 
     controlled substance testing under title 49, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, that is inconsistent with this section or a 
     regulation issued pursuant to this section is preempted.
       ``(2) Applicability.--The preemption under paragraph (1) 
     shall include--
       ``(A) the reporting of valid positive results from alcohol 
     screening tests and drug tests;
       ``(B) the refusal to provide a specimen for an alcohol 
     screening test or drug test; and
       ``(C) other violations of subpart B of part 382 of title 
     49, Code of Federal Regulations (or any subsequent 
     corresponding regulations).
       ``(3) Exception.--A law, regulation, order, or other 
     requirement of a State, political subdivision of a State, or 
     Indian tribe shall not be preempted under this subsection to 
     the extent it relates to an action taken with respect to a 
     commercial motor vehicle operator's commercial driver's 
     license or driving record as a result of the driver's--
       ``(A) verified positive alcohol or drug test result;
       ``(B) refusal to provide a specimen for the test; or
       ``(C) other violations of subpart B of part 382 of title 
     49, Code of Federal Regulations (or any subsequent 
     corresponding regulations).
       ``(l) Definitions.--In this section--
       ``(1) Authorized user.--The term `authorized user' means an 
     employer, State licensing authority, National Transportation 
     Safety Board, or other person granted access to the 
     clearinghouse under subsection (h).
       ``(2) Chief commercial driver's licensing official.--The 
     term `chief commercial driver's licensing official' means the 
     official in a State who is authorized to--
       ``(A) maintain a record about commercial driver's licenses 
     issued by the State; and
       ``(B) take action on commercial driver's licenses issued by 
     the State.
       ``(3) Clearinghouse.--The term `clearinghouse' means the 
     clearinghouse established under subsection (a).
       ``(4) Commercial motor vehicle operator.--The term 
     `commercial motor vehicle operator' means an individual who--
       ``(A) possesses a valid commercial driver's license issued 
     in accordance with section 31308; and
       ``(B) is subject to controlled substances and alcohol 
     testing under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
       ``(5) Employer.--The term `employer' means a person or 
     entity employing, or seeking to employ, 1 or more employees 
     (including an individual who is self-employed) to be 
     commercial motor vehicle operators.
       ``(6) Medical review officer.--The term `medical review 
     officer' means a licensed physician who is responsible for--
       ``(A) receiving and reviewing a laboratory result generated 
     under the testing program;
       ``(B) evaluating a medical explanation for a controlled 
     substances test under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; 
     and
       ``(C) interpreting the results of a controlled substances 
     test.
       ``(7) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
     of Transportation.
       ``(8) Service agent.--The term `service agent' means a 
     person or entity, other than an employee of the employer, who 
     provides services to employers or employees under the testing 
     program.
       ``(9) Testing program.--The term `testing program' means 
     the alcohol and controlled substances testing program 
     required under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 313 is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 31306 
     the following:

``31306a. National clearinghouse for positive controlled substance and 
              alcohol test results of commercial motor vehicle 
              operators.''.

     SEC. 32403. DRUG AND ALCOHOL VIOLATION SANCTIONS.

       Chapter 313 is amended--
       (1) by redesignating section 31306(f) as 31306(f)(1); and
       (2) by inserting after section 31306(f)(1) the following:
       ``(2) Additional sanctions.--The Secretary may require a 
     State to revoke, suspend, or cancel the commercial driver's 
     license of a commercial motor vehicle operator who is found, 
     based on a test conducted and confirmed under this section, 
     to have used alcohol or a controlled substance in violation 
     of law until the commercial motor vehicle operator completes 
     the rehabilitation process under subsection (e).''; and
       (3) by amending section 31310(d) to read as follows:
       ``(d) Controlled Substance Violations.--The Secretary may 
     permanently disqualify an individual from operating a 
     commercial vehicle if the individual--
       ``(1) uses a commercial motor vehicle in the commission of 
     a felony involving manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing 
     a controlled substance, or possession with intent to 
     manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance; 
     or
       ``(2) uses alcohol or a controlled substance, in violation 
     of section 31306, 3 or more times.''.

[[Page S763]]

     SEC. 32404. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       From the funds authorized to be appropriated under section 
     31104(h) of title 49, United States Code, up to $5,000,000 is 
     authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund 
     (other than the Mass Transit Account) for the Secretary of 
     Transportation to develop, design, and implement the national 
     clearinghouse required by section 32402 of this Act.

                        Subtitle E--Enforcement

     SEC. 32501. INSPECTION DEMAND AND DISPLAY OF CREDENTIALS.

       (a) Safety Investigations.--Section 504(c) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``, or an employee of the recipient of a 
     grant issued under section 31102 of this title'' after ``a 
     contractor''; and
       (2) by inserting ``, in person or in writing'' after 
     ``proper credentials''.
       (b) Civil Penalty.--Section 521(b)(2)(E) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph 
     (E)(i); and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) Place out of service.--The Secretary may by 
     regulation adopt procedures for placing out of service the 
     commercial motor vehicle of a foreign-domiciled motor carrier 
     that fails to promptly allow the Secretary to inspect and 
     copy a record or inspect equipment, land, buildings, or other 
     property.''.
       (c) Hazardous Materials Investigations.--Section 5121(c)(2) 
     is amended by inserting ``, in person or in writing,'' after 
     ``proper credentials''.
       (d) Commercial Investigations.--Section 14122(b) is amended 
     by inserting ``, in person or in writing'' after ``proper 
     credentials''.

     SEC. 32502. OUT OF SERVICE PENALTY FOR DENIAL OF ACCESS TO 
                   RECORDS.

       Section 521(b)(2)(E) is amended--
       (1) by inserting after ``$10,000.'' the following: ``In the 
     case of a motor carrier, the Secretary may also place the 
     violator's motor carrier operations out of service.''; and
       (2) by striking ``such penalty'' after ``It shall be a 
     defense to'' and inserting ``a penalty''.

     SEC. 32503. PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF OPERATION OUT OF 
                   SERVICE ORDERS.

       Section 521(b)(2) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(F) Penalty for violations relating to out of service 
     orders.--A motor carrier or employer (as defined in section 
     31132) that operates a commercial motor vehicle in commerce 
     in violation of a prohibition on transportation under section 
     31144(c) of this title or an imminent hazard out of service 
     order issued under subsection (b)(5) of this section or 
     section 5121(d) of this title shall be liable for a civil 
     penalty not to exceed $25,000.''.

     SEC. 32504. MINIMUM PROHIBITION ON OPERATION FOR UNFIT 
                   CARRIERS.

       (a) In General.--Section 31144(c)(1) is amended by 
     inserting ``, and such period shall be for not less than 10 
     days'' after ``operator is fit''.
       (b) Owners or Operators Transporting Passengers.--Section 
     31144(c)(2) is amended by inserting ``, and such period shall 
     be for not less than 10 days'' after ``operator is fit''.
       (c) Owners or Operators Transporting Hazardous Material.--
     Section 31144(c)(3) is amended by inserting before the period 
     at the end of the first sentence the following: ``, and such 
     period shall be for not less than 10 days''.

     SEC. 32505. MINIMUM OUT OF SERVICE PENALTIES.

       Section 521(b)(7) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``The penalties may include a minimum duration for any out 
     of service period, not to exceed 90 days.''.

     SEC. 32506. IMPOUNDMENT AND IMMOBILIZATION OF COMMERCIAL 
                   MOTOR VEHICLES FOR IMMINENT HAZARD.

       Section 521(b) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(15) Impoundment of commercial motor vehicles.--
       ``(A) Enforcement of imminent hazard out-of-service 
     orders.--
       ``(i) The Secretary, or an authorized State official 
     carrying out motor carrier safety enforcement activities 
     under section 31102, may enforce an imminent hazard out-of-
     service order issued under chapters 5, 51, 131 through 149, 
     311, 313, or 315 of this title, or a regulation promulgated 
     thereunder, by towing and impounding a commercial motor 
     vehicle until the order is rescinded.
       ``(ii) Enforcement shall not unreasonably interfere with 
     the ability of a shipper, carrier, broker, or other party to 
     arrange for the alternative transportation of any cargo or 
     passenger being transported at the time the commercial motor 
     vehicle is immobilized. In the case of a commercial motor 
     vehicle transporting passengers, the Secretary or authorized 
     State official shall provide reasonable, temporary, and 
     secure shelter and accommodations for passengers in transit.
       ``(iii) The Secretary's designee or an authorized State 
     official carrying out motor carrier safety enforcement 
     activities under section 31102, shall immediately notify the 
     owner of a commercial motor vehicle of the impoundment and 
     the opportunity for review of the impoundment. A review shall 
     be provided in accordance with section 554 of title 5, except 
     that the review shall occur not later than 10 days after the 
     impoundment.
       ``(B) Issuance of regulations.--The Secretary shall 
     promulgate regulations on the use of impoundment or 
     immobilization of commercial motor vehicles as a means of 
     enforcing additional out-of-service orders issued under 
     chapters 5, 51, 131 through 149, 311, 313, or 315 of this 
     title, or a regulation promulgated thereunder. Regulations 
     promulgated under this subparagraph shall include 
     consideration of public safety, the protection of passengers 
     and cargo, inconvenience to passengers, and the security of 
     the commercial motor vehicle.
       ``(C) Definition.--In this paragraph, the term 
     `impoundment' or 'impounding' means the seizing and taking 
     into custody of a commercial motor vehicle or the 
     immobilizing of a commercial motor vehicle through the 
     attachment of a locking device or other mechanical or 
     electronic means.''.

     SEC. 32507. INCREASED PENALTIES FOR EVASION OF REGULATIONS.

       (a) Penalties.--Section 524 is amended--
       (1) by striking ``knowingly and willfully'';
       (2) by inserting after ``this chapter'' the following: ``, 
     chapter 51, subchapter III of chapter 311 (except sections 
     31138 and 31139) or section 31302, 31303, 31304, 31305(b), 
     31310(g)(1)(A), or 31502 of this title, or a regulation 
     issued under any of those provisions,'';
       (3) by striking ``$200 but not more than $500'' and 
     inserting ``$2,000 but not more than $5,000''; and
       (4) by striking ``$250 but not more than $2,000'' and 
     inserting ``$2,500 but not more than $7,500''.
       (b) Evasion of Regulation.--Section 14906 is amended--
       (1) by striking ``$200'' and inserting ``at least $2,000'';
       (2) by striking ``$250'' and inserting ``$5,000''; and
       (3) by inserting after ``a subsequent violation'' the 
     following:
       ``, and may be subject to criminal penalties''.

     SEC. 32508. FAILURE TO PAY CIVIL PENALTY AS A DISQUALIFYING 
                   OFFENSE.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 311 is amended by inserting after 
     section 31151 the following:

     ``Sec.  31152. Disqualification for failure to pay

       ``An individual assessed a civil penalty under this 
     chapter, or chapters 5, 51, or 149 of this title, or a 
     regulation issued under any of those provisions, who fails to 
     pay the penalty or fails to comply with the terms of a 
     settlement with the Secretary, shall be disqualified from 
     operating a commercial motor vehicle after the individual is 
     notified in writing and is given an opportunity to respond. A 
     disqualification shall continue until the penalty is paid, or 
     the individual complies with the terms of the settlement, 
     unless the nonpayment is because the individual is a debtor 
     in a case under chapter 11 of title 11, United States 
     Code.''.
       (b) Technical Amendments.--Section 31310, as amended by 
     sections _2206 and _2310 of this Act, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (h) through (k) as 
     subsections (i) through (l), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
       ``(h) Disqualification for Failure To Pay.--The Secretary 
     shall disqualify from operating a commercial motor vehicle 
     any individual who fails to pay a civil penalty within the 
     prescribed period, or fails to conform to the terms of a 
     settlement with the Secretary. A disqualification shall 
     continue until the penalty is paid, or the individual 
     conforms to the terms of the settlement, unless the 
     nonpayment is because the individual is a debtor in a case 
     under chapter 11 of title 11, United States Code.''; and
       (3) in subsection (i), as redesignated, by striking 
     ``Notwithstanding subsections (b) through (g)'' and inserting 
     ``Notwithstanding subsections (b) through (h)''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis of chapter 311 is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 31151 
     the following:

``31152. Disqualification for failure to pay.''.

     SEC. 32509. VIOLATIONS RELATING TO COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE 
                   SAFETY REGULATION AND OPERATORS.

       Section 521(b)(2)(D) is amended by striking ``ability to 
     pay,''.

     SEC. 32510. EMERGENCY DISQUALIFICATION FOR IMMINENT HAZARD.

       Section 31310(f) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``section 521 or'' before 
     ``section 5102''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``section 521 or'' before 
     ``section 5102''.

     SEC. 32511. INTRASTATE OPERATIONS OF INTERSTATE MOTOR 
                   CARRIERS.

       (a) Prohibited Transportation.--Section 521(b)(5) is 
     amended by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
       ``(C) If an employee, vehicle, or all or part of an 
     employer's commercial motor vehicle operations is ordered out 
     of service under paragraph (5)(A), the commercial motor 
     vehicle operations of the employee, vehicle, or employer that 
     affect interstate commerce are also prohibited.''.
       (b) Prohibition on Operation in Interstate Commerce After 
     Nonpayment of Penalties.--Section 521(b)(8) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); 
     and
       (2) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
       ``(B) Additional prohibition.--A person prohibited from 
     operating in interstate commerce under paragraph (8)(A) may 
     not operate any commercial motor vehicle where the operation 
     affects interstate commerce.''.

     SEC. 32512. ENFORCEMENT OF SAFETY LAWS AND REGULATIONS.

       (a) Enforcement of Safety Laws and Regulations.--Chapter 
     311, as amended by

[[Page S764]]

     sections _2113 and _2508 of this Act, is amended by adding 
     after section 31153 the following:

     ``Sec.  31154. Enforcement of safety laws and regulations

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may bring a civil action 
     to enforce this part, or a regulation or order of the 
     Secretary under this part, when violated by an employer, 
     employee, or other person providing transportation or service 
     under this subchapter or subchapter I.
       ``(b) Venue.--In a civil action under subsection (a)--
       ``(1) trial shall be in the judicial district in which the 
     employer, employee, or other person operates;
       ``(2) process may be served without regard to the 
     territorial limits of the district or of the State in which 
     the action is instituted; and
       ``(3) a person participating with a carrier or broker in a 
     violation may be joined in the civil action without regard to 
     the residence of the person.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis of chapter 311 is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 31153 
     the following:

``31154. Enforcement of safety laws and regulations.''.

     SEC. 32513. DISCLOSURE TO STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT 
                   AGENCIES.

       Section 31106(e) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (e)(1); 
     and
       (2) by inserting at the end the following:
       ``(2) In general.--Notwithstanding any prohibition on 
     disclosure of information in section 31105(h) or 31143(b) of 
     this title or section 552a of title 5, the Secretary may 
     disclose information maintained by the Secretary pursuant to 
     chapters 51, 135, 311, or 313 of this title to appropriate 
     personnel of a State agency or instrumentality authorized to 
     carry out State commercial motor vehicle safety activities 
     and commercial driver's license laws, or appropriate 
     personnel of a local law enforcement agency, in accordance 
     with standards, conditions, and procedures as determined by 
     the Secretary. Disclosure under this section shall not 
     operate as a waiver by the Secretary of any applicable 
     privilege against disclosure under common law or as a basis 
     for compelling disclosure under section 552 of title 5.''.

             Subtitle F--Compliance, Safety, Accountability

     SEC. 32601. COMPLIANCE, SAFETY, ACCOUNTABILITY.

       (a) In General.--Section 31102 is amended--
       (1) by amending the section heading to read:

     ``Sec.  31102. Compliance, safety, and accountability 
       grants'';

       (2) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
       ``(a) General Authority.--Subject to this section, the 
     Secretary of Transportation shall make and administer a 
     compliance, safety, and accountability grant program to 
     assist States, local governments, and other entities and 
     persons with motor carrier safety and enforcement on highways 
     and other public roads, new entrant safety audits, border 
     enforcement, hazardous materials safety and security, 
     consumer protection and household goods enforcement, and 
     other programs and activities required to improve the safety 
     of motor carriers as determined by the Secretary. The 
     Secretary shall allocate funding in accordance with section 
     31104 of this title.'';
       (3) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by amending the heading to read as follows:
       ``(b) Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program.--'';
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as (2) 
     through (4), respectively;
       (C) by inserting before paragraph (2), as redesignated, the 
     following:
       ``(1) Program goal.--The goal of the Motor Carrier Safety 
     Assistance Program is to ensure that the Secretary, States, 
     local government agencies, and other political jurisdictions 
     work in partnership to establish programs to improve motor 
     carrier, commercial motor vehicle, and driver safety to 
     support a safe and efficient surface transportation system 
     by--
       ``(A) making targeted investments to promote safe 
     commercial motor vehicle transportation, including 
     transportation of passengers and hazardous materials;
       ``(B) investing in activities likely to generate maximum 
     reductions in the number and severity of commercial motor 
     vehicle crashes and fatalities resulting from such crashes;
       ``(C) adopting and enforcing effective motor carrier, 
     commercial motor vehicle, and driver safety regulations and 
     practices consistent with Federal requirements; and
       ``(D) assessing and improving statewide performance by 
     setting program goals and meeting performance standards, 
     measures, and benchmarks.'';
       (D) in paragraph (2), as redesignated--
       (i) by striking ``make a declaration of'' in subparagraph 
     (I) and inserting ``demonstrate'';
       (ii) by amending subparagraph (M) to read as follows:
       ``(M) ensures participation in appropriate Federal Motor 
     Carrier Safety Administration systems and other information 
     systems by all appropriate jurisdictions receiving Motor 
     Carrier Safety Assistance Program funding;'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (Q), by inserting ``and dedicated 
     sufficient resources to'' between ``established'' and ``a 
     program'';
       (iv) in subparagraph (W), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (v) by amending subparagraph (X) to read as follows:
       ``(X) except in the case of an imminent or obvious safety 
     hazard, ensures that an inspection of a vehicle transporting 
     passengers for a motor carrier of passengers is conducted at 
     a station, terminal, border crossing, maintenance facility, 
     destination, weigh station, rest stop, turnpike service area, 
     or a location where adequate food, shelter, and sanitation 
     facilities are available for passengers, and reasonable 
     accommodation is available for passengers with disabilities; 
     and''; and
       (vi) by adding after subparagraph (X) the following:
       ``(Y) ensures that the State will transmit to its roadside 
     inspectors the notice of each Federal exemption granted 
     pursuant to section 31315(b) and provided to the State by the 
     Secretary, including the name of the person granted the 
     exemption and any terms and conditions that apply to the 
     exemption.''; and
       (E) by amending paragraph (4), as redesignated, to read as 
     follows:
       ``(4) Maintenance of effort.--
       ``(A) In general.--A plan submitted by a State under 
     paragraph (2) shall provide that the total expenditure of 
     amounts of the lead State agency responsible for implementing 
     the plan will be maintained at a level at least equal to the 
     average level of that expenditure for fiscal years 2004 and 
     2005.
       ``(B) Average level of state expenditures.--In estimating 
     the average level of State expenditure under subparagraph 
     (A), the Secretary--
       ``(i) may allow the State to exclude State expenditures for 
     Government-sponsored demonstration or pilot programs; and
       ``(ii) shall require the State to exclude State matching 
     amounts used to receive Government financing under this 
     subsection.
       ``(C) Waiver.--Upon the request of a State, the Secretary 
     may waive or modify the requirements of this paragraph for 1 
     fiscal year, if the Secretary determines that a waiver is 
     equitable due to exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances, 
     such as a natural disaster or a serious decline in the 
     financial resources of the State motor carrier safety 
     assistance program agency.'';
       (4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (h); and
       (5) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
       ``(e) New Entrant Safety Assurance Program.--
       ``(1) Program goal.--The Secretary may make grants to 
     States and local governments for pre-authorization safety 
     audits and new entrant motor carrier audits as described in 
     section 31144(g).
       ``(2) Recipients.--Grants made in support of this program 
     may be provided to States and local governments.
       ``(3) Federal share.--The Federal share of a grant made 
     under this program is 100 percent.
       ``(4) Eligible activities.--Eligible activities will be in 
     accordance with criteria developed by the Secretary and 
     posted in the Federal Register in advance of the grant 
     application period.
       ``(5) Determination.--If the Secretary determines that a 
     State or local government is unable to conduct a new entrant 
     motor carrier audit, the Secretary may use the funds to 
     conduct the audit.
       ``(f) Border Enforcement.--
       ``(1) Program goal.--The Secretary of Transportation may 
     make a grant for carrying out border commercial motor vehicle 
     safety programs and related enforcement activities and 
     projects.
       ``(2) Recipients.--The Secretary of Transportation may make 
     a grant to an entity, State, or other person for carrying out 
     border commercial motor vehicle safety programs and related 
     enforcement activities and projects.
       ``(3) Federal share.--The Secretary shall reimburse a 
     grantee at least 80 percent of the costs incurred in a fiscal 
     year for carrying out border commercial motor vehicle safety 
     programs and related enforcement activities and projects.
       ``(4) Eligible activities.--An eligible activity will be in 
     accordance with criteria developed by the Secretary and 
     posted in the Federal Register in advance of the grant 
     application period.
       ``(g) High Priority Initiatives.--
       ``(1) Program goal.--The Secretary may make grants to carry 
     out high priority activities and projects that improve 
     commercial motor vehicle safety and compliance with 
     commercial motor vehicle safety regulations, including 
     activities and projects that--
       ``(A) are national in scope;
       ``(B) increase public awareness and education;
       ``(C) target unsafe driving of commercial motor vehicles 
     and non-commercial motor vehicles in areas identified as high 
     risk crash corridors;
       ``(D) improve consumer protection and enforcement of 
     household goods regulations;
       ``(E) improve the movement of hazardous materials safely 
     and securely, including activities related to the 
     establishment of uniform forms and application procedures 
     that

[[Page S765]]

     improve the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of 
     commercial motor vehicle safety data reported to the 
     Secretary; or
       ``(F) demonstrate new technologies to improve commercial 
     motor vehicle safety.
       ``(2) Recipients.--The Secretary may allocate amounts to 
     award grants to State agencies, local governments, and other 
     persons for carrying out high priority activities and 
     projects that improve commercial motor vehicle safety and 
     compliance with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations 
     in accordance with the program goals specified in paragraph 
     (1).
       ``(3) Federal share.--The Secretary shall reimburse a 
     grantee at least 80 percent of the costs incurred in a fiscal 
     year for carrying out the high priority activities or 
     projects.
       ``(4) Eligible activities.--An eligible activity will be in 
     accordance with criteria that is--
       ``(A) developed by the Secretary; and
       ``(B) posted in the Federal Register in advance of the 
     grant application period.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis of chapter 311 is 
     amended by striking the item relating to section 31102 and 
     inserting the following:

``31102. Compliance, safety, and accountability grants.''.

     SEC. 32602. PERFORMANCE AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION SYSTEMS 
                   MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

       Section 31106(b) is amended--
       (1) by amending paragraph (3)(C) to read as follows--
       ``(C) establish and implement a process--
       ``(i) to cancel the motor vehicle registration and seize 
     the registration plates of a vehicle when an employer is 
     found liable under section 31310(j)(2)(C) for knowingly 
     allowing or requiring an employee to operate such a 
     commercial motor vehicle in violation of an out-of-service 
     order; and
       ``(ii) to reinstate the vehicle registration or return the 
     registration plates of the commercial motor vehicle, subject 
     to sanctions under clause (i), if the Secretary permits such 
     carrier to resume operations after the date of issuance of 
     such order.''; and
       (2) by striking paragraph (4).

     SEC. 32603. COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE DEFINED.

       Section 31101(1) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(1) `commercial motor vehicle' means (except under 
     section 31106) a self-propelled or towed vehicle used on the 
     highways in commerce to transport passengers or property, if 
     the vehicle--
       ``(A) has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle 
     weight of at least 10,001 pounds, whichever is greater;
       ``(B) is designed or used to transport more than 8 
     passengers, including the driver, for compensation;
       ``(C) is designed or used to transport more than 15 
     passengers, including the driver, and is not used to 
     transport passengers for compensation; or
       ``(D) is used in transporting material found by the 
     Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under section 
     5103 and transported in a quantity requiring placarding under 
     regulations prescribed by the Secretary under section 
     5103.''.

     SEC. 32604. DRIVER SAFETY FITNESS RATINGS.

       Section 31144, as amended by section 32204 of this Act, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(i) Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers.--The Secretary may 
     maintain by regulation a procedure for determining the safety 
     fitness of a commercial motor vehicle driver and for 
     prohibiting the driver from operating in interstate commerce. 
     The procedure and prohibition shall include the following:
       ``(1) Specific initial and continuing requirements that a 
     driver must comply with to demonstrate safety fitness.
       ``(2) The methodology and continually updated safety 
     performance data that the Secretary will use to determine 
     whether a driver is fit, including inspection results, 
     serious traffic offenses, and crash involvement data.
       ``(3) Specific time frames within which the Secretary will 
     determine whether a driver is fit.
       ``(4) A prohibition period or periods, not to exceed 1 
     year, that a driver that the Secretary determines is not fit 
     will be prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle 
     in interstate commerce. The period or periods shall begin on 
     the 46th day after the date of the fitness determination and 
     continue until the Secretary determines the driver is fit or 
     until the prohibition period expires.
       ``(5) A review by the Secretary, not later than 30 days 
     after an unfit driver requests a review, of the driver's 
     compliance with the requirements with which the driver failed 
     to comply and that resulted in the Secretary determining that 
     the driver was not fit. The burden of proof shall be on the 
     driver to demonstrate fitness.
       ``(6) The eligibility criteria for reinstatement, including 
     the remedial measures the unfit driver must take for 
     reinstatement.''.

     SEC. 32605. UNIFORM ELECTRONIC CLEARANCE FOR COMMERCIAL MOTOR 
                   VEHICLE INSPECTIONS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 311 is amended by adding after 
     section 31109 the following:

     ``Sec.  31110. Withholding amounts for State noncompliance

       ``(a) First Fiscal Year.--Subject to criteria established 
     by the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary may 
     withhold up to 50 percent of the amount a State is otherwise 
     eligible to receive under section 31102(b) on the first day 
     of the fiscal year after the first fiscal year following the 
     date of enactment of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety 
     Enhancement Act of 2012 in which the State uses for at least 
     180 days an electronic commercial motor vehicle inspection 
     selection system that does not employ a selection methodology 
     approved by the Secretary.
       ``(b) Second Fiscal Year.--The Secretary shall withhold up 
     to 75 percent of the amount a State is otherwise eligible to 
     receive under section 31102(b) on the first day of the fiscal 
     year after the second fiscal year following the date of 
     enactment of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement 
     Act of 2012 in which the State uses for at least 180 days an 
     electronic commercial motor vehicle inspection selection 
     system that does not employ a selection methodology approved 
     by the Secretary.
       ``(c) Subsequent Availability of Withheld Funds.--The 
     Secretary may make the amounts withheld under subsection (a) 
     or subsection (b) available to the State if the Secretary 
     determines that the State has substantially complied with the 
     requirement described under subsection (a) or subsection (b) 
     not later than 180 days after the beginning of the fiscal 
     year in which amounts were withheld.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis of chapter 311 is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 31109 
     the following:

``31110. Withholding amounts for State noncompliance.''.

     SEC. 32606. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 31104 is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec.  31104. Availability of amounts

       ``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit 
     Account) for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 
     programs the following:
       ``(1) Compliance, safety, and accountability grants under 
     section 31102.--
       ``(A) $249,717,000 for fiscal year 2012, provided that the 
     Secretary shall set aside not less than $168,388,000 to carry 
     out the motor carrier safety assistance program under section 
     31102(b); and
       ``(B) $253,814,000 for fiscal year 2013, provided that the 
     Secretary shall set aside not less than $171,813,000 to carry 
     out the motor carrier safety assistance program under section 
     31102(b).
       ``(2) Data and technology grants under section 31109.--
       ``(A) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
       ``(B) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       ``(3) Driver safety grants under section 31313.--
       ``(A) $31,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
       ``(B) $31,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       ``(4) Criteria.--The Secretary shall develop criteria to 
     allocate the remaining funds under paragraphs (1), (2), and 
     (3) for fiscal year 2013 and for each fiscal year thereafter 
     not later than April 1 of the prior fiscal year.
       ``(b) Availability and Reallocation of Amounts.--
       ``(1) Allocations and reallocations.--Amounts made 
     available under subsection (a)(1) remain available until 
     expended. Allocations to a State remain available for 
     expenditure in the State for the fiscal year in which they 
     are allocated and for the next fiscal year. Amounts not 
     expended by a State during those 2 fiscal years are released 
     to the Secretary for reallocation.
       ``(2) Redistribution of amounts.--The Secretary may, after 
     August 1 of each fiscal year, upon a determination that a 
     State does not qualify for funding under section 31102(b) or 
     that the State will not expend all of its existing funding, 
     reallocate the State's funding. In revising the allocation 
     and redistributing the amounts, the Secretary shall give 
     preference to those States that require additional funding to 
     meet program goals under section 31102(b).
       ``(3) Period of availability for data and technology 
     grants.--Amounts made available under subsection (a)(2) 
     remain available for obligation for the fiscal year and the 
     next 2 years in which they are appropriated. Allocations 
     remain available for expenditure in the State for 5 fiscal 
     years after they were obligated. Amounts not expended by a 
     State during those 3 fiscal years are released to the 
     Secretary for reallocation.
       ``(4) Period of availability for driver safety grants.--
     Amounts made available under subsection (a)(3) of this 
     section remain available for obligation for the fiscal year 
     and the next fiscal year in which they are appropriated. 
     Allocations to a State remain available for expenditure in 
     the State for the fiscal year in which they are allocated and 
     for the following 2 fiscal years. Amounts not expended by a 
     State during those 3 fiscal years are released to the 
     Secretary for reallocation.
       ``(5) Reallocation.--The Secretary, upon a request by a 
     State, may reallocate grant funds previously awarded to the 
     State under a grant program authorized by section 31102, 
     31109, or 31313 to another grant program authorized by those 
     sections upon a showing by the State that it is unable to 
     expend the funds within the 12 months prior to their 
     expiration provided that the State agrees to expend the funds 
     within the remaining period of expenditure.
       ``(c) Grants as Contractual Obligations.--Approval by the 
     Secretary of a grant under sections 31102, 31109, and 31313 
     is a contractual obligation of the Government for

[[Page S766]]

     payment of the Government's share of costs incurred in 
     developing and implementing programs to improve commercial 
     motor vehicle safety and enforce commercial driver's license 
     regulations, standards, and orders.
       ``(d) Deduction for Administrative Expenses.--
       ``(1) In general.--On October 1 of each fiscal year or as 
     soon after that as practicable, the Secretary may deduct, 
     from amounts made available under--
       ``(A) subsection (a)(1) for that fiscal year, not more than 
     1.5 percent of those amounts for administrative expenses 
     incurred in carrying out section 31102 in that fiscal year;
       ``(B) subsection (a)(2) for that fiscal year, not more than 
     1.4 percent of those amounts for administrative expenses 
     incurred in carrying out section 31109 in that fiscal year; 
     and
       ``(C) subsection (a)(3) for that fiscal year, not more than 
     1.4 percent of those amounts for administrative expenses 
     incurred in carrying out section 31313 in that fiscal year.
       ``(2) Training.--The Secretary may use at least 50 percent 
     of the amounts deducted from the amounts made available under 
     sections (a)(1) and (a)(3) to train non-Government employees 
     and to develop related training materials to carry out 
     sections 31102, 31311, and 31313 of this title.
       ``(3) Contracts.--The Secretary may use amounts deducted 
     under paragraph (1) to enter into contracts and cooperative 
     agreements with States, local governments, associations, 
     institutions, corporations, and other persons, if the 
     Secretary determines the contracts and cooperative agreements 
     are cost-effective, benefit multiple jurisdictions of the 
     United States, and enhance safety programs and related 
     enforcement activities.
       ``(e) Allocation Criteria and Eligibility.--
       ``(1) On October 1 of each fiscal year or as soon as 
     practicable after that date after making the deduction under 
     subsection (d)(1)(A), the Secretary shall allocate amounts 
     made available to carry out section 31102(b) for such fiscal 
     year among the States with plans approved under that section. 
     Allocation shall be made under the criteria prescribed by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(2) On October 1 of each fiscal year or as soon as 
     practicable after that date and after making the deduction 
     under subsection (d)(1)(B) or (d)(1)(C), the Secretary shall 
     allocate amounts made available to carry out sections 
     31109(a) and 31313(b)(1).
       ``(f) Intrastate Compatibility.--The Secretary shall 
     prescribe regulations specifying tolerance guidelines and 
     standards for ensuring compatibility of intrastate commercial 
     motor vehicle safety laws and regulations with Government 
     motor carrier safety regulations to be enforced under section 
     31102(b). To the extent practicable, the guidelines and 
     standards shall allow for maximum flexibility while ensuring 
     a degree of uniformity that will not diminish transportation 
     safety. In reviewing State plans and allocating amounts or 
     making grants under section 153 of title 23, United States 
     Code, the Secretary shall ensure that the guidelines and 
     standards are applied uniformly.
       ``(g) Withholding Amounts for State Noncompliance.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to criteria established by the 
     Secretary, the Secretary may withhold up to 100 percent of 
     the amounts a State is otherwise eligible to receive under 
     section 31102(b) on October 1 of each fiscal year beginning 
     after the date of enactment of the Commercial Motor Vehicle 
     Safety Enhancement Act of 2012 and continuing for the period 
     that the State does not comply substantially with a 
     requirement under section 31109(b).
       ``(2) Subsequent availability of withheld funds.--The 
     Secretary may make the amounts withheld in accordance with 
     paragraph (1) available to a State if the Secretary 
     determines that the State has substantially complied with a 
     requirement under section 31109(b) not later than 180 days 
     after the beginning of the fiscal year in which the amounts 
     are withheld.
       ``(h) Administrative Expenses.--
       ``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund 
     (other than the Mass Transit Account) for the Secretary to 
     pay administrative expenses of the Federal Motor Carrier 
     Safety Administration--
       ``(A) $250,819,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
       ``(B) $248,523,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       ``(2) Use of funds.--The funds authorized by this 
     subsection shall be used for personnel costs, administrative 
     infrastructure, rent, information technology, programs for 
     research and technology, information management, regulatory 
     development, the administration of the performance and 
     registration information system management, outreach and 
     education, other operating expenses, and such other expenses 
     as may from time to time be necessary to implement statutory 
     mandates of the Administration not funded from other sources.
       ``(i) Availability of Funds.--
       ``(1) Period of availability.--The amounts made available 
     under this section shall remain available until expended.
       ``(2) Initial date of availability.--Authorizations from 
     the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) 
     for this section shall be available for obligation on the 
     date of their apportionment or allocation or on October 1 of 
     the fiscal year for which they are authorized, whichever 
     occurs first.''.

     SEC. 32607. HIGH RISK CARRIER REVIEWS.

       (a) High Risk Carrier Reviews.--Section 31104(h), as 
     amended by section 32606 of this Act, is amended by adding at 
     the end of paragraph (2) the following:
       ``From the funds authorized by this subsection, the 
     Secretary shall ensure that a review is completed on each 
     motor carrier that demonstrates through performance data that 
     it poses the highest safety risk. At a minimum, a review 
     shall be conducted whenever a motor carrier is among the 
     highest risk carriers for 2 consecutive months.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 4138 of the Safe, 
     Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A 
     Legacy for Users (49 U.S.C. 31144 note) is repealed.

     SEC. 32608. DATA AND TECHNOLOGY GRANTS.

       (a) In General.--Section 31109 is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``Sec.  31109. Data and technology grants

       ``(a) General Authority.--The Secretary of Transportation 
     shall establish and administer a data and technology grant 
     program to assist the States with the implementation and 
     maintenance of data systems. The Secretary shall allocate the 
     funds in accordance with section 31104.
       ``(b) Performance Goals.--The Secretary may make a grant to 
     a State to implement the performance and registration 
     information system management requirements of section 
     31106(b) to develop, implement, and maintain commercial 
     vehicle information systems and networks, and other 
     innovative technologies that the Secretary determines improve 
     commercial motor vehicle safety.
       ``(c) Eligibility.--To be eligible for a grant to implement 
     the requirements of section 31106(b), the State shall design 
     a program that--
       ``(1) links Federal motor carrier safety information 
     systems with the State's motor carrier information systems;
       ``(2) determines the safety fitness of a motor carrier or 
     registrant when licensing or registering the registrant or 
     motor carrier or while the license or registration is in 
     effect; and
       ``(3) denies, suspends, or revokes the commercial motor 
     vehicle registrations of a motor carrier or registrant that 
     was issued an operations out-of-service order by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(d) Required Participation.--The Secretary shall require 
     States that participate in the program under section 31106 
     to--
       ``(1) comply with the uniform policies, procedures, and 
     technical and operational standards prescribed by the 
     Secretary under section 31106(b);
       ``(2) possess or seek the authority to possess for a time 
     period not longer than determined reasonable by the 
     Secretary, to impose sanctions relating to commercial motor 
     vehicle registration on the basis of a Federal safety fitness 
     determination; and
       ``(3) establish and implement a process to cancel the motor 
     vehicle registration and seize the registration plates of a 
     vehicle when an employer is found liable under section 
     31310(j)(2)(C) for knowingly allowing or requiring an 
     employee to operate such a commercial motor vehicle in 
     violation of an out of service order.
       ``(e) Federal Share.--The total Federal share of the cost 
     of a project payable from all eligible Federal sources shall 
     be at least 80 percent.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis of chapter 311 is 
     amended by striking the item relating to section 31109 and 
     inserting the following:

``31109. Data and technology grants.''.

     SEC. 32609. DRIVER SAFETY GRANTS.

       (a) Driver Focused Grant Program.--Section 31313 is amended 
     to read as follows:

     ``Sec.  31313. Driver safety grants

       ``(a) General Authority.--The Secretary shall make and 
     administer a driver focused grant program to assist the 
     States, local governments, entities, and other persons with 
     commercial driver's license systems, programs, training, 
     fraud detection, reporting of violations and other programs 
     required to improve the safety of drivers as the Federal 
     Motor Carrier Safety Administration deems critical. The 
     Secretary shall allocate the funds for the program in 
     accordance with section 31104.
       ``(b) Commercial Driver's License Program Improvement 
     Grants.--
       ``(1) Program goal.--The Secretary of Transportation may 
     make a grant to a State in a fiscal year--
       ``(A) to comply with the requirements of section 31311;
       ``(B) in the case of a State that is making a good faith 
     effort toward substantial compliance with the requirements of 
     this section and section 31311, to improve its implementation 
     of its commercial driver's license program;
       ``(C) for research, development demonstration projects, 
     public education, and other special activities and projects 
     relating to commercial driver licensing and motor vehicle 
     safety that are of benefit to all jurisdictions of the United 
     States or are designed to address national safety concerns 
     and circumstances;
       ``(D) for commercial driver's license program coordinators;
       ``(E) to implement or maintain a system to notify an 
     employer of an operator of a commercial motor vehicle of the 
     suspension or revocation of the operator's commercial 
     driver's license consistent with the standards developed 
     under section 32304(b) of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety 
     Enhancement Act of 2012; or

[[Page S767]]

       ``(F) to train operators of commercial motor vehicles, as 
     defined under section 31301, and to train operators and 
     future operators in the safe use of such vehicles. Funding 
     priority for this discretionary grant program shall be to 
     regional or multi-state educational or nonprofit associations 
     serving economically distressed regions of the United States.
       ``(2) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority, in 
     making grants under paragraph (1)(B), to a State that will 
     use the grants to achieve compliance with the requirements of 
     the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (113 Stat. 
     1748), including the amendments made by the Commercial Motor 
     Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012.
       ``(3) Recipients.--The Secretary may allocate grants to 
     State agencies, local governments, and other persons for 
     carrying out activities and projects that improve commercial 
     driver's license safety and compliance with commercial 
     driver's license and commercial motor vehicle safety 
     regulations in accordance with the program goals under 
     paragraph (1) and that train operators on commercial motor 
     vehicles. The Secretary may make a grant to a State to comply 
     with section 31311 for commercial driver's license program 
     coordinators and for notification systems.
       ``(4) Federal share.--The Federal share of a grant made 
     under this program shall be at least 80 percent, except that 
     the Federal share of grants for commercial driver license 
     program coordinators and training commercial motor vehicle 
     operators shall be 100 percent.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis of chapter 313 is 
     amended by striking the item relating to section 31313 and 
     inserting the following:

``31313. Driver safety grants.''.

     SEC. 32610. COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND 
                   NETWORKS.

       Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives that includes--
       (1) established time frames and milestones for resuming the 
     Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks Program; 
     and
       (2) a strategic workforce plan for its grants management 
     office to ensure that it has determined the skills and 
     competencies that are critical to achieving its mission 
     goals.

           Subtitle G--Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2012

     SEC. 32701. SHORT TITLE.

       This subtitle may be cited as the ``Motorcoach Enhanced 
     Safety Act of 2012''.

     SEC. 32702. DEFINITIONS.

