[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 18, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2984-S2990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

  SA 4027. Mr. WARNER (for himself and Mr. Blunt) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill H.R. 2577, making 
appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and 
Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending 
September 30, 2016, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on 
the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

 DIVISION __--BUILDING AND RENEWING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND 
                          GROWTH IN EMPLOYMENT

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This division may be cited as the 
     ``Building and Renewing Infrastructure for Development and 
     Growth in Employment Act'' or the ``BRIDGE Act''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this 
     division is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Purpose.
Sec. 3. Definitions.

              TITLE I--INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING AUTHORITY

Sec. 101. Establishment and general authority of IFA.
Sec. 102. Voting members of the Board of Directors.
Sec. 103. Chief executive officer of IFA.
Sec. 104. Powers and duties of the Board of Directors.
Sec. 105. Senior management.
Sec. 106. Office of Technical and Rural Assistance.
Sec. 107. Special Inspector General for IFA.
Sec. 108. Other personnel.
Sec. 109. Compliance.

  TITLE II--TERMS AND LIMITATIONS ON DIRECT LOANS AND LOAN GUARANTEES

Sec. 201. Eligibility criteria for assistance from IFA and terms and 
              limitations of loans.
Sec. 202. Loan terms and repayment.
Sec. 203. Environmental permitting process improvements.
Sec. 204. Compliance and enforcement.
Sec. 205. Audits; reports to the President and Congress.
Sec. 206. Effect on other laws.

                       TITLE III--FUNDING OF IFA

Sec. 301. Fees.
Sec. 302. Self-sufficiency of IFA.
Sec. 303. Funding.
Sec. 304. Contract authority.
Sec. 305. Limitation on authority.

     TITLE IV--TAX EXEMPTION REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE AND LOCAL BONDS

Sec. 401. National limitation on amount of tax-exempt financing for 
              facilities.

                       TITLE V--BUDGETARY EFFECTS

Sec. 501. Budgetary effects.

     SEC. 2. PURPOSE.

       The purpose of this division is to facilitate investment 
     in, and the long-term financing of, economically viable 
     eligible infrastructure projects of regional or national 
     significance that are in the public interest in a manner that 
     complements existing Federal, State, local, and private 
     funding sources for

[[Page S2985]]

     these projects and introduces a merit-based system for 
     financing those projects, in order to mobilize significant 
     private sector investment, create long-term jobs, and ensure 
     United States competitiveness through a self-sustaining 
     institution that limits the need for ongoing Federal funding.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       In this division:
       (1) Blind trust.--The term ``blind trust'' means a trust in 
     which the beneficiary has no knowledge of the specific 
     holdings and no rights over how those holdings are managed by 
     the fiduciary of the trust prior to the dissolution of the 
     trust.
       (2) Board of directors.--The term ``Board of Directors'' 
     means the Board of Directors of IFA.
       (3) Chairperson.--The term ``Chairperson'' means the 
     Chairperson of the Board of Directors of IFA.
       (4) Chief executive officer.--The term ``Chief Executive 
     Officer'' means the chief executive officer of IFA, appointed 
     under section 103.
       (5) Cost.--The term ``cost'' has the meaning given the term 
     in section 502 of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 
     U.S.C. 661a).
       (6) Direct loan.--The term ``direct loan'' has the meaning 
     given the term in section 502 of the Federal Credit Reform 
     Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a).
       (7) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
       (A) an individual;
       (B) a corporation;
       (C) a partnership, including a public-private partnership;
       (D) a joint venture;
       (E) a trust;
       (F) a State or any other governmental entity, including a 
     political subdivision or any other instrumentality of a 
     State; or
       (G) a revolving fund.
       (8) Eligible infrastructure project.--
       (A) In general.--The term ``eligible infrastructure 
     project'' means the construction, consolidation, alteration, 
     or repair of the following sectors:
       (i) Intercity passenger or freight rail lines, intercity 
     passenger rail facilities or equipment, and intercity freight 
     rail facilities or equipment.
       (ii) Intercity passenger bus facilities or equipment.
       (iii) Public transportation facilities or equipment.
       (iv) Highway facilities, including bridges and tunnels.
       (v) Airports and air traffic control systems.
       (vi) Port or marine terminal facilities, including 
     approaches to marine terminal facilities or inland port 
     facilities, and port or marine equipment, including fixed 
     equipment to serve approaches to marine terminals or inland 
     ports.
       (vii) Transmission or distribution pipelines.
       (viii) Inland waterways.
       (ix) Intermodal facilities or equipment related to 2 or 
     more of the sectors described in clauses (i) through (viii).
       (x) Water treatment and solid waste disposal facilities.
       (xi) Storm water management systems.
       (xii) Dams and levees.
       (xiii) Facilities or equipment for energy transmission, 
     distribution or storage.
       (B) Authority of the board of directors to modify 
     sectors.--The Board of Directors may make modifications, at 
     the discretion of the Board, to any of the sectors described 
     in subparagraph (A) by a vote of not fewer than 5 of the 
     voting members of the Board of Directors.
       (9) IFA.--The term ``IFA'' means the Infrastructure 
     Financing Authority established under section 101.
       (10) Investment-grade rating.--The term ``investment-grade 
     rating'' means a rating of BBB minus, Baa3, or higher 
     assigned to an eligible infrastructure project by a ratings 
     agency.
       (11) Loan guarantee.--The term ``loan guarantee'' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 502 of the Federal Credit 
     Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a).
       (12) OTRA.--The term ``OTRA'' means the Office of Technical 
     and Rural Assistance created pursuant to section 106.
       (13) Public-private partnership.--The term ``public-private 
     partnership'' means any eligible entity--
       (A)(i) that is undertaking the development of all or part 
     of an eligible infrastructure project that will have a 
     measurable public benefit, pursuant to requirements 
     established in 1 or more contracts between the entity and a 
     State or an instrumentality of a State; or
       (ii) the activities of which, with respect to such an 
     eligible infrastructure project, are subject to regulation by 
     a State or any instrumentality of a State;
       (B) that owns, leases, or operates or will own, lease, or 
     operate, the project in whole or in part; and
       (C) the participants in which include not fewer than 1 
     nongovernmental entity with significant investment and some 
     control over the project or entity sponsoring the project 
     vehicle.
       (14) Rating agency.--The term ``rating agency'' means a 
     credit rating agency registered with the Securities and 
     Exchange Commission as a nationally recognized statistical 
     rating organization (as defined in section 3(a) of the 
     Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a))).
       (15) Regional infrastructure accelerator.--The term 
     ``regional infrastructure accelerator'' means an organization 
     created by public sector agencies through a multi-
     jurisdictional or multi-state agreement to provide technical 
     assistance to local jurisdictions that will facilitate the 
     implementation of innovative financing and procurement models 
     to public infrastructure projects.
       (16) Rural infrastructure project.--The term ``rural 
     infrastructure project''--
       (A) has the same meaning given the term in section 601(15) 
     of title 23, United States Code; and
       (B) includes any eligible infrastructure project sector 
     described in clauses (i) through (xvii) of paragraph (8)(A) 
     located in any area other than a city with a population of 
     more than 250,000 inhabitants within the city limits.
       (17) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Treasury or the designee of the Secretary of the 
     Treasury.
       (18) Senior management.--The term ``senior management'' 
     means the chief financial officer, chief risk officer, chief 
     compliance officer, general counsel, chief lending officer, 
     and chief operations officer of IFA, and such other officers 
     as the Board of Directors may, by majority vote, add to 
     senior management.
       (19) State.--The term ``State'' means--
       (A) each of the several States of the United States; and
       (B) the District of Columbia.