       In this subtitle:
       (1) Advanced glazing.--The term ``advanced glazing'' means 
     glazing installed in a portal on the side or the roof of a 
     motorcoach that is designed to be highly resistant to partial 
     or complete occupant ejection in all types of motor vehicle 
     crashes.
       (2) Bus.--The term ``bus'' has the meaning given the term 
     in section 571.3(b) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations 
     (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this 
     Act).
       (3) Commercial motor vehicle.--Except as otherwise 
     specified, the term ``commercial motor vehicle'' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 31132(1) of title 49, 
     United States Code.
       (4) Direct tire pressure monitoring system.--The term 
     ``direct tire pressure monitoring system'' means a tire 
     pressure monitoring system that is capable of directly 
     detecting when the air pressure level in any tire is 
     significantly under-inflated and providing the driver a low 
     tire pressure warning as to which specific tire is 
     significantly under-inflated.
       (5) Electronic on-board recorder.--The term ``electronic 
     on-board recorder'' means an electronic device that acquires 
     and stores data showing the record of duty status of the 
     vehicle operator and performs the functions required of an 
     automatic on-board recording device in section 395.15(b) of 
     title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (6) Event data recorder.--The term ``event data recorder'' 
     has the meaning given that term in section 563.5 of title 49, 
     Code of Federal Regulations.
       (7) Motor carrier.--The term ``motor carrier'' means--
       (A) a motor carrier (as defined in section 13102(14) of 
     title 49, United States Code); or
       (B) a motor private carrier (as defined in section 
     13102(15) of that title).
       (8) Motorcoach.--The term ``motorcoach'' has the meaning 
     given the term ``over-the-road bus'' in section 3038(a)(3) of 
     the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (49 U.S.C. 
     5310 note), but does not include--
       (A) a bus used in public transportation provided by, or on 
     behalf of, a public transportation agency; or
       (B) a school bus, including a multifunction school activity 
     bus.
       (9) Motorcoach services.--The term ``motorcoach services'' 
     means passenger transportation by motorcoach for 
     compensation.
       (10) Multifunction school activity bus.--The term 
     ``multifunction school activity bus'' has the meaning given 
     the term in section 571.3(b) of title 49, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (as in effect on the day before the date of 
     enactment of this Act).
       (11) Portal.--The term ``portal'' means any opening on the 
     front, side, rear, or roof of a motorcoach that could, in the 
     event of a crash involving the motorcoach, permit the partial 
     or complete ejection of any occupant from the motorcoach, 
     including a young child.
       (12) Provider of motorcoach services.--The term ``provider 
     of motorcoach services'' means a motor carrier that provides 
     passenger transportation services with a motorcoach, 
     including per-trip compensation and contracted or chartered 
     compensation.
       (13) Public transportation.--The term ``public 
     transportation'' has the meaning given the term in section 
     5302 of title 49, United States Code.
       (14) Safety belt.--The term ``safety belt'' has the meaning 
     given the term in section 153(i)(4)(B) of title 23, United 
     States Code.
       (15) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Transportation.

     SEC. 32703. REGULATIONS FOR IMPROVED OCCUPANT PROTECTION, 
                   PASSENGER EVACUATION, AND CRASH AVOIDANCE.

       (a) Regulations Required Within 1 Year.--Not later than 1 
     year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
     shall prescribe regulations requiring safety belts to be 
     installed in motorcoaches at each designated seating 
     position.
       (b) Regulations Required Within 2 Years.--Not later than 2 
     years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
     shall prescribe the following commercial motor vehicle 
     regulations:
       (1) Roof strength and crush resistance.--The Secretary 
     shall establish improved roof and roof support standards for 
     motorcoaches that substantially improve the resistance of 
     motorcoach roofs to deformation and intrusion to prevent 
     serious occupant injury in rollover crashes involving 
     motorcoaches.
       (2) Anti-ejection safety countermeasures.--The Secretary 
     shall require advanced glazing to be installed in each 
     motorcoach portal and shall consider other portal 
     improvements to prevent partial and complete ejection of 
     motorcoach passengers, including children. In prescribing 
     such standards, the Secretary shall consider the impact of 
     such standards on the use of motorcoach portals as a means of 
     emergency egress.
       (3) Rollover crash avoidance.--The Secretary shall require 
     motorcoaches to be equipped with stability enhancing 
     technology, such as electronic stability control and torque 
     vectoring, to reduce the number and frequency of rollover 
     crashes among motorcoaches.
       (c) Commercial Motor Vehicle Tire Pressure Monitoring 
     Systems.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
     of this Act, the Secretary shall prescribe the following 
     commercial vehicle regulation:
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall require motorcoaches 
     to be equipped with direct tire pressure monitoring systems 
     that warn the operator of a commercial motor vehicle when any 
     tire exhibits a level of air pressure that is below a 
     specified level of air pressure established by the Secretary.
       (2) Performance requirements.--The regulation prescribed by 
     the Secretary under this subsection shall include performance 
     requirements to ensure that direct tire pressure monitoring 
     systems are capable of--
       (A) providing a warning to the driver when 1 or more tires 
     are underinflated;
       (B) activating in a specified time period after the 
     underinflation is detected; and
       (C) operating at different vehicle speeds.
       (d) Application of Regulations.--
       (1) New motorcoaches.--Any regulation prescribed in 
     accordance with subsection (a), (b), or (c) shall apply to 
     all motorcoaches manufactured more than 2 years after the 
     date on which the regulation is published as a final rule.
       (2) Retrofit requirements for existing motorcoaches.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary may, by regulation, provide 
     for the application of any requirement established under 
     subsection (a) or (b)(2) to motorcoaches manufactured before 
     the date on which the requirement applies to new motorcoaches 
     under paragraph (1) based on an assessment of the 
     feasibility, benefits, and costs of retrofitting the older 
     motorcoaches.
       (B) Assessment.--The Secretary shall complete an assessment 
     with respect to safety belt retrofits not later than 1 year 
     after the date of enactment of this Act and with respect to 
     anti-ejection countermeasure retrofits not later than 2 years 
     after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (e) Failure To Meet Deadline.--If the Secretary determines 
     that a final rule cannot be issued before the deadline 
     established under this section, the Secretary shall--
       (1) submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy 
     and Commerce of the House of Representatives that explains 
     why the deadline cannot be met; and
       (2) establish a new deadline for the issuance of the final 
     rule.

     SEC. 32704. STANDARDS FOR IMPROVED FIRE SAFETY.

       (a) Evaluations.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate the 
     following rulemaking proceedings:
       (1) Flammability standard for exterior components.--The 
     Secretary shall establish requirements for fire hardening or 
     fire resistance of motorcoach exterior components to prevent 
     fire and smoke inhalation injuries to occupants.

[[Page S768]]

       (2) Smoke suppression.--The Secretary shall update Federal 
     Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 302 (49 C.F.R. 571.302; 
     relating to flammability of interior materials) to improve 
     the resistance of motorcoach interiors and components to 
     burning and permit sufficient time for the safe evacuation of 
     passengers from motorcoaches.
       (3) Prevention of, and resistance to, wheel well fires.--
     The Secretary shall establish requirements--
       (A) to prevent and mitigate the propagation of wheel well 
     fires into the passenger compartment; and
       (B) to substantially reduce occupant deaths and injuries 
     from such fires.
       (4) Automatic fire suppression.--The Secretary shall 
     establish requirements for motorcoaches to be equipped with 
     highly effective fire suppression systems that automatically 
     respond to and suppress all fires in such motorcoaches.
       (5) Passenger evacuation.--The Secretary shall establish 
     requirements for motorcoaches to be equipped with--
       (A) improved emergency exit window, door, roof hatch, and 
     wheelchair lift door designs to expedite access and use by 
     passengers of motorcoaches under all emergency circumstances, 
     including crashes and fires; and
       (B) emergency interior lighting systems, including 
     luminescent or retroreflectorized delineation of evacuation 
     paths and exits, which are triggered by a crash or other 
     emergency incident to accomplish more rapid and effective 
     evacuation of passengers.
       (6) Causation and prevention of motorcoach fires.--The 
     Secretary shall examine the principle causes of motorcoach 
     fires and vehicle design changes intended to reduce the 
     number of motorcoach fires resulting from those principle 
     causes.
       (b) Deadline.--Not later than 42 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--
       (1) issue final rules in accordance with subsection (a); or
       (2) if the Secretary determines that any standard is not 
     warranted based on the requirements and considerations set 
     forth in subsection (a) and (b) of section 30111 of title 49, 
     United States Code, submit a report that describes the 
     reasons for not prescribing such a standard to--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (c) Tire Performance Standard.--Not later than 3 years 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
     shall--
       (1) issue a final rule upgrading performance standards for 
     tires used on motorcoaches, including an enhanced endurance 
     test and a new high-speed performance test; or
       (2) if the Secretary determines that a standard is not 
     warranted based on the requirements and considerations set 
     forth in subsections (a) and (b) of section 30111 of title 
     49, United States Code, submit a report that describes the 
     reasons for not prescribing such a standard to--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives.

     SEC. 32705. OCCUPANT PROTECTION, COLLISION AVOIDANCE, FIRE 
                   CAUSATION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHER RESEARCH AND 
                   TESTING.

       (a) Safety Research Initiatives.--Not later than 2 years 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
     complete the following research and testing:
       (1) Improved fire extinguishers.--The Secretary shall 
     research and test the need to install improved fire 
     extinguishers or other readily available firefighting 
     equipment in motorcoaches to effectively extinguish fires in 
     motorcoaches and prevent passenger deaths and injuries.
       (2) Interior impact protection.--The Secretary shall 
     research and test enhanced occupant impact protection 
     standards for motorcoach interiors to reduce substantially 
     serious injuries for all passengers of motorcoaches.
       (3) Compartmentalization safety countermeasures.--The 
     Secretary shall require enhanced compartmentalization safety 
     countermeasures for motorcoaches, including enhanced seating 
     designs, to substantially reduce the risk of passengers being 
     thrown from their seats and colliding with other passengers, 
     interior surfaces, and components in the event of a crash 
     involving a motorcoach.
       (4) Collision avoidance systems.--The Secretary shall 
     research and test forward and lateral crash warning systems 
     applications for motorcoaches.
       (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     completion of each research and testing initiative required 
     under subsection (a), the Secretary shall issue final motor 
     vehicle safety standards if the Secretary determines that 
     such standards are warranted based on the requirements and 
     considerations set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of 
     section 30111 of title 49, United States Code.

     SEC. 32706. MOTORCOACH REGISTRATION.

       (a) Registration Requirements.--Section 13902(b) is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (8) as 
     paragraphs (4) through (11), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting before paragraph (4), as redesignated, the 
     following:
       ``(1) Additional registration requirements for providers or 
     motorcoach services.--In addition to meeting the requirements 
     under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary may not register a 
     person to provide motorcoach services until after the 
     person--
       ``(A) undergoes a preauthorization safety audit, including 
     verification, in a manner sufficient to demonstrate the 
     ability to comply with Federal rules and regulations, of--
       ``(i) a drug and alcohol testing program under part 40 of 
     title 49, Code of Federal Regulations;
       ``(ii) the carrier's system of compliance with hours-of-
     service rules, including hours-of-service records;
       ``(iii) the ability to obtain required insurance;
       ``(iv) driver qualifications, including the validity of the 
     commercial driver's license of each driver who will be 
     operating under such authority;
       ``(v) disclosure of common ownership, common control, 
     common management, common familial relationship, or other 
     corporate relationship with another motor carrier or 
     applicant for motor carrier authority during the past 3 
     years;
       ``(vi) records of the State inspections, or of a Level I or 
     V Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Inspection, for all 
     vehicles that will be operated by the carrier;
       ``(vii) safety management programs, including vehicle 
     maintenance and repair programs; and
       ``(viii) the ability to comply with the Americans with 
     Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), and the 
     Over-the-Road Bus Transportation Accessibility Act of 2007 
     (122 Stat. 2915);
       ``(B) has been interviewed to review safety management 
     controls and the carrier's written safety oversight policies 
     and practices; and
       ``(C) through the successful completion of a written 
     examination developed by the Secretary, has demonstrated 
     proficiency to comply with and carry out the requirements and 
     regulations described in subsection (a)(1).
       ``(2) Pre-authorization safety audit.--The pre-
     authorization safety audit required under paragraph (1)(A) 
     shall be completed on-site not later than 90 days following 
     the submission of an application for operating authority.
       ``(3) Fee.--The Secretary may establish, under section 9701 
     of title 31, a fee of not more than $1,200 for new 
     registrants that as nearly as possible covers the costs of 
     performing a preauthorization safety audit. Amounts collected 
     under this subsection shall be deposited in the Highway Trust 
     Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account).''.
       (b) Safety Reviews of New Operators.--Section 31144(g)(1) 
     is amended by inserting ``transporting property'' after 
     ``each operator''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 24305(a)(3)(A)(i) is 
     amended by striking ``section 13902(b)(8)(A)'' and inserting 
     ``section 13902(b)(11)(A)''.
       (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 32707. IMPROVED OVERSIGHT OF MOTORCOACH SERVICE 
                   PROVIDERS.

       Section 31144, as amended by sections _2204 and _2604 of 
     this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(j) Periodic Safety Reviews of Providers of Motorcoach 
     Services.--
       ``(1) Safety review.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(i) determine the safety fitness of all providers of 
     motorcoach services registered with the Federal Motor Carrier 
     Safety Administration; and
       ``(ii) assign a safety fitness rating to each such 
     provider.
       ``(B) Applicability.--Subparagraph (A) shall apply--
       ``(i) to any provider of motorcoach services registered 
     with the Administration after the date of enactment of the 
     Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2012 beginning not later 
     than 2 years after the date of such registration; and
       ``(ii) to any provider of motorcoach services registered 
     with the Administration on or before the date of enactment of 
     that Act beginning not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of that Act.
       ``(2) Periodic review.--The Secretary shall establish, by 
     regulation, a process for monitoring the safety performance 
     of each provider of motorcoach services on a regular basis 
     following the assignment of a safety fitness rating, 
     including progressive intervention to correct unsafe 
     practices.
       ``(3) Enforcement strike forces.--In addition to the 
     enhanced monitoring and enforcement actions required under 
     paragraph (2), the Secretary may organize special enforcement 
     strike forces targeting providers of motorcoach services.
       ``(4) Periodic update of safety fitness rating.--In 
     conducting the safety reviews required under this subsection, 
     the Secretary shall reassess the safety fitness rating of 
     each provider not less frequently than once every 3 years.
       ``(5) Motorcoach services defined.--In this subsection, the 
     term `provider of motorcoach services' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 32702 of the Motorcoach Enhanced Safety 
     Act of 2012.''.

     SEC. 32708. REPORT ON FEASIBILITY, BENEFITS, AND COSTS OF 
                   ESTABLISHING A SYSTEM OF CERTIFICATION OF 
                   TRAINING PROGRAMS.

       Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the

[[Page S769]]

     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives that describes the 
     feasibility, benefits, and costs of establishing a system of 
     certification of public and private schools and of motor 
     carriers and motorcoach operators that provide motorcoach 
     driver training.

     SEC. 32709. REPORT ON DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR 9- TO 
                   15-PASSENGER VANS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to 
     the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives that examines requiring all 
     or certain classes of drivers operating a vehicle, which is 
     designed or used to transport not fewer than 9 and not more 
     than 15 passengers (including a driver) in interstate 
     commerce, to have a commercial driver's license passenger-
     carrying endorsement and be tested in accordance with a drug 
     and alcohol testing program under part 40 of title 49, Code 
     of Federal Regulations.
       (b) Considerations.--In developing the report under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider--
       (1) the safety benefits of the requirement described in 
     subsection (a);
       (2) the scope of the population that would be impacted by 
     such requirement;
       (3) the cost to the Federal Government and State 
     governments to meet such requirement; and
       (4) the impact on safety benefits and cost from limiting 
     the application of such requirement to certain drivers of 
     such vehicles, such as drivers who are compensated for 
     driving.

     SEC. 32710. EVENT DATA RECORDERS.

       (a) Evaluation.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary, after considering the 
     performance requirements for event data recorders for 
     passenger vehicles under part 563 of title 49, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, shall complete an evaluation of event 
     data recorders, including requirements regarding specific 
     types of vehicle operations, events and incidents, and 
     systems information to be recorded, for event data recorders 
     to be used on motorcoaches used by motor carriers in 
     interstate commerce.
       (b) Standards and Regulations.--Not later than 2 years 
     after completing the evaluation required under subsection 
     (a), the Secretary shall issue standards and regulations 
     based on the results of that evaluation.

     SEC. 32711. SAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAM FOR COMMERCIAL MOTOR 
                   VEHICLES OF PASSENGERS.

       Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary shall complete a rulemaking proceeding to 
     consider requiring States to conduct annual inspections of 
     commercial motor vehicles designed or used to transport 
     passengers, including an assessment of--
       (1) the risks associated with improperly maintained or 
     inspected commercial motor vehicles designed or used to 
     transport passengers;
       (2) the effectiveness of existing Federal standards for the 
     inspection of such vehicles in--
       (A) mitigating the risks described in paragraph (1); and
       (B) ensuring the safe and proper operation condition of 
     such vehicles; and
       (3) the costs and benefits of a mandatory State inspection 
     program.

     SEC. 32712. DISTRACTED DRIVING.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 311, as amended by sections _2113, 
     _2508, and _2512 of this Act, is amended by adding after 
     section 31154 the following:

     ``Sec.  31155. Regulation of the use of distracting devices 
       in motorcoaches

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2012, the 
     Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe regulations on 
     the use of electronic or wireless devices, including cell 
     phones and other distracting devices, by an individual 
     employed as the operator of a motorcoach (as defined in 
     section 32702 of that Act).
       ``(b) Basis for Regulations.--The Secretary shall base the 
     regulations prescribed under subsection (a) on accident data 
     analysis, the results of ongoing research, and other 
     information, as appropriate.
       ``(c) Prohibited Use.--Except as provided under subsection 
     (d), the Secretary shall prohibit the use of the devices 
     described in subsection (a) in circumstances in which the 
     Secretary determines that their use interferes with a 
     driver's safe operation of a motorcoach.
       ``(d) Permitted Use.--The Secretary may permit the use of a 
     device that is otherwise prohibited under subsection (c) if 
     the Secretary determines that such use is necessary for the 
     safety of the driver or the public in emergency 
     circumstances.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 311 is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 31154 
     the following:

``31155. Regulation of the use of distracting devices in 
              motorcoaches.''.

     SEC. 32713. REGULATIONS.

       Any standard or regulation prescribed or modified pursuant 
     to the Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2012 shall be 
     prescribed or modified in accordance with section 553 of 
     title 5, United States Code.

       Subtitle H--Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation

     SEC. 32801. COMPREHENSIVE TRUCK SIZE AND WEIGHT LIMITS STUDY.

       (a) Truck Size and Weight Limits Study.--Not later than 90 
     days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, 
     in consultation with each relevant State and other applicable 
     Federal agencies, shall commence a comprehensive truck size 
     and weight limits study. The study shall--
       (1) provide data on accident frequency and factors related 
     to accident risk of each route of the National Highway System 
     in each State that allows a vehicle to operate with size and 
     weight limits that are in excess of the Federal law and 
     regulations and its correlation to truck size and weight 
     limits;
       (2) evaluate the impacts to the infrastructure of each 
     route of the National Highway System in each State that 
     allows a vehicle to operate with size and weight limits that 
     are in excess of the Federal law and regulations, including--
       (A) an analysis that quantifies the cost and benefits of 
     the impacts in dollars;
       (B) an analysis of the percentage of trucks operating in 
     excess of the Federal size and weight limits; and
       (C) an analysis that examines the ability of each State to 
     recover the cost for the impacts, or the benefits incurred;
       (3) evaluate the impacts and frequency of violations in 
     excess of the Federal size and weight law and regulations to 
     determine the cost of the enforcement of the law and 
     regulations, and the effectiveness of the enforcement 
     methods;
       (4) examine the relationship between truck performance and 
     crash involvement and its correlation to Federal size and 
     weight limits, including the impacts on crashes;
       (5) assess the impacts that truck size and weight limits in 
     excess of the Federal law and regulations have in the risk of 
     bridge failure contributing to the structural deficiencies of 
     bridges or in the useful life of a bridge, including the 
     impacts resulting from the number of bridge loadings;
       (6) analyze the impacts on safety and infrastructure in 
     each State that allows a truck to operate in excess of 
     Federal size and weight limitations in truck-only lanes; and
       (7) compare and contrast the safety and infrastructure 
     impacts of the Federal limits regarding truck size and weight 
     limits in relation to--
       (A) six-axle and other alternative configurations of 
     tractor-trailers; and
       (B) safety records of foreign nations with truck size and 
     weight limits and tractor-trailer configurations that differ 
     from the Federal law and regulations.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date that the 
     study is commenced under subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
     submit a final report on the study, including all findings 
     and recommendations, to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation and the Committee on Environment and 
     Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives.

     SEC. 32802. COMPILATION OF EXISTING STATE TRUCK SIZE AND 
                   WEIGHT LIMIT LAWS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with 
     the States, shall begin to compile--
       (1) a list for each State, as applicable, that describes 
     each route of the National Highway System that allows a 
     vehicle to operate in excess of the Federal truck size and 
     weight limits that--
       (A) was authorized under State law on or before the date of 
     enactment of this Act; and
       (B) was in actual and lawful operation on a regular or 
     periodic basis (including seasonal operations) on or before 
     the date of enactment of this Act;
       (2) a list for each State, as applicable, that describes--
       (A) the size and weight limitations applicable to each 
     segment of the National Highway System in that State as 
     listed under paragraph (1);
       (B) each combination that exceeds the Interstate weight 
     limit, but that the Department of Transportation, other 
     Federal agency, or a State agency has determined on or before 
     the date of enactment of this Act, could be or could have 
     been lawfully operated in the State; and
       (C) each combination that exceeds the Interstate weight 
     limit, but that the Secretary determines could have been 
     lawfully operated on a non-Interstate segment of the National 
     Highway System in the State on or before the date of 
     enactment of this Act; and
       (3) a list of each State law that designates or allows 
     designation of size and weight limitations in excess of 
     Federal law and regulations on routes of the National Highway 
     System, including nondivisible loads.
       (b) Specifications.--The Secretary, in consultation with 
     the States, shall specify whether the determinations under 
     paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) were made by the 
     Department of Transportation, other Federal agency, or a 
     State agency.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a final 
     report of the compilation under subsection (a) to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the 
     Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives.

[[Page S770]]

                       Subtitle I--Miscellaneous

                      PART I--DETENTION TIME STUDY

     SEC. 32911. DETENTION TIME STUDY.

       (a) Study.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall task the Motor 
     Carrier Safety Advisory Committee to study the extent to 
     which detention time contributes to drivers violating hours 
     of service requirements and driver fatigue. In conducting 
     this study, the Committee shall--
       (1) examine data collected from driver and vehicle 
     inspections;
       (2) consult with--
       (A) motor carriers and drivers, shippers, and 
     representatives of ports and other facilities where goods are 
     loaded and unloaded;
       (B) government officials; and
       (C) other parties as appropriate; and
       (3) provide recommendations to the Secretary for addressing 
     issues identified in the study.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide a report 
     to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
     the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives that includes 
     recommendations for legislation and for addressing the 
     results of the study.

     SEC. 32912. PROHIBITION OF COERCION.

       Section 31136(a) is amended by--
       (1) striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (3);
       (2) striking the period at the end of paragraph (4) and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) adding after subsection (4) the following:
       ``(5) an operator of a commercial motor vehicle is not 
     coerced by a motor carrier, shipper, receiver, or 
     transportation intermediary to operate a commercial motor 
     vehicle in violation of a regulation promulgated under this 
     section, or chapter 51 or chapter 313 of this title.''.

     SEC. 32913. MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

       (a) Membership.--Section 4144(b)(1) of the Safe, 
     Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A 
     Legacy for Users (49 U.S.C. 31100 note), is amended by 
     inserting ``nonprofit employee labor organizations 
     representing commercial motor vehicle drivers,'' after 
     ``industry,''.
       (b) Termination Date.--Section 4144(d) of the Safe, 
     Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A 
     Legacy for Users (49 U.S.C. 31100 note), is amended by 
     striking ``March 31, 2012'' and inserting ``September 30, 
     2013''.

     SEC. 32914. WAIVERS, EXEMPTIONS, AND PILOT PROGRAMS.

       (a) Waiver Standards.--Section 31315(a) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``and'' at the end of paragraph (2);
       (2) by striking paragraph (3); and
       (3) redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3).
       (b) Exemption Standards.--Section 31315(b)(4) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``(or, in the case of 
     a request for an exemption from the physical qualification 
     standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers, post on a web 
     site established by the Secretary to implement the 
     requirements of section 31149)'' after ``Federal Register'';
       (2) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
       ``(B) Upon granting a request.--Upon granting a request and 
     before the effective date of the exemption, the Secretary 
     shall publish in the Federal Register (or, in the case of an 
     exemption from the physical qualification standards for 
     commercial motor vehicle drivers, post on a web site 
     established by the Secretary to implement the requirements of 
     section 31149) the name of the person granted the exemption, 
     the provisions from which the person is exempt, the effective 
     period, and the terms and conditions of the exemption.''; and
       (3) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``(or, in the case of 
     a request for an exemption from the physical qualification 
     standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers, post on a web 
     site established by the Secretary to implement the 
     requirements of section 31149)'' after ``Federal Register''.
       (c) Providing Notice of Exemptions to State Personnel.--
     Section 31315(b)(7) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(7) Notification of state compliance and enforcement 
     personnel.--Before the effective date of an exemption, the 
     Secretary shall notify a State safety compliance and 
     enforcement agency, and require the agency pursuant to 
     section 31102(b)(1)(Y) to notify the State's roadside 
     inspectors, that a person will be operating pursuant to an 
     exemption and the terms and conditions that apply to the 
     exemption.''.
       (d) Pilot Programs.--Section 31315(c)(1) is amended by 
     striking ``in the Federal Register''.
       (e) Report to Congress.--Section 31315 is amended by adding 
     after subsection (d) the following:
       ``(e) Report to Congress.--The Secretary shall submit an 
     annual report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives listing the waivers, exemptions, and pilot 
     programs granted under this section, and any impacts on 
     safety.
       ``(f) Web Site.--The Secretary shall ensure that the 
     Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration web site includes 
     a link to the web site established by the Secretary to 
     implement the requirements under sections 31149 and 31315. 
     The link shall be in a clear and conspicuous location on the 
     home page of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 
     web site and be easily accessible to the public.''.

     SEC. 32915. TRANSPORTATION OF HORSES.

       Section 80502 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c), by striking ``This section does 
     not'' and inserting ``Subsections (a) and (b) shall not'';
       (2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
       (3) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
       ``(d) Transportation of Horses.--
       ``(1) Prohibition.--No person may transport, or cause to be 
     transported, a horse from a place in a State, the District of 
     Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States 
     through or to a place in another State, the District of 
     Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States 
     in a motor vehicle containing 2 or more levels stacked on top 
     of each other.
       ``(2) Motor vehicle defined.--In this subsection, the term 
     `motor vehicle'--
       ``(A) means a vehicle driven or drawn by mechanical power 
     and manufactured primarily for use on public highways; and
       ``(B) does not include a vehicle operated exclusively on a 
     rail or rails.''; and
       (4) in subsection (e), as redesignated--
       (A) by striking ``A rail carrier'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--A rail carrier'';
       (B) by striking ``this section'' and inserting ``subsection 
     (a) or (b)''; and
       (C) by striking ``On learning'' and inserting before ``of a 
     violation'' the following:
       ``(2) Transportation of horses in multilevel trailer.--
       ``(A) Civil penalty.--A person that knowingly violates 
     subsection (d) is liable to the United States Government for 
     a civil penalty of at least $100 but not more than $500 for 
     each violation. A separate violation occurs under subsection 
     (d) for each horse that is transported, or caused to be 
     transported, in violation of subsection (d).
       ``(B) Relationship to other laws.--The penalty provided 
     under subparagraph (A) shall be in addition to any penalty or 
     remedy available under any other law.
       ``(3) Civil action.--On learning''.

                PART II--HOUSEHOLD GOODS TRANSPORTATION

     SEC. 32921. ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR 
                   HOUSEHOLD GOODS MOTOR CARRIERS.

       (a) Section 13902(a)(2) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``section 13702(c);'' 
     and inserting ``section 13702(c); and'';
       (2) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
       ``(C) demonstrates, before being registered, through 
     successful completion of a proficiency examination 
     established by the Secretary, knowledge and intent to comply 
     with applicable Federal laws relating to consumer protection, 
     estimating, consumers' rights and responsibilities, and 
     options for limitations of liability for loss and damage.''; 
     and
       (3) by striking subparagraph (D).
       (b) Compliance Reviews of New Household Goods Motor 
     Carriers.--Section 31144(g), as amended by section 32102 of 
     this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Additional requirements for household goods motor 
     carriers.--(A) In addition to the requirements of this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall require, by regulation, each 
     registered household goods motor carrier to undergo a 
     consumer protection standards review not later than 18 months 
     after the household goods motor carrier begins operations 
     under such authority.
       ``(B) Elements.--In the regulations issued pursuant to 
     subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall establish the elements 
     of the consumer protections standards review, including basic 
     management controls. In establishing the elements, the 
     Secretary shall consider the effects on small businesses and 
     shall consider establishing alternate locations where such 
     reviews may be conducted for the convenience of small 
     businesses.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect 2 years after the date of enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 32922. FAILURE TO GIVE UP POSSESSION OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS.

       (a) Injunctive Relief.--Section 14704(a)(1) is amended by 
     striking ``and 14103'' and inserting ``, 14103, and 
     14915(c)''.
       (b) Civil Penalties.--Section 14915(a)(1) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``The United States may assign all or a portion of the 
     civil penalty to an aggrieved shipper. The Secretary of 
     Transportation shall establish criteria upon which such 
     assignments shall be made. The Secretary may order, after 
     notice and an opportunity for a proceeding, that a person 
     found holding a household goods shipment hostage return the 
     goods to an aggrieved shipper.''.

     SEC. 32923. SETTLEMENT AUTHORITY.

       (a) Settlement of General Civil Penalties.--Section 14901 
     is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(h) Settlement of Household Goods Civil Penalties.--
     Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the 
     Secretary from accepting partial payment of a civil penalty 
     as part of a settlement agreement in the public interest, or 
     from holding imposition of any part of a civil penalty in 
     abeyance.''.

[[Page S771]]

       (b) Settlement of Household Goods Civil Penalties.--Section 
     14915(a) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Settlement authority.--Nothing in this section shall 
     be construed as prohibiting the Secretary from accepting 
     partial payment of a civil penalty as part of a settlement 
     agreement in the public interest, or from holding imposition 
     of any part of a civil penalty in abeyance.''.

     SEC. 32924. HOUSEHOLD GOODS TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) Joint Assistance Program.--Not later than 18 months 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
     develop and implement a joint assistance program, through the 
     Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration--
       (1) to educate consumers about the household goods motor 
     carrier industry pursuant to the recommendations of the task 
     force established under section 2925 of this Act;
       (2) to improve the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
     Administration's implementation, monitoring, and coordination 
     of Federal and State household goods enforcement activities;
       (3) to assist a consumer with the timely resolution of an 
     interstate household goods hostage situation, as appropriate; 
     and
       (4) to conduct other enforcement activities as designated 
     by the Secretary.
       (b) Joint Assistance Program Partnership.--The Secretary--
       (1) may partner with 1 or more household goods motor 
     carrier industry groups to implement the joint assistance 
     program under subsection (a); and
       (2) shall ensure that each participating household goods 
     motor carrier industry group--
       (A) implements the joint assistance program in the best 
     interest of the consumer;
       (B) implements the joint assistance program in the public 
     interest;
       (C) accurately represents its financial interests in 
     providing household goods mover services in the normal course 
     of business and in assisting consumers resolving hostage 
     situations;
       (D) does not hold itself out or misrepresent itself as an 
     agent of the Federal government;
       (E) abides by Federal regulations and guidelines for the 
     provision of assistance and receipt of compensation for 
     household goods mover services; and
       (F) accurately represents the Federal and State remedies 
     that are available to consumers for resolving interstate 
     household goods hostage situations.
       (c) Report.--The Secretary shall submit a report annually 
     to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
     the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives providing a 
     detailed description of the joint assistance program under 
     subsection (a).
       (d) Prohibition.--The joint assistance program under 
     subsection (a) may not include the provision of funds by the 
     United States to a consumer for lost, stolen, or damaged 
     items.

     SEC. 32925. HOUSEHOLD GOODS CONSUMER EDUCATION PROGRAM.

       (a) Task Force.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     establish a task force to develop recommendations to ensure 
     that a consumer is informed of Federal law concerning the 
     transportation of household goods by a motor carrier, 
     including recommendations--
       (1) on how to condense publication ESA 03005 of the Federal 
     Motor Carrier Safety Administration into a format that can be 
     more easily used by a consumer; and
       (2) on the use of state-of-the-art education techniques and 
     technologies, including the use of the Internet as an 
     educational tool.
       (b) Task Force Members.--The task force shall be comprised 
     of--
       (1) individuals with expertise in consumer affairs;
       (2) educators with expertise in how people learn most 
     effectively; and
       (3) representatives of the household goods moving industry.
       (c) Recommendations.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the task force shall complete its 
     recommendations under subsection (a). Not later than 1 year 
     after the task force completes its recommendations under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall issue regulations 
     implementing the recommendations, as appropriate.
       (d) Federal Advisory Committee Act Exemption.--The Federal 
     Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the 
     task force.
       (e) Termination.--The task force shall terminate 2 years 
     after the date of enactment of this Act.

                     PART III--TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS

     SEC. 32931. UPDATE OF OBSOLETE TEXT.

       (a) Section 31137(e), as redesignated by section 32301 of 
     this Act, is amended by striking ``Not later than December 1, 
     1990, the Secretary shall prescribe'' and inserting ``The 
     Secretary shall maintain''.
       (b) Section 31151(a) is amended--
       (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     maintain a program to ensure that intermodal equipment used 
     to transport intermodal containers is safe and systematically 
     maintained.''; and
       (2) by striking paragraph (4).
       (c) Section 31307(b) is amended by striking ``Not later 
     than December 18, 1994, the Secretary shall prescribe'' and 
     inserting ``The Secretary shall maintain''.
       (d) Section 31310(g)(1) is amended by striking ``Not later 
     than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the'' 
     and inserting ``The''.
       (e) Section 4123(f) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, 
     Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 
     Stat. 1736), is amended by striking ``Not later than 1 year 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the'' and inserting 
     ``The''.

     SEC. 32932. CORRECTION OF INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION 
                   REFERENCES.

       (a) Safety Information and Intervention in Interstate 
     Commerce Commission Proceedings.--Chapter 3 is amended--
       (1) by repealing section 307;
       (2) in the analysis, by striking the item relating to 
     section 307;
       (3) in section 333(d)(1)(C), by striking ``Interstate 
     Commerce Commission'' and inserting ``Surface Transportation 
     Board''; and
       (4) in section 333(e)--
       (A) by striking ``Interstate Commerce Commission'' and 
     inserting ``Surface Transportation Board''; and
       (B) by striking ``Commission'' and inserting ``Board''.
       (b) Filing and Procedure for Application to Abandon or 
     Discontinue.--Section 10903(b)(2) is amended by striking 
     ``24706(c) of this title'' and inserting ``24706(c) of this 
     title before May 31, 1998''.
       (c) Rights and Remedies of Persons Injured by Carriers or 
     Brokers.--
       (1) Section 14704 is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a)--
       (i) by striking ``In General.--'' and all that follows 
     through ``injured'' and inserting ``Enforcement of Order.--A 
     person injured''; and
       (ii) by redesignating paragraph (2) as subsection (b)(1); 
     and
       (B) in subsection (b)--
       (i) by redesignating subsection (b) as paragraph (2);
       (ii) by striking ``Liability and Damages for Exceeding 
     Tariff Rate.--'' and all that follows through ``A carrier'' 
     and inserting ``Exceeding tariff rate.--''; and
       (iii) by striking ``Damages for violations.--'' in 
     paragraph (1), as redesignated, and inserting ``Other 
     violations.--''.
       (2) Section 14705(c) is amended by striking ``14704(b)'' 
     and inserting ``14704(b)(2)''.
       (d) Technical Amendments to Part C of Subtitle V.--
       (1) Section 24307(b)(3) is amended by striking ``Interstate 
     Commerce Commission'' and inserting ``Surface Transportation 
     Board''.
       (2) Section 24311 is amended--
       (A) by striking ``Interstate Commerce Commission'' and 
     inserting ``Surface Transportation Board'';
       (B) by striking ``Commission'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``Board''; and
       (C) by striking ``Commission's'' and inserting ``Board's''.
       (3) Section 24902 is amended--
       (A) by striking ``Interstate Commerce Commission'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``Surface Transportation 
     Board''; and
       (B) by striking ``Commission'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``Board''.
       (4) Section 24904 is amended--
       (A) by striking ``Interstate Commerce Commission'' and 
     inserting ``Surface Transportation Board''; and
       (B) by striking ``Commission'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``Board''.

     SEC. 32933. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Section 14504a(c)(1) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``sections'' and 
     inserting ``section''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (D)(ii)(II) by striking the period at 
     the end and inserting ``; and''.
       (b) Section 31103(a) is amended by striking ``section 
     31102(b)(1)(E)'' and inserting ``section 31102(b)(2)(E)''.
       (c) Section 31103(b) is amended by striking ``authorized by 
     section 31104(f)(2)''.
       (d) Section 31309(b)(2) is amended by striking ``31308(2)'' 
     and inserting ``31308(3)''.

     PART IV--SURFACE TRANSPORTATION AND FREIGHT POLICY ACT OF 2012

     SEC. 32941. SHORT TITLE.

       This part may be cited as the ``Surface Transportation and 
     Freight Policy Act of 2012''.

     SEC. 32942. ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL SURFACE 
                   TRANSPORTATION AND FREIGHT POLICY.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 3, as amended by 
     section 32932 of this Act, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating sections 304 through 306 as sections 
     307 through 309, respectively;
       (2) by redesignating sections 308 and 309 as sections 310 
     and 311, respectively;
       (3) by redesignating sections 303 and 303a as sections 305 
     and 306, respectively; and
       (4) by inserting after section 302 the following:

     ``Sec.  303. National surface transportation policy

       ``(a) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States to 
     develop a comprehensive national surface transportation 
     system that advances the national interest and defense, 
     interstate and foreign commerce, the efficient and safe 
     interstate mobility of people and goods, and the protection 
     of the environment. The system shall be built, maintained, 
     managed, and operated as a partnership between the Federal, 
     State, and local governments and the private sector and shall 
     be coordinated with the overall transportation system of the 
     United States, including the Nation's air, rail, pipeline, 
     and water transportation systems. The Secretary of 
     Transportation shall

[[Page S772]]

     be responsible for carrying out this policy and for defining 
     the Federal government's role in the system.
       ``(b) Objectives.--The objectives of the policy shall be to 
     facilitate and advance--
       ``(1) the improved accessibility and reduced travel times 
     for persons and goods within and between nations, regions, 
     States, and metropolitan areas;
       ``(2) the safety and health of the public;
       ``(3) the security of the Nation and the public;
       ``(4) environmental protection;
       ``(5) energy conservation and security, including reducing 
     transportation-related energy use;
       ``(6) international and interstate freight movement, trade 
     enhancement, job creation, and economic development;
       ``(7) responsible planning to address population 
     distribution and employment and sustainable development;
       ``(8) the preservation and adequate performance of system-
     critical transportation assets, as defined by the Secretary;
       ``(9) reasonable access to the national surface 
     transportation system for all system users, including rural 
     communities;
       ``(10) the sustainable, balanced, and adequate financing of 
     the national surface transportation system; and
       ``(11) innovation in transportation services, 
     infrastructure, and technology.
       ``(c) Goals.--
       ``(1) Specific goals.--The goals of the policy shall be--
       ``(A) to reduce average per capita peak period travel times 
     on an annual basis;
       ``(B) to reduce national motor vehicle-related and truck-
     related fatalities by 50 percent by 2030;
       ``(C) to reduce national surface transportation delays per 
     capita on an annual basis;
       ``(D) to improve the access to employment opportunities and 
     other economic activities;
       ``(E) to increase the percentage of system-critical surface 
     transportation assets, as defined by the Secretary, that are 
     in a state of good repair by 20 percent by 2030;
       ``(F) to improve access to public transportation, intercity 
     passenger rail services, and non-motorized transportation 
     where travel demand warrants;
       ``(G) to reduce passenger and freight transportation 
     infrastructure-related delays entering into and out of 
     international points of entry on an annual basis;
       ``(H) to increase travel time reliability on major freight 
     corridors that connect major population centers to freight 
     generators and international gateways on an annual basis;
       ``(I) to ensure adequate transportation of domestic energy 
     supplies and promote energy security;
       ``(J) to maintain or reduce the percentage of gross 
     domestic product consumed by transportation costs; and
       ``(K) to reduce transportation-related impacts on the 
     environment and on communities on an annual basis.
       ``(2) Baselines.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of the Surface Transportation and Freight Policy 
     Act of 2012, the Secretary shall develop baselines for the 
     goals and shall determine appropriate methods of data 
     collection to measure the attainment of the goals.''.
       (b) Freight Policy.--Subchapter I of chapter 3, as amended 
     by section 32942(a) of this Act, is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:

     ``Sec.  312. National freight transportation policy.

       ``(a) National Freight Transportation Policy.--It is the 
     policy of the United States to improve the efficiency, 
     operation, and security of the national transportation system 
     to move freight by leveraging investments and promoting 
     partnerships that advance interstate and foreign commerce, 
     promote economic competitiveness and job creation, improve 
     the safe and efficient mobility of goods, and protect the 
     public health and the environment.
       ``(b) Objectives.--The objectives of the policy are--
       ``(1) to target investment in freight transportation 
     projects that strengthen the economic competitiveness of the 
     United States with a focus on domestic industries and 
     businesses and the creation and retention of high-value jobs;
       ``(2) to promote and advance energy conservation and the 
     environmental sustainability of freight movements;
       ``(3) to facilitate and advance the safety and health of 
     the public, including communities adjacent to freight 
     movements;
       ``(4) to provide for systematic and balanced investment to 
     improve the overall performance and reliability of the 
     national transportation system to move freight, including 
     ensuring trade facilitation and transportation system 
     improvements are mutually supportive;
       ``(5) to promote partnerships between Federal, State, and 
     local governments, the private sector, and other 
     transportation stakeholders to leverage investments in 
     freight transportation projects; and
       ``(6) to encourage adoption of operational policies, such 
     as intelligent transportation systems, to improve the 
     efficiency of freight-related transportation movements and 
     infrastructure.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendments.--The table of contents for 
     chapter 3 is amended--
       (1) by redesignating the items relating to sections 304 
     through 306 as sections 307 through 309, respectively;
       (2) by redesignating the items relating to sections 308 and 
     309 as sections 310 and 311, respectively;
       (3) by redesignating the items relating to sections 303 and 
     303a as sections 305 and 306, respectively;
       (4) by inserting after the item relating to section 302 the 
     following:

``303. National surface transportation policy.''; and
       (5) by inserting after the item relating to section 311 the 
     following:

``312. National freight transportation policy.''.

     SEC. 32943. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION AND FREIGHT STRATEGIC 
                   PLAN.

       (a) Surface Transportation and Freight Strategic Plan.--
     Subchapter I of chapter 3, as amended by section 32942 of 
     this Act, is amended by inserting after section 303 the 
     following--

     ``Sec.  304. National surface transportation and freight 
       strategic performance plan.

       ``(a) Development.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
     of enactment of the Surface Transportation and Freight Policy 
     Act of 2012, the Secretary of Transportation shall develop 
     and implement a National Surface Transportation and Freight 
     Performance Plan to achieve the policy, objectives, and goals 
     set forth in sections 303 and 312 .
       ``(b) Contents.--The plan shall include--
       ``(1) an assessment of the current performance of the 
     national surface transportation system and an analysis of the 
     system's ability to achieve the policy, objectives, and goals 
     set forth in sections 303 and 312;
       ``(2) an analysis of emerging and long-term projected 
     trends, including economic and national trade policies, that 
     will impact the performance, needs, and uses of the national 
     surface transportation system, including the system to move 
     freight;
       ``(3) a description of the major challenges to effectively 
     meeting the policy, objectives, and goals set forth in 
     sections 303 and 312 and a plan to address such challenges;
       ``(4) a comprehensive strategy and investment plan to meet 
     the policy, objectives, and goals set forth in sections 303 
     and 312, including a strategy to develop the coalitions, 
     partnerships, and other collaborative financing efforts 
     necessary to ensure stable, reliable funding and completion 
     of freight corridors and projects;
       ``(5) initiatives to improve transportation modeling, 
     research, data collection, and analysis, including those to 
     assess impacts on public health, and environmental 
     conditions;
       ``(6) a plan for any reorganization of the Department of 
     Transportation or its agencies necessary to meet the policy, 
     objectives, and goals set forth in sections 303 and 312;
       ``(7) guidelines to encourage the appropriate balance of 
     means to finance the national transportation system to move 
     freight to implement the plan and the investment plan 
     proposed under paragraph (4); and
       ``(8) a list of priority freight corridors and gateways to 
     be improved and developed to meet the policy, objectives, and 
     goals set forth in section 312.
       ``(c) Consultation.--In developing the plan required by 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
       ``(1) consult with appropriate Federal agencies, local, 
     State, and tribal governments, public and private 
     transportation stakeholders, non-profit organizations 
     representing transportation employees, appropriate foreign 
     governments, and other interested parties;
       ``(2) consider on-going Federal, State, and corridor-wide 
     transportation plans;
       ``(3) provide public notice and hearings and solicit public 
     comments on the plan, and
       ``(4) as appropriate, establish advisory committees to 
     assist with developing the plan.
       ``(d) Submittal and Publication.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(1) submit the completed plan to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives; and
       ``(2) post the completed plan on the Department of 
     Transportation's public web site.
       ``(e) Progress Reports.--The Secretary shall submit 
     biennial progress reports on the implementation of the plan 
     beginning 2 years after the date of submittal of the plan 
     under subsection (d)(1). Each progress report shall--
       ``(1) describe progress made toward fully implementing the 
     plan and achieving the policies, objectives, and goals 
     established under sections 303 and 312;
       ``(2) describe challenges and obstacles to full 
     implementation;
       ``(3) describe updates to the plan necessary to reflect 
     changed circumstances or new developments; and
       ``(4) make policy and legislative recommendations the 
     Secretary believes are necessary and appropriate to fully 
     implement the plan.
       ``(f) Data.--The Secretary shall have the authority to 
     conduct studies, gather information, and require the 
     production of data necessary to develop or update this plan, 
     consistent with Federal privacy standards.
       ``(g) Implementation.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(1) develop appropriate performance criteria and data 
     collections systems for each Federal surface transportation 
     program to evaluate:
       ``(A) whether such programs are consistent with the policy, 
     objectives, and goals established by sections 303 and 312; 
     and

[[Page S773]]

       ``(B) how effective such programs are in contributing to 
     the achievement of the policy, objectives, and goals 
     established by sections 303 and 312;
       ``(2) using the criteria developed under paragraph (1), 
     periodically evaluate each such program and provide the 
     results to the public;
       ``(3) based on the evaluation performed under paragraph 
     (2), make any necessary changes or improvements to such 
     programs to ensure such consistency and effectiveness;
       ``(4) implement this section in a manner that is consistent 
     with sections 302, 5503, 10101, and 13101 of this title and 
     section 101 of title 23 to the extent that such sections do 
     not conflict with the policy, objectives, and goals 
     established by sections 303 and 312;
       ``(5) review, update, and reissue all relevant surface 
     transportation planning requirements to ensure that such 
     requirements require that regional, State, and local surface 
     transportation planning efforts funded with Federal funds are 
     consistent with the policy, objectives, and goals established 
     by this section; and
       ``(6) require States and metropolitan planning 
     organizations to annually report on the use of Federal 
     surface transportation funds, including a description of--
       ``(A) which projects and priorities were funded with such 
     funds;
       ``(B) the rationale and method employed for apportioning 
     such funds to the projects and priorities; and
       ``(C) how the obligation of such funds is consistent with 
     or advances the policy, objectives, and goals established by 
     sections 303 and 312.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for 
     chapter 3 is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
     section 303 the following:

``304. National surface transportation and freight strategic 
              performance plan.''.

     SEC. 32944. TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT DATA AND PLANNING 
                   TOOLS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--
       (1) develop new tools or improve existing tools to support 
     an outcome-oriented, performance-based approach to evaluate 
     proposed freight-related and other surface transportation 
     projects. These new or improved tools shall include--
       (A) a systematic cost-benefit analysis;
       (B) an evaluation of external effects on congestion, 
     pollution, the environment, and the public health;
       (C) a valuation of modal alternatives; and
       (D) other elements to assist in effective transportation 
     planning; and
       (2) facilitate the collection of transportation-related 
     data to support a broad range of evaluation methods and 
     techniques such as demand forecasts, modal diversion 
     forecasts, estimates of the effect of proposed investments on 
     congestion, pollution, public health, and other factors, to 
     assist in making transportation investment decisions. At a 
     minimum, the Secretary, in consultation with other relevant 
     Federal agencies, shall consider any improvements to the 
     Commodity Flow Survey that reduce identified freight data 
     gaps and deficiencies and help evaluate forecasts of 
     transportation demand.
       (b) Consultation.--To the extent practicable, the Secretary 
     shall consult with Federal, State, and local transportation 
     planners to develop, improve, and implement the tools and 
     collect the data under subsection (a).
       (c) Establishment of Pilot Program.--
       (1) Establishment.--To assist in the development of tools 
     under subsection (a) and to inform the National Surface 
     Transportation and Freight Performance Plan required by 
     section 304 of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary 
     shall establish a pilot program under which the Secretary 
     shall conduct case studies of States and metropolitan 
     planning organizations that are designed--
       (A) to provide more detailed, in-depth analysis and data 
     collection with respect to transportation programs; and
       (B) to apply rigorous methods of measuring and addressing 
     the effectiveness of program participants in achieving 
     national transportation goals.
       (2) Preliminary requirements.--
       (A) Solicitation.--The Secretary shall solicit applications 
     to participate in the pilot program from States and 
     metropolitan planning organizations.
       (B) Notification.--A State or metropolitan planning 
     organization that desires to participate in the pilot program 
     shall notify the Secretary of such desire before a date 
     determined by the Secretary.
       (C) Selection.--
       (i) Number of program participants.--The Secretary shall 
     select to participate in the pilot program--

       (I) not fewer than 3, and not more than 5, States; and
       (II) not fewer than 3, and not more than 5, metropolitan 
     planning organizations.

       (ii) Timing.--The Secretary shall select program 
     participants not later than 3 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.
       (iii) Diversity of program participants.--The Secretary 
     shall, to the extent practicable, select program participants 
     that represent a broad range of geographic and demographic 
     areas (including rural and urban areas) and types of 
     transportation programs.
       (d) Case Studies.--
       (1) Baseline report.--Not later than 6 months after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, each program participant shall 
     submit to the Secretary a baseline report that--
       (A) describes the reporting and data collection processes 
     of the program participant for transportation investments 
     that are in effect on the date of the report;
       (B) assesses how effective the program participant is in 
     achieving the national surface transportation goals in 
     section 303 of title 49, United States Code;
       (C) describes potential improvements to the methods and 
     metrics used to measure the effectiveness of the program 
     participant in achieving national surface transportation 
     goals in section 303 of title 49, United States Code, and the 
     challenges to implementing such improvements; and
       (D) includes an assessment of whether, and specific reasons 
     why, the preparation and submission of the baseline report 
     may be limited, incomplete, or unduly burdensome, including 
     any recommendations for facilitating the preparation and 
     submission of similar reports in the future.
       (2) Evaluation.--Each program participant shall work 
     cooperatively with the Secretary to evaluate the methods and 
     metrics used to measure the effectiveness of the program 
     participant in achieving national surface transportation 
     goals in section 303 of title 49, United States Code, 
     including--
       (A) by considering the degree to which such methods and 
     metrics take into account--
       (i) the factors that influence the effectiveness of the 
     program participant in achieving the national surface 
     transportation goals;
       (ii) all modes of transportation; and
       (iii) the transportation program as a whole, rather than 
     individual projects within the transportation program; and
       (B) by identifying steps that could be used to implement 
     the potential improvements identified under paragraph (1)(C).
       (3) Final report.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     of enactment of this section, each program participant shall 
     submit to the Secretary a comprehensive final report that--
       (A) contains an updated assessment of the effectiveness of 
     the program participant in achieving national surface 
     transportation goals under section 303 of title 49, United 
     States Code; and
       (B) describes the ways in which the performance of the 
     program participant in collecting and reporting data and 
     carrying out the transportation program of the program 
     participant has improved or otherwise changed since the date 
     of submission of the baseline report under subparagraph (A).

     SEC. 32945. NATIONAL FREIGHT INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT 
                   GRANTS.

       (a) Establishment of Program.--Chapter 55 is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

                 ``SUBCHAPTER III--FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

     ``Sec.  5581. National freight infrastructure investment 
       grants.

       ``(a) Establishment of Program.--The Secretary of 
     Transportation shall establish a competitive grant program to 
     provide financial assistance for capital investments that 
     improve the efficiency of the national transportation system 
     to move freight.
       ``(b) Eligible Projects.--An applicant is eligible for a 
     grant under this section for--
       ``(1) a port development or improvement project;
       ``(2) a multimodal terminal facility project;
       ``(3) a land port of entry project;
       ``(4) a freight rail improvement or capacity expansion 
     project;
       ``(5) an intelligent transportation system project 
     primarily for freight benefit that reduces congestion or 
     improves safety;
       ``(6) a project that improves access to a port or terminal 
     facility;
       ``(7) a highway project to reduce congestion or improve 
     safety; or
       ``(8) planning, preparation, or design of any project 
     described in paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), or (7).
       ``(c) Project Selection Criteria.--In determining whether 
     to award a grant to an eligible applicant under this section, 
     the Secretary shall consider the extent to which the 
     project--
       ``(1) supports the objectives of the National Surface 
     Transportation and Freight Performance Plan developed under 
     section 304;
       ``(2) leverages Federal investment by encouraging non-
     Federal contributions to the project, including contributions 
     from public-private partnerships;
       ``(3) improves the mobility of goods and commodities;
       ``(4) incorporates new and innovative technologies, 
     including freight-related intelligent transportation systems;
       ``(5) improves energy efficiency or reduces greenhouse gas 
     emissions;
       ``(6) helps maintain or protect the environment, including 
     reducing air and water pollution;
       ``(7) reduces congestion;
       ``(8) improves the condition of the freight infrastructure, 
     including bringing it into a state of good repair;
       ``(9) improves safety, including reducing transportation 
     accidents, injuries, and fatalities;
       ``(10) demonstrates that the proposed project cannot be 
     readily and efficiently realized without Federal support and 
     participation; and

[[Page S774]]

       ``(11) enhances national or regional economic development, 
     growth, and competitiveness.
       ``(d) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority to 
     projects that have the highest system performance improvement 
     relative to their benefit-cost analysis, as measured by the 
     tools developed under section 32944 of the Surface 
     Transportation and Freight Policy Act of 2012 and those that 
     support domestic manufacturing of goods.
       ``(e) Letters of Intent.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may issue a letter of 
     intent to an applicant announcing an intention to obligate, 
     for a major capital project under this section, an amount 
     from future available budget authority specified in law that 
     is not more than the amount stipulated as the financial 
     participation of the Secretary in the project.
       ``(2) Written notice.--Not later than 30 days before 
     issuing a letter under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall 
     provide written notice of the proposed letter or agreement to 
     the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives. The Secretary shall include 
     with the notification a copy of the proposed letter or 
     agreement, the criteria used under subsection (c) for 
     selecting the project for a grant award, and a description of 
     how the project meets such criteria.
       ``(3) Subject to availability of funds.--An obligation or 
     administrative commitment may be made only when amounts are 
     made available. Each letter of intent shall state that the 
     contingent commitment is not an obligation of the Federal 
     Government, and is subject to the availability of funds under 
     Federal law and to Federal laws in force or enacted after the 
     date of the contingent commitment.
       ``(f) Federal Share of Net Project Cost.--
       ``(1) In general.--Based on engineering studies, studies of 
     economic feasibility, and information on the expected use of 
     equipment or facilities, the Secretary shall estimate the net 
     project cost.
       ``(2) Federal share.--The Federal share of a grant for the 
     project shall not exceed 80 percent of the project net 
     capital cost.
       ``(3) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority in 
     allocating future obligations and contingent commitments to 
     incur obligations to grant requests seeking a lower Federal 
     share of the project net capital cost.
       ``(g) Cooperative Agreements.--
       ``(1) In general.--An applicant may enter into an agreement 
     with any public, private, or nonprofit entity to 
     cooperatively implement any project funded with a grant under 
     this subchapter.
       ``(2) Forms of participation.--Participation by an entity 
     under paragraph (1) may consist of--
       ``(A) ownership or operation of any land, facility, 
     vehicle, or other physical asset associated with the project;
       ``(B) cost-sharing of any project expense or non-Federal 
     share of the project cost, including in kind contributions;
       ``(C) carrying out administration, construction management, 
     project management, project operation, or any other 
     management or operational duty associated with the project; 
     and
       ``(D) any other form of participation approved by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(h) Oversight Program.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish an 
     oversight program to monitor the effective and efficient use 
     of funds authorized to carry out this section.
       ``(B) Minimum requirement.--At a minimum, the oversight 
     program shall be responsive to all areas relating to 
     financial integrity and project delivery.
       ``(2) Financial integrity.--
       ``(A) Financial management systems.--The Secretary shall 
     perform annual reviews that address elements of the 
     applicant's financial management systems that affect projects 
     approved under subsection (a).
       ``(B) Project costs.--The Secretary shall develop minimum 
     standards for estimating project costs and shall periodically 
     evaluate the practices of applicants for estimating project 
     costs, awarding contracts, and reducing project costs.
       ``(3) Project delivery.--The Secretary shall perform annual 
     reviews that address elements of the project delivery system 
     of an applicant, which elements include 1 or more activities 
     that are involved in the life cycle of a project from 
     conception to completion of the project.
       ``(4) Responsibility of the applicants.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each applicant shall submit to the 
     Secretary for approval such plans, specifications, and 
     estimates for each proposed project as the Secretary may 
     require.
       ``(B) Applicant subrecipients.--The applicant shall be 
     responsible for determining that a subrecipient of Federal 
     funds under this section--
       ``(i) has adequate project delivery systems for projects 
     approved under this section; and
       ``(ii) has sufficient accounting controls to properly 
     manage such Federal funds.
       ``(C) Periodic review.--The Secretary shall periodically 
     review the monitoring of subrecipients by the applicant.
       ``(5) Specific oversight responsibilities.--Nothing in this 
     section shall affect or discharge any oversight 
     responsibility of the Secretary specifically provided for 
     under this title or other Federal law.
       ``(i) Major Projects.--
       ``(1) In general.--A recipient of a grant for a project 
     under this section with an estimated total cost of 
     $500,000,000 or more, and a recipient for such other projects 
     as may be identified by the Secretary, shall submit to the 
     Secretary for each project--
       ``(A) a project management plan; and
       ``(B) an annual financial plan.
       ``(2) Project management plan.--A project management plan 
     shall document--
       ``(A) the procedures and processes that are in effect to 
     provide timely information to the project decisionmakers to 
     effectively manage the scope, costs, schedules, and quality 
     of, and the Federal requirements applicable to, the project; 
     and
       ``(B) the role of the agency leadership and management team 
     in the delivery of the project.
       ``(3) Financial plan.--A financial plan shall--
       ``(A) be based on detailed estimates of the cost to 
     complete the project; and
       ``(B) provide for the annual submission of updates to the 
     Secretary that are based on reasonable assumptions, as 
     determined by the Secretary, of future increases in the cost 
     to complete the project.
       ``(j) Other Projects.--A recipient of Federal financial 
     assistance for a project under this title with an estimated 
     total cost of $100,000,000 or more that is not covered by 
     subsection (i) shall prepare an annual financial plan. Annual 
     financial plans prepared under this subsection shall be made 
     available to the Secretary for review upon the request of the 
     Secretary.
       ``(k) Other Terms and Conditions.--The Secretary shall 
     determine what additional grant terms and conditions are 
     necessary and appropriate to meet the requirements of this 
     section.
       ``(l) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Surface Transportation and Freight Policy 
     Act of 2012, the Secretary shall prescribe regulations to 
     implement this section.
       ``(m) Applicant Defined.--In this subchapter, the term 
     `applicant' includes a State, a political subdivision of a 
     State, a metropolitan planning organization, government-
     sponsored authorities and corporations, and the District of 
     Columbia.
       ``(n) Secretarial Oversight.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may use not more than 1 
     percent of amounts made available in a fiscal year for 
     capital projects under this subchapter to enter into 
     contracts to oversee the construction of such projects.
       ``(2) Permissible uses.--The Secretary may use amounts 
     available under paragraph (1) to make contracts for safety, 
     procurement, management, and financial compliance reviews and 
     audits of a recipient of amounts under paragraph (1).
       ``(3) Cost.--The Federal Government shall pay the entire 
     cost of carrying out a contract under this subsection.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for 
     chapter 55 is amended by adding at the end the following:

                ``subchapter iii. financial assistance''

``5581. National freight infrastructure investment grants.''.

     SEC. 32946. PORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE.

       Section 50302(c)(3)(C) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(C) Transfers.--Amounts appropriated or otherwise made 
     available for any fiscal year for a marine facility or 
     intermodal facility that includes maritime transportation may 
     be transferred, at the option of the recipient of such 
     amounts, to the Fund and administered by the Administrator as 
     a component of a project under the program.''.

     SEC. 32947. OFFICE OF FREIGHT PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) In General.--Section 102 is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
       ``(h) Office of Freight Planning and Development.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established within the 
     Office of the Secretary an Office of Freight Planning and 
     Development. The Office shall--
       ``(A) coordinate investment of Federal funding to improve 
     the efficiency of the national transportation system to move 
     freight consistent with the policy and objectives of section 
     312;
       ``(B) facilitate communication among government, public, 
     and private freight transportation stakeholders;
       ``(C) support the Secretary in the development of the 
     National Freight Transportation Strategic Plan; and
       ``(D) carry out other duties, as prescribed by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(2) Organization.--The head of the Office shall be the 
     Assistant Secretary of Freight Planning and Development.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 102(e) is amended by striking ``4'' and 
     inserting ``5''.
       (2) Section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``(4)'' in the item relating to Assistant 
     Secretaries of Transportation and inserting ``(5)''.

     SEC. 32948. SAFETY FOR MOTORIZED AND NONMOTORIZED USERS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, 
     is amended by adding at the end the following:

[[Page S775]]

     ``Sec.  413. Safety for motorized and nonmotorized users

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of the Surface Transportation and Freight Policy 
     Act of 2012, subject to subsection (b), the Secretary shall 
     establish standards to ensure that the design of Federal 
     surface transportation projects provides for the safe and 
     adequate accommodation, in all phases of project planning, 
     development, and operation, of all users of the 
     transportation network, including motorized and nonmotorized 
     users.
       ``(b) Waiver for State Law or Policy.--The Secretary may 
     waive the application of standards established under 
     subsection (a) to a State that has adopted a law or policy 
     that provides for the safe and adequate accommodation as 
     certified by the State (or other grantee), in all phases of 
     project planning and development, of users of the 
     transportation network on federally funded surface 
     transportation projects, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(c) Compliance.--
       ``(1) In general.--Each State department of transportation 
     shall submit to the Secretary, at such time, in such manner, 
     and containing such information as the Secretary shall 
     require, a report describing the implementation by the State 
     of measures to achieve compliance with this section.
       ``(2) Determination by secretary.--On receipt of a report 
     under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall determine whether 
     the applicable State has achieved compliance with this 
     section.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 4 of 
     title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``413. Safety for motorized and nonmotorized users.''.

TITLE III--HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 
                                  2012

     SEC. 33001. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Hazardous Materials 
     Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2012''.

     SEC. 33002. DEFINITION.

       In this title, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Transportation.

     SEC. 33003. REFERENCES TO TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE.

       Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this 
     title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an 
     amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the 
     reference shall be considered to be made to a section or 
     other provision of title 49, United States Code.

     SEC. 33004. TRAINING FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS.

       (a) Training Curriculum.--Section 5115 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(1)(B), by striking ``basic'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``basic''; and
       (3) in subsection (c), by striking ``basic''.
       (b) Operations Level Training.--Section 5116 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(1), by adding at the end the 
     following: ``To the extent that a grant is used to train 
     emergency responders, the State or Indian tribe shall provide 
     written certification to the Secretary that the emergency 
     responders who receive training under the grant will have the 
     ability to protect nearby persons, property, and the 
     environment from the effects of accidents or incidents 
     involving the transportation of hazardous material in 
     accordance with existing regulations or National Fire 
     Protection Association standards for competence of responders 
     to hazardous materials.'';
       (2) in subsection (j)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (7); and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
       ``(5) The Secretary may not award a grant to an 
     organization under this subsection unless the organization 
     ensures that emergency responders who receive training under 
     the grant will have the ability to protect nearby persons, 
     property, and the environment from the effects of accidents 
     or incidents involving the transportation of hazardous 
     material in accordance with existing regulations or National 
     Fire Protection Association standards for competence of 
     responders to hazardous materials.
       ``(6) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (3), to the extent 
     determined appropriate by the Secretary, a grant awarded by 
     the Secretary to an organization under this subsection to 
     conduct hazardous material response training programs may be 
     used to train individuals with responsibility to respond to 
     accidents and incidents involving hazardous material.''; and
       (3) in subsection (k)--
       (A) by striking ``annually'' and inserting ``an annual 
     report'';
       (B) by inserting ``the report'' after ``make available'';
       (C) by striking ``information'' and inserting ``. The 
     report submitted under this subsection shall include 
     information''; and
       (D) by striking ``The report shall identify'' and all that 
     follows and inserting the following: ``The report submitted 
     under this subsection shall identify the ultimate recipients 
     of such grants and include--
       ``(A) a detailed accounting and description of each grant 
     expenditure by each grant recipient, including the amount of, 
     and purpose for, each expenditure;
       ``(B) the number of persons trained under the grant 
     program, by training level;
       ``(C) an evaluation of the efficacy of such planning and 
     training programs; and
       ``(D) any recommendations the Secretary may have for 
     improving such grant programs.''.

     SEC. 33005. PAPERLESS HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary may conduct pilot projects 
     to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using 
     paperless hazard communications systems. At least 1 of the 
     pilot projects under this section shall take place in a rural 
     area.
       (b) Requirements.--In conducting pilot projects under this 
     section, the Secretary--
       (1) may not waive the requirements under section 5110 of 
     title 49, United States Code; and
       (2) shall consult with organizations representing--
       (A) fire services personnel;
       (B) law enforcement and other appropriate enforcement 
     personnel;
       (C) other emergency response providers;
       (D) persons who offer hazardous material for 
     transportation;
       (E) persons who transport hazardous material by air, 
     highway, rail, and water; and
       (F) employees of persons who transport or offer for 
     transportation hazardous material by air, highway, rail, and 
     water.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--
       (1) prepare a report on the results of the pilot projects 
     carried out under this section, including--
       (A) a detailed description of the pilot projects;
       (B) an evaluation of each pilot project, including an 
     evaluation of the performance of each paperless hazard 
     communications system in such project;
       (C) an assessment of the safety and security impact of 
     using paperless hazard communications systems, including any 
     impact on the public, emergency response, law enforcement, 
     and the conduct of inspections and investigations; and
       (D) a recommendation on whether paperless hazard 
     communications systems should be permanently incorporated 
     into the Federal hazardous material transportation safety 
     program under chapter 51 of title 49, United States Code; and
       (2) submit a final report to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives that contains the results of the pilot 
     projects carried out under this section, including the 
     matters described in paragraph (1).
       (d) Paperless Hazard Communications System Defined.--In 
     this section, the term ``paperless hazard communications 
     system'' means the use of advanced communications methods, 
     such as wireless communications devices, to convey hazard 
     information between all parties in the transportation chain, 
     including emergency responders and law enforcement personnel. 
     The format of communication may be equivalent to that used by 
     the carrier.

     SEC. 33006. IMPROVING DATA COLLECTION, ANALYSIS, AND 
                   REPORTING.

       (a) Assessment.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in coordination with 
     the Secretary of Homeland Security, as appropriate, shall 
     conduct an assessment to improve the collection, analysis, 
     reporting, and use of data related to accidents and incidents 
     involving the transportation of hazardous material.
       (2) Review.--The assessment conducted under this subsection 
     shall review the methods used by the Pipeline and Hazardous 
     Materials Safety Administration (referred to in this section 
     as the ``Administration'') for collecting, analyzing, and 
     reporting accidents and incidents involving the 
     transportation of hazardous material, including the adequacy 
     of--
       (A) information requested on the accident and incident 
     reporting forms required to be submitted to the 
     Administration;
       (B) methods used by the Administration to verify that the 
     information provided on such forms is accurate and complete;
       (C) accident and incident reporting requirements, including 
     whether such requirements should be expanded to include 
     shippers and consignees of hazardous materials;
       (D) resources of the Administration related to data 
     collection, analysis, and reporting, including staff and 
     information technology; and
       (E) the database used by the Administration for recording 
     and reporting such accidents and incidents, including the 
     ability of users to adequately search the database and find 
     information.
       (b) Development of Action Plan.--Not later than 9 months 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
     develop an action plan and timeline for improving the 
     collection, analysis, reporting, and use of data by the 
     Administration, including revising the database of the 
     Administration, as appropriate.
       (c) Submission to Congress.--Not later than 15 days after 
     the completion of the action plan and timeline under 
     subsection (c), the Secretary shall submit the action plan 
     and timeline to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives.

[[Page S776]]

       (d) Reporting Requirements.--Section 5125(b)(1)(D) is 
     amended by inserting ``and other hazardous materials 
     transportation incident reporting to the 9 1 1 emergency 
     system or involving State or local emergency responders in 
     the initial response to the incident'' before the period at 
     the end.

     SEC. 33007. LOADING AND UNLOADING OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

       (a) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary, after consultation with 
     the Department of Labor and the Environmental Protection 
     Agency, as appropriate, and after providing notice and an 
     opportunity for public comment shall prescribe regulations 
     establishing uniform procedures among facilities for the safe 
     loading and unloading of hazardous materials on and off tank 
     cars and cargo tank trucks.
       (b) Inclusion.--The regulations prescribed under subsection 
     (a) may include procedures for equipment inspection, 
     personnel protection, and necessary safeguards.
       (c) Consideration.--In prescribing regulations under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall give due consideration to 
     carrier rules and procedures that produce an equivalent level 
     of safety.

     SEC. 33008. HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT, RESEARCH 
                   AND DEVELOPMENT, AND ANALYSIS PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 51 is amended by inserting after 
     section 5117 the following:

     ``Sec.  5118. Hazardous material technical assessment, 
       research and development, and analysis program

       ``(a) Risk Reduction.--
       ``(1) Program authorized.--The Secretary of Transportation 
     may develop and implement a hazardous material technical 
     assessment, research and development, and analysis program 
     for the purpose of--
       ``(A) reducing the risks associated with the transportation 
     of hazardous material; and
       ``(B) identifying and evaluating new technologies to 
     facilitate the safe, secure, and efficient transportation of 
     hazardous material.
       ``(2) Coordination.--In developing the program under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
       ``(A) utilize information gathered from other modal 
     administrations with similar programs; and
       ``(B) coordinate with other modal administrations, as 
     appropriate.
       ``(b) Cooperation.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Secretary may work cooperatively with regulated and other 
     entities, including shippers, carriers, emergency responders, 
     State and local officials, and academic institutions.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 
     51 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
     5117 the following:

``5118. Hazardous material technical assessment, research and 
              development, and analysis program.''.

     SEC. 33009. HAZARDOUS MATERIAL ENFORCEMENT TRAINING PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a multimodal 
     hazardous material enforcement training program for 
     government hazardous materials inspectors and investigators--
       (1) to develop uniform performance standards for training 
     hazardous material inspectors and investigators; and
       (2) to train hazardous material inspectors and 
     investigators on--
       (A) how to collect, analyze, and publish findings from 
     inspections and investigations of accidents or incidents 
     involving the transportation of hazardous material; and
       (B) how to identify noncompliance with regulations issued 
     under chapter 51 of title 49, United States Code, and take 
     appropriate enforcement action.
       (b) Standards and Guidelines.--Under the program 
     established under this section, the Secretary may develop--
       (1) guidelines for hazardous material inspector and 
     investigator qualifications;
       (2) best practices and standards for hazardous material 
     inspector and investigator training programs; and
       (3) standard protocols to coordinate investigation efforts 
     among Federal, State, and local jurisdictions on accidents or 
     incidents involving the transportation of hazardous material.
       (c) Availability.--The standards, protocols, and findings 
     of the program established under this section--
       (1) shall be mandatory for--
       (A) the Department of Transportation's multimodal personnel 
     conducting hazardous material enforcement inspections or 
     investigations; and
       (B) State employees who conduct federally funded compliance 
     reviews, inspections, or investigations; and
       (2) shall be made available to Federal, State, and local 
     hazardous materials safety enforcement personnel.

     SEC. 33010. INSPECTIONS.

       (a) Notice of Enforcement Measures.--Section 5121(c)(1) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(G) shall provide to the affected offeror, carrier, 
     packaging manufacturer or tester, or other person responsible 
     for the package reasonable notice of--
       ``(i) his or her decision to exercise his or her authority 
     under paragraph (1);
       ``(ii) any findings made; and
       ``(iii) any actions being taken as a result of a finding of 
     noncompliance.''.
       (b) Regulations.--Section 5121(e) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following:
       ``(3) Matters to be addressed.--The regulations issued 
     under this subsection shall address--
       ``(A) the safe and expeditious resumption of transportation 
     of perishable hazardous material, including 
     radiopharmaceuticals and other medical products, that may 
     require timely delivery due to life-threatening situations;
       ``(B) the means by which--
       ``(i) noncompliant packages that present an imminent hazard 
     are placed out-of-service until the condition is corrected; 
     and
       ``(ii) noncompliant packages that do not present a hazard 
     are moved to their final destination;
       ``(C) appropriate training and equipment for inspectors; 
     and
       ``(D) the proper closure of packaging in accordance with 
     the hazardous material regulations.''.
       (c) Grants and Cooperative Agreements.--Section 5121(g)(1) 
     is amended by inserting ``safety and'' before ``security''.

     SEC. 33011. CIVIL PENALTIES.

       Section 5123 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$50,000'' and inserting 
     ``$75,000''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$100,000'' and 
     inserting ``$175,000''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(h) Penalty for Obstruction of Inspections and 
     Investigations.--The Secretary may impose a penalty on a 
     person who obstructs or prevents the Secretary from carrying 
     out inspections or investigations under subsection (c) or (i) 
     of section 5121.
       ``(i) Prohibition on Hazardous Material Operations After 
     Nonpayment of Penalties.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (2), 
     a person subject to the jurisdiction of the Secretary under 
     this chapter who fails to pay a civil penalty assessed under 
     this chapter, or fails to arrange and abide by an acceptable 
     payment plan for such civil penalty, may not conduct any 
     activity regulated under this chapter beginning on the 91st 
     day after the date specified by order of the Secretary for 
     payment of such penalty unless the person has filed a formal 
     administrative or judicial appeal of the penalty.
       ``(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any 
     person who is unable to pay a civil penalty because such 
     person is a debtor in a case under chapter 11 of title 11.
       ``(3) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this subsection, the Secretary, after providing 
     notice and an opportunity for public comment, shall issue 
     regulations that--
       ``(A) set forth procedures to require a person who is 
     delinquent in paying civil penalties to cease any activity 
     regulated under this chapter until payment has been made or 
     an acceptable payment plan has been arranged; and
       ``(B) ensures that the person described in subparagraph 
     (A)--
       ``(i) is notified in writing; and
       ``(ii) is given an opportunity to respond before the person 
     is required to cease the activity.''.

     SEC. 33012. REPORTING OF FEES.

       Section 5125(f)(2) is amended by striking ``, upon the 
     Secretary's request,'' and inserting ``biennially''.

     SEC. 33013. SPECIAL PERMITS, APPROVALS, AND EXCLUSIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 5117 is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``Sec.  5117. Special permits, approvals, and exclusions

       ``(a) Authority To Issue Special Permits.--
       ``(1) Conditions.--The Secretary of Transportation may 
     issue, modify, or terminate a special permit implementing new 
     technologies or authorizing a variance from a provision under 
     this chapter or a regulation prescribed under section 
     5103(b), 5104, 5110, or 5112 to a person performing a 
     function regulated by the Secretary under section 5103(b)(1) 
     to achieve--
       ``(A) a safety level at least equal to the safety level 
     required under this chapter; or
       ``(B) a safety level consistent with the public interest 
     and this chapter, if a required safety level does not exist.
       ``(2) Findings required.--
       ``(A) In general.--Before issuing, renewing, or modifying a 
     special permit or granting party status to a special permit, 
     the Secretary shall determine that the person is fit to 
     conduct the activity authorized by such permit in a manner 
     that achieves the level of safety required under paragraph 
     (1).
       ``(B) Considerations.--In making the determination under 
     subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider--
       ``(i) the person's safety history (including prior 
     compliance history);
       ``(ii) the person's accident and incident history; and
       ``(iii) any other information the Secretary considers 
     appropriate to make such a determination.
       ``(3) Effective period.--A special permit issued under this 
     section--
       ``(A) shall be for an initial period of not more than 2 
     years;
       ``(B) may be renewed by the Secretary upon application--

[[Page S777]]

       ``(i) for successive periods of not more than 4 years each; 
     or
       ``(ii) in the case of a special permit relating to section 
     5112, for an additional period of not more than 2 years.
       ``(b) Applications.--
       ``(1) Required documentation.--When applying for a special 
     permit or the renewal or modification of a special permit or 
     requesting party status to a special permit under this 
     section, the Secretary shall require the person to submit an 
     application that contains--
       ``(A) a detailed description of the person's request;
       ``(B) a listing of the person's current facilities and 
     addresses where the special permit will be utilized;
       ``(C) a safety analysis prescribed by the Secretary that 
     justifies the special permit;
       ``(D) documentation to support the safety analysis;
       ``(E) a certification of safety fitness; and
       ``(F) proof of registration, as required under section 
     5108.
       ``(2) Public notice.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) publish notice in the Federal Register that an 
     application for a special permit has been filed; and
       ``(B) provide the public an opportunity to inspect and 
     comment on the application.
       ``(3) Savings clause.--This subsection does not require the 
     release of information protected by law from public 
     disclosure.
       ``(c) Coordinate and Communicate With Modal Contact 
     Officials.--
       ``(1) In general.--In evaluating applications under 
     subsection (b), and making the findings and determinations 
     under subsections (a), (e), and (h), the Administrator of the 
     Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration shall 
     consult, coordinate, or notify the modal contact official 
     responsible for the specified mode of transportation that 
     will be utilized under a special permit or approval before--
       ``(A) issuing, modifying, or renewing the special permit;
       ``(B) granting party status to the special permit; or
       ``(C) issuing or renewing the special permit or approval.
       ``(2) Modal contact official defined.--In this section, the 
     term `modal contact official' means--
       ``(A) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration;
       ``(B) the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier 
     Safety;
       ``(C) the Administrator of the Federal Railroad 
     Administration; and
       ``(D) the Commandant of the Coast Guard.
       ``(d) Applications To Be Dealt With Promptly.--The 
     Secretary shall--
       ``(1) issue, modify, renew, or grant party status to a 
     special permit or approval for which a request was filed 
     under this section, or deny the issuance, modification, 
     renewal, or grant, on or before the last day of the 180-day 
     period beginning on the first day of the month following the 
     date of the filing of the request; or
       ``(2) publish a statement in the Federal Register that--
       ``(A) describes the reason for the delay of the Secretary's 
     decision on the special permit or approval; and
       ``(B) includes an estimate of the additional time necessary 
     before the decision is made.
       ``(e) Emergency Processing of Special Permits.--
       ``(1) Findings required.--The Secretary may not grant a 
     request for emergency processing of a special permit unless 
     the Secretary determines that--
       ``(A) a special permit is necessary for national security 
     purposes;
       ``(B) processing on a routine basis under this section 
     would result in significant injury to persons or property; or
       ``(C) a special permit is necessary to prevent significant 
     economic loss or damage to the environment that could not be 
     prevented if the application were processed on a routine 
     basis.
       ``(2) Waiver of fitness test.--The Secretary may waive the 
     requirement under subsection (a)(2) for a request for which 
     the Secretary makes a determination under subparagraph (A) or 
     (B) of paragraph (1).
       ``(3) Notification.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of issuance of a special permit under this subsection, the 
     Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register of 
     the issuance that includes--
       ``(A) a statement of the basis for the finding of 
     emergency; and
       ``(B) the scope and duration of the special permit.
       ``(4) Effective period.--A special permit issued under this 
     subsection shall be effective for a period not to exceed 180 
     days.
       ``(f) Exclusions.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall exclude, in any 
     part, from this chapter and regulations prescribed under this 
     chapter--
       ``(A) a public vessel (as defined in section 2101 of title 
     46);
       ``(B) a vessel exempted under section 3702 of title 46 or 
     from chapter 37 of title 46; and
       ``(C) a vessel to the extent it is regulated under the 
     Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1221, et 
     seq.).
       ``(2) Firearms.--This chapter and regulations prescribed 
     under this chapter do not prohibit--
       ``(A) or regulate transportation of a firearm (as defined 
     in section 232 of title 18), or ammunition for a firearm, by 
     an individual for personal use; or
       ``(B) transportation of a firearm or ammunition in 
     commerce.
       ``(g) Limitation on Authority.--Unless the Secretary 
     decides that an emergency exists, a person subject to this 
     chapter may only be granted a variance from this chapter 
     through a special permit or renewal granted under this 
     section.
       ``(h) Approvals.--
       ``(1) Findings required.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may not issue an approval 
     or grant the renewal of an approval pursuant to part 107 of 
     title 49, Code of Federal Regulations until the Secretary has 
     determined that the person is fit, willing, and able to 
     conduct the activity authorized by the approval in a manner 
     that achieves the level of safety required under subsection 
     (a)(1).
       ``(B) Considerations.--In making a determination under 
     subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider--
       ``(i) the person's safety history (including prior 
     compliance history);
       ``(ii) the person's accident and incident history; and
       ``(iii) any other information the Secretary considers 
     appropriate to make such a determination.
       ``(2) Required documentation.--When applying for an 
     approval or renewal or modification of an approval under this 
     section, the Secretary shall require the person to submit an 
     application that contains--
       ``(A) a detailed description of the person's request;
       ``(B) a listing of the persons current facilities and 
     addresses where the approval will be utilized;
       ``(C) a safety analysis prescribed by the Secretary that 
     justifies the approval;
       ``(D) documentation to support the safety analysis;
       ``(E) a certification of safety fitness; and
       ``(F) the verification of registration required under 
     section 5108.
       ``(3) Savings provision.--Nothing in this subsection may be 
     construed to require the release of information protected by 
     law from public disclosure.
       ``(i) Noncompliance.--The Secretary may modify, suspend, or 
     terminate a special permit or approval if the Secretary 
     determines that--
       ``(1) the person who was granted the special permit or 
     approval has violated the special permit or approval or the 
     regulations issued under this chapter in a manner that 
     demonstrates that the person is not fit to conduct the 
     activity authorized by the special permit or approval; or
       ``(2) the special permit or approval is unsafe.
       ``(j) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety 
     Improvement Act of 2012, the Secretary, after providing 
     notice and an opportunity for public comment, shall issue 
     regulations that establish--
       ``(1) standard operating procedures to support 
     administration of the special permit and approval programs; 
     and
       ``(2) objective criteria to support the evaluation of 
     special permit and approval applications.
       ``(k) Annual Review of Certain Special Permits.--
       ``(1) Review.--The Secretary shall conduct an annual review 
     and analysis of special permits--
       ``(A) to identify consistently used and longstanding 
     special permits with an established safety record; and
       ``(B) to determine whether such permits may be converted 
     into the hazardous materials regulations.
       ``(2) Factors.--In conducting the review and analysis under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary may consider--
       ``(A) the safety record for hazardous materials transported 
     under the special permit;
       ``(B) the application of a special permit;
       ``(C) the suitability of provisions in the special permit 
     for incorporation into the hazardous materials regulations; 
     and
       ``(D) rulemaking activity in related areas.
       ``(3) Rulemaking.--After completing the review and analysis 
     under paragraph (1) and providing notice and opportunity for 
     public comment, the Secretary shall issue regulations, as 
     needed.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 51 is 
     amended by striking the item relating to section 5117 and 
     inserting the following:

``5117. Special permits, approvals, and exclusions.''.