              TITLE I--INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING AUTHORITY

     SEC. 101. ESTABLISHMENT AND GENERAL AUTHORITY OF IFA.

       (a) Establishment of IFA.--The Infrastructure Financing 
     Authority is established as a wholly owned Government 
     corporation.
       (b) General Authority of IFA.--IFA shall--
       (1) provide direct loans and loan guarantees to facilitate 
     eligible infrastructure projects that are economically 
     viable, in the public interest, and of regional or national 
     significance; and
       (2) carry out any other activities and duties authorized 
     under this division.
       (c) Incorporation.--
       (1) In general.--The Board of Directors first appointed 
     shall be deemed the incorporator of IFA, and the 
     incorporation shall be held to have been effected from the 
     date of the first meeting of the Board of Directors.
       (2) Corporate office.--IFA shall--
       (A) maintain an office in Washington, DC; and
       (B) for purposes of venue in civil actions, be considered 
     to be a resident of Washington, DC.
       (d) Responsibility of the Secretary.--The Secretary shall 
     take such action as may be necessary to assist in 
     implementing IFA and in carrying out the purpose of this 
     division.
       (e) Rule of Construction.--Chapter 91 of title 31, United 
     States Code, does not apply to IFA, unless otherwise 
     specifically provided in this division.

     SEC. 102. VOTING MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

       (a) Voting Membership of the Board of Directors.--
       (1) In general.--IFA shall have a Board of Directors 
     consisting of 7 voting members appointed by the President, by 
     and with the advice and consent of the Senate, not more than 
     4 of whom shall be from the same political party.
       (2) Chairperson.--One of the voting members of the Board of 
     Directors shall be designated by the President, by and with 
     the advice and consent of the Senate, to serve as Chairperson 
     of the Board of Directors.
       (3) Congressional recommendations.--Not later than 30 days 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the majority leader 
     of the Senate, the minority leader of the Senate, the Speaker 
     of the House of Representatives, and the minority leader of 
     the House of Representatives shall each submit a 
     recommendation to the President for appointment of a member 
     of the Board of Directors, after consultation with the 
     appropriate committees of Congress.
       (4) Special consideration of rural interests and geographic 
     diversity.--In making an appointment under this subsection, 
     the President shall give consideration to the geographic 
     areas of the United States in which the members of the Board 
     of Directors live and work, particularly to ensure that the 
     infrastructure priorities and concerns of each region of the 
     country, including rural areas and small communities, are 
     represented on the Board of Directors.
       (b) Voting Rights.--Each voting member of the Board of 
     Directors shall have an equal vote in all decisions of the 
     Board of Directors.
       (c) Qualifications of Voting Members.--Each voting member 
     of the Board of Directors shall--
       (1) be a citizen of the United States; and
       (2) have significant demonstrated expertise in--
       (A) the management and administration of a financial 
     institution relevant to the operation of IFA; or
       (B) the financing, development, or operation of 
     infrastructure projects, including in the evaluation and 
     selection of eligible infrastructure projects based on the 
     purposes, goals, and objectives of this division.
       (d) Terms.--
       (1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
     division, each voting member of the Board of Directors shall 
     be appointed for a term of 5 years.