     SEC. 33014. HIGHWAY ROUTING DISCLOSURES.

       (a) List of Route Designations.--Section 5112(c) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``In coordination'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--In coordination''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) State responsibilities.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each State shall submit to the 
     Secretary, in a form and manner to be determined by the 
     Secretary and in accordance with subparagraph (B)--
       ``(i) the name of the State agency responsible for 
     hazardous material highway route designations; and
       ``(ii) a list of the State's currently effective hazardous 
     material highway route designations.
       ``(B) Frequency.--Each State shall submit the information 
     described in subparagraph (A)(ii)--
       ``(i) at least once every 2 years; and

[[Page S778]]

       ``(ii) not later than 60 days after a hazardous material 
     highway route designation is established, amended, or 
     discontinued.''.
       (b) Compliance With Section 5112.--Section 5125(c)(1) is 
     amended by inserting ``, and is published in the Department's 
     hazardous materials route registry under section 5112(c)'' 
     before the period at the end.

     SEC. 33015. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 5128 is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec.  5128. Authorization of appropriations

       ``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     to the Secretary to carry out this chapter (except sections 
     5107(e), 5108(g)(2), 5113, 5115, 5116, and 5119)--
       ``(1) $42,338,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
       ``(2) $42,762,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       ``(b) Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Fund.--
     From the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Fund 
     established under section 5116(i), the Secretary may expend, 
     during each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013--
       ``(1) $188,000 to carry out section 5115;
       ``(2) $21,800,000 to carry out subsections (a) and (b) of 
     section 5116, of which not less than $13,650,000 shall be 
     available to carry out section 5116(b);
       ``(3) $150,000 to carry out section 5116(f);
       ``(4) $625,000 to publish and distribute the Emergency 
     Response Guidebook under section 5116(i)(3); and
       ``(5) $1,000,000 to carry out section 5116(j).
       ``(c) Hazardous Materials Training Grants.--From the 
     Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Fund established 
     pursuant to section 5116(i), the Secretary may expend 
     $4,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2012 and 2013 to 
     carry out section 5107(e).
       ``(d) Credits to Appropriations.--
       ``(1) Expenses.--In addition to amounts otherwise made 
     available to carry out this chapter, the Secretary may credit 
     amounts received from a State, Indian tribe, or other public 
     authority or private entity for expenses the Secretary incurs 
     in providing training to the State, authority, or entity.
       ``(2) Availability of amounts.--Amounts made available 
     under this section shall remain available until expended.''.

      TITLE IV--RESEARCH AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATION 
                      REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2012

     SEC. 34001. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Research and Innovative 
     Technology Administration Reauthorization Act of 2012''.

     SEC. 34002. NATIONAL COOPERATIVE FREIGHT RESEARCH PROGRAM.

       Section 509(d) of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Coordination of cooperative research.--The National 
     Academy of Sciences shall coordinate research agendas, 
     research project selections, and competitions across all 
     transportation-related cooperative research programs 
     conducted by the National Academy of Sciences to ensure 
     program efficiency, effectiveness, and sharing of research 
     findings.''.

     SEC. 34003. MULTIMODAL INNOVATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 55 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec.  5507. Multimodal Innovative Research Program

       ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     establish a Multimodal Innovative Research Program (referred 
     to in this section as the `Program') in the Research and 
     Innovative Technology Administration.
       ``(b) Purpose.--The Program shall support--
       ``(1) national transportation policy, objectives, and goals 
     by applying state-of-the-art advanced technology solutions to 
     multimodal transportation issues; and
       ``(2) key partnerships throughout the Department of 
     Transportation and with other Federal agencies to fully 
     leverage their investments in transportation research and 
     technology developments to address transportation problems at 
     modal interfaces or affecting more than 1 transportation 
     mode.
       ``(c) Content.--The Program shall--
       ``(1) address issues affecting--
       ``(A) policy;
       ``(B) cross-modal concerns, such as efficient and 
     intermodal goods and passenger movements;
       ``(C) the development of advanced vehicle technologies;
       ``(D) the application of existing technologies; and
       ``(E) the integration of multimodal real-time 
     transportation information systems;
       ``(2) competitively award contracts or cooperative 
     agreements for advanced multimodal transportation research to 
     facilitate practical innovative approaches to solve 
     transportation problems related to attaining--
       ``(A) the strategic goals of the Department of 
     Transportation; and
       ``(B) multimodal elements of the Transportation Research 
     and Development Strategic Plan required under section 508 of 
     title 23;
       ``(3) demonstrate transportation system applications of 
     advanced transportation technologies, methodologies, 
     policies, and decisions;
       ``(4) disseminate best practices in planning, operations, 
     design, and maintenance of transportation and related 
     systems; and
       ``(5) provide technology identification, modification, and 
     dissemination through outreach to other Federal agencies, 
     State and local transportation agencies, and other public, 
     private, and academic stakeholders in the industry.
       ``(d) Coordination.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     coordinate activities under this section with other Federal 
     agencies, as appropriate.
       ``(e) Funding.--
       ``(1) In general.--Of the amounts appropriated pursuant to 
     section 34011 of the Research and Innovative Technology 
     Administration Reauthorization Act of 2012, $20,000,000 shall 
     be made available for each of the fiscal year 2012 and 2013 
     to establish and maintain the Multimodal Innovative Research 
     Program.
       ``(2) Management and oversight.--During each of the fiscal 
     years 2012 and 2013, the Secretary of Transportation may not 
     expend more than 1.5 percent of the amounts made available 
     under paragraph (1) to carry out management and oversight of 
     the Multimodal Innovative Research Program.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 
     55 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 5506 the following:

``5507. Multimodal Innovative Research Program.''.

     SEC. 34004. BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS.

       (a) In General.--Subtitle III of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

           ``CHAPTER 63--BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS

           ``subchapter i--bureau of transportation statistics

``Sec.
``6301. Establishment.
``6302. Director.
``6303. Responsibilities.
``6304. National Transportation Library.
``6305. Advisory Council on Transportation Statistics.
``6306. Transportation statistical collection, analysis, and 
              dissemination.
``6307. Furnishing information, data, or reports by Federal agencies.
``6308. Prohibition on certain disclosures.
``6309. Data access.
``6310. Proceeds of data product sales.
``6311. Information collection.
``6312. National transportation atlas database.
``6313. Limitations on statutory construction.
``6314. Research and development grants.
``6315. Transportation statistics annual report.
``6316. Mandatory response authority for data collections.

          ``SUBCHAPTER I--BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS

     ``Sec.  6301. Establishment

       ``There is established, in the Research and Innovative 
     Technology Administration, a Bureau of Transportation 
     Statistics (referred to in this subchapter as the `Bureau').

     ``Sec.  6302. Director

       ``(a) Appointment.--The Bureau shall be headed by a 
     Director, who shall be appointed in the competitive service 
     by the Secretary of Transportation.
       ``(b) Qualifications.--The Director shall be appointed from 
     among individuals who are qualified to serve as the Director 
     by virtue of their training and experience in the collection, 
     analysis, and use of transportation statistics.

     ``Sec.  6303. Responsibilities

       ``(a) Duties of the Director.--The Director, who shall 
     serve as the Secretary of Transportation's senior advisor on 
     data and statistics, shall be responsible for carrying out 
     the following duties:
       ``(1) Ensuring that the statistics compiled under paragraph 
     (6) are designed to support transportation decisionmaking by 
     the Federal Government, State and local governments, 
     metropolitan planning organizations, transportation-related 
     associations, the private sector (including the freight 
     community), and the public.
       ``(2) Establishing a program, on behalf of the Secretary--
       ``(A) to effectively integrate safety data across modes; 
     and
       ``(B) to address gaps in existing safety data programs of 
     the Department of Transportation.
       ``(3) Working with the operating administrations of the 
     Department of Transportation--
       ``(A) to establish and implement the Bureau's data 
     programs; and
       ``(B) to improve the coordination of information collection 
     efforts with other Federal agencies.
       ``(4) Continually improving surveys and data collection 
     methods to improve the accuracy and utility of transportation 
     statistics.
       ``(5) Encouraging the standardization of data, data 
     collection methods, and data management and storage 
     technologies for data collected by the Bureau, the operating 
     administrations of the Department of Transportation, States, 
     local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and 
     private sector entities.
       ``(6) Collecting, compiling, analyzing, and publishing a 
     comprehensive set of transportation statistics on the 
     performance and impacts of the national transportation 
     system, including statistics on--

[[Page S779]]

       ``(A) transportation safety across all modes and 
     intermodally;
       ``(B) the state of good repair of United States 
     transportation infrastructure.
       ``(C) the extent, connectivity, and condition of the 
     transportation system, building on the national 
     transportation atlas database developed under section 6312;
       ``(D) economic efficiency throughout the entire 
     transportation sector;
       ``(E) the effects of the transportation system on global 
     and domestic economic competitiveness;
       ``(F) demographic, economic, and other variables 
     influencing travel behavior, including choice of 
     transportation mode and goods movement;
       ``(G) transportation-related variables that influence the 
     domestic economy and global competitiveness;
       ``(H) the economic costs and impacts for passenger travel 
     and freight movement;
       ``(I) intermodal and multimodal passenger movement;
       ``(J) intermodal and multimodal freight movement; and
       ``(K) the consequences of transportation for the human and 
     natural environment, sustainable transportation, and livable 
     communities.
       ``(7) Building and disseminating the transportation layer 
     of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure developed under 
     Executive Order 12906, including--
       ``(A) coordinating the development of transportation 
     geospatial data standards;
       ``(B) compiling intermodal geospatial data; and
       ``(C) collecting geospatial data that is not being 
     collected by others.
       ``(8) Issuing guidelines for the collection of information 
     by the Department of Transportation that is required for 
     transportation statistics, modeling, economic assessment, and 
     program assessment in order to ensure that such information 
     is accurate, reliable, relevant, uniform and in a form that 
     permits systematic analysis by the Department.
       ``(9) Reviewing and reporting to the Secretary of 
     Transportation on the sources and reliability of--
       ``(A) the statistics proposed by the heads of the operating 
     administrations of the Department of Transportation to 
     measure outputs and outcomes, as required by the Government 
     Performance and Results Act of 1993 (Public Law 103 62; 107 
     Stat. 285); and
       ``(B) other data collected or statistical information 
     published by the heads of the operating administrations of 
     the Department.
       ``(10) Making the statistics published under this 
     subsection readily accessible to the public, consistent with 
     applicable security constraints and confidentiality 
     interests.
       ``(b) Access to Federal Data.--In carrying out subsection 
     (a)(2), the Director shall be provided access to--
       ``(1) all safety data held by any agency of the Department; 
     and
       ``(2) all safety data held by any other Federal Government 
     agency that is germane to carrying out subsection (a), upon 
     written request and subject to any statutory or regulatory 
     restrictions.
       ``(c) Intermodal Transportation Database.--
       ``(1) In general.--In consultation with the Under Secretary 
     for Policy, the Assistant Secretaries, and the heads of the 
     operating administrations of the Department of 
     Transportation, the Director shall establish and maintain a 
     transportation database for all modes of transportation.
       ``(2) Use of database.--The database established under this 
     subsection shall be suitable for analyses carried out by the 
     Federal Government, the States, and metropolitan planning 
     organizations.
       ``(3) Contents.--The database established under this 
     section shall include--
       ``(A) information on the volumes and patterns of movement, 
     including local, interregional, and international movement--
       ``(i) of goods by all modes of transportation and 
     intermodal combinations, and by relevant classification; and
       ``(ii) of people by all modes of transportation (including 
     bicycle and pedestrian modes) and intermodal combinations, 
     and by relevant classification;
       ``(B) information on the location and connectivity of 
     transportation facilities and services; and
       ``(C) a national accounting of expenditures and capital 
     stocks on each mode of transportation and intermodal 
     combination.

     ``Sec.  6304. National Transportation Library

       ``(a) Purpose and Establishment.--There is established, in 
     the Bureau, a National Transportation Library (referred to in 
     this section as the `Library'), which shall--
       ``(1) support the information management and decisionmaking 
     needs of transportation at Federal, State, and local levels;
       ``(2) be headed by an individual who is highly qualified in 
     library and information science;
       ``(3) acquire, preserve, and manage transportation 
     information and information products and services for use of 
     the Department of Transportation, other Federal agencies, and 
     the general public;
       ``(4) provide reference and research assistance;
       ``(5) serve as a central depository for research results 
     and technical publications of the Department of 
     Transportation;
       ``(6) provide a central clearinghouse for transportation 
     data and information in the Federal Government;
       ``(7) serve as coordinator and policy lead for 
     transportation information access;
       ``(8) provide transportation information and information 
     products and services to the Department of Transportation, 
     other agencies of the Federal Government, public and private 
     organizations, and individuals, within the United States and 
     internationally;
       ``(9) coordinate efforts among, and cooperate with, 
     transportation libraries, information providers, and 
     technical assistance centers, in conjunction with private 
     industry and other transportation library and information 
     centers, toward the development of a comprehensive 
     transportation information and knowledge network supporting 
     activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (K) of 
     section 6303(a)(6); and
       ``(10) engage in such other activities as the Director 
     determines appropriate and as the Library's resources permit.
       ``(b) Access.--The Director shall publicize, facilitate, 
     and promote access to the information products and services 
     described in subsection (a) to improve--
       ``(1) the ability of the transportation community to share 
     information; and
       ``(2) the ability of the Director to make statistics and 
     other information readily accessible under section 
     6303(a)(10).
       ``(c) Agreements.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director may enter into agreements 
     with, award grants to, and receive funds from any State and 
     other political subdivision, organization, business, or 
     individual for the purpose of conducting activities under 
     this section.
       ``(2) Contracts, grants, and agreements.--The Library may 
     initiate and support specific information and data 
     management, access, and exchange activities in connection 
     with matters relating to Department of Transportation's 
     strategic goals, knowledge networking, and national and 
     international cooperation by entering into contracts or 
     awarding grants for the conduct of such activities.
       ``(3) Funds.--Amounts received under this subsection for 
     payments for library products and services or other 
     activities shall--
       ``(A) be deposited in the Research and Innovative 
     Technology Administration's general fund account; and
       ``(B) remain available to the Library until expended.

     ``Sec.  6305. Advisory Council on Transportation Statistics

       ``(a) In General.--The Director shall maintain an Advisory 
     Council on Transportation Statistics (referred to in this 
     section as the `Advisory Council').
       ``(b) Function.--The Advisory Council shall advise the 
     Director on--
       ``(1) the quality, reliability, consistency, objectivity, 
     and relevance of transportation statistics and analyses 
     collected, supported, or disseminated by the Bureau and the 
     Department of Transportation; and
       ``(2) methods to encourage cooperation and interoperability 
     of transportation data collected by the Bureau, the operating 
     administrations of the Department, States, local governments, 
     metropolitan planning organizations, and private sector 
     entities.
       ``(c) Membership.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Advisory Council shall be composed 
     of not fewer than 9 members and not more than 11 members, who 
     shall be appointed by the Director.
       ``(2) Selection.--In selecting members for the Advisory 
     Council, the Director shall appoint individuals who--
       ``(A) are not officers or employees of the United States;
       ``(B) possess expertise in--
       ``(i) transportation data collection, analysis, or 
     application;
       ``(ii) economics; or
       ``(iii) transportation safety; and
       ``(C) represent a cross section of transportation 
     stakeholders, to the greatest extent possible.
       ``(3) Terms of appointment.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     members of the Advisory Council--
       ``(i) shall be appointed to staggered terms not to exceed 3 
     years; and
       ``(ii) may be renominated for 1 additional 3-year term.
       ``(B) Current members.--Members serving on the Advisory 
     Council as of the date of enactment of the Research and 
     Innovative Technology Administration Reauthorization Act of 
     2012 shall serve until the end of their appointed terms.
       ``(d) Applicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The 
     Federal Advisory Committee Act (except for section 14 of such 
     Act) shall apply to the Advisory Council.

     ``Sec.  6306. Transportation statistical collection, 
       analysis, and dissemination

       ``To ensure that all transportation statistical collection, 
     analysis, and dissemination is carried out in a coordinated 
     manner, the Director may--
       ``(1) utilize, with their consent, the services, equipment, 
     records, personnel, information, and facilities of other 
     Federal, State, local, and private agencies and 
     instrumentalities with or without reimbursement for such 
     utilization;
       ``(2) enter into agreements with agencies and 
     instrumentalities referred to in paragraph (1) for purposes 
     of data collection and analysis;
       ``(3) confer and cooperate with foreign governments, 
     international organizations, States, municipalities, and 
     other local agencies;

[[Page S780]]

       ``(4) request such information, data, and reports from any 
     Federal agency as may be required to carry out the purposes 
     of this section;
       ``(5) encourage replication, coordination, and sharing 
     among transportation agencies regarding information systems, 
     information policy, and data; and
       ``(6) confer and cooperate with Federal statistical 
     agencies as needed to carry out the purposes of this section, 
     including by entering into cooperative data sharing 
     agreements in conformity with all laws and regulations 
     applicable to the disclosure and use of data.

     ``Sec.  6307. Furnishing information, data, or reports by 
       Federal agencies

       ``Federal agencies requested to furnish information, data, 
     or reports under section 6303(b) shall provide such 
     information to the Bureau as is required to carry out the 
     purposes of this section.

     ``Sec.  6308. Prohibition on certain disclosures

       ``(a) In General.--An officer, employee, or contractor of 
     the Bureau may not--
       ``(1) make any disclosure in which the data provided by an 
     individual or organization under section 6303 can be 
     identified;
       ``(2) use the information provided under section 6303 for a 
     nonstatistical purpose; or
       ``(3) permit anyone other than an individual authorized by 
     the Director to examine any individual report provided under 
     section 6303.
       ``(b) Copies of Reports.--
       ``(1) In general.--A department, bureau, agency, officer, 
     or employee of the United States (except the Director in 
     carrying out this section) may not require, for any reason, a 
     copy of any report that has been filed under section 6303 
     with the Bureau or retained by an individual respondent.
       ``(2) Limitation on judicial proceedings.--A copy of a 
     report described in paragraph (1) that has been retained by 
     an individual respondent or filed with the Bureau or any of 
     its employees, contractors, or agents--
       ``(A) shall be immune from legal process; and
       ``(B) may not, without the consent of the individual 
     concerned, be admitted as evidence or used for any purpose in 
     any action, suit, or other judicial or administrative 
     proceedings.
       ``(3) Applicability.--This subsection shall only apply to 
     reports that permit information concerning an individual or 
     organization to be reasonably determined by direct or 
     indirect means.
       ``(c) Informing Respondent of Use of Data.--If the Bureau 
     is authorized by statute to collect data or information for a 
     nonstatistical purpose, the Director shall clearly 
     distinguish the collection of such data or information, by 
     rule and on the collection instrument, to inform a respondent 
     who is requested or required to supply the data or 
     information of the nonstatistical purpose.

     ``Sec.  6309. Data access

       ``The Director shall be provided access to transportation 
     and transportation-related information in the possession of 
     any Federal agency, except--
       ``(1) information that is expressly prohibited by law from 
     being disclosed to another Federal agency; or
       ``(2) information that the agency possessing the 
     information determines could not be disclosed without 
     significantly impairing the discharge of authorities and 
     responsibilities which have been delegated to, or vested by 
     law, in such agency.

     ``Sec.  6310. Proceeds of data product sales

       ``Notwithstanding section 3302 of title 31, amounts 
     received by the Bureau from the sale of data products, for 
     necessary expenses incurred, may be credited to the Highway 
     Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for the 
     purpose of reimbursing the Bureau for such expenses.

     ``Sec.  6311. Information collection

       ``As the head of an independent Federal statistical agency, 
     the Director may consult directly with the Office of 
     Management and Budget concerning any survey, questionnaire, 
     or interview that the Director considers necessary to carry 
     out the statistical responsibilities under this subchapter.

     ``Sec.  6312. National transportation atlas database

       ``(a) In General.--The Director shall develop and maintain 
     a national transportation atlas database that is comprised of 
     geospatial databases that depict--
       ``(1) transportation networks;
       ``(2) flows of people, goods, vehicles, and craft over the 
     networks; and
       ``(3) social, economic, and environmental conditions that 
     affect, or are affected by, the networks.
       ``(b) Intermodal Network Analysis.--The databases developed 
     under subsection (a) shall be capable of supporting 
     intermodal network analysis.

     ``Sec.  6313. Limitations on statutory construction

       ``Nothing in this subchapter may be construed--
       ``(1) to authorize the Bureau to require any other 
     department or agency to collect data; or
       ``(2) to reduce the authority of any other officer of the 
     Department to independently collect and disseminate data.

     ``Sec.  6314. Research and development grants

       ``The Secretary may award grants to, or enter into 
     cooperative agreements or contracts with, public and 
     nonprofit private entities (including State transportation 
     departments, metropolitan planning organizations, and 
     institutions of higher education) for--
       ``(1) investigation of the subjects specified in section 
     6303 and research and development of new methods of data 
     collection, standardization, management, integration, 
     dissemination, interpretation, and analysis;
       ``(2) demonstration programs by States, local governments, 
     and metropolitan planning organizations to coordinate data 
     collection, reporting, management, storage, and archiving to 
     simplify data comparisons across jurisdictions;
       ``(3) development of electronic clearinghouses of 
     transportation data and related information, as part of the 
     National Transportation Library under section 6304; and
       ``(4) development and improvement of methods for sharing 
     geographic data, in support of the database under section 
     6303 and the National Spatial Data Infrastructure.

     ``Sec.  6315. Transportation statistics annual report

       ``The Director shall submit to the President and Congress a 
     transportation statistics annual report, which shall 
     include--
       ``(1) information on items referred to in section 
     6303(a)(6);
       ``(2) documentation of methods used to obtain and ensure 
     the quality of the statistics presented in the report; and
       ``(3) recommendations for improving transportation 
     statistical information.

     ``Sec.  6316. Mandatory response authority for data 
       collections

       ``Any individual who, as the owner, official, agent, person 
     in charge, or assistant to the person in charge of any 
     corporation, company, business, institution, establishment, 
     organization of any nature or the member of a household, 
     neglects or refuses, after requested by the Director or other 
     authorized officer, employee, or contractor of the Bureau, to 
     answer completely and correctly to the best of the 
     individual's knowledge all questions relating to the 
     corporation, company, business, institution, establishment, 
     or other organization or household, or to make available 
     records or statistics in the individual's official custody, 
     contained in a data collection request prepared and submitted 
     under section 6303(a)--
       ``(1) shall be fined not more than $500, except as provided 
     under paragraph (2); and
       ``(2) if the individual willfully gives a false answer to 
     such a question, shall be fined not more than $10,000.''.
       (b) Rules of Construction.--In transferring the provisions 
     under section 111 of title 49, United States Code, to chapter 
     63 of title 49, as added by subsection (a), the following 
     rules of construction shall apply:
       (1) For purposes of determining whether 1 provision of law 
     supersedes another based on enactment later in time, a 
     provision under chapter 63 of title 49, United States Code, 
     is deemed to have been enacted on the date of the enactment 
     of the corresponding provision under section 111 of such 
     title.
       (2) A reference to a provision under such chapter 65 is 
     deemed to refer to the corresponding provision under such 
     section 111.
       (3) A reference to a provision under such section 111, 
     including a reference in a regulation, order, or other law, 
     is deemed to refer to the corresponding provision under such 
     chapter 65.
       (4) A regulation, order, or other administrative action 
     authorized by a provision under such section 111 continues to 
     be authorized by the corresponding provision under such 
     chapter 65.
       (5) An action taken or an offense committed under a 
     provision of section 111 is deemed to have been taken or 
     committed under the corresponding provision of chapter 65.
       (c) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Repeal.--Chapter 1 of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (A) by repealing section 111; and
       (B) by striking the item relating to section 111 in the 
     chapter analysis.
       (2) Analysis of subtitle iii.--The table of chapters for 
     subtitle III of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     inserting after the item for chapter 61 the following:
     ``63. Bureau of Transportation Statistics . . . . . . . . . . 
     . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6301''.

     SEC. 34005. 5.9 GHZ VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE AND VEHICLE-TO-
                   INFRASTRUCTURE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS 
                   DEPLOYMENT.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 55 of title 49, 
     United States Code, as amended by section 34003, is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec.  5508. GHz vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-
       infrastructure communications systems deployment

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit a 
     report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Transportation 
     and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the 
     Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives that--
       ``(1) defines a recommended implementation path for 
     Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) technology and 
     applications; and
       ``(2) includes guidance concerning the relationship of the 
     proposed DSRC deployment to Intelligent Transportation System 
     National Architecture and Standards.
       ``(b) Report Review.--The Secretary shall enter into an 
     agreement for the review of the

[[Page S781]]

     report submitted under subsection (a) by an independent third 
     party with subject matter expertise.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis of chapter 55 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to section 5507, as added by section 34003, 
     the following:

``5508. 5.9 GHz vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure 
              communications systems deployment.''.

     SEC. 34006. ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY.

       Section 112 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     inserting after subsection (e) the following:
       ``(f) Program Evaluation and Oversight.--The Administrator 
     is authorized to expend not more than 1.5 percent of the 
     amounts authorized to be appropriated for each of the fiscal 
     years 2012 and 2013, for necessary expenses for 
     administration and operations of the Research and Innovative 
     Technology Administration for the coordination, evaluation, 
     and oversight of the programs administered by the 
     Administration.
       ``(g) Collaborative Research and Development.--
       ``(1) In general.--To encourage innovative solutions to 
     multimodal transportation problems and stimulate the 
     deployment of new technology, the Administrator may carry 
     out, on a cost-shared basis, collaborative research and 
     development with--
       ``(A) non-Federal entities, including State and local 
     governments, foreign governments, colleges and universities, 
     corporations, institutions, partnerships, sole 
     proprietorships, and trade associations that are incorporated 
     or established under the laws of any State;
       ``(B) Federal laboratories; and
       ``(C) other Federal agencies.
       ``(2) Cooperation, grants, contracts, and agreements.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator 
     may directly initiate contracts, grants, other transactions, 
     and cooperative research and development agreements (as 
     defined in section 12 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology 
     Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3710a)) to fund, and accept 
     funds from, the Transportation Research Board of the National 
     Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, State 
     departments of transportation, cities, counties, 
     universities, associations, and the agents of such entities 
     to conduct joint transportation research and technology 
     efforts.
       ``(3) Federal share.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of 
     activities carried out under a cooperative research and 
     development agreement entered into under this subsection may 
     not exceed 50 percent unless the Secretary approves a greater 
     Federal share due to substantial public interest or benefit.
       ``(B) Non-federal share.--All costs directly incurred by 
     the non-Federal partners, including personnel, travel, 
     facility, and hardware development costs, shall be credited 
     toward the non-Federal share of the cost of the activities 
     described in subparagraph (A).
       ``(4) Use of technology.--The research, development, or use 
     of a technology under a cooperative research and development 
     agreement entered into under this subsection, including the 
     terms under which the technology may be licensed and the 
     resulting royalties may be distributed, shall be subject to 
     the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 
     U.S.C. 3701 et seq.).
       ``(5) Waiver of advertising requirements.--Section 3709 of 
     the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5) shall not apply to a 
     contract, grant, or other agreement entered into under this 
     chapter.''.

     SEC. 34007. PRIZE AUTHORITY.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 3 of title 49, United States Code, 
     is amended by inserting before section 336 the following:

     ``SEC. 335. PRIZE AUTHORITY.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation may 
     carry out a program, in accordance with this section, to 
     competitively award cash prizes to stimulate innovation in 
     basic and applied research, technology development, and 
     prototype demonstration that have the potential for 
     application to the national transportation system.
       ``(b) Topics.--In selecting topics for prize competitions 
     under this section, the Secretary shall--
       ``(1) consult with a wide variety of Government and 
     nongovernment representatives; and
       ``(2) give consideration to prize goals that demonstrate 
     innovative approaches and strategies to improve the safety, 
     efficiency, and sustainability of the national transportation 
     system.
       ``(c) Advertising.--The Secretary shall encourage 
     participation in the prize competitions through extensive 
     advertising.
       ``(d) Requirements and Registration.--For each prize 
     competition, the Secretary shall publish a notice on a public 
     website that describes--
       ``(1) the subject of the competition;
       ``(2) the eligibility rules for participation in the 
     competition;
       ``(3) the amount of the prize; and
       ``(4) the basis on which a winner will be selected.
       ``(e) Eligibility.--An individual or entity may not receive 
     a prize under this section unless the individual or entity--
       ``(1) has registered to participate in the competition 
     pursuant to any rules promulgated by the Secretary under this 
     section;
       ``(2) has complied with all the requirements under this 
     section;
       ``(3)(A) in the case of a private entity, is incorporated 
     in, and maintains a primary place of business in, the United 
     States; or
       ``(B) in the case of an individual, whether participating 
     singly or in a group, is a citizen or permanent resident of 
     the United States; and
       ``(4) is not a Federal entity or Federal employee acting 
     within the scope of his or her employment.
       ``(f) Liability.--
       ``(1) Assumption of risk.--
       ``(A) In general.--A registered participant shall agree to 
     assume any and all risks and waive claims against the Federal 
     Government and its related entities, except in the case of 
     willful misconduct, for any injury, death, damage, or loss of 
     property, revenue, or profits, whether direct, indirect, or 
     consequential, arising from participation in a competition, 
     whether such injury, death, damage, or loss arises through 
     negligence or otherwise.
       ``(B) Related entity.--In this paragraph, the term `related 
     entity' means a contractor, subcontractor (at any tier), 
     supplier, user, customer, cooperating party, grantee, 
     investigator, or detailee.
       ``(2) Financial responsibility.--A participant shall obtain 
     liability insurance or demonstrate financial responsibility, 
     in amounts determined by the Secretary, for claims by--
       ``(A) a third party for death, bodily injury, or property 
     damage, or loss resulting from an activity carried out in 
     connection with participation in a competition, with the 
     Federal Government named as an additional insured under the 
     registered participant's insurance policy and registered 
     participants agreeing to indemnify the Federal Government 
     against third party claims for damages arising from or 
     related to competition activities; and
       ``(B) the Federal Government for damage or loss to 
     Government property resulting from such an activity.
       ``(g) Judges.--
       ``(1) Selection.--For each prize competition, the 
     Secretary, either directly or through an agreement under 
     subsection (h), shall assemble a panel of qualified judges to 
     select the winner or winners of the prize competition on the 
     basis described in subsection (d). Judges for each 
     competition shall include individuals from outside the 
     Administration, including the private sector.
       ``(2) Limitations.--A judge selected under this subsection 
     may not--
       ``(A) have personal or financial interests in, or be an 
     employee, officer, director, or agent of, any entity that is 
     a registered participant in a prize competition under this 
     section; or
       ``(B) have a familial or financial relationship with an 
     individual who is a registered participant.
       ``(h) Administering the Competition.--The Secretary may 
     enter into an agreement with a private, nonprofit entity to 
     administer the prize competition, subject to the provisions 
     of this section.
       ``(i) Funding.--
       ``(1) Private sector funding.--A cash prize under this 
     section may consist of funds appropriated by the Federal 
     Government and funds provided by the private sector. The 
     Secretary may accept funds from other Federal agencies, State 
     and local governments, and metropolitan planning 
     organizations for the cash prizes. The Secretary may not give 
     any special consideration to any private sector entity in 
     return for a donation under this paragraph.
       ``(2) Availability of funds.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law, amounts appropriated for prize awards under 
     this section--
       ``(A) shall remain available until expended; and
       ``(B) may not be transferred, reprogrammed, or expended for 
     other purposes until after the expiration of the 10-year 
     period beginning on the last day of the fiscal year for which 
     the funds were originally appropriated.
       ``(3) Savings provision.--Nothing in this subsection may be 
     construed to permit the obligation or payment of funds in 
     violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act (31 U.S.C. 1341).
       ``(4) Prize announcement.--A prize may not be announced 
     under this section until all the funds needed to pay out the 
     announced amount of the prize have been appropriated or 
     committed in writing by a private source.
       ``(5) Prize increases.--The Secretary may increase the 
     amount of a prize after the initial announcement of the prize 
     under this section if--
       ``(A) notice of the increase is provided in the same manner 
     as the initial notice of the prize; and
       ``(B) the funds needed to pay out the announced amount of 
     the increase have been appropriated or committed in writing 
     by a private source.
       ``(6) Congressional notification.--A prize competition 
     under this section may offer a prize in an amount greater 
     than $1,000,000 only after 30 days have elapsed after written 
     notice has been transmitted to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives.
       ``(7) Award limit.--A prize competition under this section 
     may not result in the award of more than $25,000 in cash 
     prizes without the approval of the Secretary.

[[Page S782]]

       ``(j) Use of Department Name and Insignia.--A registered 
     participant in a prize competition under this section may use 
     the Department's name, initials, or insignia only after prior 
     review and written approval by the Secretary.
       ``(k) Compliance With Existing Law.--The Federal Government 
     shall not, by virtue of offering or providing a prize under 
     this section, be responsible for compliance by registered 
     participants in a prize competition with Federal law, 
     including licensing, export control, and non-proliferation 
     laws, and related regulations.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis of chapter 3 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting before 
     the item relating to section 336 the following:

``335. Prize authority.''.

     SEC. 34008. TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

       Section 508(a) of title 23, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``SAFETEA LU'' and 
     inserting ``Research and Innovative Technology Administration 
     Reauthorization Act of 2012''; and
       (2) by amending paragraph (2)(A) to read as follows:
       ``(A) describe the primary purposes of the transportation 
     research and development program, which shall include--
       ``(i) promoting safety;
       ``(ii) reducing congestion and improving mobility;
       ``(iii) promoting security;
       ``(iv) protecting and enhancing the environment;
       ``(v) preserving the existing transportation system; and
       ``(vi) improving transportation infrastructure, in 
     coordination with Department of Transportation strategic 
     goals and planning efforts;''.

     SEC. 34009. USE OF FUNDS FOR INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION 
                   SYSTEMS ACTIVITIES.

       Section 513 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec.  513. Use of funds for ITS activities

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may use not more than 
     $500,000 of the amounts made available to the Department for 
     each fiscal year to carry out the Intelligent Transportation 
     Systems Program (referred to in this section as `ITS') on 
     intelligent transportation system outreach, websites, public 
     relations, displays, tours, and brochures.
       ``(b) Purpose.--Amounts authorized for use under subsection 
     (a) are intended to develop, administer, communicate, and 
     promote the use of products of research, technology, and 
     technology transfer programs under this section.
       ``(c) ITS Deployment Incentives.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may develop and implement 
     incentives to accelerate the deployment of ITS technologies 
     and services within all programs receiving amounts 
     appropriated pursuant to section 34011 of the Research and 
     Innovative Technology Administration Reauthorization Act of 
     2012.
       ``(2) Comprehensive plan.--The Secretary shall develop a 
     detailed and comprehensive plan to carry out this subsection 
     that addresses how incentives may be adopted, as appropriate, 
     through the existing deployment activities carried out by 
     surface transportation modal administrations.''.

     SEC. 34010. NATIONAL TRAVEL DATA PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 55 of title 49, 
     United States Code, as amended by sections _4003 and _4005, 
     is further amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec.  5509. National Travel Data Program

       ``(a) Establishment.--Not later than 18 months after the 
     date of enactment of the Research and Innovative Technology 
     Administration Reauthorization Act of 2012, the Secretary of 
     Transportation shall establish the National Travel Data 
     Program (referred to in this section as the ``Program'') to 
     collect essential national passenger and freight travel data 
     to help guide transportation operations, policy, and 
     investment decisions for Federal, State, and local 
     governments and the private sector.
       ``(b) Program Elements.--In carrying out the Program, the 
     Secretary shall--
       ``(1) collect data and make such data available to support 
     transportation operations, policy, and investment decisions, 
     including data on system performance, safety, international 
     competitiveness, energy efficiency, and changes in 
     demographics;
       ``(2) improve the quality of the data collected under the 
     Program, including identifying and addressing current gaps in 
     passenger and freight travel data collection, such as the 
     sample sizes and frequency of transportation surveys 
     including the Commodity Flow Survey, the National Household 
     Travel Survey, and the Transportation Services Index; and
       ``(3) consult with State and local governments, private 
     sector data providers, and professional and nonprofit 
     associations to improve the integration, management, and 
     implementation of data collected under the Program.
       ``(c) Advisory Council on Transportation Statistics.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--In carrying out the Program, the 
     Secretary shall seek recommendations from the Advisory 
     Council on Transportation Statistics, established under 
     section 6305 on--
       ``(A) the design and implementation of the Program;
       ``(B) emerging transportation-related data needs relevant 
     to the Program; and
       ``(C) other matters the Secretary determines to be 
     appropriate.
       ``(d) Reports to Congress.--
       ``(1) 5-year plan.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Research and Innovative Technology 
     Administration Reauthorization Act of 2012, the Secretary 
     shall submit, to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives, a 5-year plan for implementing the National 
     Travel Data Program that includes benchmarks and goals.
       ``(2) Biennial report.--Upon the establishment of the 
     National Travel Data Program, and every 2 years thereafter, 
     the Secretary shall submit a report on the activities of the 
     Program to the congressional committees set forth in 
     paragraph (1).
       ``(e) Funding.--Of the amounts made available under section 
     34011 of the Research and Innovative Technology 
     Administration Reauthorization Act of 2012, $8,000,000 shall 
     be available for each of the fiscal years 2012 and 2013 to 
     establish and maintain the Program.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 
     55 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by sections 3 
     and 5, is further amended by inserting after the item 
     relating to section 5508 the following:

``5509. National Travel Data Program.''.

     SEC. 34011. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit 
     Account), under the conditions set forth in subsection (b)--
       (1) $55,297,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
       (2) $55,597,000 for fiscal year 2013.
       (b) Applicability of Title 23, United States Code.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
     amounts appropriated pursuant to subsection (a) shall be 
     available for obligation in the same manner as if such funds 
     were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States 
     Code.
       (2) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of a 
     project or activity carried out with amounts appropriated 
     pursuant to subsection (a) shall be 50 percent unless another 
     percentage is--
       (A) expressly provided under this Act or the amendments 
     made by this Act; or
       (B) determined by the Secretary.
       (3) Availability; transferability.--Amounts appropriated 
     pursuant to subsection (a) shall remain available until 
     expended and shall not be transferable.

                          DIVISION D--FINANCE

     SEC. 40001. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This division may be cited as the 
     ``Highway Investment, Job Creation, and Economic Growth Act 
     of 2012''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this 
     division is as follows:

                          DIVISION D--FINANCE

Sec. 40001. Short title; table of contents.