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       (2) Initial staggered terms.--Of the voting members first 
     appointed to the Board of Directors--
       (A) the initial Chairperson and 3 of the other voting 
     members shall each be appointed for a term of 5 years; and
       (B) the remaining 3 voting members shall each be appointed 
     for a term of 2 years.
       (3) Date of initial nominations.--The initial nominations 
     for the appointment of all voting members of the Board of 
     Directors shall be made not later than 60 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act.
       (4) Beginning of term.--The term of each of the initial 
     voting members appointed under this section shall commence 
     immediately upon the date of appointment, except that, for 
     purposes of calculating the term limits specified in this 
     subsection, the initial terms shall each be construed as 
     beginning on January 22 of the year following the date of the 
     initial appointment.
       (5) Vacancies.--
       (A) In general.--A vacancy in the position of a voting 
     member of the Board of Directors shall be filled by the 
     President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
       (B) Term.--A member appointed to fill a vacancy on the 
     Board of Directors occurring before the expiration of the 
     term for which the predecessor was appointed shall be 
     appointed only for the remainder of that term.
       (e) Meetings.--
       (1) Open to the public; notice.--Except as provided in 
     paragraph (3), all meetings of the Board of Directors shall 
     be--
       (A) open to the public; and
       (B) preceded by reasonable public notice.
       (2) Frequency.--The Board of Directors shall meet--
       (A) not later than 60 days after the date on which all 
     members of the Board of Directors are first appointed;
       (B) at least quarterly after the date described in 
     subparagraph (A); and
       (C) at the call of the Chairperson or 3 voting members of 
     the Board of Directors.
       (3) Exception for closed meetings.--
       (A) In general.--The voting members of the Board of 
     Directors may, by majority vote, close a meeting to the 
     public if, during the meeting to be closed, there is likely 
     to be disclosed proprietary or sensitive information 
     regarding an eligible infrastructure project under 
     consideration for assistance under this division.
       (B) Availability of minutes.--The Board of Directors shall 
     prepare minutes of any meeting that is closed to the public, 
     which minutes shall be made available as soon as practicable, 
     but not later than 1 year after the date of the closed 
     meeting, with any necessary redactions to protect any 
     proprietary or sensitive information.
       (4) Quorum.--For purposes of meetings of the Board of 
     Directors, 5 voting members of the Board of Directors shall 
     constitute a quorum.
       (f) Compensation of Members.--Each voting member of the 
     Board of Directors shall be compensated at a rate equal to 
     the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay 
     prescribed for level III of the Executive Schedule under 
     section 5314 of title 5, United States Code, for each day 
     (including travel time) during which the member is engaged in 
     the performance of the duties of the Board of Directors.
       (g) Conflicts of Interest.--A voting member of the Board of 
     Directors may not participate in any review or decision 
     affecting an eligible infrastructure project under 
     consideration for assistance under this division, if the 
     member has or is affiliated with an entity who has a 
     financial interest in that project.

     SEC. 103. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.

       (a) In General.--The Chief Executive Officer shall--
       (1) be a nonvoting member of the Board of Directors;
       (2) be responsible for all activities of IFA; and
       (3) support the Board of Directors in accordance with this 
     division and as the Board of Directors determines to be 
     necessary.
       (b) Appointment and Tenure of the Chief Executive 
     Officer.--
       (1) In general.--The President shall appoint the Chief 
     Executive Officer, by and with the advice and consent of the 
     Senate.
       (2) Term.--The Chief Executive Officer shall be appointed 
     for a term of 6 years.
       (3) Vacancies.--
       (A) In general.--Any vacancy in the office of the Chief 
     Executive Officer shall be filled by the President, by and 
     with the advice and consent of the Senate.
       (B) Term.--The person appointed to fill a vacancy in the 
     Chief Executive Officer position that occurs before the 
     expiration of the term for which the predecessor was 
     appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of that 
     term.
       (c) Qualifications.--The Chief Executive Officer--
       (1) shall have significant expertise in management and 
     administration of a financial institution, or significant 
     expertise in the financing and development of infrastructure 
     projects; and
       (2) may not--
       (A) hold any other public office;
       (B) have any financial interest in an eligible 
     infrastructure project then being considered by the Board of 
     Directors, unless that interest is placed in a blind trust; 
     or
       (C) have any financial interest in an investment 
     institution or its affiliates or any other entity seeking or 
     likely to seek financial assistance for any eligible 
     infrastructure project from IFA, unless any such interest is 
     placed in a blind trust for the tenure of the service of the 
     Chief Executive Officer plus 2 additional years.
       (d) Responsibilities.--The Chief Executive Officer shall 
     have such executive functions, powers, and duties as may be 
     prescribed by this division, the bylaws of IFA, or the Board 
     of Directors, including--
       (1) responsibility for the development and implementation 
     of the strategy of IFA, including--
       (A) the development and submission to the Board of 
     Directors of the annual business plans and budget;
       (B) the development and submission to the Board of 
     Directors of a long-term strategic plan; and
       (C) the development, revision, and submission to the Board 
     of Directors of internal policies; and
       (2) responsibility for the management and oversight of the 
     daily activities, decisions, operations, and personnel of 
     IFA.
       (e) Compensation.--
       (1) In general.--Any compensation assessment or 
     recommendation by the Chief Executive Officer under this 
     section shall be without regard to the provisions of chapter 
     51 or subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States 
     Code.
       (2) Considerations.--The compensation assessment or 
     recommendation required under this subsection shall take into 
     account merit principles, where applicable, as well as the 
     education, experience, level of responsibility, geographic 
     differences, and retention and recruitment needs in 
     determining compensation of personnel.

     SEC. 104. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

       The Board of Directors shall--
       (1) as soon as practicable after the date on which all 
     members are appointed, approve or disapprove senior 
     management appointed by the Chief Executive Officer;
       (2) not later than 180 days after the date on which all 
     members are appointed--
       (A) develop and approve the bylaws of IFA, including bylaws 
     for the regulation of the affairs and conduct of the business 
     of IFA, consistent with the purpose, goals, objectives, and 
     policies set forth in this division;
       (B) establish subcommittees, including an audit committee 
     that is composed solely of members of the Board of Directors, 
     other than the Chief Executive Officer;
       (C) develop and approve, in consultation with senior 
     management, a conflict-of-interest policy for the Board of 
     Directors and for senior management;
       (D) approve or disapprove internal policies that the Chief 
     Executive Officer shall submit to the Board of Directors, 
     including--
       (i) policies regarding the loan application and approval 
     process, including application procedures and project 
     approval processes; and
       (ii) operational guidelines; and
       (E) approve or disapprove a 1-year business plan and budget 
     for IFA;
       (3) ensure that IFA is at all times operated in a manner 
     that is consistent with this division, by--
       (A) monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of IFA in 
     achieving its strategic goals;
       (B) reviewing and approving internal policies, annual 
     business plans, annual budgets, and long-term strategies 
     submitted by the Chief Executive Officer;
       (C) reviewing and approving annual reports submitted by the 
     Chief Executive Officer;
       (D) engaging 1 or more external auditors, as set forth in 
     this division; and
       (E) reviewing and approving all changes to the organization 
     of senior management;
       (4) appoint and fix, by a vote of not less than 5 of the 7 
     voting members of the Board of Directors, and without regard 
     to the provisions of chapter 51 or subchapter III of chapter 
     53 of title 5, United States Code, the compensation and 
     adjustments to compensation of all IFA personnel, provided 
     that in appointing and fixing any compensation or adjustments 
     to compensation under this paragraph, the Board shall--
       (A) consult with, and seek to maintain comparability with, 
     other comparable Federal personnel, as the Board of Directors 
     may determine to be appropriate;
       (B) consult with the Office of Personnel Management; and
       (C) carry out those duties consistent with merit 
     principles, where applicable, as well as the education, 
     experience, level of responsibility, geographic differences, 
     comparability to private sector positions, and retention and 
     recruitment needs in determining compensation of personnel;
       (5) serve as the primary liaison for IFA in interactions 
     with Congress, the Secretary of Transportation and other 
     executive branch officials, and State and local governments, 
     and to represent the interests of IFA in those interactions 
     and others;
       (6) approve by a vote of not less than 5 of the 7 voting 
     members of the Board of Directors any changes to the bylaws 
     or internal policies of IFA;
       (7) have the authority and responsibility--
       (A) to oversee entering into and carrying out such 
     contracts, leases, cooperative agreements, or other 
     transactions as are necessary to carry out this division;
       (B) to approve of the acquisition, lease, pledge, exchange, 
     and disposal of real and personal property by IFA and 
     otherwise approve the exercise by IFA of all of the usual