  TITLE I--EXTENSION OF HIGHWAY TRUST FUND EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY AND 
                             RELATED TAXES

Sec. 40101. Extension of trust fund expenditure authority.
Sec. 40102. Extension of highway-related taxes.

                       TITLE II--OTHER PROVISIONS

Sec. 40201. Temporary increase in small issuer exception to tax-exempt 
              interest expense allocation rules for financial 
              institutions.
Sec. 40202. Temporary modification of alternative minimum tax 
              limitations on tax-exempt bonds.
Sec. 40203. Issuance of TRIP bonds by State infrastructure banks.
Sec. 40204. Extension of parity for exclusion from income for employer-
              provided mass transit and parking benefits.
Sec. 40205. Exempt-facility bonds for sewage and water supply 
              facilities.

                     TITLE III--REVENUE PROVISIONS

Sec. 40301. Transfer from Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund 
              to Highway Trust Fund.
Sec. 40302. Portion of Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund 
              financing rate transferred to Highway Trust Fund.
Sec. 40303. Transfer of gas guzzler taxes to Highway Trust Fund.
Sec. 40304. Revocation or denial of passport in case of certain unpaid 
              taxes.
Sec. 40305. 100 percent continuous levy on payments to Medicare 
              providers and suppliers.
Sec. 40306. Transfer of amounts attributable to certain duties on 
              imported vehicles into the Highway Trust Fund.
Sec. 40307. Treatment of securities of a controlled corporation 
              exchanged for assets in certain reorganizations.
Sec. 40308. Internal Revenue Service levies and Thrift Savings Plan 
              Accounts.
Sec. 40309. Depreciation and amortization rules for highway and related 
              property subject to long-term leases.
Sec. 40310. Extension for transfers of excess pension assets to retiree 
              health accounts.
Sec. 40311. Transfer of excess pension assets to retiree group term 
              life insurance accounts.
Sec. 40312. Pension funding stabilization.

[[Page S783]]

  TITLE I--EXTENSION OF HIGHWAY TRUST FUND EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY AND 
                             RELATED TAXES

     SEC. 40101. EXTENSION OF TRUST FUND EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY.

       (a) Highway Trust Fund.--Section 9503 of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
       (1) by striking ``April 1, 2012'' in subsections (b)(6)(B), 
     (c)(1), and (e)(3) and inserting ``October 1, 2013''; and
       (2) by striking ``Surface Transportation Extension Act of 
     2011, Part II'' in subsections (c)(1) and (e)(3) and 
     inserting ``Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century 
     Act''.
       (b) Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.--Section 
     9504 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Surface Transportation Extension Act of 
     2011, Part II'' each place it appears in subsection (b)(2) 
     and inserting ``Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century 
     Act''; and
       (2) by striking ``April 1, 2012'' in subsection (d)(2) and 
     inserting ``October 1, 2013''.
       (c) Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.--Paragraph 
     (2) of section 9508(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
     is amended by striking ``April 1, 2012'' and inserting 
     ``October 1, 2013''.
       (d) Establishment of Solvency Account.--Section 9503 of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end 
     the following new subsection:
       ``(g) Establishment of Solvency Account.--
       ``(1) Creation of account.--There is established in the 
     Highway Trust Fund a separate account to be known as the 
     `Solvency Account' consisting of such amounts as may be 
     transferred or credited to the Solvency Account as provided 
     in this section or section 9602(b).
       ``(2) Transfers to solvency account.--The Secretary of the 
     Treasury shall transfer to the Solvency Account the excess 
     of--
       ``(A) any amount appropriated to the Highway Trust Fund 
     before October 1, 2013, by reason of the provisions of, and 
     amendments made by, the Highway Investment, Job Creation, and 
     Economic Growth Act of 2012, over
       ``(B) the amount necessary to meet the required 
     expenditures from the Highway Trust Fund under subsection (c) 
     for the period ending before October 1, 2013.
       ``(3) Expenditures from account.--Amounts in the Solvency 
     Account shall be available for transfers to the Highway 
     Account (as defined in subsection (e)(5)(B)) and the Mass 
     Transit Account in such amounts as determined necessary by 
     the Secretary to ensure that each account has a surplus 
     balance of $2,800,000,000 on September 30, 2013.
       ``(4) Termination of account.--The Solvency Account shall 
     terminate on September 30, 2013, and the Secretary shall 
     transfer any remaining balance in the Account on such date to 
     the Highway Trust Fund.''.
       (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on April 1, 2012.

     SEC. 40102. EXTENSION OF HIGHWAY-RELATED TAXES.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Each of the following provisions of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``March 31, 
     2012'' and inserting ``September 30, 2015'':
       (A) Section 4041(a)(1)(C)(iii)(I).
       (B) Section 4041(m)(1)(B).
       (C) Section 4081(d)(1).
       (2) Each of the following provisions of such Code is 
     amended by striking ``April 1, 2012'' and inserting ``October 
     1, 2015'':
       (A) Section 4041(m)(1)(A).
       (B) Section 4051(c).
       (C) Section 4071(d).
       (D) Section 4081(d)(3).
       (b) Extension of Tax, etc., on Use of Certain Heavy 
     Vehicles.--Each of the following provisions of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``2012'' and 
     inserting ``2015'':
       (1) Section 4481(f).
       (2) Subsections (c)(4) and (d) of section 4482.
       (c) Floor Stocks Refunds.--Section 6412(a)(1) of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
       (1) by striking ``April 1, 2012'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``October 1, 2015'';
       (2) by striking ``September 30, 2012'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``March 31, 2016''; and
       (3) by striking ``July 1, 2012'' and inserting ``January 1, 
     2016''.
       (d) Extension of Certain Exemptions.--Sections 4221(a) and 
     4483(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 are each amended 
     by striking ``April 1, 2012'' and inserting ``October 1, 
     2015''.
       (e) Extension of Transfers of Certain Taxes.--
       (1) In general.--Section 9503 of the Internal Revenue Code 
     of 1986 is amended--
       (A) in subsection (b)--
       (i) by striking ``April 1, 2012'' each place it appears in 
     paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting ``October 1, 2015'';
       (ii) by striking ``April 1, 2012'' in the heading of 
     paragraph (2) and inserting ``October 1, 2015'';
       (iii) by striking ``March 31, 2012'' in paragraph (2) and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2015''; and
       (iv) by striking ``January 1, 2013'' in paragraph (2) and 
     inserting ``July 1, 2016''; and
       (B) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``January 1, 2013'' 
     and inserting ``July 1, 2016''.
       (2) Motorboat and small-engine fuel tax transfers.--
       (A) In general.--Paragraphs (3)(A)(i) and (4)(A) of section 
     9503(c) of such Code are each amended by striking ``April 1, 
     2012'' and inserting ``October 1, 2015''.
       (B) Conforming amendments to land and water conservation 
     fund.--Section 201(b) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund 
     Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l 11(b)) is amended--
       (i) by striking ``April 1, 2013'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``October 1, 2016''; and
       (ii) by striking ``April 1, 2012'' and inserting ``October 
     1, 2015''.
       (f) Effective Date.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     amendments made by this section shall take effect on April 1, 
     2012.
       (2) Subsection (b)(2).--The amendment made by subsection 
     (b)(2) shall apply to periods beginning after September 30, 
     2012.

                       TITLE II--OTHER PROVISIONS

     SEC. 40201. TEMPORARY INCREASE IN SMALL ISSUER EXCEPTION TO 
                   TAX-EXEMPT INTEREST EXPENSE ALLOCATION RULES 
                   FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

       (a) In General.--Subparagraph (G) of section 265(b)(3) of 
     the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
       (1) by striking ``2009 or 2010'' in clause (i) and 
     inserting ``2009, 2010, or 2012'',
       (2) by striking ``2009 or 2010'' each place it appears in 
     clauses (ii) and (iii) and inserting ``2009, 2010, or the 
     period beginning after the date of the enactment of the 
     Highway Investment, Job Creation, and Economic Growth Act of 
     2012 and before January 1, 2013'', and
       (3) by striking ``2009 and 2010'' in the heading and 
     inserting ``2009, 2010, and 2012''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply to obligations issued after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 40202. TEMPORARY MODIFICATION OF ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX 
                   LIMITATIONS ON TAX-EXEMPT BONDS.

       (a) Interest on Private Activity Bonds Not Treated as Tax 
     Preference Items.--Clause (vi) of section 57(a)(5)(C) of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
       (1) in subclause (I) by inserting ``, or after the date of 
     enactment of the Highway Investment, Job Creation, and 
     Economic Growth Act of 2012 and before January 1, 2013'' 
     after ``January 1, 2011'';
       (2) in subclause (III) by inserting ``before January 1, 
     2011'' after ``which is issued''; and
       (3) by striking ``and 2010'' in the heading and inserting 
     ``, 2010, and portions of 2012''.
       (b) No Adjustment to Adjusted Current Earnings.--Clause 
     (iv) of section 56(g)(4)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
     1986 is amended--
       (1) in subclause (I) by inserting ``, or after the date of 
     enactment of the Highway Investment, Job Creation, and 
     Economic Growth Act of 2012 and before January 1, 2013'' 
     after ``January 1, 2011'';
       (2) in subclause (III) by inserting ``before January 1, 
     2011'' after ``which is issued''; and
       (3) by striking ``and 2010'' in the heading and inserting 
     ``, 2010, and portions of  2012''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply to obligations issued after the date of enactment 
     of this Act.

     SEC. 40203. ISSUANCE OF TRIP BONDS BY STATE INFRASTRUCTURE 
                   BANKS.

       Section 610(d) of title 23, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as 
     paragraphs (5), (6), and (7), respectively,
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(4) TRIP bond account.--
       ``(A) In general.--A State, through a State infrastructure 
     bank, may issue TRIP bonds and deposit proceeds from such 
     issuance into the TRIP bond account of the bank.
       ``(B) TRIP bond.--For purposes of this section, the term 
     `TRIP bond' means any bond issued as part of an issue if--
       ``(i) 100 percent of the available project proceeds of such 
     issue are to be used for expenditures incurred after the date 
     of the enactment of this paragraph for 1 or more qualified 
     projects pursuant to an allocation of such proceeds to such 
     project or projects by a State infrastructure bank,
       ``(ii) the bond is issued by a State infrastructure bank 
     and is in registered form (within the meaning of section 
     149(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986),
       ``(iii) the State infrastructure bank designates such bond 
     for purposes of this section, and
       ``(iv) the term of each bond which is part of such issue 
     does not exceed 30 years.
       ``(C) Qualified project.--For purposes of this 
     subparagraph, the term `qualified project' means the capital 
     improvements to any transportation infrastructure project of 
     any governmental unit or other person, including roads, 
     bridges, rail and transit systems, ports, and inland 
     waterways proposed and approved by a State infrastructure 
     bank, but does not include costs of operations or maintenance 
     with respect to such project.'',
       (3) by adding at the end of paragraph (5), as redesignated 
     by paragraph (1), the following new subparagraph:
       ``(D) TRIP bond account..--Funds deposited into the TRIP 
     bond account shall constitute for purposes of this section a 
     capitalization grant for the TRIP bond account of the 
     bank.'', and
       (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(8) Special rules for trip bond account funds.--

[[Page S784]]

       ``(A) In general.--The State shall develop a transparent 
     competitive process for the award of funds deposited into the 
     TRIP bond account that considers the impact of qualified 
     projects on the economy, the environment, state of good 
     repair, and equity.
       ``(B) Applicability of federal law.--The requirements of 
     any Federal law, including this title and titles 40 and 49, 
     which would otherwise apply to projects to which the United 
     States is a party or to funds made available under such law 
     and projects assisted with those funds shall apply to--
       ``(i) funds made available under the TRIP bond account for 
     similar qualified projects, and
       ``(ii) similar qualified projects assisted through the use 
     of such funds.''.

     SEC. 40204. EXTENSION OF PARITY FOR EXCLUSION FROM INCOME FOR 
                   EMPLOYER-PROVIDED MASS TRANSIT AND PARKING 
                   BENEFITS.

       (a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 132(f) of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking 
     ``January 1, 2012'' and inserting ``January 1, 2013''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section 
     shall apply to months after December 31, 2011.

     SEC. 40205. EXEMPT-FACILITY BONDS FOR SEWAGE AND WATER SUPPLY 
                   FACILITIES.

       (a) Bonds for Water and Sewage Facilities Temporarily 
     Exempt From Volume Cap on Private Activity Bonds.--Subsection 
     (g) of section 146 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (3),
       (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (4) and 
     inserting ``, and'', and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(5) any exempt facility bonds issued before January 1, 
     2018, as part of an issue described in paragraph (4) or (5) 
     of section 142(a).''.
       (b) Conforming Change.--Paragraphs (2) and (3)(B) of 
     section 146(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 are both 
     amended by striking ``paragraph (4), (5), (6), or (10) of 
     section 142(a)'' and inserting ``paragraph (4) or (5) of 
     section 142(a) with respect to bonds issued after December 
     31, 2017, or paragraph (6) or (10) of section 142(a)''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply to obligations issued after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.

                     TITLE III--REVENUE PROVISIONS

     SEC. 40301. TRANSFER FROM LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK 
                   TRUST FUND TO HIGHWAY TRUST FUND.

       (a) In General.--Subsection (c) of section 9508 of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Amounts'' and inserting:
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
     amounts'', and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2) Transfer to highway trust fund.--Out of amounts in 
     the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund there is 
     hereby appropriated $3,000,000,000 to be transferred under 
     section 9503(f)(3) to the Highway Trust Fund.''.
       (b) Transfer to Highway Trust Fund.--
       (1) In general.--Subsection (f) of section 9503 of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after 
     paragraph (2) the following new paragraph:
       ``(3) Increase in fund balance.--There is hereby 
     transferred to the Highway Trust Fund amounts appropriated 
     from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund under 
     section 9508(c)(2).''.
       (2) Conforming amendments.--Paragraph (4) of section 
     9503(f) of such Code is amended--
       (A) by inserting ``or transferred'' after ``appropriated'', 
     and
       (B) by striking ``appropriated'' in the heading thereof.

     SEC. 40302. PORTION OF LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK TRUST 
                   FUND FINANCING RATE TRANSFERRED TO HIGHWAY 
                   TRUST FUND.

       (a) In General.--Subsection (b) of section 9503 of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after 
     paragraph (2) the following new paragraph:
       ``(3) Portion of leaking underground storage tank trust 
     fund financing rate.--There are hereby appropriated to the 
     Highway Trust Fund amounts equivalent to one-third of the 
     taxes received in the Treasury under--
       ``(A) section 4041(d) (relating to additional taxes on 
     motor fuels),
       ``(B) section 4081 (relating to tax on gasoline, diesel 
     fuel, and kerosene) to the extent attributable to the Leaking 
     Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund financing rate under such 
     section, and
       ``(C) section 4042 (relating to tax on fuel used in 
     commercial transportation on inland waterways) to the extent 
     attributable to the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust 
     Fund financing rate under such section.

     For purposes of this paragraph, there shall not be taken into 
     account the taxes imposed by sections 4041 and 4081 on diesel 
     fuel sold for use or used as fuel in a diesel-powered 
     boat.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 9508(b) of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 are each amended by inserting 
     ``two-thirds of the'' before ``taxes''.
       (2) Paragraph (4) of section 9503(b) of such Code is 
     amended by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and by 
     redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as subparagraphs (A) 
     and (B), respectively.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply to taxes received after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act.

     SEC. 40303. TRANSFER OF GAS GUZZLER TAXES TO HIGHWAY TRUST 
                   FUND.

       (a) In General.--Paragraph (1) of section 9503(b) of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by redesignating 
     subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E) as subparagraphs (D), (E), 
     and (F), respectively, and by inserting after subparagraph 
     (B) the following new subparagraph:
       ``(B) section 4064 (relating to gas guzzler tax),''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply to taxes received after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act.

     SEC. 40304. REVOCATION OR DENIAL OF PASSPORT IN CASE OF 
                   CERTAIN UNPAID TAXES.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter D of chapter 75 of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new section:

     ``SEC. 7345. REVOCATION OR DENIAL OF PASSPORT IN CASE OF 
                   CERTAIN TAX DELINQUENCIES.

       ``(a) In General.--If the Secretary receives certification 
     by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue that any individual 
     has a seriously delinquent tax debt in an amount in excess of 
     $50,000, the Secretary shall transmit such certification to 
     the Secretary of State for action with respect to denial, 
     revocation, or limitation of a passport pursuant to section 4 
     of the Act entitled `An Act to regulate the issue and 
     validity of passports, and for other purposes', approved July 
     3, 1926 (22 U.S.C. 211a et seq.), commonly known as the 
     `Passport Act of 1926'.
       ``(b) Seriously Delinquent Tax Debt.--For purposes of this 
     section, the term `seriously delinquent tax debt' means an 
     outstanding debt under this title for which a notice of lien 
     has been filed in public records pursuant to section 6323 or 
     a notice of levy has been filed pursuant to section 6331, 
     except that such term does not include--
       ``(1) a debt that is being paid in a timely manner pursuant 
     to an agreement under section 6159 or 7122, and
       ``(2) a debt with respect to which collection is suspended 
     because a collection due process hearing under section 6330, 
     or relief under subsection (b), (c), or (f) of section 6015, 
     is requested or pending.
       ``(c) Adjustment for Inflation.--In the case of a calendar 
     year beginning after 2012, the dollar amount in subsection 
     (a) shall be increased by an amount equal to--
       ``(1) such dollar amount, multiplied by
       ``(2) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under 
     section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year, determined by 
     substituting `calendar year 2011' for `calendar year 1992' in 
     subparagraph (B) thereof.

     If any amount as adjusted under the preceding sentence is not 
     a multiple of $1,000, such amount shall be rounded to the 
     next highest multiple of $1,000.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for 
     subchapter D of chapter 75 of the Internal Revenue Code of 
     1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

``Sec. 7345. Revocation or denial of passport in case of certain tax 
              delinquencies.''.
       (c) Authority for Information Sharing.--
       (1) In general.--Subsection (l) of section 6103 of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end 
     the following new paragraph:
       ``(23) Disclosure of return information to department of 
     state for purposes of passport revocation under section 
     7345.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall, upon receiving a 
     certification described in section 7345, disclose to the 
     Secretary of State return information with respect to a 
     taxpayer who has a seriously delinquent tax debt described in 
     such section. Such return information shall be limited to--
       ``(i) the taxpayer identity information with respect to 
     such taxpayer, and
       ``(ii) the amount of such seriously delinquent tax debt.
       ``(B) Restriction on disclosure.--Return information 
     disclosed under subparagraph (A) may be used by officers and 
     employees of the Department of State for the purposes of, and 
     to the extent necessary in, carrying out the requirements of 
     section 4 of the Act entitled `An Act to regulate the issue 
     and validity of passports, and for other purposes', approved 
     July 3, 1926 (22 U.S.C. 211a et seq.), commonly known as the 
     `Passport Act of 1926'.''.
       (2) Conforming amendment.--Paragraph (4) of section 6103(p) 
     of such Code is amended by striking ``or (22)'' each place it 
     appears in subparagraph (F)(ii) and in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A) and inserting ``(22), or (23)''.
       (d) Revocation Authorization.--The Act entitled ``An Act to 
     regulate the issue and validity of passports, and for other 
     purposes'', approved July 3, 1926 (22 U.S.C. 211a et seq.), 
     commonly known as the ``Passport Act of 1926'', is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 4. AUTHORITY TO DENY OR REVOKE PASSPORT.

       ``(a) Ineligibility.--
       ``(1) Issuance.--Except as provided under subsection (b), 
     upon receiving a certification

[[Page S785]]

     described in section 7345 of the Internal Revenue Code of 
     1986 from the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of 
     State may not issue a passport or passport card to any 
     individual who has a seriously delinquent tax debt described 
     in such section.
       ``(2) Revocation.--The Secretary of State shall revoke a 
     passport or passport card previously issued to any individual 
     described in subparagraph (A).
       ``(b) Exceptions.--
       ``(1) Emergency and humanitarian situations.--
     Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Secretary of State may 
     issue a passport or passport card, in emergency circumstances 
     or for humanitarian reasons, to an individual described in 
     subsection (a)(1).
       ``(2) Limitation for return to united states.--
     Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2), the Secretary of State, 
     before revocation, may--
       ``(A) limit a previously issued passport or passport card 
     only for return travel to the United States; or
       ``(B) issue a limited passport or passport card that only 
     permits return travel to the United States.''.
       (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on January 1, 2013.

     SEC. 40305. 100 PERCENT CONTINUOUS LEVY ON PAYMENTS TO 
                   MEDICARE PROVIDERS AND SUPPLIERS.

       (a) In General.--Paragraph (3) of section 6331(h) of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking the 
     period at the end and inserting ``, or to a Medicare provider 
     or supplier under title XVIII of the Social Security Act.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section 
     shall apply to payments made after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act.

     SEC. 40306. TRANSFER OF AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO CERTAIN 
                   DUTIES ON IMPORTED VEHICLES INTO THE HIGHWAY 
                   TRUST FUND.

       Section 9503(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as 
     amended by this Act, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new paragraph:
       ``(8) Certain duties on imported vehicles.--There are 
     hereby appropriated to the Highway Trust Fund amounts 
     equivalent to the amounts received in the Treasury that are 
     attributable to duties collected on or after October 1, 2011, 
     and before October 1, 2016, on articles classified under 
     subheading 8703.22.00 or 8703.24.00 of the Harmonized Tariff 
     Schedule of the United States.''.

     SEC. 40307. TREATMENT OF SECURITIES OF A CONTROLLED 
                   CORPORATION EXCHANGED FOR ASSETS IN CERTAIN 
                   REORGANIZATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 361 of the Internal Revenue Code 
     of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(d) Special Rules for Transactions Involving Section 355 
     Distributions.--In the case of a reorganization described in 
     section 368(a)(1)(D) with respect to which stock or 
     securities of the corporation to which the assets are 
     transferred are distributed in a transaction which qualifies 
     under section 355--
       ``(1) this section shall be applied by substituting `stock 
     other than nonqualified preferred stock (as defined in 
     section 351(g)(2))' for `stock or securities' in subsections 
     (a) and (b)(1), and
       ``(2) the first sentence of subsection (b)(3) shall apply 
     only to the extent that the sum of the money and the fair 
     market value of the other property transferred to such 
     creditors does not exceed the adjusted bases of such assets 
     transferred (reduced by the amount of the liabilities assumed 
     (within the meaning of section 357(c))).''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Paragraph (3) of section 361(b) 
     is amended by striking the last sentence.
       (c) Effective Date.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     amendments made by this section shall apply to exchanges 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (2) Transition rule.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall not apply to any exchange pursuant to a transaction 
     which is--
       (A) made pursuant to a written agreement which was binding 
     on February 6, 2012, and at all times thereafter;
       (B) described in a ruling request submitted to the Internal 
     Revenue Service on or before February 6, 2012; or
       (C) described on or before February 6, 2012, in a public 
     announcement or in a filing with the Securities and Exchange 
     Commission.

     SEC. 40308. INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE LEVIES AND THRIFT 
                   SAVINGS PLAN ACCOUNTS.

       Section 8437(e)(3) of title 5, United States Code, is 
     amended by inserting ``, the enforcement of a Federal tax 
     levy as provided in section 6331 of the Internal Revenue Code 
     of 1986,'' after ``(42 U.S.C. 659)''.

     SEC. 40309. DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION RULES FOR HIGHWAY 
                   AND RELATED PROPERTY SUBJECT TO LONG-TERM 
                   LEASES.

       (a) Accelerated Cost Recovery.--
       (1) In general.--Section 168(g)(1) of the Internal Revenue 
     Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of 
     subparagraph (D), by redesignating subparagraph (E) as 
     subparagraph (F), and by inserting after subparagraph (D) the 
     following new subparagraph:
       ``(E) any applicable leased highway property,''.
       (2) Recovery period.--The table contained in subparagraph 
     (C) of section 168(g)(2) of such Code is amended by 
     redesignating clause (iv) as clause (v) and by inserting 
     after clause (iii) the following new clause:

  ``(iv) Applicable leased highway property................45 years.''.

       (3) Applicable leased highway property defined.--
       (A) In general.--Section 168(g) of such Code is amended by 
     redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8) and by inserting 
     after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph:
       ``(7) Applicable leased highway property.--For purposes of 
     paragraph (1)(E)--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `applicable leased highway 
     property' means property to which this section otherwise 
     applies which--
       ``(i) is subject to an applicable lease, and
       ``(ii) is placed in service before the date of such lease.
       ``(B) Applicable lease.--The term `applicable lease' means 
     a lease or other arrangement--
       ``(i) which is between the taxpayer and a State or 
     political subdivision thereof, or any agency or 
     instrumentality of either, and
       ``(ii) under which the taxpayer--

       ``(I) leases a highway and associated improvements,
       ``(II) receives a right-of-way on the public lands 
     underlying such highway and improvements, and
       ``(III) receives a grant of a franchise or other intangible 
     right permitting the taxpayer to receive funds relating to 
     the operation of such highway.''.

       (B) Conforming amendment.--Subparagraph (F) of section 
     168(g)(1) (as redesignated by subsection (a)(1)) is amended 
     by striking ``paragraph (7)'' and inserting ``paragraph 
     (8)''.
       (b) Amortization of Intangibles.--Section 197(f) of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end 
     the following new paragraph:
       ``(11) Intangibles relating to applicable leased highway 
     property.--In the case of any amortizable section 197 
     intangible property which is acquired in connection with an 
     applicable lease (as defined in section 168(g)(7)(B)), the 
     amortization period under this section shall not be less than 
     the term of the applicable lease. For purposes of the 
     preceding sentence, rules similar to the rules of section 
     168(i)(3)(A) shall apply in determining the term of the 
     applicable lease.''.
       (c) No Private Activity Bond Financing of Applicable Leased 
     Highway Property.--Section 147(e) of the Internal Revenue 
     Code of 1986 is amended by inserting ``, or to finance any 
     applicable leased highway property (as defined in section 
     168(g)(7)(A))'' after ``premises''.
       (d) Effective Dates.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     amendments made by this section shall apply to leases entered 
     into after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (2) No private activity bond financing.--The amendment made 
     by subsection (c) shall apply to bonds issued after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 40310. EXTENSION FOR TRANSFERS OF EXCESS PENSION ASSETS 
                   TO RETIREE HEALTH ACCOUNTS.

       (a) In General.--Paragraph (5) of section 420(b) of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking 
     ``December 31, 2013'' and inserting ``December 31, 2021''.
       (b) Conforming ERISA Amendments.--
       (1) Sections 101(e)(3), 403(c)(1), and 408(b)(13) of the 
     Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 are each 
     amended by striking ``Pension Protection Act of 2006'' and 
     inserting ``Highway Investment, Job Creation, and Economic 
     Growth Act of 2012''.
       (2) Section 408(b)(13) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1108(b)(13)) 
     is amended by striking ``January 1, 2014'' and inserting 
     ``January 1, 2022''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this Act shall 
     take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 40311. TRANSFER OF EXCESS PENSION ASSETS TO RETIREE 
                   GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE ACCOUNTS.

       (a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 420 of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting ``, or 
     an applicable life insurance account,'' after ``health 
     benefits account''.
       (b) Applicable Life Insurance Account Defined.--
       (1) In general.--Subsection (e) of section 420 of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by redesignating 
     paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (5) and (6), 
     respectively, and by inserting after paragraph (3) the 
     following new paragraph:
       ``(4) Applicable life insurance account.--The term 
     `applicable life insurance account' means a separate account 
     established and maintained for amounts transferred under this 
     section for qualified current retiree liabilities based on 
     premiums for applicable life insurance benefits.''.
       (2) Applicable life insurance benefits defined.--Paragraph 
     (1) of section 420(e) of such Code is amended by 
     redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E) and by 
     inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new 
     subparagraph:
       ``(D) Applicable life insurance benefits.--The term 
     `applicable life insurance benefits' means group-term life 
     insurance coverage provided to retired employees who, 
     immediately before the qualified transfer, are entitled to 
     receive such coverage by reason of retirement and who are 
     entitled to pension benefits under the plan, but only to the 
     extent that such coverage is provided under a policy for 
     retired employees and the

[[Page S786]]

     cost of such coverage is excludable from the retired 
     employee's gross income under section 79.''.
       (3) Collectively bargained life insurance benefits 
     defined.--
       (A) In general.--Paragraph (6) of section 420(f) of such 
     Code is amended by redesignating subparagraph (D) as 
     subparagraph (E) and by inserting after subparagraph (C) the 
     following new subparagraph:
       ``(D) Collectively bargained life insurance benefits.--The 
     term `collectively bargained life insurance benefits' means, 
     with respect to any collectively bargained transfer--
       ``(i) applicable life insurance benefits which are provided 
     to retired employees who, immediately before the transfer, 
     are entitled to receive such benefits by reason of 
     retirement, and
       ``(ii) if specified by the provisions of the collective 
     bargaining agreement governing the transfer, applicable life 
     insurance benefits which will be provided at retirement to 
     employees who are not retired employees at the time of the 
     transfer.''.
       (B) Conforming amendments.--
       (i) Clause (i) of section 420(e)(1)(C) of such Code is 
     amended by striking ``upon retirement'' and inserting ``by 
     reason of retirement''.
       (ii) Subparagraph (C) of section 420(f)(6) of such Code is 
     amended--

       (I) by striking ``which are provided to'' in the matter 
     preceding clause (i),
       (II) by inserting ``which are provided to'' before 
     ``retired employees'' in clause (i),
       (III) by striking ``upon retirement'' in clause (i) and 
     inserting ``by reason of retirement'', and
       (IV) by striking ``active employees who, following their 
     retirement,'' and inserting ``which will be provided at 
     retirement to employees who are not retired employees at the 
     time of the transfer and who''.

       (c) Maintenance of Effort.--
       (1) In general.--Subparagraph (A) of section 420(c)(3) of 
     the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting ``, 
     and each group-term life insurance plan under which 
     applicable life insurance benefits are provided,'' after 
     ``health benefits are provided''.
       (2) Conforming amendments.--
       (A) Subparagraph (B) of section 420(c)(3) of such Code is 
     amended--
       (i) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) of clause (i) 
     as subclauses (II) and (III) of such clause, respectively, 
     and by inserting before subclause (II) of such clause, as so 
     redesignated, the following new subclause:

       ``(I) separately with respect to applicable health benefits 
     and applicable life insurance benefits,'', and

       (ii) by striking ``for applicable health benefits'' and all 
     that follows in clause (ii) and inserting ``was provided 
     during such taxable year for the benefits with respect to 
     which the determination under clause (i) is made.''.
       (B) Subparagraph (C) of section 420(c)(3) of such Code is 
     amended--
       (i) by inserting ``for applicable health benefits'' after 
     ``applied separately'', and
       (ii) by inserting ``, and separately for applicable life 
     insurance benefits with respect to individuals age 65 or 
     older at any time during the taxable year and with respect to 
     individuals under age 65 during the taxable year'' before the 
     period.
       (C) Subparagraph (E) of section 420(c)(3) of such Code is 
     amended--
       (i) in clause (i), by inserting ``or retiree life insurance 
     coverage, as the case may be,'' after ``retiree health 
     coverage'', and
       (ii) in clause (ii), by inserting ``for retiree health 
     coverage'' after ``cost reductions'' in the heading thereof, 
     and
       (iii) in clause (ii)(II), by inserting ``with respect to 
     applicable health benefits'' after ``liabilities of the 
     employer''.
       (D) Paragraph (2) of section 420(f) of such Code is amended 
     by striking ``collectively bargained retiree health 
     liabilities'' each place it occurs and inserting 
     ``collectively bargained retiree liabilities''.
       (E) Clause (i) of section 420(f)(2)(D) of such Code is 
     amended--
       (i) by inserting ``, and each group-term life insurance 
     plan or arrangement under which applicable life insurance 
     benefits are provided,'' in subclause (I) after ``applicable 
     health benefits are provided'',
       (ii) by inserting ``or applicable life insurance benefits, 
     as the case may be,'' in subclause (I) after ``provides 
     applicable health benefits'',
       (iii) by striking ``group health'' in subclause (II), and
       (iv) by inserting ``or collectively bargained life 
     insurance benefits'' in subclause (II) after ``collectively 
     bargained health benefits''.
       (F) Clause (ii) of section 420(f)(2)(D) of such Code is 
     amended--
       (i) by inserting ``with respect to applicable health 
     benefits or applicable life insurance benefits'' after 
     ``requirements of subsection (c)(3)'', and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``Such election 
     may be made separately with respect to applicable health 
     benefits and applicable life insurance benefits. In the case 
     of an election with respect to applicable life insurance 
     benefits, the first sentence of this clause shall be applied 
     as if subsection (c)(3) as in effect before the amendments 
     made by such Act applied to such benefits.''
       (G) Clause (iii) of section 420(f)(2)(D) of such Code is 
     amended--
       (i) by striking ``retiree'' each place it occurs, and
       (ii) by inserting ``, collectively bargained life insurance 
     benefits, or both, as the case may be,'' after ``health 
     benefits'' each place it occurs.
       (d) Coordination With Section 79.--Section 79 of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end 
     the following new subsection:
       ``(f) Exception for Life Insurance Purchased in Connection 
     With Qualified Transfer of Excess Pension Assets.--Subsection 
     (b)(3) and section 72(m)(3) shall not apply in the case of 
     any cost paid (whether directly or indirectly) with assets 
     held in an applicable life insurance account (as defined in 
     section 420(e)(4)) under a defined benefit plan.''.
       (e) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 420 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is 
     amended by striking ``qualified current retiree health 
     liabilities'' each place it appears and inserting ``qualified 
     current retiree liabilities''.
       (2) Section 420 of such Code is amended by inserting ``, or 
     an applicable life insurance account,'' after ``a health 
     benefits account'' each place it appears in subsection 
     (b)(1)(A), subparagraphs (A), (B)(i), and (C) of subsection 
     (c)(1), subsection (d)(1)(A), and subsection (f)(2)(E)(ii).
       (3) Section 420(b) of such Code is amended--
       (A) by adding the following at the end of paragraph (2)(A): 
     ``If there is a transfer from a defined benefit plan to both 
     a health benefits account and an applicable life insurance 
     account during any taxable year, such transfers shall be 
     treated as 1 transfer for purposes of this paragraph.'', and
       (B) by inserting ``to an account'' after ``may be 
     transferred'' in paragraph (3).
       (4) The heading for section 420(c)(1)(B) of such Code is 
     amended by inserting ``or life insurance'' after ``health 
     benefits''.
       (5) Paragraph (1) of section 420(e) of such Code is 
     amended--
       (A) by inserting ``and applicable life insurance benefits'' 
     in subparagraph (A) after ``applicable health benefits'', and
       (B) by striking ``health'' in the heading thereof.
       (6) Subparagraph (B) of section 420(e)(1) of such Code is 
     amended--
       (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting 
     ``(determined separately for applicable health benefits and 
     applicable life insurance benefits)'' after ``shall be 
     reduced by the amount'',
       (B) in clause (i), by inserting ``or applicable life 
     insurance accounts'' after ``health benefit accounts'', and
       (C) in clause (i), by striking ``qualified current retiree 
     health liability'' and inserting ``qualified current retiree 
     liability''.
       (7) The heading for subsection (f) of section 420 of such 
     Code is amended by striking ``Health'' each place it occurs.
       (8) Subclause (II) of section 420(f)(2)(B)(ii) of such Code 
     is amended by inserting ``or applicable life insurance 
     account, as the case may be,'' after ``health benefits 
     account''.
       (9) Subclause (III) of section 420(f)(2)(E)(i) of such Code 
     is amended--
       (A) by inserting ``defined benefit'' before ``plan 
     maintained by an employer'', and
       (B) by inserting ``health'' before ``benefit plans 
     maintained by the employer''.
       (10) Paragraphs (4) and (6) of section 420(f) of such Code 
     are each amended by striking ``collectively bargained retiree 
     health liabilities'' each place it occurs and inserting 
     ``collectively bargained retiree liabilities''.
       (11) Subparagraph (A) of section 420(f)(6) of such Code is 
     amended--
       (A) in clauses (i) and (ii), by inserting ``, in the case 
     of a transfer to a health benefits account,'' before ``his 
     covered spouse and dependents'', and
       (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``health plan'' and 
     inserting ``plan''.
       (12) Subparagraph (B) of section 420(f)(6) of such Code is 
     amended--
       (A) in clause (i), by inserting ``, and collectively 
     bargained life insurance benefits,'' after ``collectively 
     bargained health benefits'',
       (B) in clause (ii)--
       (i) by adding at the end the following: ``The preceding 
     sentence shall be applied separately for collectively 
     bargained health benefits and collectively bargained life 
     insurance benefits.'', and
       (ii) by inserting ``, applicable life insurance accounts,'' 
     after ``health benefit accounts'', and
       (C) by striking ``health'' in the heading thereof.
       (13) Subparagraph (E) of section 420(f)(6) of such Code, as 
     redesignated by subsection (b), is amended--
       (A) by striking ``bargained health'' and inserting 
     ``bargained'',
       (B) by inserting ``, or a group-term life insurance plan or 
     arrangement for retired employees,'' after ``dependents'' , 
     and
       (C) by striking ``health'' in the heading thereof.
       (14) Section 101(e) of the Employee Retirement Income 
     Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1021(e)) is amended--
       (A) in paragraphs (1) and (2), by inserting ``or applicable 
     life insurance account'' after ``health benefits account'' 
     each place it appears, and
       (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or applicable life 
     insurance benefit liabilities'' after ``health benefits 
     liabilities''.
       (f) Technical Correction.--Clause (iii) of section 
     420(f)(6)(B) is amended by striking ``416(I)(1)'' and 
     inserting ``416(i)(1)''.
       (g) Repeal of Deadwood.--

[[Page S787]]

       (1) Subparagraph (A) of section 420(b)(1) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``in a taxable 
     year beginning after December 31, 1990''.
       (2) Subsection (b) of section 420 of such Code is amended 
     by striking paragraph (4) and by redesignating paragraph (5), 
     as amended by this Act, as paragraph (4).
       (3) Paragraph (2) of section 420(b) of such Code, as 
     amended by this section, is amended--
       (A) by striking subparagraph (B), and
       (B) by striking ``per year.--'' and all that follows 
     through ``No more than'' and inserting ``per year.--No more 
     than''.
       (4) Paragraph (2) of section 420(c) of such Code is 
     amended--
       (A) by striking subparagraph (B),
       (B) by moving subparagraph (A) two ems to the left, and
       (C) by striking ``before transfer.--'' and all that follows 
     through ``The requirements of this paragraph'' and inserting 
     the following: ``before transfer.--The requirements of this 
     paragraph''.
       (5) Paragraph (2) of section 420(d) of such Code is amended 
     by striking ``after December 31, 1990''.
       (h) Effective Date.--
       (1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall 
     apply to transfers made after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act.
       (2) Conforming amendments relating to pension protection 
     act.--The amendments made by subsections (b)(3)(B) and (f) 
     shall take effect as if included in the amendments made by 
     section 841(a) of the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

     SEC. 40312. PENSION FUNDING STABILIZATION.

       (a) Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1986.--
       (1) In general.--Subparagraph (C) of section 430(h)(2) of 
     the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the 
     end the following new clause:
       ``(iv) Segment rate stabilization.--If a segment rate 
     described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) with respect to any 
     applicable month (determined without regard to this clause) 
     is less than 85 percent, or more than 115 percent, of the 
     average of the segment rates (determined on an annual basis 
     by the Secretary) described in such clause for years in the 
     10-year period ending with September 30 of the calendar year 
     preceding the calendar year in which the plan year begins, 
     then the segment rate described in such clause with respect 
     to the applicable month shall be equal to 85 or 115 percent 
     of such average, whichever is closest.''.
       (2) Conforming amendments.--
       (A) Paragraph (6) of section 404(o) of such Code is amended 
     by inserting ``(determined by not taking into account any 
     adjustment under clause (iv) of subsection (h)(2)(C) 
     thereof)'' before the period.
       (B) Subparagraph (F) of section 430(h)(2) of such Code is 
     amended by inserting ``and the averages determined under 
     subparagraph (C)(iv)'' after ``subparagraph (C)''.
       (C) Subparagraphs (C) and (D) of section 417(e)(3) of such 
     Code are each amended by striking ``section 430(h)(2)(C)'' 
     and inserting ``section 430(h)(2)(C) (determined by not 
     taking into account any adjustment under clause (iv) 
     thereof)''.
       (b) Amendments to Employee Retirement Income Security Act 
     of 1974.--
       (1) In general.--Subparagraph (C) of section 303(h)(2) of 
     the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 
     U.S.C. 1083(h)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new clause:
       ``(iv) Segment rate stabilization.--If a segment rate 
     described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) with respect to any 
     applicable month (determined without regard to this clause) 
     is less than 85 percent, or more than 115 percent, of the 
     average of the segment rates (determined on an annual basis 
     by the Secretary of the Treasury) described in such clause 
     for years in the 10-year period ending with September 30 of 
     the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the 
     plan year begins, then the segment rate described in such 
     clause with respect to the applicable month shall be equal to 
     85 or 115 percent of such average, whichever is closest.''.
       (2) Conforming amendments.--
       (A) Subparagraph (F) of section 303(h)(2) of such Act (29 
     U.S.C. 1083(h)(2)) is amended by inserting ``and the averages 
     determined under subparagraph (C)(iv)'' after ``subparagraph 
     (C)''.
       (B) Clauses (ii) and (iii) of section 205(g)(3)(B) of such 
     Act (29 U.S.C. 1055(g)(3)(B)) are each amended by striking 
     ``section 303(h)(2)(C)'' and inserting ``section 303(h)(2)(C) 
     (determined by not taking into account any adjustment under 
     clause (iv) thereof)''.
       (C) Clause (iv) of section 4006(a)(3)(E) of such Act (29 
     U.S.C. 1306(a)(3)(E)) is amended by striking ``section 
     303(h)(2)(C)'' and inserting ``section 303(h)(2)(C) 
     (notwithstanding any regulations issued by the corporation, 
     determined by not taking into account any adjustment under 
     clause (iv) thereof)''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply with respect to plan years beginning after 
     December 31, 2011.
       (d) Transfer to Highway Trust Fund.--Subsection (f) of 
     section 9503 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended 
     by this Act, is amended by redesignating paragraph (4) as 
     paragraph (5) and by inserting after paragraph (3) the 
     following new paragraph:
       ``(4) Additional appropriation to fund.--Out of money in 
     the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, there is hereby 
     appropriated $1,588,000,000 to the Highway Trust Fund.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1634. Mr. REID proposed an amendment to amendment SA 1633 proposed 
by Mr. Reid to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and 
highway safety construction programs, and for other purposes; as 
follows:

       At the end, add the following:
       (e) Effective Date
       This division shall become effective 4 days after 
     enactment.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1635. Mr. REID proposed an amendment to the bill S. 1813, to 
reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction 
programs, and for other purposes; as follows:

       At the end, add the following new section:

     SEC. ___.

       This Act shall become effective 3 days after enactment.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1636. Mr. REID proposed an amendment to amendment SA 1635 proposed 
by Mr. Reid to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and 
highway safety construction programs, and for other purposes; as 
follows:

       In the amendment, strike ``3 days'' and insert ``2 days''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1637. Mr. REID proposed an amendment to amendment SA 1636 proposed 
by Mr. Reid to the amendment SA 1635 proposed by Mr. Reid to the bill 
S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety 
construction programs, and for other purposes; as follows:

       In the amendment, strike ``2 days'' and insert ``1 day''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1638. Mr. CORKER (for himself and Mr. Alexander) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 1813, to 
reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction 
programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the 
table; as follows:

       On page 23, strike line 19 and insert the following:
     habitats.
       ``(K) Any project or activity carried out using amounts 
     from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund.''; 
     and
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1639. Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself and Mr. Session) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 1813, to 
reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction 
programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the 
table; as follows:

       On page 509, between lines 2 and 3, insert the following:
       ``(I) High-risk rural roads best practices.--
       ``(i) Study.--

       ``(I) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a study of 
     the best practices for implementing cost-effective roadway 
     safety infrastructure improvements on high-risk rural roads.
       ``(II) Methodology.--In carrying out the study, the 
     Secretary shall--

       ``(aa) conduct a thorough literature review;
       ``(bb) survey current practices of State departments of 
     transportation; and
       ``(cc) survey current practices of local units of 
     government, as appropriate.

       ``(III) Consultation.--In carrying out the study, the 
     Secretary shall consult with--

       ``(aa) State departments of transportation;
       ``(bb) county engineers and public works professionals;
       ``(cc) appropriate local officials; and
       ``(dd) appropriate private sector experts in the field of 
     roadway safety infrastructure.
       ``(ii) Report.--

       ``(I) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives a report on the results of the 
     study.
       ``(II) Contents.--The report shall include--

       ``(aa) a summary of cost-effective roadway safety 
     infrastructure improvements;
       ``(bb) a summary of the latest research on the financial 
     savings and reduction in fatalities and serious bodily injury 
     crashes from the implementation of cost-effective roadway 
     safety infrastructure improvements; and
       ``(cc) recommendations for State and local governments on 
     best practice methods to install cost-effective roadway 
     safety infrastructure on high-risk rural roads.
       ``(iii) Manual.--

       ``(I) Development.--Based on the results of the study under 
     clause (ii), the Secretary, in consultation with the 
     individuals and entities described in clause (i)(III), shall 
     develop a best practices manual to support Federal, State, 
     and local efforts to reduce fatalities and serious bodily 
     injury crashes on high-risk rural roads through the use of 
     cost-effective roadway safety infrastructure improvements.
       ``(II) Availability.--The manual shall be made available to 
     State and local governments not later than 180 days after the 
     date of submission of the report under clause (ii).

[[Page S788]]

       ``(III) Contents.--The manual shall include, at a minimum, 
     a list of cost-effective roadway safety infrastructure 
     improvements and best practices on the installation of cost-
     effective roadway safety infrastructure improvements on high-
     risk rural roads.
       ``(IV) Use of manual.--Use of the manual shall be voluntary 
     and the manual shall not establish any binding standards or 
     legal duties on State or local governments, or any other 
     person.''.

                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1640. Mr. CORNYN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway 
safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered 
to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 44, line 15, after ``2009'', insert the following: 
     ``, after subtracting the amounts provided under sections 
     1301, 1302, and 1934 of the SAFETEA LU (23 U.S.C. 101 note; 
     119 Stat. 1198, 1204, 1485)''.
       On page 44, line 18, after ``fiscal years'', insert the 
     following: ``, after subtracting the amounts provided under 
     sections 1301, 1302, and 1934 of the SAFETEA LU (23 U.S.C. 
     101 note; 119 Stat. 1198, 1204, 1485)''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1641. Mr. CORNYN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway 
safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered 
to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 598, strike lines 11 through 15 and insert the 
     following:
       ``(3) Application.--
       ``(A) In general.--A State, local government, public 
     authority, public-private partnership, or any other legal 
     entity undertaking the project and authorized by the 
     Secretary, shall submit a project application acceptable to 
     the Secretary.
       ``(B) Public-private partnerships.--A State, local 
     government, or public authority may submit a project 
     application to the Secretary under which a private party to a 
     public-private partnership for a project--
       ``(i) would be the sole obligor; and
       ``(ii) is to be identified at a later date through the 
     completion of a procurement and selection of the private 
     party.
       On page 599, between lines 23 and 24, insert the following:
       ``(7) Project readiness.--An applicant under this section 
     shall demonstrate that the contracting process for 
     construction of the project will commence not later than the 
     date that is 90 days after the date on which the application 
     is approved.
       On page 601, strike line 9 and insert the following:
       ``(c) Approval of Applications and Funding.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) approve applications for projects that meet the 
     criteria under subsection (a) in the order in which the 
     Secretary receives the applications; and
       ``(B) commit, or conditionally commit, budget authority for 
     projects, out of amounts made available to carry out this 
     chapter for a fiscal year, in the order in which the 
     Secretary approves the applications for the projects.
       ``(2) Insufficient funds.--If the Secretary approves an 
     application submitted for a project in a fiscal year, but is 
     unable to provide financial assistance for the project in 
     that fiscal year as a result of prior commitments or 
     conditional commitments of budget authority under this 
     chapter, the Secretary shall provide the project sponsor with 
     the option of--
       ``(A) receiving the financial assistance as soon as 
     sufficient budget authority is made available to carry out 
     this chapter in a subsequent fiscal year; or
       ``(B) paying the subsidy amount from other available 
     sources, including from funds apportioned under chapter 1 of 
     this title or chapter 53 of title 49.
       ``(d) Application and Credit Processing Procedures.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish 
     procedures for--
       ``(A) processing applications requesting financial 
     assistance for projects that are received under this chapter;
       ``(B) approving, conditionally approving, or disapproving 
     an application received under this chapter based on whether 
     the projects will meet the criteria under subsection (a); and
       ``(C) processing term sheets, credit review and approval, 
     credit commitments, and final agreements for credit 
     assistance.
       ``(2) Application processing procedures.--The procedures 
     established under paragraph (1)--
       ``(A) shall not restrict the time period during which 
     applications may be filed;
       ``(B) shall ensure that--
       ``(i) the Secretary shall be required to provide written 
     notice to an applicant, not later than the date that is 15 
     days after the date of receipt of the application, informing 
     the applicant of whether the application is complete;
       ``(ii) if the application is complete, the Secretary shall 
     be required to provide written notice to the applicant, not 
     later than 60 days after the date on which the written notice 
     under clause (i) is issued, informing the applicant of 
     whether the Secretary has approved, conditionally approved, 
     or disapproved the application;
       ``(iii) if the application is not complete, the Secretary 
     shall be required to provide written notice to the applicant, 
     together with the written notice issued for the application 
     under clause (i), informing the applicant of the information 
     and materials needed to complete the application; and
       ``(iv) if the Secretary does not provide written notice to 
     an applicant under clause (i) in the 15-day period specified 
     in that clause--

       ``(I) the application shall be considered to be complete;
       ``(II) the Secretary shall be required to provide written 
     notice to the applicant, not later than the date that is 60 
     days after the last day of the 15-day period, informing the 
     applicant of whether the Secretary has approved or 
     disapproved the application; and
       ``(III) the Secretary shall be required to provide written 
     notice to the applicant, not later than the date that is 60 
     days after the last day of the 15-day period, informing the 
     applicant of whether the Secretary has approved, 
     conditionally approved, or disapproved the application;

       ``(C) shall not use eligibility criteria that are 
     supplemental to those criteria that are established by this 
     chapter;
       ``(D) shall require approval of an application if the 
     project meets the eligibility criteria under subsection (a); 
     and
       ``(E) shall require that any written notice of disapproval 
     of an application shall--
       ``(i) identify the eligibility criteria that are not 
     satisfied; and
       ``(ii) contain an explanation of the deficiencies that 
     resulted in failure to meet the criteria.
       ``(3) Special procedures for creditworthiness.--The 
     Secretary shall conditionally approve an application based on 
     the pro forma plan of finance of the applicant and gather and 
     analyze after the conditional approval any further 
     information necessary to determine the creditworthiness of 
     the applicant, if the Secretary determines that--
       ``(A)(i) the project described in an application is 
     potentially creditworthy; but
       ``(ii) the Secretary lacks complete information to 
     determine that the project is creditworthy; and
       ``(B) the project meets the other criteria for eligibility 
     for financial assistance under this chapter.
       ``(4) Special procedures for later-identified obligor.--For 
     applications that are approved or conditionally approved, the 
     Secretary shall establish and follow procedures--
       ``(A) during the period between approval or conditional 
     approval and selection of the private party as the obligor, 
     requiring--
       ``(i) constructive engagement with the applicant and the 
     potential obligors;
       ``(ii) diligent processing and approval of the term sheet;
       ``(iii) the conduct of due diligence;
       ``(iv) the review and setting of terms for credit 
     assistance;
       ``(v) the preparation and approval of a conditional credit 
     commitment; and
       ``(vi) any other activity necessary to advance the credit 
     assistance to the maximum extent practicable; and
       ``(B) not later than 90 days after the date on which the 
     applicant identifies the private party that will be the 
     obligor, requiring--
       ``(i) the completion of the creditworthiness determination;
       ``(ii) the assistance of the private party in satisfying 
     credit conditions; and
       ``(iii) the execution of final agreements for the credit 
     assistance.
       ``(5) Application approval.--Approval or conditional 
     approval of an application for a project under subsection (a) 
     qualifies the project for execution of a term sheet 
     establishing a conditional commitment of credit assistance.
       ``(e) Federal Requirements.--
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1642. Ms. SNOWE (for herself, Ms. Klobuchar, and Mr. Rubio) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 
1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety 
construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie 
on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. PROGRAM TO ASSIST VETERANS TO ACQUIRE COMMERCIAL 
                   DRIVER'S LICENSES.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, 
     in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and in 
     cooperation with the States, shall establish accelerated 
     licensing procedures to assist veterans to acquire commercial 
     driver's licenses.
       (b) Accelerated Licensing Procedures.--The procedures 
     established under subsection (a) shall be designed to be 
     applicable to any veteran who--
       (1) is attempting to acquire a commercial driver's license; 
     and
       (2) obtained, during military service, driving experience 
     that, in the determination of the Secretary of 
     Transportation, makes the use of accelerated licensing 
     procedures appropriate.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Commercial driver's license.--The term ``commercial 
     driver's license'' has the meaning given that term in section 
     31301 of title 49, United States Code.
       (2) State.--The term ``State'' has the meaning given that 
     term in such section.

[[Page S789]]

       (3) Veteran.--The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given 
     that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1643. Ms. SNOWE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
her to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway 
safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered 
to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 83, line 4, insert ``, programs, and technical 
     assistance'' after ``Projects''.

                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1644. Ms. SNOWE (for herself, Mr. Whitehouse, Ms. Collins, Mr. 
Sanders, Mr. Reed, and Mrs. Shaheen) submitted an amendment intended to 
be proposed by her to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid 
highway and highway safety construction programs, and for other 
purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 143, between lines 9 and 10, insert the following:
       ``(3) Use of funds for other activities.--Notwithstanding 
     paragraph (1) and subsection (c), the Secretary may permit a 
     State to use amounts apportioned to the State for the 
     congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program 
     under section 104(b)(4) to carry out any activity on a system 
     that was eligible for funding under that program as in effect 
     on December 31, 2010.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1645. Mr. ENZI submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway 
safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered 
to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. __. INFLATION ADJUSTMENT FOR TAX ON GASOLINE AND DIESEL 
                   FUEL.

       (a) Adjustment for Manufacturer Level Tax.--
       (1) In general.--Subpart A of part III of subchapter A of 
     chapter 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by 
     redesignating section 4084 as section 4085 and inserting 
     after section 4083 the following new section:

     ``SEC. 4084. INFLATION ADJUSTMENT FOR GASOLINE, KEROSENE, AND 
                   DIESEL FUEL.

       ``(a) In General.--In the case of any calendar year 
     beginning after 2012, each of the specified amounts shall be 
     adjusted by an amount equal to--
       ``(1) such dollar amount, multiplied by
       ``(2) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under 
     section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year, determined by 
     substituting `calendar year 2011' for `calendar year 1992' in 
     subparagraph (B) thereof.
       ``(b) Specified Amounts.--For purposes of subsection (a), 
     the specified amounts are--
       ``(1) the 18.3 cent amount under section 4081(a)(2)(A)(i),
       ``(2) the 24.3 cent amount under section 
     4081(a)(2)(A)(iii), and
       ``(3) the 19.7 cent amount under section 4081(a)(2)(D).
       ``(c) Rounding.--If any amount as adjusted under subsection 
     (a) is not a multiple of 0.1 cents, such amount shall be 
     rounded to the next highest multiple of 0.1 cents.
       ``(d) Floor Stocks Tax.--
       ``(1) In general.--There is hereby imposed on any 
     applicable fuel held on an inflation adjustment date, by any 
     person a tax equal to--
       ``(A) the tax which would have been imposed under section 
     4081 on the day before such inflation adjustment date on such 
     applicable fuel had the most recent inflation adjustment 
     under subsection (a) been in effect at all times before such 
     inflation adjustment date, reduced by
       ``(B) the tax imposed under section 4081 on such applicable 
     fuel before such inflation adjustment date.
       ``(2) Liability for tax and method of payment.--
       ``(A) Liability for tax.--A person holding an applicable 
     fuel on an inflation adjustment date to which the tax imposed 
     by paragraph (1) applies shall be liable for such tax.
       ``(B) Method of payment.--The tax imposed by paragraph (1) 
     shall be paid in such manner as the Secretary shall 
     prescribe.
       ``(C) Time for payment.--The tax imposed by paragraph (1) 
     shall be paid on or before the date which is 3 months after 
     the inflation adjustment date.
       ``(3) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection--
       ``(A) Held by a person.--An applicable fuel shall be 
     considered as `held by a person' if title thereto has passed 
     to such person (whether or not delivery to the person has 
     been made).
       ``(B) Applicable fuel.--The term `applicable fuel' means 
     gasoline (other than aviation gasoline), diesel fuel, and 
     kerosene.
       ``(C) Inflation adjustment date.--The term `inflation 
     adjustment date' means any date on which there is an increase 
     in tax by reason of an adjustment under subsection (a).
       ``(4) Exception for exempt uses.--The tax imposed by 
     paragraph (1) shall not apply to applicable fuel held by any 
     person exclusively for any use to the extent a credit or 
     refund of the tax imposed by section 4081 is allowable for 
     such use.
       ``(5) Exception for fuel held in vehicle tank.--No tax 
     shall be imposed by paragraph (1) on applicable fuel held in 
     the tank of a vehicle.''.
       (2) Conforming amendments.--
       (A) Section 4081(a)(2)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
     1986 is amended by striking ``for `24.3 cents' '' and 
     inserting ``for the dollar applicable thereunder.''
       (B) The table of sections for subpart A of part III of 
     subchapter A of chapter 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 
     1986 is amended by redesignating the item relating to section 
     4084 as relating to section 4085 and by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 4083 the following new item:

``Sec. 4084. Inflation adjustment for gasoline, kerosene, and diesel 
              fuel.''.
       (b) Adjustment for Retail Tax.--Section 4041 of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end 
     the following new subsection:
       ``(c) Inflation Adjustment for Certain Tax Rates.--
       ``(1) In general.--In the case of any calendar year 
     beginning after 2012, each of the specified amounts shall be 
     adjusted by an amount equal to--
       ``(A) such amount, multiplied by
       ``(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under 
     section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year, determined by 
     substituting `calendar year 2011' for `calendar year 1992' in 
     subparagraph (B) thereof.
       ``(2) Specified amount.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the 
     specified amounts are--
       ``(A) the 24.3 cent amount under subsection (a)(2)(B)(ii),
       ``(B) the 18.3 cent amount under subsection (a)(3),
       ``(C) the 9.15 cent amount under subsection (m)(1)(A)(i), 
     and
       ``(D) the 11.3 cent amount under subsection (m)(1)(A)(ii).
       ``(3) Rounding.--If any amount as adjusted under paragraph 
     (1) is not a multiple of 0.1 cents, such amount shall be 
     rounded to the next highest multiple of 0.1 cents.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply to fuel removed, entered, sold, or used after 
     December 31, 2012.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1646. Mr. BROWN of Ohio submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed by him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway 
and highway safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page _, between lines _ and _, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. MAKE IT IN AMERICA MANUFACTURING EXTENSION 
                   PARTNERSHIP.

       (a) Memorandum of Agreement.--The term ``Memorandum of 
     Agreement'' means the August 2011 Memorandum of Agreement 
     between the Department of Transportation and the Department 
     of Commerce entitled ``Development of a Domestic Supply Base 
     for Intermodal Transportation in the U.S.''.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) collaboration between the Department of Transportation 
     and the Department of Commerce can significantly improve the 
     scope and depth of the domestic supply base for 
     transportation infrastructure, particularly for small 
     businesses in the United States; and
       (2) the Memorandum of Agreement should remain in effect 
     until at least September 30, 2013.
       (c) Implementation.--The Secretary shall--
       (1) prioritize the implementation of the Memorandum of 
     Agreement; and
       (2) allocate such Department resources and personnel as 
     necessary for such implementation.
       (d) Report to Congress.--The Secretary, or a designee of 
     the Secretary, shall submit an annual report to Congress 
     regarding the progress made under the Memorandum of Agreement 
     that contains--
       (1) quantifiable performance metrics regarding the domestic 
     supply base for transportation projects;
       (2) appropriate recommendations for further ways to enhance 
     the Make it in America Manufacturing Extension Partnership; 
     and
       (3) appropriate findings regarding specific impediments to 
     compliance with Buy America requirements under this Act or 
     under any other Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1647. Mr. BROWN of Ohio submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed by him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway 
and highway safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. __. BUY AMERICA WAIVER REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) Notice and Comment Opportunities.--
       (1) In general.--If the Secretary receives a request for a 
     waiver under section 313(b) of title 23, United States Code, 
     section 5323(j)(2) of title 49, United States Code, or 
     section 24305(f)(4), 24405(a)(2), or 50101(b) of such title, 
     the Secretary shall provide notice of, and an opportunity for 
     public comment on, the request not later than 30 days before 
     making a finding based on such request.
       (2) Notice requirements.--Each notice provided under 
     paragraph (1)--
       (A) shall include the information available to the 
     Secretary concerning the request, including the requestor's 
     justification for such request; and

[[Page S790]]

       (B) shall be provided electronically, including on the 
     official public Internet website of the Department.
       (b) Publication of Detailed Justification.--If the 
     Secretary issues a waiver pursuant to the authority granted 
     under a provision referenced in subsection (a)(1), the 
     Secretary shall publish, in the Federal Register, a detailed 
     justification for the waiver that--
       (1) addresses the public comments received under subsection 
     (a)(1); and
       (2) is published before the waiver takes effect.
       (c) Buy America Reporting.--Not later than February 1, 
     2013, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a 
     report to Congress that--
       (1) specifies each highway, public transportation, or 
     railroad project for which the Secretary issued a waiver from 
     a Buy America requirement pursuant to the authority granted 
     under a provision referenced in subsection (a)(1) during the 
     preceding calendar year;
       (2) identifies the country of origin and product 
     specifications for the steel, iron, or manufactured goods 
     acquired pursuant to each of the waivers specified under 
     paragraph (1); and
       (3) provides an employment impact analysis of the 
     cumulative effect on manufacturing employment in the United 
     States of all waivers for highway, public transportation, or 
     railroad projects from a Buy America requirement issued by 
     the Secretary during the preceding calendar year.
       (d) Consistency With International Agreements.--This 
     section shall be applied in a manner that is consistent with 
     United States obligations under relevant international 
     agreements.
       (e) Review of Nationwide Waivers.--Not later than 1 year 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, and at least 
     once every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall review 
     each standing nationwide waiver issued pursuant to the 
     authority granted under any of the provisions referenced in 
     subsection (a)(1) to determine whether continuing such waiver 
     is necessary.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1648. Mrs. GILLIBRAND submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed by her to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway 
and highway safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title I, add the following:

     SEC. ___. CONSTRUCTION CAREERS DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions apply:
       (1) Demonstration project.--The term ``demonstration 
     project'' means the construction careers demonstration 
     project established under subsection (b)(1).
       (2) Eligible project.--The term ``eligible project'' means 
     any of the projects described in and identified by the 
     Secretary under subsection (c)(1), and for which terms and 
     conditions are set forth under subsection (c)(2), that--
       (A) is requested for inclusion in the demonstration project 
     by the State or local recipient of Department assistance 
     through written communication to the Secretary;
       (B) is estimated to have a total cost (including all 
     sources of funding) of more than $25,000,000; and
       (C) would be constructed in a labor market area (as defined 
     in section 101 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 
     U.S.C. 2801)) for which a project-wide proportion of 15 
     percent of work hours to be performed by targeted workers is 
     practical and attainable.
       (3) Qualified preapprenticeship program.--The term 
     ``qualified preapprenticeship program'' means a 
     preapprenticeship training program that the Secretary of 
     Labor, after consultation with stakeholders, determines--
       (A) has demonstrated an ability to recruit, train, and 
     prepare for admission to registered apprenticeship programs 
     individuals who are targeted workers;
       (B) has a written arrangement with at least 1 registered 
     apprenticeship program to assist in recruitment and 
     preparation of workers for application to that apprenticeship 
     program; and
       (C) uses a training curriculum that does not include on-
     the-job training.
       (4) Registered apprenticeship program.--
       (A) In general.--The term ``registered apprenticeship 
     program'' means an apprenticeship program registered with the 
     Office of Apprenticeship of the Department of Labor, or with 
     a State apprenticeship agency recognized by that Office of 
     Apprenticeship, for purposes of regulation of apprenticeship 
     programs pursuant to Federal law (including regulations).
       (B) Exclusions.--The term ``registered apprenticeship 
     program'' does not include any program that maintains 
     provisional registration status.
       (5) Targeted worker.--The term ``targeted worker'' means an 
     individual who--
       (A) resides in the same labor market area (as defined in 
     section 101 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 
     U.S.C. 2801)) in which a project is to be carried out;
       (B)(i)(I) is a member of a targeted group within the 
     meaning of section 51 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; 
     or
       (II) resides in a census tract in which not less than 20 
     percent of the households have incomes below the Federal 
     poverty guidelines; and
       (ii) is a member of a family with a total family income 
     that, during the 2-year period prior to employment on the 
     project, did not exceed 200 percent of the Federal poverty 
     guidelines (exclusive of unemployment compensation, child 
     support payments, payments described in section 101(25)(A) of 
     the Workforce Investment Act (29 U.S.C. 2801(25)(A)), and 
     old-age and survivors insurance benefits received under 
     section 202 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402)); or
       (C) is a displaced homemaker (as defined in section 3 of 
     the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 
     2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
       (6) Workforce entity.--The term ``workforce entity'' 
     means--
       (A) a qualified preapprenticeship program;
       (B) a workforce investment board established pursuant to 
     section 111 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 
     U.S.C. 2821); and
       (C) a community-based organization with a track record of 
     working with targeted workers.
       (b) Establishment and Authority.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with 
     the Secretary of Labor, shall, by regulation and through the 
     use of guidance, establish a construction careers 
     demonstration project in accordance with this section.
       (2) Purpose.--The purposes of the demonstration project 
     shall be--
       (A) to promote middle class careers and quality employment 
     practices in the construction sector among targeted workers; 
     and
       (B) to advance efficiency and performance on eligible 
     projects.
       (c) Role of Secretary.--To achieve the purposes described 
     in subsection (b)(2), the Secretary shall--
       (1) consult with State and local funding recipients to 
     identify up to 20 projects per year that are directly funded 
     or assisted, in whole or in part, by or through--
       (A) the Federal Highway Administration;
       (B) the Federal Transit Administration; and
       (C) any other agency within the Department of 
     Transportation;
       (2) establish such terms and conditions for eligible 
     projects as the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary 
     of Labor, determines are necessary to achieve those purposes 
     and meet the requirements set forth in this section;
       (3) for each included eligible project, in consultation 
     with the Secretary of Labor and the State or local funding 
     recipient, evaluate local labor market conditions and specify 
     a proportion of overall construction work hours to be 
     performed by targeted workers, and include such specification 
     in the terms and conditions applicable to that project;
       (4) require contractors performing construction services on 
     included eligible projects to comply with the terms and 
     conditions of the Secretary, and the requirements of this 
     section, as conditions on the receipt by the project of 
     Federal funding or assistance; and
       (5)(A) not later than 3 years after the date on which the 
     first eligible project under the demonstration project is 
     identified under this subsection, evaluate the demonstration 
     project in light of the purposes of this section; and
       (B) if the Secretary determines that the demonstration 
     project has advanced the goals set forth in this section, 
     identify such additional eligible projects as the Secretary 
     determines are appropriate for inclusion in the demonstration 
     project.
       (d) GAO Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall prepare 
     and submit to the Committees on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure and Education and the Workforce of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committees on Banking, Health, 
     Education, Labor and Pensions, Environment and Public Works, 
     and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, a 
     report that describes the results of the demonstration 
     project, including outcomes relating to training and 
     employment placement, and any appropriate recommendations.
       (e) Construction Careers Pathways.--Each contractor and 
     subcontractor that seeks to provide construction services on 
     eligible projects shall submit adequate assurances with a bid 
     or proposal that, for each craft or trade classification of 
     worker that the contractor or subcontractor intends to employ 
     to perform work on the eligible project, the contractor or 
     subcontractor participates in a registered apprenticeship 
     program.
       (f) Preapprenticeship Training.--In order to advance the 
     purposes of this section, on each eligible project included 
     in the demonstration project, up to 1 percent of total 
     project funds shall be used to support--
       (1) training through qualified preapprenticeship programs 
     to targeted workers interested in enrolling in registered 
     apprenticeship programs; and
       (2) community-based organizations in recruiting targeted 
     workers to participate in registered apprenticeship programs 
     or preapprenticeship training programs.
       (g) Engagement of Qualified Preapprenticeship Programs.--In 
     order to advance the purposes of this section, the recipient 
     of Federal funding or assistance, or other public entity 
     awarding contracts for construction of the eligible project 
     shall--

[[Page S791]]

       (1) on each eligible project included in the demonstration 
     project, engage local workforce entities to assist 
     contractors in satisfying the targeted hiring requirements of 
     the eligible project by--
       (A) identifying and training targeted workers who are not 
     currently enrolled in registered apprenticeship programs; and
       (B) developing relationships with local registered 
     apprenticeship programs; and
       (2) before commencement of construction on the eligible 
     project, convene contractors, workforce entities, and 
     registered apprenticeship programs to facilitate programmatic 
     relationships.
       (h) Small- and Disadvantaged-business Requirements.--Terms 
     and conditions applicable to eligible projects shall require 
     recipients and contractors to comply with all applicable 
     federally mandated small- and disadvantaged-business 
     requirements for contracting, subcontracting, and 
     procurement.
       (i) Limitation.--This section shall not apply to any 
     project funded under this Act in American Samoa, Guam, the 
     Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the 
     Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the United States Virgin 
     Islands, unless participation is requested by the Governor of 
     the territory by not later than the date that is 1 year after 
     the effective date of the regulations promulgated under 
     subsection (j).
       (j) Regulations.--The Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of Labor, shall promulgate such regulations as are 
     necessary to carry out this section.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1649. Mrs. GILLIBRAND submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed by her to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway 
and highway safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       In section 414 of title 23, United States Code, as added by 
     section 31112, add at the end the following:
       ``(f) Withholding.--
       ``(1) Third fiscal year.--The Secretary shall withhold 3 
     percent of the amounts otherwise apportioned to any State 
     under paragraphs (1), (3), and (4) of section 104(b) of title 
     23, United States Code, on the first day of the third fiscal 
     year following the date of the enactment of this Act if the 
     State has not enacted or is not enforcing a graduated driver 
     licensing law that meets the requirements under this section.
       ``(2) Fourth fiscal year.--The Secretary shall withhold 5 
     percent of the amounts otherwise apportioned to any State 
     under paragraphs (1), (3), and (4) of section 104(b) of title 
     23, United States Code, on the first day of the fourth fiscal 
     year following the date of the enactment of this Act if the 
     State has not enacted or is not enforcing a graduated driver 
     licensing law that meets the requirements under this 
     section.''.
       ``(3) Fifth fiscal year.--The Secretary shall withhold 10 
     percent of the amounts otherwise apportioned to any State 
     under paragraphs (1), (3), and (4) of section 104(b) of title 
     23, United States Code, on the first day of the fifth fiscal 
     year following the date of the enactment of this Act if the 
     State has not enacted or is not enforcing a graduated driver 
     licensing law that meets the requirements under this section.
       ``(4) Release of funds.--The Secretary shall release any 
     amounts withheld from a State under this subsection as soon 
     as feasible once the State demonstrates, in a manner 
     prescribed by the Secretary, that the State--
       ``(A) has enacted a graduated driver licensing law that 
     complies with the requirements under this section; and
       ``(B) is enforcing the State law described in subparagraph 
     (A).
       ``(5) Return of funds.--If a State fails to demonstrate its 
     compliance with paragraph (4) by the first day of the fiscal 
     year that is 3 years after the date on which amounts were 
     withheld under this subsection, such amounts shall be--
       ``(A) forfeited by the State; and
       ``(B) deposited by the Secretary into the general fund of 
     the Treasury.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1650. Mrs. GILLIBRAND (for herself and Mr. Sanders) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 1813, to 
reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction 
programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the 
table; as follows:

       On page 93, between the matter following line 12 and line 
     13, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. COORDINATED BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Section 1303 of the SAFETEA LU (23 U.S.C. 
     101 note; 119 Stat. 1207) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``motor vehicles'' and 
     inserting ``motor vehicles and freight and passenger rail'';
       (2) in subsection (b), in paragraphs (1), (3), (4), and 
     (5), by inserting ``, rail,'' after ``motor vehicle'' each 
     place it appears;
       (3) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``, rail,'' after ``motor vehicle''; and
       (4) in subsection (g)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
       ``(5) Rail.--The term `rail' means railroad (as defined in 
     section 10102 of title 49, United States Code).''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 133(c) of title 23, 
     United States Code, as amended by section 1108, is further 
     amended by striking paragraph (16) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(16) Border infrastructure projects eligible for funding 
     under section 1303 of the SAFETEA LU (23 U.S.C. 101 note; 119 
     Stat. 1207) (including freight and passenger railroads as 
     defined in section 10102 of title 49).''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1651. Mr. BEGICH submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway 
safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered 
to lie on the table; as follows:

       Beginning on page 283, strike line 20 and all that follows 
     through page 284, line 11, and insert the following:
       ``(A) support the economic vitality of the metropolitan 
     area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, travel 
     and tourism, productivity, and efficiency;
       ``(B) increase the safety of the transportation system for 
     motorized and nonmotorized users;
       ``(C) increase the security of the transportation system 
     for motorized and nonmotorized users;
       ``(D) increase the accessibility and mobility of 
     individuals and freight;
       ``(E) protect and enhance the environment, promote energy 
     conservation, improve the quality of life, facilitate travel 
     and tourism, and promote consistency between transportation 
     improvements and State and local planned growth and economic 
     development patterns;''.
       On page 317, line 22, strike ``and''.
       On page 318, line 2, strike the period and insert ``; 
     and''.
       On page 318, between lines 2 and 3, insert the following:
       ``(C) to the maximum extent practicable, provide for 
     consultation with State tourism offices and local and 
     regional domestic marketing organizations.''.
       On page 323, line 18, insert ``facilitate travel and 
     tourism,'' after ``life,''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1652. Mr. HARKIN (for himself, Mr. Moran, and Mr. Levin) submitted 
an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 1813, to 
reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction 
programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the 
table; as follows:

       In division D, on page 299, line 5, strike 
     ``$1,874,763,500'' and insert ``$1,574,763,500''.
       In division D, on page 303, strike line 22 and all that 
     follows through ``area.'' on page 306, line 12.
       In division D, on page 306, strike lines 21 and 22 and 
     insert the following:

     5310, 5311, 5312, 5313, 5314, 5315, 5322, 5335, 5337(c), and 
     5340,
       In division D, on page 307, line 10, strike 
     ``$4,756,161,500'' and insert ``$5,039,661,500''.
       In division D, on page 308, line 1, strike ``$591,190,000'' 
     and insert ``$720,190,000''.
       In division D, on page 309, line 6, strike 
     ``$1,987,263,500'' and insert ``$1,574,763,500''.
       In division D, on page 309, line 8, strike ``subsections 
     (c) and (e) of section 5337'' and insert ``section 5337(c)''.
       In division D, on page 309, line 20, strike 
     ``$1,955,000,000'' and insert ``$1,655,000,000''.
       In division D, on page 310, between lines 4 and 5 insert 
     the following:
       ``(f) Formula Grants.--
       ``(1) Urbanized area formula grants.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out section 5307 $203,500,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013, which shall be allocated 
     in accordance with section 5336.
       ``(2) Formula grants for other than urbanized areas.--There 
     are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 5311 
     $96,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013, which 
     shall be apportioned in accordance with section 5311(c).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1653. Mr. MERKLEY (for himself, Mr. Toomey, and Mr. Blunt) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 
1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety 
construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie 
on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title I, add the following:

     SEC. __. EXEMPTIONS FROM REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN FARM 
                   VEHICLES.

       (a) Federal Requirements.--A covered farm vehicle, 
     including the individual operating that vehicle, shall be 
     exempt from the following:
       (1) Any requirement relating to commercial driver's 
     licenses established under chapter 313 of title 49, United 
     States Code.
       (2) Any requirement relating to drug testing established 
     under chapter 313 of title 49, United States Code.
       (3) Any requirement relating to medical certificates 
     established under--
       (A) subchapter III of chapter 311 of title 49, United 
     States Code; or
       (B) chapter 313 of title 49, United States Code.
       (4) Any requirement relating to hours of service 
     established under--
       (A) subchapter III of chapter 311 of title 49, United 
     States Code; or

[[Page S792]]

       (B) chapter 315 of title 49, United States Code.
       (5) Any requirement relating to vehicle inspection, repair, 
     and maintenance established under--
       (A) subchapter III of chapter 311 of title 49, United 
     States Code; or
       (B) chapter 315 of title 49, United States Code.
       (b) State Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--Federal transportation funding to a State 
     may not be terminated, limited, or otherwise interfered with 
     as a result of the State exempting a covered farm vehicle, 
     including the individual operating that vehicle, from any 
     State requirement relating to the operation of that vehicle.
       (2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) does not apply with respect 
     to a covered farm vehicle transporting hazardous materials 
     that require a placard.
       (c) Covered Farm Vehicle Defined.--
       (1) In general.--In this section, the term ``covered farm 
     vehicle'' means a motor vehicle (including an articulated 
     motor vehicle)--
       (A) that--
       (i) is traveling in the State in which the vehicle is 
     registered or another State;
       (ii) is operated by--

       (I) a farm owner or operator;
       (II) a ranch owner or operator; or
       (III) an employee or family member of an individual 
     specified in subclause (I) or (II);

       (iii) is transporting to or from a farm or ranch--

       (I) agricultural commodities;
       (II) livestock; or
       (III) machinery or supplies;

       (iv) except as provided in paragraph (2), is not used in 
     the operations of a for-hire motor carrier; and
       (v) is equipped with a special license plate or other 
     designation by the State in which the vehicle is registered 
     to allow for identification of the vehicle as a farm vehicle 
     by law enforcement personnel; and
       (B) that has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle 
     weight, whichever is greater, that is--
       (i) 26,001 pounds or less; or
       (ii) greater than 26,001 pounds and traveling within the 
     State or within 150 air miles of the farm or ranch with 
     respect to which the vehicle is being operated.
       (2) Inclusion.--In this section, the term ``covered farm 
     vehicle'' includes a motor vehicle that meets the 
     requirements of paragraph (1) (other than paragraph 
     (1)(A)(iv)) and is--
       (A) operated pursuant to a crop share farm lease agreement;
       (B) owned by a tenant with respect to that agreement; and
       (C) transporting the landlord's portion of the crops under 
     that agreement.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1654. Mr. BOOZMAN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and 
highway safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of the amendment, insert the following:

       TITLE ___--PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS PROTECTION ACT OF 2012

     SEC. _01. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Private Property Rights 
     Protection Act of 2012''.

     SEC. _02. PROHIBITION ON EMINENT DOMAIN ABUSE BY STATES.

       (a) In General.--No State or political subdivision of a 
     State shall exercise its power of eminent domain, or allow 
     the exercise of such power by any person or entity to which 
     such power has been delegated, over property to be used for 
     economic development or over property that is used for 
     economic development within 7 years after that exercise, if 
     that State or political subdivision receives Federal economic 
     development funds during any fiscal year in which the 
     property is so used or intended to be used.
       (b) Ineligibility for Federal Funds.--A violation of 
     subsection (a) by a State or political subdivision shall 
     render such State or political subdivision ineligible for any 
     Federal economic development funds for a period of 2 fiscal 
     years following a final judgment on the merits by a court of 
     competent jurisdiction that such subsection has been 
     violated, and any Federal agency charged with distributing 
     those funds shall withhold them for such 2-year period, and 
     any such funds distributed to such State or political 
     subdivision shall be returned or reimbursed by such State or 
     political subdivision to the appropriate Federal agency or 
     authority of the Federal Government, or component thereof.
       (c) Opportunity To Cure Violation.--A State or political 
     subdivision shall not be ineligible for any Federal economic 
     development funds under subsection (b) if such State or 
     political subdivision returns all real property the taking of 
     which was found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have 
     constituted a violation of subsection (a) and replaces any 
     other property destroyed and repairs any other property 
     damaged as a result of such violation. In addition, the State 
     must pay applicable penalties and interest to reattain 
     eligibility.

     SEC. _03. PROHIBITION ON EMINENT DOMAIN ABUSE BY THE FEDERAL 
                   GOVERNMENT.

       The Federal Government or any authority of the Federal 
     Government shall not exercise its power of eminent domain to 
     be used for economic development.

     SEC. _04. PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION.

       (a) Cause of Action.--Any (1) owner of private property 
     whose property is subject to eminent domain who suffers 
     injury as a result of a violation of any provision of this 
     title with respect to that property, or (2) any tenant of 
     property that is subject to eminent domain who suffers injury 
     as a result of a violation of any provision of this title 
     with respect to that property, may bring an action to enforce 
     any provision of this title in the appropriate Federal or 
     State court. A State shall not be immune under the 11th 
     Amendment to the Constitution of the United States from any 
     such action in a Federal or State court of competent 
     jurisdiction. In such action, the defendant has the burden to 
     show by clear and convincing evidence that the taking is not 
     for economic development. Any such property owner or tenant 
     may also seek an appropriate relief through a preliminary 
     injunction or a temporary restraining order.
       (b) Limitation on Bringing Action.--An action brought by a 
     property owner or tenant under this title may be brought if 
     the property is used for economic development following the 
     conclusion of any condemnation proceedings condemning the 
     property of such property owner or tenant, but shall not be 
     brought later than seven years following the conclusion of 
     any such proceedings.
       (c) Attorneys' Fee and Other Costs.--In any action or 
     proceeding under this title, the court shall allow a 
     prevailing plaintiff a reasonable attorneys' fee as part of 
     the costs, and include expert fees as part of the attorneys' 
     fee.