[[Page S2987]]

     incidents of ownership of property, to the extent that the 
     exercise of those powers is appropriate to and consistent 
     with the purposes of IFA;
       (C) to determine the character of, and the necessity for, 
     the obligations and expenditures of IFA, and the manner in 
     which the obligations and expenditures will be incurred, 
     allowed, and paid, subject to this division and other Federal 
     law specifically applicable to wholly owned Federal 
     corporations;
       (D) to execute, in accordance with applicable bylaws and 
     regulations, appropriate instruments;
       (E) to approve other forms of credit enhancement that IFA 
     may provide to eligible projects, as long as the forms of 
     credit enhancements are consistent with the purposes of this 
     division and terms set forth in title II;
       (F) to exercise all other lawful powers which are necessary 
     or appropriate to carry out, and are consistent with, the 
     purposes of IFA;
       (G) to sue or be sued in the corporate capacity of IFA in 
     any court of competent jurisdiction;
       (H) to indemnify the members of the Board of Directors and 
     officers of IFA for any liabilities arising out of the 
     actions of the members and officers in that capacity, in 
     accordance with, and subject to the limitations contained in 
     this division;
       (I) to review all financial assistance packages to all 
     eligible infrastructure projects, as submitted by the Chief 
     Executive Officer and to approve, postpone, or deny the same 
     by majority vote;
       (J) to review all restructuring proposals submitted by the 
     Chief Executive Officer, including assignation, pledging, or 
     disposal of the interest of IFA in a project, including 
     payment or income from any interest owned or held by IFA, and 
     to approve, postpone, or deny the same by majority vote;
       (K) to enter into binding commitments, as specified in 
     approved financial assistance packages;
       (L) to determine whether--
       (i) to obtain a lien on the assets of an eligible entity 
     that receives assistance under this division; and
       (ii) to subordinate a lien under clause (i) to any other 
     lien securing project obligations; and
       (M) to ensure a measurable public benefit in the selection 
     of eligible infrastructure projects and to provide for 
     reasonable public input in the selection of such projects;
       (8) delegate to the Chief Executive Officer those duties 
     that the Board of Directors determines to be appropriate, to 
     better carry out the powers and purposes of the Board of 
     Directors under this section; and
       (9) to approve a maximum aggregate amount of principal 
     exposure of IFA at any given time.

     SEC. 105. SENIOR MANAGEMENT.

       (a) In General.--Senior management shall support the Chief 
     Executive Officer in the discharge of the responsibilities of 
     the Chief Executive Officer.
       (b) Appointment of Senior Management.--The Chief Executive 
     Officer shall appoint such senior managers as are necessary 
     to carry out the purposes of IFA, as approved by a majority 
     vote of the voting members of the Board of Directors, 
     including a chief compliance officer, general counsel, chief 
     operating officer, chief lending officer, and other positions 
     as determined to be appropriate by the Chief Executive 
     Officer and the Board of Directors.
       (c) Term.--Each member of senior management shall serve at 
     the pleasure of the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of 
     Directors.
       (d) Removal of Senior Management.--Any member of senior 
     management may be removed--
       (1) by a majority of the voting members of the Board of 
     Directors at the request of the Chief Executive Officer; or
       (2) by a vote of not fewer than 5 voting members of the 
     Board of Directors.
       (e) Senior Management.--
       (1) In general.--Each member of senior management shall 
     report directly to the Chief Executive Officer, other than 
     the chief risk officer, who shall report directly to the 
     Board of Directors.
       (2) Chief risk officer.--The chief risk officer shall be 
     responsible for all functions of IFA relating to--
       (A) the creation of financial, credit, and operational risk 
     management guidelines and policies;
       (B) the establishment of guidelines to ensure 
     diversification of lending activities by region, 
     infrastructure project type, and project size;
       (C) the creation of conforming standards for infrastructure 
     finance agreements;
       (D) the monitoring of the financial, credit, and 
     operational exposure of IFA; and
       (E) risk management and mitigation actions, including by 
     reporting those actions, or recommendations of actions to be 
     taken, directly to the Board of Directors.
       (f) Conflicts of Interest.--No individual appointed to 
     senior management may--
       (1) hold any other public office;
       (2) have any financial interest in an eligible 
     infrastructure project then being considered by the Board of 
     Directors, unless that interest is placed in a blind trust; 
     or
       (3) have any financial interest in an investment 
     institution or its affiliates, IFA or its affiliates, or 
     other entity then seeking or likely to seek financial 
     assistance for any eligible infrastructure project from IFA, 
     unless any such interest is placed in a blind trust during 
     the term of service of that individual in a senior management 
     position, and for a period of 2 years thereafter.

     SEC. 106. OFFICE OF TECHNICAL AND RURAL ASSISTANCE.