     SEC. _05. REPORTING OF VIOLATIONS TO ATTORNEY GENERAL.

       (a) Submission of Report to Attorney General.--Any (1) 
     owner of private property whose property is subject to 
     eminent domain who suffers injury as a result of a violation 
     of any provision of this title with respect to that property, 
     or (2) any tenant of property that is subject to eminent 
     domain who suffers injury as a result of a violation of any 
     provision of this title with respect to that property, may 
     report a violation by the Federal Government, any authority 
     of the Federal Government, State, or political subdivision of 
     a State to the Attorney General.
       (b) Investigation by Attorney General.--Upon receiving a 
     report of an alleged violation, the Attorney General shall 
     conduct an investigation to determine whether a violation 
     exists.
       (c) Notification of Violation.--If the Attorney General 
     concludes that a violation does exist, then the Attorney 
     General shall notify the Federal Government, authority of the 
     Federal Government, State, or political subdivision of a 
     State that the Attorney General has determined that it is in 
     violation of this title. The notification shall further 
     provide that the Federal Government, State, or political 
     subdivision of a State has 90 days from the date of the 
     notification to demonstrate to the Attorney General either 
     that (1) it is not in violation of this title or (2) that it 
     has cured its violation by returning all real property the 
     taking of which the Attorney General finds to have 
     constituted a violation of this title and replacing any other 
     property destroyed and repairing any other property damaged 
     as a result of such violation.
       (d) Attorney General's Bringing of Action to Enforce Act.--
     If, at the end of the 90-day period described in subsection 
     (c), the Attorney General determines that the Federal 
     Government, authority of the Federal Government, State, or 
     political subdivision of a State is still violating this 
     title or has not cured its violation as described in 
     subsection (c), then the Attorney General will bring an 
     action to enforce this title unless the property owner or 
     tenant who reported the violation has already brought an 
     action to enforce this title. In such a case, the Attorney 
     General shall intervene if it determines that intervention is 
     necessary in order to enforce this title. The Attorney 
     General may file its lawsuit to enforce this title in the 
     appropriate Federal or State court. A State shall not be 
     immune under the 11th Amendment to the Constitution of the 
     United States from any such action in a Federal or State 
     court of competent jurisdiction. In such action, the 
     defendant has the burden to show by clear and convincing 
     evidence that the taking is not for economic development. The 
     Attorney General may seek any appropriate relief through a 
     preliminary injunction or a temporary restraining order.
       (e) Limitation on Bringing Action.--An action brought by 
     the Attorney General under this title may be brought if the 
     property is used for economic development following the 
     conclusion of any condemnation proceedings condemning the 
     property of an owner or tenant who reports a violation of 
     this title to the Attorney General, but shall not be brought 
     later than seven years following the conclusion of any such 
     proceedings.
       (f) Attorneys' Fee and Other Costs.--In any action or 
     proceeding under this title brought by the Attorney General, 
     the court shall, if the Attorney General is a prevailing 
     plaintiff, award the Attorney General a reasonable attorneys' 
     fee as part of the costs, and include expert fees as part of 
     the attorneys' fee.

     SEC. _06. NOTIFICATION BY ATTORNEY GENERAL.

       (a) Notification to States and Political Subdivisions.--
       (1) Not later than 30 days after the enactment of this 
     title, the Attorney General

[[Page S793]]

     shall provide to the chief executive officer of each State 
     the text of this title and a description of the rights of 
     property owners and tenants under this title.
       (2) Not later than 120 days after the enactment of this 
     title, the Attorney General shall compile a list of the 
     Federal laws under which Federal economic development funds 
     are distributed. The Attorney General shall compile annual 
     revisions of such list as necessary. Such list and any 
     successive revisions of such list shall be communicated by 
     the Attorney General to the chief executive officer of each 
     State and also made available on the Internet website 
     maintained by the United States Department of Justice for use 
     by the public and by the authorities in each State and 
     political subdivisions of each State empowered to take 
     private property and convert it to public use subject to just 
     compensation for the taking.
       (b) Notification to Property Owners and Tenants.--Not later 
     than 30 days after the enactment of this title, the Attorney 
     General shall publish in the Federal Register and make 
     available on the Internet website maintained by the United 
     States Department of Justice a notice containing the text of 
     this title and a description of the rights of property owners 
     and tenants under this title.

     SEC. _07. REPORTS.

       (a) By Attorney General.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of this title, and every subsequent year 
     thereafter, the Attorney General shall transmit a report 
     identifying States or political subdivisions that have used 
     eminent domain in violation of this title to the Chairman and 
     Ranking Member of the Committee on the Judiciary of the House 
     of Representatives and to the Chairman and Ranking Member of 
     the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate. The report 
     shall--
       (1) identify all private rights of action brought as a 
     result of a State's or political subdivision's violation of 
     this title;
       (2) identify all violations reported by property owners and 
     tenants under section 5(c) of this title;
       (3) identify the percentage of minority residents compared 
     to the surrounding nonminority residents and the median 
     incomes of those impacted by a violation of this title;
       (4) identify all lawsuits brought by the Attorney General 
     under section 5(d) of this title;
       (5) identify all States or political subdivisions that have 
     lost Federal economic development funds as a result of a 
     violation of this title, as well as describe the type and 
     amount of Federal economic development funds lost in each 
     State or political subdivision and the Agency that is 
     responsible for withholding such funds; and
       (6) discuss all instances in which a State or political 
     subdivision has cured a violation as described in section 
     2(c) of this title.
       (b) Duty of States.--Each State and local authority that is 
     subject to a private right of action under this title shall 
     have the duty to report to the Attorney General such 
     information with respect to such State and local authorities 
     as the Attorney General needs to make the report required 
     under subsection (a).

     SEC. _08. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING RURAL AMERICA.

       (a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
       (1) The founders realized the fundamental importance of 
     property rights when they codified the Takings Clause of the 
     Fifth Amendment to the Constitution, which requires that 
     private property shall not be taken ``for public use, without 
     just compensation''.
       (2) Rural lands are unique in that they are not 
     traditionally considered high tax revenue-generating 
     properties for State and local governments. In addition, 
     farmland and forest land owners need to have long-term 
     certainty regarding their property rights in order to make 
     the investment decisions to commit land to these uses.
       (3) Ownership rights in rural land are fundamental building 
     blocks for our Nation's agriculture industry, which continues 
     to be one of the most important economic sectors of our 
     economy.
       (4) In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision in Kelo v. 
     City of New London, abuse of eminent domain is a threat to 
     the property rights of all private property owners, including 
     rural land owners.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the use of eminent domain for the purpose of economic 
     development is a threat to agricultural and other property in 
     rural America and that the Congress should protect the 
     property rights of Americans, including those who reside in 
     rural areas. Property rights are central to liberty in this 
     country and to our economy. The use of eminent domain to take 
     farmland and other rural property for economic development 
     threatens liberty, rural economies, and the economy of the 
     United States. The taking of farmland and rural property will 
     have a direct impact on existing irrigation and reclamation 
     projects. Furthermore, the use of eminent domain to take 
     rural private property for private commercial uses will force 
     increasing numbers of activities from private property onto 
     this Nation's public lands, including its National forests, 
     National parks and wildlife refuges. This increase can 
     overburden the infrastructure of these lands, reducing the 
     enjoyment of such lands for all citizens. Americans should 
     not have to fear the government's taking their homes, farms, 
     or businesses to give to other persons. Governments should 
     not abuse the power of eminent domain to force rural property 
     owners from their land in order to develop rural land into 
     industrial and commercial property. Congress has a duty to 
     protect the property rights of rural Americans in the face of 
     eminent domain abuse.

     SEC. _09. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title the following definitions apply:
       (1) Economic development.--
       (A) In general.--The term ``economic development'' means 
     taking private property, without the consent of the owner, 
     and conveying or leasing such property from one private 
     person or entity to another private person or entity for 
     commercial enterprise carried on for profit, or to increase 
     tax revenue, tax base, employment, or general economic 
     health, except that such term shall not include--
       (i) conveying private property--

       (I) to public ownership, such as for a road, hospital, 
     airport, or military base;
       (II) to an entity, such as a common carrier, that makes the 
     property available to the general public as of right, such as 
     a railroad or public facility;
       (III) for use as a road or other right of way or means, 
     open to the public for transportation, whether free or by 
     toll; and
       (IV) for use as an aqueduct, flood control facility, 
     pipeline, or similar use;

       (ii) removing blighted property;
       (iii) leasing property to a private person or entity that 
     occupies an incidental part of public property or a public 
     facility, such as a retail establishment on the ground floor 
     of a public building;
       (iv) acquiring abandoned property;
       (v) clearing defective chains of title;
       (vi) taking private property for use by a public utility, 
     including a utility providing electric, natural gas, 
     telecommunications, water and wastewater services, either 
     directly to the public or indirectly through provision of 
     such services at the wholesale level for resale to the 
     public; and
       (vii) redeveloping of a brownfield site as defined in the 
     Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields 
     Revitalization Act (42 U.S.C. 9601(39)).
       (B) Blighted property.--In subparagraph (A)(ii), the term 
     ``blighted property'' means a structure--
       (i) that was inspected by the appropriate local government 
     and cited for one or more enforceable housing, maintenance, 
     or building code violations that--

       (I) affect the safety of the occupants or the public; and
       (II) involve one or more of the following:

       (aa) a roof and roof framing element;
       (bb) support walls, beams, and headers;
       (cc) foundation, footings, and subgrade conditions;
       (dd) light and ventilation;
       (ee) fire protection, including egress;
       (ff) internal utilities, including electricity, gas, and 
     water;
       (gg) flooring and flooring elements; or
       (hh) walls, insulation, and exterior envelope;
       (ii) in which the cited housing, maintenance, or building 
     code violations have not been remedied within a reasonable 
     time after 2 notices to cure the noncompliance; and
       (iii) that the satisfaction of those enforceable, cited and 
     uncured housing, maintenance, and building code violations 
     cost more than 50 percent of the assessor's taxable market 
     value for the building, excluding land value, for property 
     taxes payable in the year in which the condemnation is 
     commenced.
       (C) Abandoned property.--In subparagraph (A)(iv), the term 
     ``abandoned property'' means property that--
       (i) has been substantially unoccupied or unused for any 
     commercial or residential purpose for at least 1 year by a 
     person with a legal or equitable right to occupy the 
     property;
       (ii) has not been maintained; and
       (iii) for which property taxes have not been paid for at 
     least 2 years.
       (2) Federal economic development funds.--The term ``Federal 
     economic development funds'' means any Federal funds 
     distributed to or through States or political subdivisions of 
     States under Federal laws designed to improve or increase the 
     size of the economies of States or political subdivisions of 
     States.
       (3) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several 
     States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
     Rico, or any other territory or possession of the United 
     States.

     SEC. _10. SEVERABILITY AND EFFECTIVE DATE.

       (a) Severability.--The provisions of this title are 
     severable. If any provision of this title, or any application 
     thereof, is found unconstitutional, that finding shall not 
     affect any provision or application of this title not so 
     adjudicated.
       (b) Effective Date.--This title shall take effect upon the 
     first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the date 
     of the enactment of this title, but shall not apply to any 
     project for which condemnation proceedings have been 
     initiated prior to the date of enactment.

     SEC. _11. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

       It is the policy of the United States to encourage, 
     support, and promote the private ownership of property and to 
     ensure that the constitutional and other legal rights of 
     private property owners are protected by the Federal 
     Government.

[[Page S794]]

     SEC. _12. BROAD CONSTRUCTION.

       This title shall be construed in favor of a broad 
     protection of private property rights, to the maximum extent 
     permitted by the terms of this title and the Constitution.

     SEC. _13. LIMITATION ON STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.

       Nothing in this title may be construed to supersede, limit, 
     or otherwise affect any provision of the Uniform Relocation 
     Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 
     (42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.).

     SEC. _14. RELIGIOUS AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.

       (a) Prohibition on States.--No State or political 
     subdivision of a State shall exercise its power of eminent 
     domain, or allow the exercise of such power by any person or 
     entity to which such power has been delegated, over property 
     of a religious or other nonprofit organization by reason of 
     the nonprofit or tax-exempt status of such organization, or 
     any quality related thereto if that State or political 
     subdivision receives Federal economic development funds 
     during any fiscal year in which it does so.
       (b) Ineligibility for Federal Funds.--A violation of 
     subsection (a) by a State or political subdivision shall 
     render such State or political subdivision ineligible for any 
     Federal economic development funds for a period of 2 fiscal 
     years following a final judgment on the merits by a court of 
     competent jurisdiction that such subsection has been 
     violated, and any Federal agency charged with distributing 
     those funds shall withhold them for such 2-year period, and 
     any such funds distributed to such State or political 
     subdivision shall be returned or reimbursed by such State or 
     political subdivision to the appropriate Federal agency or 
     authority of the Federal Government, or component thereof.
       (c) Prohibition on Federal Government.--The Federal 
     Government or any authority of the Federal Government shall 
     not exercise its power of eminent domain over property of a 
     religious or other nonprofit organization by reason of the 
     nonprofit or tax-exempt status of such organization, or any 
     quality related thereto.

     SEC. _15. REPORT BY FEDERAL AGENCIES ON REGULATIONS AND 
                   PROCEDURES RELATING TO EMINENT DOMAIN.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this title, the head of each Executive department and agency 
     shall review all rules, regulations, and procedures and 
     report to the Attorney General on the activities of that 
     department or agency to bring its rules, regulations and 
     procedures into compliance with this title.

     SEC. _16. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

       It is the sense of Congress that any and all precautions 
     shall be taken by the government to avoid the unfair or 
     unreasonable taking of property away from survivors of 
     Hurricane Katrina who own, were bequeathed, or assigned such 
     property, for economic development purposes or for the 
     private use of others.

     SEC. _17. DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT ON MINORITIES.

       If the court determines that a violation of this title has 
     occurred, and that the violation has a disproportionately 
     high impact on the poor or minorities, the Attorney General 
     shall use reasonable efforts to locate and inform former 
     owners and tenants of the violation and any remedies they may 
     have.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1655. Mrs. HUTCHISON submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed by her to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway 
and highway safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title I, insert the following:

     SEC. 15__. ELECTION TO RECEIVE STATE CONTRIBUTION TO HIGHWAY 
                   TRUST FUND IN LIEU OF PARTICIPATING IN FEDERAL-
                   AID HIGHWAY PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code 
     (as amended by section 1115(a)), is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:

     ``SEC. 168. DIRECT FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--Beginning with the first fiscal year 
     after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary 
     shall carry out a direct Federal-aid highway program in 
     accordance with this section under which the Governor or 
     chief executive officer of a State may elect, not less than 
     90 days before the beginning of each fiscal year--
       ``(A) to have the State waive the right of the State to 
     receive amounts apportioned or allocated to the State under 
     the Federal-aid highway program for the fiscal year to which 
     the election applies; and
       ``(B) to receive instead the amount determined under 
     subsection (d) for that fiscal year.
       ``(2) Form and nature of election.--An election for a 
     fiscal year under this subsection shall be made in such form 
     and manner as the Secretary may require and shall be 
     irrevocable for the fiscal year.
       ``(b) State Responsibility.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall accept an election 
     under subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that the 
     State making the election--
       ``(A) has an Interstate maintenance program and agrees to 
     maintain the portions of the Interstate System in the State 
     in accordance with that program;
       ``(B) submits to the Secretary a plan describing--
       ``(i) the purposes, projects, and uses to which amounts 
     received under the program will be put; and
       ``(ii) which programmatic requirements of this title the 
     State elects to continue;
       ``(C) agrees to obligate or expend amounts received under 
     the program exclusively for projects that would be eligible 
     for funding under section 133(b) if the State were not 
     participating in the program; and
       ``(D) agrees to report annually to the Secretary on the use 
     of amounts received under the program and to make the report 
     available to the public in an easily accessible format.
       ``(2) Safety requirements.--The Secretary may determine 
     that requirements important for transportation safety 
     continue to apply to a State that makes an election under 
     subsection (a).
       ``(3) Surface transportation program.--A State that makes 
     an election under subsection (a) shall continue to 
     suballocate funds to urbanized areas and other areas using 
     the formulas and rules under section 133(d)(3).
       ``(4) No limitation on use of funds.--Except as provided in 
     paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), the expenditure or obligation 
     of funds received by the State under the program is not 
     subject to regulation under this title or title 49.
       ``(c) Effect on Pre-existing Obligations.--The making of an 
     election under subsection (a) shall not affect any 
     obligation, responsibility, or commitment of the State under 
     this title for any fiscal year with respect to--
       ``(1) a project or program funded under this title (other 
     than under this section); or
       ``(2) any project or program funded under this title for 
     any fiscal year for which an election under subsection (a) is 
     not in effect.
       ``(d) Transfers.--
       ``(1) In general.--The amount to be transferred to a State 
     under the program for a fiscal year shall be the portion of 
     the tax revenue appropriated to the Highway Trust Fund, other 
     than for the Mass Transit Account, for a fiscal year for 
     which an election is in effect under subsection (a) that is 
     attributable to highway users in that State during that 
     fiscal year, reduced by a pro rata share withheld by the 
     Secretary to fund contract authority for programs of the 
     National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the 
     Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
       ``(2) General fund amounts.--For purposes of paragraph (1), 
     any amounts deposited in or credited to the Highway Trust 
     Fund from the general fund of the Treasury shall be treated 
     as if the amounts were amounts received as tax revenue and 
     appropriated to the Fund.
       ``(3) Transfers.--
       ``(A) In general.--Transfers under the program shall be 
     made--
       ``(i) at the same time as deposits to the Highway Trust 
     Fund are made by the Secretary of the Treasury; and
       ``(ii) on the basis of estimates by the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury.
       ``(B) Adjustments.--Subject to subparagraph (C), proper 
     adjustments shall be made in amounts subsequently transferred 
     under this paragraph to the extent prior estimates were in 
     excess of, or less than, the amounts required to be 
     transferred.
       ``(C) Limitation.--With respect to an adjustment under 
     subparagraph (B) to any transfer--
       ``(i) the adjustment may not exceed 5 percent of the 
     transferred amount to which the adjustment relates; and
       ``(ii) if the adjustment required exceeds that percentage, 
     the excess shall be taken into account in making subsequent 
     adjustments under that subparagraph.
       ``(e) Application With Other Authority.--The Secretary 
     shall rescind or cancel any contract authority under this 
     chapter (and any obligation limitation) for a State for a 
     fiscal year for which an election by that State is in effect 
     under subsection (a).''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 1 of 
     title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1115(b)), 
     is amended by adding at the end the following:

``Sec. 168. Direct Federal-aid highway program.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1656. Mr. TOOMEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway 
safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered 
to lie on the table; as follows:

         On page 469, after line 22, insert the following:

     SEC. 1521. ELIMINATION OF FEDERAL MANDATES FOR TRAFFIC SIGN 
                   RETROREFLECTIVITY.

       (a) Finding.--Congress finds that it is the responsibility 
     of State and local governments to determine whether traffic 
     signs of the State and local governments provide necessary 
     levels of retroreflectivity.
       (b) Prohibition on Standard.--The Secretary of 
     Transportation (referred to in this section as the 
     ``Secretary'') shall not promulgate, implement, or enforce a 
     minimum retroreflectivity level standard for a traffic 
     control device that is applicable to a State or local 
     government.
       (c) Modification of Manual on Uniform Traffic Control 
     Devices for Streets and Highways.--The Secretary shall modify 
     the

[[Page S795]]

     Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and 
     Highways, 2009 Edition (incorporated by reference in part 655 
     of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the 
     date of enactment of this Act)), to eliminate--
       (1) the minimum retroreflectivity level standards for 
     traffic control devices contained in section 2A.08 of the 
     Manual; and
       (2) the schedule for the implementation of the standards 
     contained in table I 2 of the Manual.
       (d) Repeal.--Section 406 of the Department of 
     Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 
     (Public Law 102 388; 106 Stat. 1564) is amended by striking 
     ``to include--'' and all that follows through ``(b) a 
     standard'' and inserting ``to include a standard''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1657. Ms. CANTWELL (for herself and Mr. Lugar) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 1813, to 
reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction 
programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the 
table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. OPEN FUELS STANDARD.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 329 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec.  32920. Open fuels standard

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Advanced alternative fuel blend.--The term `advanced 
     alternative fuel blend' means--
       ``(A) a mixture containing--
       ``(i) at least 85 percent denatured ethanol, by volume, or 
     a lower percentage prescribed by the Secretary pursuant to 
     section 32901(b); and
       ``(ii) gasoline or drop-in fuel;
       ``(B) a mixture containing--
       ``(i) at least 70 percent methanol, by volume; and
       ``(ii) gasoline or drop-in fuel; and
       ``(C) any other mixture of alcohols or liquid fuels 
     certified by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (b)(2).
       ``(2) Annual covered inventory.--The term `annual covered 
     inventory' means the number of automobiles (as defined in 
     section 32901(a)(3)) that a manufacturer, during a given 
     calendar year, manufactures in the United States or imports 
     from outside of the United States, for sale in the United 
     States.
       ``(3) Fuel choice-enabling vehicle.--The term `fuel choice-
     enabling vehicle' means a automobile warranted by its 
     manufacturer--
       ``(A)(i) absent certification authorizing the use of an 
     advanced alternative fuel blend under subsection (b)(2), to 
     operate on a mixture containing--

       ``(I) at least 85 percent denatured ethanol, by volume, or 
     a lower percentage prescribed by the Secretary pursuant to 
     section 32901(b); and
       ``(II) gasoline or drop-in fuel; and

       ``(ii) after certification under subsection (b)(2), to 
     operate on an advanced alternative fuel blend; or
       ``(B) to operate on--
       ``(i) natural gas;
       ``(ii) hydrogen;
       ``(iii) electricity;
       ``(iv) a hybrid electric engine;
       ``(v) a mixture of biodiesel and diesel fuel meeting the 
     standard established by the American Society for Testing and 
     Materials or under section 211(u) of the Clean Air Act (42 
     U.S.C. 7545(u)) for fuel containing 5 percent biodiesel; or
       ``(vi) any other fuel or means of powering covered 
     automobiles prescribed by the Secretary, by regulation, that 
     contains not more than 10 percent petroleum, by volume.
       ``(b) Open Fuels Standard.--
       ``(1) In general.--Each automobile manufacturer's annual 
     covered inventory shall be comprised of--
       ``(A) not less than 50 percent fuel choice-enabling 
     vehicles in model years 2015, 2016, and 2017; and
       ``(B) not less than 80 percent fuel choice-enabling 
     vehicles in model year 2018 and each subsequent model year.
       ``(2) Certifications.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of 
     Transportation, in consultation with the Administrator of the 
     Environmental Protection Agency, shall certify--
       ``(A) the use of advanced alternative fuel blends in fuel 
     choice-enabling vehicles unless the Secretary determines that 
     such certification--
       ``(i) is not technologically feasible;
       ``(ii) would result in burdensome consumer costs;
       ``(iii) negatively impacts automobile safety;
       ``(iv) negatively impacts air quality;
       ``(v) would not increase the use of domestic feedstock 
     sources; or
       ``(vi) is unlikely to enable reductions in foreign oil 
     imports;
       ``(B) the type and blend of advanced alternative fuel blend 
     that can be utilized by specific automobiles in use on such 
     date of enactment; and
       ``(C) the type and blend of advanced alternative fuel blend 
     that can be utilized by new and existing components of the 
     Nation's transportation fueling infrastructure for fuel 
     choice-enabled vehicles.
       ``(3) Small manufacturer exemption.--At the request of a 
     manufacturer, the Secretary of Transportation shall exempt 
     the manufacturer from the requirement described in paragraph 
     (1) if the manufacturer's annual covered inventory is fewer 
     than 10,000.
       ``(4) Credit trading among manufacturers.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may establish, by 
     regulation, an open fuels standard credit trading program to 
     allow manufacturers whose annual covered inventory exceeds 
     the requirement described in paragraph (1) to earn credits, 
     which may be sold to manufacturers that are unable to achieve 
     such requirement.
       ``(B) Dual fuel credit.--Beginning in model year 2018, any 
     automobile used to qualify for the open fuels standard under 
     this subsection cannot be used to receive the dual fuel 
     credit under section 32903.
       ``(c) Fuel Choice Comparison Tool.--The Secretary of 
     Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, 
     the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the 
     Environmental Protection Agency, and the Federal Trade 
     Commission, shall--
       ``(1) develop a model label for pumps in the United States 
     dispensing advanced alternative fuels to consumers that--
       ``(A) identifies a single, readily comprehensible metric 
     that allows consumers to evaluate the relative value, energy 
     density, and expected automobile performance of any 
     particular advanced alternative fuel blend; and
       ``(B) includes appropriate warnings against the use of such 
     fuels in unwarranted engines, including nonautomobile 
     engines; and
       ``(2) make the label described in paragraph (1) available 
     for voluntary reproduction and adoption.
       ``(d) Study of Fuel Dispensing Infrastructure for Advanced 
     Alternative Fuel Blends.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of 
     Transportation shall submit a report to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives that evaluates the need for standardized 
     fueling equipment that facilitates the dispensing of advanced 
     alternative fuel blends to fuel choice-enabling vehicles and 
     prevents such fuel blends from being dispensed to 
     incompatible automobiles.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of section for chapter 
     329 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at 
     the end the following:

``32920. Open fuels standard.''.

       (c) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate 
     regulations to carry out the amendment made by subsection 
     (a).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1658. Mr. RUBIO submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway 
safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered 
to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end, add the following:

     SEC. ___. CONSOLIDATION OF GRANTS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section, the term ``recipient'' 
     means--
       (1) a State, local, or tribal government, including--
       (A) a territory of the United States;
       (B) a transit agency;
       (C) a port authority;
       (D) a metropolitan planning organization; or
       (E) any other political subdivision of a State or local 
     government;
       (2) a multistate or multijurisdictional group, if each 
     member of the group is an entity described in paragraph (1); 
     and
       (3) a public-private partnership, if both parties are 
     engaged in building the project.
       (b) Consolidation.--
       (1) In general.--A recipient that receives multiple grant 
     awards from the Department to support 1 multimodal project 
     may request that the Secretary designate 1 modal 
     administration in the Department to be the lead agency for 
     the overall project.
       (2) Review.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date on 
     which a request under paragraph (1) is made, the Secretary 
     shall review the request and approve or deny the designation 
     of a single modal administration as the lead Federal agency 
     and point of contact for the Department.
       (B) Notification.--
       (i) In general.--The Secretary shall notify the requestor 
     of the decision of the Secretary under subparagraph (A) in 
     such form and at such time as the Secretary and the requestor 
     agree.
       (ii) Denial.--If a request is denied, the Secretary shall 
     provide the requestor with a detailed explanation of the 
     reasoning of the Secretary with the notification under clause 
     (i).
       (c) Duties.--
       (1) In general.--A modal administration designated as a 
     lead agency under this section shall--
       (A) be responsible for leading and coordinating the 
     integrated project management team, which shall consist of 
     all of the other modal administrations in the Department 
     relating to the multimodal project; and
       (B) during the first 30 days of carrying out the multimodal 
     project, if applicable, identify overlapping or duplicative 
     regulatory requirements and propose a single, streamlined 
     approach to meeting the regulatory requirements.

[[Page S796]]

       (2) Administration.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary shall transfer all amounts 
     that have been competitively awarded for the multimodal 
     project to the modal administration designated as the project 
     lead.
       (B) Option.--
       (i) In general.--Participation under this section shall be 
     optional for recipients, and no recipient shall be required 
     to participate.
       (ii) Secretarial duties.--The Secretary is not required to 
     identify every recipient that may be eligible to participate 
     under this section.
       (d) Cooperation.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary and modal administrations 
     with relevant jurisdiction over a multimodal project should 
     cooperate on project review and delivery activities at the 
     earliest practicable time.
       (2) Purposes.--The purposes of the cooperation under 
     paragraph (1) are--
       (A) to avoid delays and duplication of effort later in the 
     process;
       (B) to prevent potential conflicts; and
       (C) to ensure that planning and project development 
     decisions are made in a streamlined manner.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1659. Mr. RUBIO submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway 
safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered 
to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:
       (k) Reports.--
       (1) Secretary.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date on 
     which the Secretary selects a project for funding under this 
     section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
     Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report that describes the reasons for 
     selecting the project, based on the criteria described in 
     subsection (e).
       (B) Inclusions.--The report submitted under subparagraph 
     (A) shall specify each criteria described in subsection (e) 
     that the project meets.
       (C) Availability.--The Secretary shall make available on 
     the website of the Department the report submitted under 
     subparagraph (A).
       (2) Comptroller general.--
       (A) Assessment.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct an assessment of the establishment, 
     solicitation, selection, and justification process with 
     respect to the funding of projects under this section.
       (B) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall submit to the Committee on Environment and 
     Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report that describes--
       (i) the process by which each project was selected;
       (ii) the factors that went into the selection of each 
     project; and
       (iii) the justification for the selection of each project 
     based on the criteria described in subsection (e).
       (3) Inspector general.--
       (A) Assessment.--The Inspector General of the Department 
     shall conduct an assessment of the establishment, 
     solicitation, selection, and justification process with 
     respect to the funding of projects under this section.
       (B) Initial report.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the 
     Department shall submit to the Committee on Environment and 
     Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report that describes the initial results 
     of the assessment conducted under subparagraph (A).
       (C) Final report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the 
     Department shall submit to the Committee on Environment and 
     Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a final report that describes the findings of 
     the Inspector General of the Department with respect to the 
     assessment conducted under subparagraph (A).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1660. Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Toomey, Mr. 
Pryor, and Ms. Landrieu) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by her to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and 
highway safety construction programs, and for other purposes; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of title I of division A, add the following:

                   Subtitle F--EPA Regulatory Relief

     SEC. 15031. SHORT TITLE.

       This subtitle may be cited as the ``EPA Regulatory Relief 
     Act of 2011''.

     SEC. 15032. LEGISLATIVE STAY.

       (a) Establishment of Standards.--In place of the rules 
     specified in subsection (b), and notwithstanding the date by 
     which such rules would otherwise be required to be 
     promulgated, the Administrator of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency (in this subtitle referred to as the 
     ``Administrator'') shall--
       (1) propose regulations for industrial, commercial, and 
     institutional boilers and process heaters, and commercial and 
     industrial solid waste incinerator units, subject to any of 
     the rules specified in subsection (b)--
       (A) establishing maximum achievable control technology 
     standards, performance standards, and other requirements 
     under sections 112 and 129, as applicable, of the Clean Air 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 7412, 7429); and
       (B) identifying non-hazardous secondary materials that, 
     when used as fuels or ingredients in combustion units of such 
     boilers, process heaters, or incinerator units are solid 
     waste under the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et 
     seq.; commonly referred to as the ``Resource Conservation and 
     Recovery Act'') for purposes of determining the extent to 
     which such combustion units are required to meet the 
     emissions standards under section 112 of the Clean Air Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 7412) or the emission standards under section 129 
     of such Act (42 U.S.C. 7429); and
       (2) finalize the regulations on the date that is 15 months 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (b) Stay of Earlier Rulesor on Such.--The following rules 
     are of no force or effect, shall be treated as though such 
     rules had never taken effect, and shall be replaced as 
     described in subsection (a):
       (1) ``National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air 
     Pollutants for Major Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and 
     Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters'', published at 76 
     Fed. Reg. 15608 (March 21, 2011).
       (2) ``National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air 
     Pollutants for Area Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and 
     Institutional Boilers'', published at 76 Fed. Reg. 15554 
     (March 21, 2011).
       (3) ``Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources 
     and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Commercial and 
     Industrial Solid Waste Incineration Units'', published at 76 
     Fed. Reg. 15704 (March 21, 2011).
       (4) ``Identification of Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials 
     That are Solid Waste'', published at 76 Fed. Reg. 15456 
     (March 21, 2011).
       (c) Inapplicability of Certain Provisions.--With respect to 
     any standard required by subsection (a) to be promulgated in 
     regulations under section 112 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 
     7412), the provisions of subsections (g)(2) and (j) of such 
     section 112 shall not apply prior to the effective date of 
     the standard specified in such regulations.

     SEC. 15033. COMPLIANCE DATES.

       (a) Establishment of Compliance Dates.--For each regulation 
     promulgated pursuant to section 15032, the Administrator--
       (1) shall establish a date for compliance with standards 
     and requirements under such regulation that is, 
     notwithstanding any other provision of law, not earlier than 
     5 years after the effective date of the regulation; and
       (2) in proposing a date for such compliance, shall take 
     into consideration--
       (A) the costs of achieving emissions reductions;
       (B) any non-air quality health and environmental impact and 
     energy requirements of the standards and requirements;
       (C) the feasibility of implementing the standards and 
     requirements, including the time needed to--
       (i) obtain necessary permit approvals; and
       (ii) procure, install, and test control equipment;
       (D) the availability of equipment, suppliers, and labor, 
     given the requirements of the regulation and other proposed 
     or finalized regulations of the Environmental Protection 
     Agency; and
       (E) potential net employment impacts.
       (b) New Sources.--The date on which the Administrator 
     proposes a regulation pursuant to section 15032(a)(1) 
     establishing an emission standard under section 112 or 129 of 
     the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7412, 7429) shall be treated as 
     the date on which the Administrator first proposes such a 
     regulation for purposes of applying the definition of a new 
     source under section 112(a)(4) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 
     7412(a)(4)) or the definition of a new solid waste 
     incineration unit under section 129(g)(2) of such Act (42 
     U.S.C. 7429(g)(2)).
       (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this subtitle shall 
     be construed to restrict or otherwise affect the provisions 
     of paragraphs (3)(B) and (4) of section 112(i) of the Clean 
     Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7412(i)).

     SEC. 15034. ENERGY RECOVERY AND CONSERVATION.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, to ensure the recovery and conservation of energy 
     consistent with the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 
     et seq.) (commonly known as the ``Resource Conservation and 
     Recovery Act of 1976''), in promulgating regulations under 
     section 15032(a) that address the subject matter of the 
     regulations described in paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 
     15032(b), the Administrator shall--
       (1) adopt the definitions of the terms ``commercial and 
     industrial solid waste incineration unit'', ``commercial and 
     industrial waste'', and ``contained gaseous material'' 
     contained in the regulation entitled ``Standards of 
     Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission 
     Guidelines for Existing Sources: Commercial and Industrial 
     Solid Waste Incineration Units'' (65 Fed. Reg. 75338 
     (December 1, 2000)); and

[[Page S797]]

       (2) identify nonhazardous secondary material as not to be 
     solid waste for purposes of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 
     U.S.C. 6901 et seq.) if--
       (A) the material--
       (i) does not meet the definition of commercial and 
     industrial waste; and
       (ii) is on the list published by the Administrator under 
     subsection (b); or
       (B) in the case of the material that is a gas, the material 
     does not meet the definition of contained gaseous material.
       (b) List of Nonhazardous Secondary Materials.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish a list 
     of nonhazardous secondary materials that are not solid waste 
     when combusted in units designed for energy recovery, 
     including--
       (A) without limitation, all forms of biomass, including--
       (i) agricultural and forest-derived biomass;
       (ii) biomass crops, vines, and orchard trees;
       (iii) bagasse and other crop and tree residues, including--

       (I) hulls and seeds;
       (II) spent grains;
       (III) byproducts of cotton;
       (IV) corn and peanut production;
       (V) rice milling and grain elevator operations;
       (VI) cellulosic biofuels; and
       (VII) byproducts of ethanol natural fermentation processes;

       (iv) hogged fuel, including wood pallets, sawdust, and wood 
     pellets;
       (v) wood debris from forests and urban areas;
       (vi) resinated wood and other resinated biomass-derived 
     residuals, including trim, sanderdust, offcuts, and 
     woodworking residuals;
       (vii) creosote-treated, borate-treated, sap-stained, and 
     other treated wood;
       (viii) residuals from wastewater treatment by the 
     manufacturing industry, including process wastewater with 
     significant British thermal unit (``Btu'') value;
       (ix) paper and paper or cardboard recycling residuals, 
     including paper-derived fuel cubes, paper fines, and paper 
     and cardboard rejects;
       (x) turpentine, turpentine derivatives, pine tar, rectified 
     methanol, glycerine, lumber kiln condensates, and wood char;
       (xi) tall oil and related soaps;
       (xii) biogases or bioliquids generated from biomass 
     materials, wastewater operations, or landfill operations;
       (xiii) processed biomass derived from construction and 
     demolition debris for the purpose of fuel production; and
       (xiv) animal manure and bedding material;
       (B) solid and emulsified paraffin;
       (C) petroleum and chemical reaction and distillation 
     byproducts and residues, alcohol, ink, and nonhalogenated 
     solvents;
       (D) tire-derived fuel, including factory scrap tire and 
     related material;
       (E) foundry sand processed in thermal reclamation units;
       (F) coal refuse and coal combustion residuals;
       (G) shredded cloth and carpet scrap;
       (H) latex paint water, organic printing dyes and inks, 
     recovered paint solids, and nonmetallic paint sludges;
       (I) nonchlorinated plastics;
       (J) all used oil that qualifies as recycled oil under 
     section 1004 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 
     6903);
       (K) process densified fuels that contain any of the 
     materials described in this paragraph; and
       (L) any other specific or general categories of material 
     that the Administrator determines the combustion of which is 
     for use as a fuel pursuant to paragraph (2).
       (2) Additions to the list.--
       (A) In general.--To provide greater regulatory certainty, 
     the Administrator may, after public notice and opportunity to 
     comment, add nonhazardous secondary materials to the list 
     published under paragraph (1)--
       (i) as the Administrator determines necessary; or
       (ii) based on a petition submitted by any person.
       (B) Response.--Not later than 120 days after receiving any 
     petition under subparagraph (A)(ii), the Administrator shall 
     respond to the petition.
       (C) Requirements.--In making a determination under this 
     paragraph, the Administrator may decline to add a material to 
     the list under paragraph (1) if the Administrator determines 
     that regulation under section 112 of the Clean Air Act (42 
     U.S.C. 7412) would not reasonably protect public health with 
     an ample margin of safety.

     SEC. 15035. OTHER PROVISIONS.

       (a) Establishment of Standards Achievable in Practice.--In 
     promulgating rules under section 15032(a), the Administrator 
     shall ensure that emissions standards for existing and new 
     sources established under section 112 or 129 of the Clean Air 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 7412, 7429), as applicable, can be met under 
     actual operating conditions consistently and concurrently 
     with emission standards for all other air pollutants 
     regulated by the rule for the source category, taking into 
     account variability in actual source performance, source 
     design, fuels, inputs, controls, ability to measure the 
     pollutant emissions, and operating conditions.
       (b) Regulatory Alternatives.--For each regulation 
     promulgated pursuant to section 15032(a), from among the 
     range of regulatory alternatives authorized under the Clean 
     Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) including work practice 
     standards under section 112(h) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 
     7412(h)), the Administrator shall impose the least 
     burdensome, consistent with the purposes of such Act and 
     Executive Order 13563 published at 76 Fed. Reg. 3821 (January 
     21, 2011).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1661. Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself, Mr. Burr, Mrs. Shaheen, and Mr. 
Risch) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the 
bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety 
construction programs, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie 
on the table; as follows:

       On page 6, between lines 17 and 18, insert the following:
       (5) Recreational trails program.--For the recreational 
     trails program under section 206 of title 23, United States 
     Code, $85,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013.
       On page 51, strike line 16 and insert the following:
       ``(g) Recreational Trails Program.--
       ``(1) Definition of eligible state.--In this subsection, 
     the term `eligible State' means a State that meets the 
     requirements of section 206(c).
       ``(2) Administrative costs.--
       ``(A) In general.--Before apportioning sums authorized to 
     be appropriated to carry out the recreational trails program 
     under section 206, the Secretary shall deduct for 
     administrative, research, technical assistance, and training 
     expenses for the program $840,000 for each fiscal year.
       ``(B) Contracts.--The Secretary may enter into contracts 
     with for-profit organizations or contracts, partnerships, or 
     cooperative agreements with other government agencies, 
     institutions of higher learning, or nonprofit organizations 
     to perform functions described in subparagraph (A).
       ``(3) Apportionment to the states.--The Secretary shall 
     apportion the sums authorized to be appropriated for 
     expenditure on the recreational trails program for each 
     fiscal year among eligible States in the following manner:
       ``(A) 50 percent equally among eligible States.
       ``(B) 50 percent in amounts proportionate to the degree of 
     non-highway recreational fuel use in each eligible State 
     during the preceding year.
       ``(h) Report to Congress.--For each fiscal year, the
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 1662. Mr. NELSON of Florida (for himself, Mr. Shelby, Ms. 
Landrieu, Mr. Vitter, Mr. Rubio, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Wicker, 
Mrs. Hutchison, and Mr. Whitehouse) submitted an amendment intended to 
be proposed by him to the bill S. 1813, to reauthorize Federal-aid 
highway and highway safety construction programs, and for other 
purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 469 after line 22, add the following:

                   Subtitle F--Gulf Coast Restoration

     SEC. 1601. SHORT TITLE.

       This subtitle may be cited as the ``Resources and 
     Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived 
     Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012''.