       (a) In General.--The Chief Executive Officer shall create 
     and manage, within IFA, the ``Office of Technical and Rural 
     Assistance''.
       (b) Duties.--The OTRA shall--
       (1) in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation 
     and the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, as 
     determined by the Chief Executive Officer, provide technical 
     assistance to State and local governments and parties in 
     public-private partnerships in the development and financing 
     of eligible infrastructure projects, including rural 
     infrastructure projects;
       (2) assist the entities described in paragraph (1) with 
     coordinating loan and loan guarantee programs available 
     through Federal agencies, including the Department of 
     Transportation and other Federal agencies, as appropriate;
       (3) work with the entities described in paragraph (1) to 
     identify and develop a pipeline of projects suitable for 
     financing through innovative project financing and 
     performance based project delivery, including those projects 
     with the potential for financing through IFA; and
       (4) establish a regional infrastructure accelerator 
     demonstration program to assist the entities described in 
     paragraph (1) in developing improved infrastructure 
     priorities and financing strategies, for the accelerated 
     development of covered infrastructure projects, including 
     those projects with the potential for financing through IFA.
       (c) Designation of Regional Infrastructure Accelerators.--
     In carrying out the program established pursuant to 
     subsection (b)(3), the OTRA is authorized to designate 
     regional infrastructure accelerators that will--
       (1) serve a defined geographic area; and
       (2) act as a resource in such area to entities described in 
     subsection (b)(1), in accordance with this subsection.
       (d) Application Process.--To be eligible for a designation 
     under subsection (c), regional infrastructure accelerators 
     shall submit a proposal to the OTRA at such time, in such 
     form, and containing such information as the OTRA determines 
     is appropriate.
       (e) Considerations.--In evaluating proposals submitted 
     pursuant to subsection (d), the OTRA shall consider--
       (1) the need for geographic diversity among regional 
     infrastructure accelerators; and
       (2) promoting investment in covered infrastructure 
     projects, which shall include a plan--
       (A) to evaluate and promote innovative financing methods 
     for local projects, including the use of IFA;
       (B) to build capacity of governments to evaluate and 
     structure projects involving the investment of private 
     capital;
       (C) to provide technical assistance and information on best 
     practices with respect to financing such projects;
       (D) to increase transparency with respect to infrastructure 
     project analysis and utilizing innovative financing for 
     public infrastructure projects;
       (E) to deploy predevelopment capital programs designed to 
     facilitate the creation of a pipeline of infrastructure 
     projects available for investment;
       (F) to bundle smaller-scale and rural projects into larger 
     proposals that may be more attractive for investment; and
       (G) to reduce transaction costs for public project 
     sponsors.
       (f) Annual Report.--The OTRA shall submit an annual report 
     to Congress that describes the findings and effectiveness of 
     the infrastructure accelerator demonstration program.

     SEC. 107. SPECIAL INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR IFA.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Initial period.--During the 5-year period beginning on 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General 
     of the Department of the Treasury shall serve as the Special 
     Inspector General for IFA in addition to the existing duties 
     of the Inspector General of the Department of the Treasury.
       (2) Office of the special inspector general.--Beginning on 
     the day that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, there is established the Office of the Special 
     Inspector General for IFA.
       (b) Appointment of Inspector General; Removal.--
       (1) Head of office.--The head of the Office of the Special 
     Inspector General for IFA shall be the Special Inspector 
     General for IFA (referred to in this division as the 
     ``Special Inspector General''), who shall be appointed by the 
     President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
       (2) Basis of appointment.--The appointment of the Special 
     Inspector General shall be made on the basis of integrity and 
     demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial 
     analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, or 
     investigations.
       (3) Timing of nomination.--The nomination of an individual 
     as Special Inspector General shall be made as soon as 
     practicable after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (4) Removal.--The Special Inspector General shall be 
     removable from office in accordance with the provisions of 
     section 3(b) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. 
     App.).
       (5) Rule of construction.--For purposes of section 7324 of 
     title 5, United States Code,

[[Page S2988]]

     the Special Inspector General shall not be considered an 
     employee who determines policies to be pursued by the United 
     States in the nationwide administration of Federal law.
       (6) Rate of pay.--The annual rate of basic pay of the 
     Special Inspector General shall be the annual rate of basic 
     pay for an Inspector General under section 3(e) of the 
     Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.).
       (c) Duties.--The Special Inspector General shall--
       (1) conduct, supervise, and coordinate audits and 
     investigations of the business activities of IFA;
       (2) establish, maintain, and oversee such systems, 
     procedures, and controls as the Special Inspector General 
     considers appropriate to discharge the duty under paragraph 
     (1); and
       (3) carry out any other duties and responsibilities of 
     inspectors general under the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 
     U.S.C. App.).
       (d) Powers and Authorities.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out the duties specified in 
     subsection (c), the Special Inspector General shall have the 
     authorities provided in section 6 of the Inspector General 
     Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.).
       (2) Additional authority.--The Special Inspector General 
     shall carry out the duties specified in subsection (c)(1) in 
     accordance with section 4(b)(1) of the Inspector General Act 
     of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.).
       (e) Personnel, Facilities, and Other Resources.--
       (1) Additional officers.--
       (A) In general.--The Special Inspector General may select, 
     appoint, and employ such officers and employees as may be 
     necessary for carrying out the duties of the Special 
     Inspector General, subject to the provisions of title 5, 
     United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive 
     service, and the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III 
     of chapter 53 of such title, relating to classification and 
     General Schedule pay rates.
       (B) Employment and compensation.--The Special Inspector 
     General may exercise the authorities of subsections (b) 
     through (i) of section 3161 of title 5, United States Code 
     (without regard to subsection (a) of that section).
       (2) Retention of services.--The Special Inspector General 
     may obtain services as authorized by section 3109 of title 5, 
     United States Code, at daily rates not to exceed the 
     equivalent rate prescribed for grade GS-15 of the General 
     Schedule by section 5332 of such title.
       (3) Ability to contract for audits, studies, and other 
     services.--The Special Inspector General may enter into 
     contracts and other arrangements for audits, studies, 
     analyses, and other services with public agencies and with 
     private persons, and make such payments as may be necessary 
     to carry out the duties of the Special Inspector General.
       (4) Request for information.--
       (A) In general.--Upon request of the Special Inspector 
     General for information or assistance from any department, 
     agency, or other entity of the Federal Government, the head 
     of that entity shall, insofar as is practicable and not in 
     contravention of any existing law, furnish the information or 
     assistance to the Special Inspector General or an authorized 
     designee.
       (B) Refusal to comply.--If information or assistance 
     requested by the Special Inspector General is, in the 
     judgment of the Special Inspector General, unreasonably 
     refused or not provided, the Special Inspector General shall 
     report the circumstances to the Secretary, without delay.
       (f) Reports.--
       (1) Annual report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
     which the Special Inspector General is confirmed, and every 
     calendar year thereafter, the Special Inspector General shall 
     submit to the President and appropriate committees of 
     Congress a report summarizing the activities of the Special 
     Inspector General during the previous 1-year period ending on 
     the date of that report.
       (2) Public disclosures.--Nothing in this subsection 
     authorizes the public disclosure of information that is--
       (A) specifically prohibited from disclosure by any other 
     provision of law;
       (B) specifically required by Executive order to be 
     protected from disclosure in the interest of national defense 
     or national security or in the conduct of foreign affairs; or
       (C) a part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

     SEC. 108. OTHER PERSONNEL.

       (a) Appointment, Removal, and Definition of Duties.--Except 
     as otherwise provided in the bylaws of IFA, the Chief 
     Executive Officer, in consultation with the Board of 
     Directors, shall appoint, remove, and define the duties of 
     such qualified personnel as are necessary to carry out the 
     powers, duties, and purpose of IFA, other than senior 
     management, who shall be appointed in accordance with section 
     105.
       (b) Coordination in Identifying Qualifications and 
     Expertise.--In appointing qualified personnel pursuant to 
     subsection (a), the Chief Executive Officer shall coordinate 
     with, and seek assistance from, the Secretary of 
     Transportation in identifying the appropriate qualifications 
     and expertise in infrastructure project finance.

     SEC. 109. COMPLIANCE.

       The provision of assistance by IFA pursuant to this 
     division does not supersede any provision of State law or 
     regulation otherwise applicable to an eligible infrastructure 
     project.

  TITLE II--TERMS AND LIMITATIONS ON DIRECT LOANS AND LOAN GUARANTEES

     SEC. 201. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR ASSISTANCE FROM IFA AND 
                   TERMS AND LIMITATIONS OF LOANS.

       (a) Public Benefit; Financeability.--A project is not be 
     eligible for financial assistance from IFA under this 
     division if--
       (1) the use or purpose of such project is private or such 
     project does not create a public benefit, as determined by 
     the Board of Directors; or
       (2) the applicant is unable to demonstrate, to the 
     satisfaction of the Board of Directors, a sufficient revenue 
     stream to finance the loan that will be used to pay for such 
     project.
       (b) Financial Criteria.--If the project meets the 
     requirements under subsection (a), an applicant for financial 
     assistance under this division shall demonstrate, to the 
     satisfaction of the Board of Directors, that--
       (1) for public-private partnerships, the project has 
     received contributed capital or commitments for contributed 
     capital equal to not less than 10 percent of the total cost 
     of the eligible infrastructure project for which assistance 
     is being sought if such contributed capital includes--
       (A) equity;
       (B) deeply subordinate loans or other credit and debt 
     instruments, which shall be junior to any IFA assistance 
     provided for the project;
       (C) appropriated funds or grants from governmental sources 
     other than the Federal Government; or
       (D) irrevocable private contributions of funds, grants, 
     property (including rights-of-way), and other assets that 
     directly reduce or offset project costs; and
       (2) the eligible infrastructure project for which 
     assistance is being sought--
       (A) is not for the refinancing of an existing 
     infrastructure project; and
       (B) meets--
       (i) any pertinent requirements set forth in this division;
       (ii) any criteria established by the Board of Directors 
     under subsection (c) or by the Chief Executive Officer in 
     accordance with this division; and
       (iii) the definition of an eligible infrastructure project.
       (c) Considerations.--The criteria established by the Board 
     of Directors under this subsection shall provide adequate 
     consideration of--
       (1) the economic, financial, technical, environmental, and 
     public benefits and costs of each eligible infrastructure 
     project under consideration for financial assistance under 
     this division, prioritizing eligible infrastructure projects 
     that--
       (A) demonstrate a clear and measurable public benefit;
       (B) offer value for money to taxpayers;
       (C) contribute to regional or national economic growth;
       (D) lead to long-term job creation; and
       (E) mitigate environmental concerns;
       (2) the means by which development of the eligible 
     infrastructure project under consideration is being financed, 
     including--
       (A) the terms, conditions, and structure of the proposed 
     financing;
       (B) the creditworthiness and standing of the project 
     sponsors, providers of equity, and cofinanciers;
       (C) the financial assumptions and projections on which the 
     eligible infrastructure project is based; and
       (D) whether there is sufficient State or municipal 
     political support for the successful completion of the 
     eligible infrastructure project;
       (3) the likelihood that the provision of assistance by IFA 
     will cause the development to proceed more promptly and with 
     lower costs for financing than would be the case without IFA 
     assistance;
       (4) the extent to which the provision of assistance by IFA 
     maximizes the level of private investment in the eligible 
     infrastructure project or supports a public-private 
     partnership, while providing a significant public benefit;
       (5) the extent to which the provision of assistance by IFA 
     can mobilize the participation of other financing partners in 
     the eligible infrastructure project;
       (6) the technical and operational viability of the eligible 
     infrastructure project;
       (7) the proportion of financial assistance from IFA;
       (8) the geographical location of the project, prioritizing 
     geographical diversity of projects funded by IFA;
       (9) the size of the project and the impact of the project 
     on the resources of IFA; and
       (10) the infrastructure sector of the project, prioritizing 
     projects from more than 1 sector funded by IFA.
       (d) Application.--
       (1) In general.--Any eligible entity seeking assistance 
     from IFA under this division for an eligible infrastructure 
     project shall submit an application to IFA at such time, in 
     such manner, and containing such information as the Board of 
     Directors or the Chief Executive Officer may require.
       (2) Review of applications.--
       (A) In general.--IFA shall review applications for 
     assistance under this division on an ongoing basis.
       (B) Preparation.--The Chief Executive Officer, in 
     cooperation with the senior management, shall prepare 
     eligible infrastructure projects for review and approval by 
     the Board of Directors.