     SEC. 1602. GULF COAST RESTORATION TRUST FUND.

       (a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury of 
     the United States a trust fund to be known as the ``Gulf 
     Coast Restoration Trust Fund'' (referred to in this section 
     as the ``Trust Fund''), consisting of such amounts as are 
     deposited in the Trust Fund under this subtitle or any other 
     provision of law.
       (b) Transfers.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall deposit 
     in the Trust Fund an amount equal to 80 percent of all 
     administrative and civil penalties paid by responsible 
     parties after the date of enactment of this Act in connection 
     with the explosion on, and sinking of, the mobile offshore 
     drilling unit Deepwater Horizon pursuant to a court order, 
     negotiated settlement, or other instrument in accordance with 
     section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
     U.S.C. 1321).
       (c) Expenditures.--Amounts in the Trust Fund, including 
     interest earned on advances to the Trust Fund and proceeds 
     from investment under subsection (d), shall--
       (1) be available for expenditure, without further 
     appropriation, solely for the purpose and eligible activities 
     of this subtitle; and
       (2) remain available until expended, without fiscal year 
     limitation.
       (d) Investment.--Amounts in the Trust Fund shall be 
     invested in accordance with section 9702 of title 31, United 
     States Code, and any interest on, and proceeds from, any such 
     investment shall be available for expenditure in accordance 
     with this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle.
       (e) Administration.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, after providing notice and an 
     opportunity for public comment, the Secretary of the 
     Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior 
     and the Secretary of Commerce, shall establish such 
     procedures as the Secretary determines to be necessary to 
     deposit amounts in, and expend amounts from, the Trust Fund 
     pursuant to this subtitle, including--
       (1) procedures to assess whether the programs and 
     activities carried out under this

[[Page S798]]

     subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle achieve 
     compliance with applicable requirements, including procedures 
     by which the Secretary of the Treasury may determine whether 
     an expenditure by a Gulf Coast State or coastal political 
     subdivision (as those terms are defined in section 311 of the 
     Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321)) 
     pursuant to such a program or activity achieves compliance;
       (2) auditing requirements to ensure that amounts in the 
     Trust Fund are expended as intended; and
       (3) procedures for identification and allocation of funds 
     available to the Secretary under other provisions of law that 
     may be necessary to pay the administrative expenses directly 
     attributable to the management of the Trust Fund.

     SEC. 1603. GULF COAST NATURAL RESOURCES RESTORATION AND 
                   ECONOMIC RECOVERY.

       Section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
     U.S.C. 1321) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (25)(B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in paragraph (26)(D), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting a semicolon; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(27) the term `Chairperson' means the Chairperson of the 
     Council;
       ``(28) the term `coastal political subdivision' means any 
     local political jurisdiction that is immediately below the 
     State level of government, including a county, parish, or 
     borough, with a coastline that is contiguous with any portion 
     of the United States Gulf of Mexico;
       ``(29) the term `Comprehensive Plan' means the 
     comprehensive plan developed by the Council pursuant to 
     subsection (t);
       ``(30) the term `Council' means the Gulf Coast Ecosystem 
     Restoration Council established pursuant to subsection (t);
       ``(31) the term `Deepwater Horizon oil spill' means the 
     blowout and explosion of the mobile offshore drilling unit 
     Deepwater Horizon that occurred on April 20, 2010, and 
     resulting hydrocarbon releases into the environment;
       ``(32) the term `Gulf Coast ecosystem' means--
       ``(A) in the Gulf Coast States, the coastal zones (as that 
     term is defined in section 304 of the Coastal Zone Management 
     Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453), except that, in this section, 
     the term `coastal zones' includes land within the coastal 
     zones that is held in trust by, or the use of which is by law 
     subject solely to the discretion of, the Federal Government 
     or officers or agents of the Federal Government) that border 
     the Gulf of Mexico;
       ``(B) any adjacent land, water, and watersheds, that are 
     within 25 miles of the coastal zones described in 
     subparagraph (A) of the Gulf Coast States; and
       ``(C) all Federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico;
       ``(33) the term `Gulf Coast State' means any of the States 
     of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas; and
       ``(34) the term `Trust Fund' means the Gulf Coast 
     Restoration Trust Fund established pursuant to section 1602 
     of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist 
     Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States 
     Act of 2012.'';
       (2) in subsection (s), by inserting ``except as provided in 
     subsection (t)'' before the period at the end; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(t) Gulf Coast Restoration and Recovery.--
       ``(1) State allocation and expenditures.--
       ``(A) In general.--Of the total amounts made available in 
     any fiscal year from the Trust Fund, 35 percent shall be 
     available, in accordance with the requirements of this 
     section, to the Gulf Coast States in equal shares for 
     expenditure for ecological and economic restoration of the 
     Gulf Coast ecosystem in accordance with this subsection.
       ``(B) Use of funds.--
       ``(i) Eligible activities.--Amounts provided to the Gulf 
     States under this subsection may only be used to carry out 1 
     or more of the following activities:

       ``(I) Coastal restoration projects and activities, 
     including conservation and coastal land acquisition.
       ``(II) Mitigation of damage to, and restoration of, fish, 
     wildlife, or natural resources.
       ``(III) Implementation of a federally approved marine, 
     coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan, 
     including fisheries monitoring.
       ``(IV) Programs to promote tourism in a Gulf Coast State, 
     including recreational fishing.
       ``(V) Programs to promote the consumption of seafood 
     produced from the Gulf Coast ecosystem.
       ``(VI) Programs to promote education regarding the natural 
     resources of the Gulf Coast ecosystem.
       ``(VII) Planning assistance.
       ``(VIII) Workforce development and job creation.
       ``(IX) Improvements to or upon State parks located in 
     coastal areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
       ``(X) Mitigation of the ecological and economic impact of 
     outer Continental Shelf activities and the impacts of the 
     Deepwater Horizon oil spill or promotion of the long-term 
     ecological or economic recovery of the Gulf Coast ecosystem 
     through the funding of infrastructure projects.
       ``(XI) Coastal flood protection and infrastructure directly 
     affected by coastal wetland losses, beach erosion, or the 
     impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
       ``(XII) Administrative costs of complying with this 
     subsection.

       ``(ii) Limitation.--

       ``(I) In general.--Of the amounts received by a Gulf State 
     under this subsection not more than 3 percent may be used for 
     administrative costs eligible under clause (i)(XII).
       ``(II) Prohibition on use for imported seafood.--None of 
     the funds made available under this subsection shall be used 
     for any program to support or promote imported seafood or any 
     seafood product that is not harvested from the Gulf Coast 
     ecosystem.

       ``(C) Coastal political subdivisions.--
       ``(i) In general.--In the case of a State where the coastal 
     zone includes the entire State--

       ``(I) 75 percent of funding shall be provided to the 8 
     disproportionally affected counties impacted by the Deepwater 
     Horizon Oil Spill; and
       ``(II) 25 percent shall be provided to 
     nondisproportionately impacted counties within the State.

       ``(ii) Florida.--

       ``(I) Disproportionally affected counties.--Of the total 
     amounts made available to counties in the State of Florida 
     under clause (i)(I)--

       ``(aa) 10 percent shall be distributed equally among the 8 
     disproportionately affected counties; and
       ``(bb) 90 percent shall be distributed to the 8 
     disproportionately affected counties in accordance with the 
     following weighted formula:
       ``(AA) 30 percent based on the weighted average of the 
     county shoreline oiled.
       ``(BB) 30 percent based on the weighted average of the 
     county per capita sales tax collections estimated for the 
     fiscal year ending September 30, 2012.
       ``(CC) 20 percent based on the weighted average of the 
     population of the county.
       ``(DD) 20 percent based on the inverse proportion of the 
     weighted average distance from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig 
     to each of the nearest and farthest points of the shoreline.

       ``(II) Nondisproportionately impacted counties.--The total 
     amounts made available to coastal political subdivisions in 
     the State of Florida under clause (i)(II) shall be 
     distributed according to the following weighted formula:

       ``(aa) 34 percent based on the weighted average of the 
     population of the county.
       ``(bb) 33 percent based on the weighted average of the 
     county per capita sales tax collections estimated for the 
     fiscal year ending September 30, 2012.
       ``(cc) 33 percent based on the inverse proportion of the 
     weighted average distance from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig 
     to each of the nearest and farthest points of the shoreline.
       ``(iii) Louisiana.--Of the total amounts made available to 
     the State of Louisiana under this paragraph:

       ``(I) 70 percent shall be provided directly to the State in 
     accordance with this subsection.
       ``(II) 30 percent shall be provided directly to parishes in 
     the coastal zone (as defined in section 304 of the Coastal 
     Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453)) of the State of 
     Louisiana according to the following weighted formula:

       ``(aa) 40 percent based on the weighted average of miles of 
     the parish shoreline oiled.
       ``(bb) 40 percent based on the weighted average of the 
     population of the parish.
       ``(cc) 20 percent based on the weighted average of the land 
     mass of the parish.
       ``(iv) Conditions.--

       ``(I) Land use plan.--As a condition of receiving amounts 
     allocated under clause (iii), the chief executive of the 
     eligible parish shall certify to the Governor of the State 
     that the parish has completed a comprehensive land use plan.
       ``(II) Other conditions.--A coastal political subdivision 
     receiving funding under this subsection shall meet all of the 
     conditions in subparagraph (D).

       ``(D) Conditions.--As a condition of receiving amounts from 
     the Trust Fund, a Gulf Coast State, including the entities 
     described in subparagraph (E), or a coastal political 
     subdivision shall--
       ``(i) agree to meet such conditions, including audit 
     requirements, as the Secretary of the Treasury determines 
     necessary to ensure that amounts disbursed from the Trust 
     Fund will be used in accordance with this subsection;
       ``(ii) certify in such form and in such manner as the 
     Secretary of the Treasury determines necessary that the 
     project or program for which the Gulf Coast State or coastal 
     political subdivision is requesting amounts--

       ``(I) is designed to restore and protect the natural 
     resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife 
     habitats, beaches, coastal wetlands, or economy of the Gulf 
     Coast;
       ``(II) carries out 1 or more of the activities described in 
     subparagraph (B)(i);
       ``(III) was selected based on meaningful input from the 
     public, including broad-based participation from individuals, 
     businesses, and nonprofit organizations; and
       ``(IV) in the case of a natural resource protection or 
     restoration project, is based on the best available science;

       ``(iii) certify that the project or program and the 
     awarding of a contract for the expenditure of amounts 
     received under this subsection are consistent with the 
     standard procurement rules and regulations governing a 
     comparable project or program in that

[[Page S799]]

     State, including all applicable competitive bidding and audit 
     requirements; and
       ``(iv) develop and submit a multiyear implementation plan 
     for use of those funds.
       ``(E) Approval by state entity, task force, or agency.--The 
     following Gulf Coast State entities, task forces, or agencies 
     shall carry out the duties of a Gulf Coast State pursuant to 
     this paragraph:
       ``(i) Alabama.--

       ``(I) In general.--In the State of Alabama, the Alabama 
     Gulf Coast Recovery Council, which shall be comprised of only 
     the following:

       ``(aa) The Governor of Alabama, who shall also serve as 
     Chairperson and preside over the meetings of the Alabama Gulf 
     Coast Recovery Council.
       ``(bb) The Director of the Alabama State Port Authority, 
     who shall also serve as Vice Chairperson and preside over the 
     meetings of the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council in the 
     absence of the Chairperson.
       ``(cc) The Chairman of the Baldwin County Commission.
       ``(dd) The President of the Mobile County Commission.
       ``(ee) The Mayor of the city of Bayou La Batre.
       ``(ff) The Mayor of the town of Dauphin Island.
       ``(gg) The Mayor of the city of Fairhope.
       ``(hh) The Mayor of the city of Gulf Shores.
       ``(ii) The Mayor of the city of Mobile.
       ``(jj) The Mayor of the city of Orange Beach.

       ``(II) Vote.--Each member of the Alabama Gulf Coast 
     Recovery Council shall be entitled to 1 vote.
       ``(III) Majority vote.--All decisions of the Alabama Gulf 
     Coast Recovery Council shall be made by majority vote.

       ``(ii) Louisiana.--In the State of Louisiana, the Coastal 
     Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana.
       ``(iii) Mississippi.--In the State of Mississippi, the 
     Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
       ``(F) Compliance with eligible activities.--If the 
     Secretary of the Treasury determines that an expenditure by a 
     Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision of amounts 
     made available under this subsection does not meet 1 of the 
     activities described in subparagraph (B)(i), the Secretary 
     shall make no additional amounts from the Trust Fund 
     available to that Gulf Coast State or coastal political 
     subdivision until such time as an amount equal to the amount 
     expended for the unauthorized use--
       ``(i) has been deposited by the Gulf Coast State or coastal 
     political subdivision in the Trust Fund; or
       ``(ii) has been authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury 
     for expenditure by the Gulf Coast State or coastal political 
     subdivision for a project or program that meets the 
     requirements of this subsection.
       ``(G) Compliance with conditions.--If the Secretary of the 
     Treasury determines that a Gulf Coast State or coastal 
     political subdivision does not meet the requirements of this 
     subsection, including the conditions of subparagraph (D), 
     where applicable, the Secretary of the Treasury shall make no 
     amounts from the Trust Fund available to that Gulf Coast 
     State or coastal political subdivision until all conditions 
     of this subsection are met.
       ``(H) Public input.--In meeting any condition of this 
     subsection, a Gulf Coast State may use an appropriate 
     procedure for public consultation in that Gulf Coast State, 
     including consulting with 1 or more established task forces 
     or other entities, to develop recommendations for proposed 
     projects and programs that would restore and protect the 
     natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife 
     habitats, beaches, coastal wetlands, and economy of the Gulf 
     Coast.
       ``(I) Previously approved projects and programs.--A Gulf 
     Coast State or coastal political subdivision shall be 
     considered to have met the conditions of subparagraph (D) for 
     a specific project or program if, before the date of 
     enactment of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, 
     Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf 
     Coast States Act of 2012--
       ``(i) the Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision 
     has established conditions for carrying out projects and 
     programs that are substantively the same as the conditions 
     described in subparagraph (D); and
       ``(ii) the applicable project or program carries out 1 or 
     more of the activities described in subparagraph (B)(ii).
       ``(J) Consultation with council.--In carrying out this 
     subsection, each Gulf Coast State shall seek the input of the 
     Chairperson of the Council to identify large-scale projects 
     that may be jointly supported by that Gulf Coast State and by 
     the Council pursuant to the Comprehensive Plan with amounts 
     provided under this subsection.
       ``(K) Non-federal matching funds.--
       ``(i) In general.--A Gulf Coast State or coastal political 
     subdivision may use, in whole or in part, amounts made 
     available to that Gulf Coast State from the Trust Fund to 
     satisfy the non-Federal share of the cost of any project or 
     program authorized by Federal law that meets the eligible use 
     requirements under subparagraph (B)(i).
       ``(ii) Effect on other funds.--The use of funds made 
     available from the Trust Fund to satisfy the non-Federal 
     share of the cost of a project or program that meets the 
     requirements of clause (i) shall not affect the priority in 
     which other Federal funds are allocated or awarded.
       ``(L) Local preference.--In awarding contracts to carry out 
     a project or program under this subsection, a Gulf Coast 
     State or coastal political subdivision may give a preference 
     to individuals and companies that reside in, are 
     headquartered in, or are principally engaged in business in, 
     a Gulf Coast State.
       ``(M) Unused funds.--Any Funds not identified in an 
     implementation plan by a State or coastal political 
     subdivision in accordance with subparagraph (D)(iv) shall 
     remain in the Trust Fund until such time as the State or 
     coastal political subdivision to which the funds have been 
     allocated develops and submits a plan identifying uses for 
     those funds in accordance with subparagraph (D)(iv).
       ``(N) Judicial review.--If the Secretary of the Treasury 
     determines that a Gulf Coast State or coastal political 
     subdivision does not meet the requirements of this 
     subsection, including the conditions of subparagraph (D), the 
     Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision may obtain 
     expedited judicial review within 90 days of that decision in 
     a district court of the United States, of appropriate 
     jurisdiction and venue, that is located within the State 
     seeking such review.
       ``(2) Council establishment and allocation.--
       ``(A) In general.--Of the total amount made available in 
     any fiscal year from the Trust Fund, 60 percent shall be 
     disbursed to the Council to carry out the Comprehensive Plan.
       ``(B) Council expenditures.--
       ``(i) In general.--In accordance with this paragraph, the 
     Council shall expend funds made available from the Trust Fund 
     to undertake projects and programs that would restore and 
     protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine 
     and wildlife habitats, beaches, coastal wetlands, and economy 
     of the Gulf Coast.
       ``(ii) Allocation and expenditure procedures.--The 
     Secretary of the Treasury shall develop such conditions, 
     including audit requirements, as the Secretary of the 
     Treasury determines necessary to ensure that amounts 
     disbursed from the Trust Fund to the Council to implement the 
     Comprehensive Plan will be used in accordance with this 
     paragraph.
       ``(iii) Administrative expenses.--Of the amounts received 
     by the Council under this subsection, not more than 3 percent 
     may be used for administrative expenses, including staff.
       ``(C) Gulf coast ecosystem restoration council.--
       ``(i) Establishment.--There is established as an 
     independent entity in the Federal Government a council to be 
     known as the `Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council'.
       ``(ii) Membership.--The Council shall consist of the 
     following members, or in the case of a Federal agency, a 
     designee at the level of the Assistant Secretary or the 
     equivalent:

       ``(I) The Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality.
       ``(II) The Secretary of the Interior.
       ``(III) The Secretary of the Army.
       ``(IV) The Secretary of Commerce.
       ``(V) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
     Agency.
       ``(VI) The Secretary of Agriculture.
       ``(VII) The head of the department in which the Coast Guard 
     is operating.
       ``(VIII) The Governor of the State of Alabama.
       ``(IX) The Governor of the State of Florida.
       ``(X) The Governor of the State of Louisiana.
       ``(XI) The Governor of the State of Mississippi.
       ``(XII) The Governor of the State of Texas.

       ``(iii) Alternate.--A Governor appointed to the Council by 
     the President may designate an alternate to represent the 
     Governor on the Council and vote on behalf of the Governor.
       ``(iv) Chairperson.--From among the Federal agency members 
     of the Council, the representatives of States on the Council 
     shall select, and the President shall appoint, 1 Federal 
     member to serve as Chairperson of the Council.
       ``(v) Presidential appointment.--All Council members shall 
     be appointed by the President.
       ``(vi) Council actions.--

       ``(I) In general.--Subject to subclause (IV), significant 
     actions by the Council shall require the affirmative vote of 
     the Federal Chairperson and a majority of the State members 
     to be effective.
       ``(II) Inclusions.--Significant actions include but are not 
     limited to--

       ``(aa) approval of a Comprehensive Plan and future 
     revisions to a Comprehensive Plan;
       ``(bb) approval of State plans pursuant to paragraph 
     (3)(B)(iv); and
       ``(cc) approval of reports to Congress pursuant to clause 
     (vii)(X).

       ``(III) Quorum.--A quorum of State members shall be 
     required to be present for the Council to take any 
     significant action.
       ``(IV) Affirmative vote requirement deemed met.--For 
     approval of State plans pursuant to paragraph (3)(B)(iv), the 
     certification by a State member of the Council that the plan 
     satisfies all requirements of clauses (i) and (ii) of 
     paragraphs (3)(B), when joined by an affirmative vote of the 
     Federal Chairperson of the Council, is deemed to satisfy the 
     requirements for affirmative votes under subclause (I).
       ``(V) Public transparency.--Appropriate actions of the 
     Council, including votes on significant actions and 
     associated deliberations, shall be made available to the 
     public.

[[Page S800]]

       ``(vii) Duties of council.--The Council shall--

       ``(I) develop the Comprehensive Plan, and future revisions 
     to the Comprehensive Plan;
       ``(II) identify as soon as practicable the projects that--

       ``(aa) have been authorized prior to the date of enactment 
     of this subsection but not yet commenced; and
       ``(bb) if implemented quickly, would restore and protect 
     the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and 
     wildlife habitats, beaches, barrier islands, dunes, and 
     coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast ecosystem;

       ``(III) coordinate the development of consistent policies, 
     strategies, plans, and activities by Federal agencies, State 
     and local governments, and private sector entities for 
     addressing the restoration and protection of the Gulf Coast 
     ecosystem;
       ``(IV) establish such other advisory committee or 
     committees as may be necessary to assist the Council, 
     including a scientific advisory committee and a committee to 
     advise the Council on public policy issues;
       ``(V) coordinate scientific and other research associated 
     with restoration of the Gulf Coast ecosystem, including 
     research, observation, and monitoring carried out pursuant to 
     section 1604 of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, 
     Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf 
     Coast States Act of 2012;
       ``(VI) seek to ensure that all policies, strategies, plans, 
     and activities for addressing the restoration of the Gulf 
     Coast ecosystem are based on the best available physical, 
     ecological, and economic data;
       ``(VII) make recommendations to address the particular 
     needs of especially economically and socially vulnerable 
     populations;
       ``(VIII) develop standard terms to include in contracts for 
     projects and programs awarded pursuant to the Comprehensive 
     Plan that provide a preference to individuals and companies 
     that reside in, are headquartered in, or are principally 
     engaged in business in, a Gulf Coast State;
       ``(IX) prepare an integrated financial plan and 
     recommendations for coordinated budget requests for the 
     amounts proposed to be expended by the Federal agencies 
     represented on the Council for projects and programs in the 
     Gulf Coast States;
       ``(X) submit to Congress an annual report that--

       ``(aa) summarizes the policies, strategies, plans, and 
     activities for addressing the restoration and protection of 
     the Gulf Coast ecosystem;
       ``(bb) describes the projects and programs being 
     implemented to restore and protect the Gulf Coast ecosystem; 
     and
       ``(cc) makes such recommendations to Congress for 
     modifications of existing laws as the Council determines 
     necessary to implement the Comprehensive Plan; and

       ``(XI) submit to Congress a final report on the date on 
     which all funds made available to the Council are expended.

       ``(viii) Application of federal advisory committee act.--
     The Council, or any other advisory committee established 
     under this subsection, shall not be considered an advisory 
     committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
     App.).
       ``(D) Comprehensive plan.--
       ``(i) Proposed plan.--

       ``(I) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, 
     Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf 
     Coast States Act of 2012, the Chairperson, on behalf of the 
     Council, shall publish a proposed plan to restore and protect 
     the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and 
     wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf 
     Coast ecosystem.
       ``(II) Contents.--The proposed plan described in subclause 
     (I) shall include and incorporate the findings and 
     information prepared by the President's Gulf Coast 
     Restoration Task Force.

       ``(ii) Publication.--

       ``(I) Initial plan.--Not later than 1 year after date of 
     enactment of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, 
     Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf 
     Coast States Act of 2012 and after notice and opportunity for 
     public comment, the Chairperson, on behalf of the Council and 
     after approval by the Council, shall publish in the Federal 
     Register the initial Comprehensive Plan to restore and 
     protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine 
     and wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the 
     Gulf Coast ecosystem.
       ``(II) Cooperation with gulf coast restoration task 
     force.--The Council shall develop the initial Comprehensive 
     Plan in close coordination with the President's Gulf Coast 
     Restoration Task Force.
       ``(III) Considerations.--In developing the initial 
     Comprehensive Plan and subsequent updates, the Council shall 
     consider all relevant findings, reports, or research prepared 
     or funded by a center of excellence or the Gulf Fisheries and 
     Ecosystem Endowment established pursuant to the Gulf Coast 
     Ecosystem Restoration Science, Monitoring, and Technology 
     Program under section 1604 of the Resources and Ecosystems 
     Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies 
     of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012.
       ``(IV) Contents.--The initial Comprehensive Plan shall 
     include--

       ``(aa) such provisions as are necessary to fully 
     incorporate in the Comprehensive Plan the strategy, projects, 
     and programs recommended by the President's Gulf Coast 
     Restoration Task Force;
       ``(bb) a list of any project or program authorized prior to 
     the date of enactment of this subsection but not yet 
     commenced, the completion of which would further the purposes 
     and goals of this subsection and of the Resources and 
     Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived 
     Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012;
       ``(cc) a description of the manner in which amounts from 
     the Trust Fund projected to be made available to the Council 
     for the succeeding 10 years will be allocated; and
       ``(dd) subject to available funding in accordance with 
     clause (iii), a prioritized list of specific projects and 
     programs to be funded and carried out during the 3-year 
     period immediately following the date of publication of the 
     initial Comprehensive Plan, including a table that 
     illustrates the distribution of projects and programs by Gulf 
     Coast State.

       ``(V) Plan updates.--The Council shall update--

       ``(aa) the Comprehensive Plan every 5 years in a manner 
     comparable to the manner established in this subsection for 
     each 5-year period for which amounts are expected to be made 
     available to the Gulf Coast States from the Trust Fund; and
       ``(bb) the 3-year list of projects and programs described 
     in subclause (IV)(dd) annually.
       ``(iii) Restoration priorities.--Except for projects and 
     programs described in subclause (IV)(bb), in selecting 
     projects and programs to include on the 3-year list described 
     in subclause (IV)(dd), based on the best available science, 
     the Council shall give highest priority to projects that 
     address 1 or more of the following criteria:

       ``(I) Projects that are projected to make the greatest 
     contribution to restoring and protecting the natural 
     resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife 
     habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast 
     ecosystem, without regard to geographic location.
       ``(II) Large-scale projects and programs that are projected 
     to substantially contribute to restoring and protecting the 
     natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife 
     habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast 
     ecosystem.
       ``(III) Projects contained in existing Gulf Coast State 
     comprehensive plans for the restoration and protection of 
     natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife 
     habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast 
     ecosystem.
       ``(IV) Projects that restore long-term resiliency of the 
     natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife 
     habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands most impacted by the 
     Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

       ``(E) Implementation.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Council, acting through the member 
     agencies and Gulf Coast States, shall expend funds made 
     available from the Trust Fund to carry out projects and 
     programs adopted in the Comprehensive Plan.
       ``(ii) Administrative responsibility.--

       ``(I) In general.--Primary authority and responsibility for 
     each project and program included in the Comprehensive Plan 
     shall be assigned by the Council to a Gulf Coast State 
     represented on the Council or a Federal agency.
       ``(II) Transfer of amounts.--Amounts necessary to carry out 
     each project or program included in the Comprehensive Plan 
     shall be transferred by the Secretary of the Treasury from 
     the Trust Fund to that Federal agency or Gulf Coast State as 
     the project or program is implemented, subject to such 
     conditions as the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation 
     with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of 
     Commerce, established pursuant to section 1602 of the 
     Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist 
     Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States 
     Act of 2012.

       ``(iii) Cost sharing.--

       ``(I) In general.--A Gulf Coast State or coastal political 
     subdivision may use, in whole or in part, amounts made 
     available to that Gulf Coast State or coastal political 
     subdivision from the Trust Fund to satisfy the non-Federal 
     share of the cost of carrying a project or program that--

       ``(aa) is authorized by other Federal law; and
       ``(bb) meets the criteria of subparagraph (D).

       ``(II) Inclusion in comprehensive plan.--A project or 
     program described in subclause (I) that meets the criteria 
     for inclusion in the Comprehensive Plan described in 
     subparagraph (D) shall be selected and adopted by the Council 
     as part of the Comprehensive Plan in the manner described in 
     subparagraph (D).

       ``(F) Coordination.--The Council and the Federal members of 
     the Council may develop Memorandums of Understanding 
     establishing integrated funding and implementation plans 
     among the member agencies and authorities.
       ``(G) Termination.--The Council shall terminate on the date 
     on which the report described in subparagraph (C)(vii)(XI) is 
     submitted to Congress.
       ``(3) Oil spill restoration impact allocation.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (4), of 
     the total amount made available to the Council under 
     paragraph (2) in any fiscal year from the Trust Fund, 50

[[Page S801]]

     percent shall be disbursed by the Council as follows:
       ``(i) Formula.--Subject to subparagraph (B), for each Gulf 
     Coast State, the amount disbursed under this paragraph shall 
     be based on a formula established by the Council by 
     regulation that is based on a weighted average of the 
     following criteria:

       ``(I) 40 percent based on the proportionate number of miles 
     of shoreline in each Gulf Coast State that experienced oiling 
     as of April 10, 2011, compared to the total number of miles 
     of shoreline that experienced oiling as a result of the 
     Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
       ``(II) 40 percent based on the inverse proportion of the 
     average distance from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig to the 
     nearest and farthest point of the shoreline that experienced 
     oiling of each Gulf Coast State.
       ``(III) 20 percent based on the average population in the 
     2010 decennial census of coastal counties bordering the Gulf 
     of Mexico within each Gulf Coast State.

       ``(ii) Minimum allocation.--The amount disbursed to a Gulf 
     Coast State for each fiscal year under clause (i) shall be at 
     least 5 percent of the total amounts made available under 
     this paragraph.
       ``(B) Approval of projects and programs.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Council shall disburse amounts to 
     the respective Gulf Coast States in accordance with the 
     formula developed under subparagraph (A) for projects, 
     programs, and activities that will improve the ecosystems or 
     economy of the Gulf Coast, subject to the condition that each 
     Gulf Coast State submits a plan for the expenditure of 
     amounts disbursed under this paragraph which meet the 
     following criteria:

       ``(I) All projects, programs, and activities included in 
     that plan are eligible activities pursuant to paragraph 
     (1)(B)(i).
       ``(II) The projects, programs, and activities included in 
     that plan contribute to the overall economic and ecological 
     recovery of the Gulf Coast.
       ``(III) The plan takes into consideration the Comprehensive 
     Plan and is consistent with its goals and objectives, as 
     described in paragraph (2)(B)(i).

       ``(ii) Funding.--

       ``(I) In general.--Except as provided in subclause (II), 
     the plan described in clause (i) may use not more than 25 
     percent of the funding made available for infrastructure 
     projects eligible under subclauses (X) and (XI) of paragraph 
     (1)(B)(i).
       ``(II) Exception.--The plan described in clause (i) may 
     propose to use more than 25 percent of the funding made 
     available for infrastructure projects eligible under 
     subclauses (X) and (XI) of paragraph (1)(B)(i) if the plan 
     certifies that--

       ``(aa) ecosystem restoration needs in the State will be 
     addressed by the projects in the proposed plan; and
       ``(bb) additional investment in infrastructure is required 
     to mitigate the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill to 
     the ecosystem or economy.
       ``(iii) Development.--The plan described in clause (i) 
     shall be developed by--

       ``(I) in the State of Alabama, the Alabama Gulf Coast 
     Recovery Council established under paragraph (1)(E)(i);
       ``(II) in the State of Florida, a consortia of local 
     political subdivisions that includes at least 1 
     representative of each disproportionally affected county;
       ``(III) in the State of Louisiana, the Coastal Protection 
     and Restoration Authority of Louisiana;
       ``(IV) in the State of Mississippi, the Office of the 
     Governor or an appointee of the Office of the Governor; and
       ``(V) in the State of Texas, the Office of the Governor or 
     an appointee of the Office of the Governor.

       ``(iv) Approval.--Not later than 60 days after the date on 
     which a plan is submitted under clause (i), the Council shall 
     approve or disapprove the plan based on the conditions of 
     clause (i).
       ``(C) Disapproval.--If the Council disapproves a plan 
     pursuant to subparagraph (B)(iv), the Council shall--
       ``(i) provide the reasons for disapproval in writing; and
       ``(ii) consult with the State to address any identified 
     deficiencies with the State plan.
       ``(D) Failure to submit adequate plan.--If a State fails to 
     submit an adequate plan under this subsection, any funds made 
     available under this subsection shall remain in the Trust 
     Fund until such date as a plan is submitted and approved 
     pursuant to this subsection.
       ``(E) Judicial review.--If the Council fails to approve or 
     take action within 60 days on a plan described in 
     subparagraph (B)(iv), the State may obtain expedited judicial 
     review within 90 days of that decision in a district court of 
     the United States, of appropriate jurisdiction and venue, 
     that is located within the State seeking such review.
       ``(4) Authorization of interest transfers.--
       ``(A) In general.--Of the total amount made available in 
     any fiscal year from the Trust Fund, an amount equal to the 
     interest earned by the Trust Fund and proceeds from 
     investments made by the Trust Fund in the preceding fiscal 
     year--
       ``(i) 50 percent shall be transferred to the National 
     Endowment for Oceans in subparagraph (B); and
       ``(ii) 50 percent shall be transferred to the Gulf of 
     Mexico Research Endowment in subparagraph (C).
       ``(B) National endowment for the oceans.--
       ``(i) Establishment.--

       ``(I) In general.--There is established in the Treasury of 
     the United States a trust fund to be known as the `National 
     Endowment for the Oceans', consisting of such amounts as may 
     be appropriated or credited to the National Endowment for the 
     Oceans.
       ``(II) Investment.--Amounts in the National Endowment for 
     the Oceans shall be invested in accordance with section 9602 
     of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and any interest on, 
     and proceeds from, any such investment shall be available for 
     expenditure in accordance with this subparagraph.

       ``(ii) Trustee.--The trustee for the National Endowment for 
     the Oceans shall be the Secretary of Commerce.
       ``(iii) Allocation of funds.--

       ``(I) In general.--Each fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
     allocate, at a minimum, an amount equal to the interest 
     earned by the National Endowment for the Oceans in the 
     preceding fiscal year, and may distribute an amount equal to 
     up to 10 percent of the total amounts in the National 
     Endowment for the Oceans--

       ``(aa) to allocate funding to coastal states (as defined in 
     section 304 of the Marine Resources and Engineering 
     Development Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 1453)) and affected Indian 
     tribes;
       ``(bb) to make grants to regional ocean and coastal 
     planning bodies; and
       ``(cc) to develop and implement a National Grant Program 
     for Oceans and Coastal Waters.

       ``(II) Program adjustments.--Each fiscal year where the 
     amount described in subparagraph (A)(i) does not exceed 
     $100,000,000, the Secretary may elect to fund only the grant 
     program established in subclause (I)(cc).

       ``(iv) Eligible activities.--Funds deposited in the 
     National Endowment for the Oceans may be allocated by the 
     Secretary only to fund grants for programs and activities 
     intended to restore, protect, maintain, or understand living 
     marine resources and their habitats and resources in ocean 
     and coastal waters (as defined in section 304 of the Marine 
     Resources and Engineering Development Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 
     1453)), including baseline scientific research, ocean 
     observing, and other programs and activities carried out in 
     coordination with Federal and State departments or agencies, 
     that are consistent with Federal environmental laws and that 
     avoid environmental degradation.
       ``(v) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     clause (iii)(I), an entity shall submit to the Secretary an 
     application at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
       ``(vi) Funding for coastal states.--The Secretary shall 
     allocate funding among States as follows:

       ``(I) 50 percent of the funds shall be allocated equally 
     among coastal States.
       ``(II) 25 percent of the funds shall be allocated based on 
     tidal shoreline miles.
       ``(III) 25 percent of the funds shall be allocated based on 
     the coastal population density of a coastal State.
       ``(IV) No State shall be allocated more than 10 percent of 
     the total amount of funds available for allocation among 
     coastal States for any fiscal year.
       ``(V) No territory shall be allocated more than 1 percent 
     of the total amount of funds available for allocation among 
     coastal States for any fiscal year.

       ``(C) Gulf of mexico research endowment.--
       ``(i) In general.--There is established in the Treasury of 
     the United States a trust fund to be known as the `Gulf of 
     Mexico Research Endowment', to be administered by the 
     Secretary of Commerce, solely for use in providing long-term 
     funding in accordance with section 1604 of the Resources and 
     Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived 
     Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012.
       ``(ii) Investment.--Amounts in the Gulf of Mexico Research 
     Endowment shall be invested in accordance with section 9602 
     of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and, after adjustment 
     for inflation so as to maintain the value of the principal, 
     any interest on, and proceeds from, any such investment shall 
     be available for expenditure and shall be allocated in equal 
     portions to the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Science, 
     Monitoring, and Technology Program and Fisheries Endowment 
     established in section 1604 of the Resources and Ecosystems 
     Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies 
     of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012.''.

     SEC. 1604. GULF COAST ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION SCIENCE, 
                   OBSERVATION, MONITORING, AND TECHNOLOGY 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the 
     Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration.
       (2) Fisheries and ecosystem endowment.--The term 
     ``Fisheries and Ecosystem Endowment'' means the endowment 
     established by subsection (d).
       (3) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the Gulf Coast 
     Ecosystem Restoration Science, Observation, Monitoring, and 
     Technology Program established by subsection (b).
       (b) Establishment of Program.--There is established within 
     the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration a program 
     to be

[[Page S802]]

     known as the ``Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Science, 
     Observation, Monitoring, and Technology Program'', to be 
     carried out by the Administrator.
       (c) Centers of Excellence.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the 
     Administrator, in consultation with other Federal agencies 
     with expertise in the discipline of a center of excellence, 
     shall make grants in accordance with paragraph (2) to 
     establish and operate 5 centers of excellence, 1 of which 
     shall be located in each of the States of Alabama, Florida, 
     Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
       (2) Grants.--
       (A) In general.--The Administrator shall use the amounts 
     made available to carry out this section to award competitive 
     grants to nongovernmental entities and consortia in the Gulf 
     Coast region (including public and private institutions of 
     higher education) for the establishment of centers of 
     excellence as described in paragraph (1).
       (B) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this paragraph, an entity or consortium described in 
     subparagraph (A) shall submit to the Administrator an 
     application at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Administrator determines to be 
     appropriate.
       (C) Priority.--In awarding grants under this paragraph, the 
     Administrator shall give priority to entities and consortia 
     that demonstrate the ability to establish the broadest cross-
     section of participants with interest and expertise in any 
     discipline described in paragraph (3) on which the proposal 
     of the center of excellence will be focused.
       (3) Disciplines.--Each center of excellence shall focus on 
     science, technology, and monitoring in at least 1 of the 
     following disciplines:
       (A) Coastal and deltaic sustainability, restoration and 
     protection; including solutions and technology that allow 
     citizens to live safely and sustainably in a coastal delta.
       (B) Coastal fisheries and wildlife ecosystem research and 
     monitoring.
       (C) Offshore energy development, including research and 
     technology to improve the sustainable and safe development of 
     energy resources.
       (D) Sustainable and resilient growth, economic and 
     commercial development in the Gulf Coast.
       (E) Comprehensive observation, monitoring, and mapping of 
     the Gulf of Mexico.
       (4) Coordination with other programs.--The Administrator 
     shall develop a plan for the coordination of projects and 
     activities between the Program and other existing Federal and 
     State science and technology programs in the States of 
     Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, as well 
     as between the centers of excellence.
       (d) Establishment of Fisheries and Ecosystem Endowment.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Council shall establish a fishery 
     and ecosystem endowment to ensure, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem, 
     fish stocks, fish habitat and the recreational, commercial, 
     and charter fishing industry in the Gulf of Mexico.
       (2) Expenditure of funds.--For each fiscal year, amounts 
     made available to carry out this subsection may be expended 
     for, with respect to the Gulf of Mexico--
       (A) marine and estuarine research;
       (B) marine and estuarine ecosystem monitoring and ocean 
     observation;
       (C) data collection and stock assessments;
       (D) pilot programs for--
       (i) fishery independent data; and
       (ii) reduction of exploitation of spawning aggregations; 
     and
       (E) cooperative research.
       (3) Administration and implementation.--The Fisheries and 
     Ecosystem Endowment shall be administered by the 
     Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, in consultation with the Director of the 
     United States Fish and Wildlife Service, with guidance 
     provided by the Regional Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management 
     Council.
       (4) Species included.--The Fisheries and Ecosystem 
     Endowment will include all marine, estuarine, aquaculture, 
     and fish and wildlife species in State and Federal waters of 
     the Gulf of Mexico.
       (5) Research priorities.--In distributing funding under 
     this subsection, priority shall be given to integrated, long-
     term projects that--
       (A) build on, or are coordinated with, related research 
     activities; and
       (B) address current or anticipated marine ecosystem, 
     fishery, or wildlife management information needs.
       (6) Duplication and coordination.--In carrying out this 
     subsection, the Administrator shall seek to avoid duplication 
     of other research and monitoring activities and coordinate 
     with existing research and monitoring programs, including the 
     Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 
     (33 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.).
       (e) Funding.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in subsection (t)(4) of 
     section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
     U.S.C. 1321), of the total amount made available for each 
     fiscal year for the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund 
     established under section 1602, 5 percent shall be allocated 
     in equal portions to the Program and Fisheries and Ecosystem 
     Endowment established by this section.
       (2) Administrative expenses.--Of the amounts received by 
     the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry 
     out this section, not more than 3 percent may be used for 
     administrative expenses.

     SEC. 1605. EFFECT.

       (a) In General.--Nothing in this subtitle or any amendment 
     made by this subtitle--
       (1) supersedes or otherwise affects any provision of 
     Federal law, including, in particular, laws providing 
     recovery for injury to natural resources under the Oil 
     Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) and laws for 
     the protection of public health and the environment; or
       (2) applies to any fine collected under section 311 of the 
     Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321) for any 
     incident other than the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
       (b) Use of Funds.--Funds made available under this subtitle 
     may be used only for eligible activities specifically 
     authorized by this subtitle.

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