[[Page S2989]]

       (3) Dedicated revenue sources.--The Federal credit 
     instrument shall be repayable, in whole or in part, from 
     tolls, user fees, or other dedicated revenue sources derived 
     from users or beneficiaries that also secure the eligible 
     infrastructure project obligations.
       (e) Eligible Infrastructure Project Costs.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), to be 
     eligible for assistance under this division, an eligible 
     infrastructure project shall have project costs that are 
     reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed $50,000,000.
       (2) Rural infrastructure projects.--To be eligible for 
     assistance under this division a rural infrastructure project 
     shall have project costs that are reasonably anticipated to 
     equal or exceed $10,000,000.
       (f) Loan Eligibility and Maximum Amounts.--
       (1) In general.--The amount of a direct loan or loan 
     guarantee under this division shall not exceed the lesser 
     of--
       (A) 49 percent of the reasonably anticipated eligible 
     infrastructure project costs; and
       (B) the amount of the senior project obligations, if the 
     direct loan or loan guarantee does not receive an investment 
     grade rating.
       (2) Maximum annual loan and loan guarantee volume.--The 
     aggregate amount of direct loans and loan guarantees made by 
     IFA shall not exceed--
       (A) during the first 2 fiscal years of the operations of 
     IFA, $10,000,000,000 per year;
       (B) during fiscal years 3 through 9 of the operations of 
     IFA, $20,000,000,000 per year; and
       (C) during any fiscal year thereafter, $50,000,000,000.

     SEC. 202. LOAN TERMS AND REPAYMENT.

       (a) In General.--A direct loan or loan guarantee under this 
     division with respect to an eligible infrastructure project 
     shall be on such terms, subject to such conditions, and 
     contain such covenants, representations, warranties, and 
     requirements (including requirements for audits) as the Chief 
     Executive Officer determines appropriate.
       (b) Terms.--A direct loan or loan guarantee under this 
     division--
       (1) shall--
       (A) be payable, in whole or in part, from tolls, user fees, 
     or other dedicated revenue sources derived from users or 
     beneficiaries; and
       (B) include a rate covenant, coverage requirement, or 
     similar security feature supporting the project obligations; 
     and
       (2) may be secured by a lien--
       (A) on the assets of the obligor, including revenues 
     described in paragraph (1); and
       (B) which may be subordinated to any other lien securing 
     project obligations.
       (c) Base Interest Rate.--The base interest rate on a direct 
     loan under this division shall be not less than the yield on 
     Treasury obligations of a similar maturity to the maturity of 
     the direct loan on the date of execution of the loan 
     agreement.
       (d) Risk Assessment.--Before entering into an agreement for 
     assistance under this division, the Chief Executive Officer, 
     in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management 
     and Budget and each rating agency providing a preliminary 
     rating opinion letter under this section, shall determine an 
     appropriate Federal credit subsidy amount for each direct 
     loan and loan guarantee, taking into account that preliminary 
     rating opinion letter, as well as any comparable market rates 
     available for such a loan or loan guarantee, should any 
     exist.
       (e) Credit Fee.--
       (1) In general.--With respect to each agreement for 
     assistance under this division, the Chief Executive Officer 
     shall charge a credit fee to the recipient of that assistance 
     to pay for, over time, all or a portion of the Federal credit 
     subsidy determined under subsection (d), with the remainder 
     paid by the account established for IFA.
       (2) Direct loans.--In the case of a direct loan, the credit 
     fee described in paragraph (1) shall be in addition to the 
     base interest rate established under subsection (c).
       (f) Maturity Date.--The final maturity date of a direct 
     loan or loan guaranteed by IFA under this division shall be 
     not later than 35 years after the date of substantial 
     completion of the eligible infrastructure project, as 
     determined by the Chief Executive Officer.
       (g) Preliminary Rating Opinion Letter.--
       (1) In general.--The Chief Executive Officer shall require 
     each applicant for assistance under this division to provide 
     a preliminary rating opinion letter from at least 1 rating 
     agency, indicating that the senior obligations of the 
     eligible infrastructure project, which may be the Federal 
     credit instrument, have the potential to achieve an 
     investment-grade rating.
       (2) Rural infrastructure projects.--With respect to a rural 
     infrastructure project, a rating agency opinion letter 
     described in paragraph (1) shall not be required, except that 
     the loan or loan guarantee shall receive an internal rating 
     score, using methods similar to the rating agencies generated 
     by IFA, measuring the proposed direct loan or loan guarantee 
     against comparable direct loans or loan guarantees of similar 
     credit quality in a similar sector.
       (h) Investment-Grade Rating Requirement.--
       (1) Loans and loan guarantees.--The execution of a direct 
     loan or loan guarantee under this division shall be 
     contingent on the senior obligations of the eligible 
     infrastructure project receiving an investment-grade rating.
       (2) Rating of ifa overall portfolio.--The average rating of 
     the overall portfolio of IFA shall be not less than 
     investment grade after 5 years of operation.
       (i) Terms and Repayment of Direct Loans.--
       (1) Schedule.--The Chief Executive Officer shall establish 
     a repayment schedule for each direct loan under this 
     division, based on the projected cash flow from eligible 
     infrastructure project revenues and other repayment sources.
       (2) Commencement.--Scheduled loan repayments of principal 
     or interest on a direct loan under this division shall 
     commence not later than 5 years after the date of substantial 
     completion of the eligible infrastructure project, as 
     determined by the Chief Executive Officer of IFA.
       (3) Deferred payments of direct loans.--
       (A) Authorization.--If, at any time after the date of 
     substantial completion of an eligible infrastructure project 
     assisted under this division, the eligible infrastructure 
     project is unable to generate sufficient revenues to pay the 
     scheduled loan repayments of principal and interest on the 
     direct loan under this division, the Chief Executive Officer 
     may allow the obligor to add unpaid principal and interest to 
     the outstanding balance of the direct loan, if the result 
     would benefit the taxpayer.
       (B) Interest.--Any payment deferred under subparagraph (A) 
     shall--
       (i) continue to accrue interest, in accordance with the 
     terms of the obligation, until fully repaid; and
       (ii) be scheduled to be amortized over the remaining term 
     of the loan.
       (C) Criteria.--
       (i) In general.--Any payment deferral under subparagraph 
     (A) shall be contingent on the eligible infrastructure 
     project meeting criteria established by the Board of 
     Directors.
       (ii) Repayment standards.--The criteria established under 
     clause (i) shall include standards for reasonable assurance 
     of repayment.
       (4) Prepayment of direct loans.--
       (A) Use of excess revenues.--Any excess revenues that 
     remain after satisfying scheduled debt service requirements 
     on the eligible infrastructure project obligations and direct 
     loan and all deposit requirements under the terms of any 
     trust agreement, bond resolution, or similar agreement 
     securing project obligations under this division may be 
     applied annually to prepay the direct loan, without penalty.
       (B) Use of proceeds of refinancing.--A direct loan under 
     this division may be prepaid at any time, without penalty, 
     from the proceeds of refinancing from non-Federal funding 
     sources.
       (j) Loan Guarantees.--The terms of a loan guaranteed by IFA 
     under this division shall be consistent with the terms set 
     forth in this section for a direct loan, except that the rate 
     on the guaranteed loan and any payment, prepayment, or 
     refinancing features shall be negotiated between the obligor 
     and the lender (as defined in section 601(a) of title 23, 
     United States Code) with the consent of the Chief Executive 
     Officer.
       (k) Compliance With Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
     direct loans and loan guarantees authorized by this division 
     shall be subject to the provisions of the Federal Credit 
     Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661 et seq.).
       (2) Exception.--Section 504(b) of the Federal Credit Reform 
     Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661c(b)) shall not apply to a loan or 
     loan guarantee under this division.
       (l) Policy of Congress.--It is the policy of Congress that 
     IFA shall only make a direct loan or loan guarantee under 
     this division if IFA determines that IFA is reasonably 
     expected to recover the full amount of the direct loan or 
     loan guarantee.

     SEC. 203. ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS.

       (a) Interagency Coordination.--As soon as practicable after 
     IFA approves financing for a proposed project under this 
     title, the President shall convene a meeting of 
     representatives of all relevant and appropriate permitting 
     agencies--
       (1) to establish or update a permitting timetable for the 
     proposed project;
       (2) to coordinate concurrent permitting reviews by all 
     necessary agencies; and
       (3) to coordinate with relevant State agencies and regional 
     infrastructure development agencies to ensure--
       (A) adequate participation; and
       (B) the timely provision of necessary documentation to 
     allow any State review to proceed without delay.
       (b) Goal.--The permitting timetable for each proposed 
     project established pursuant to subsection (a)(1) shall 
     ensure that the environmental review process is completed as 
     soon as practicable.
       (c) Earlier.--The President may carry out the functions set 
     forth in subsection (a) with respect to a proposed project 
     before the IFA has approved financing for such project upon 
     the request of the Chief Executive Officer.
       (d) Concurrent Reviews.--Each agency, to the greatest 
     extent permitted by law, shall--
       (1) carry out the obligations of the agency under other 
     applicable law concurrently, and in conjunction with other 
     reviews being conducted by other participating agencies, 
     including environmental reviews required under the National 
     Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), unless 
     such concurrent reviews would impair the ability of

[[Page S2990]]

     the agency to carry out its statutory obligations; and
       (2) formulate and implement administrative, policy, and 
     procedural mechanisms to enable the agency to ensure the 
     completion of the environmental review process in a timely, 
     coordinated, and environmentally responsible manner.

     SEC. 204. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT.

       (a) Credit Agreement.--Notwithstanding any other provision 
     of law, each eligible entity that receives assistance under 
     this division shall enter into a credit agreement that 
     requires such entity to comply with all applicable policies 
     and procedures of IFA, in addition to all other provisions of 
     the loan agreement.
       (b) Applicability of Federal Laws.--Each eligible entity 
     that receives assistance under this division shall provide 
     written assurance, in such form and manner and containing 
     such terms as are to be prescribed by IFA, that the eligible 
     infrastructure project will be performed in compliance with 
     the requirements of all Federal laws that would otherwise 
     apply to similar projects to which the United States is a 
     party, or financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or 
     in accordance with guarantees of a Federal agency or financed 
     from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal 
     agency to make a loan, grant, or annual contribution (except 
     where a different meaning is expressly indicated).
       (c) IFA Authority on Noncompliance.--In any case in which 
     an eligible entity that receives assistance under this 
     division is materially out of compliance with the loan 
     agreement, or any applicable policy or procedure of IFA, the 
     Board of Directors may take action--
       (1) to cancel unused loan amounts; or
       (2) to accelerate the repayment terms of any outstanding 
     obligation.

     SEC. 205. AUDITS; REPORTS TO THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS.

       (a) Accounting.--The books of account of IFA shall be--
       (1) maintained in accordance with generally accepted 
     accounting principles; and
       (2) subject to an annual audit by independent public 
     accountants of nationally recognized standing appointed by 
     the Board of Directors.
       (b) Reports.--
       (1) Board of directors.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     last day of each fiscal year, the Board of Directors shall 
     submit to the President and Congress a complete and detailed 
     report with respect to the preceding fiscal year, setting 
     forth--
       (A) a summary of the operations of IFA for that fiscal 
     year;
       (B) a schedule of the obligations of IFA and capital 
     securities outstanding at the end of that fiscal year, with a 
     statement of the amounts issued and redeemed or paid during 
     that fiscal year;
       (C) the status of eligible infrastructure projects 
     receiving funding or other assistance pursuant to this 
     division during that fiscal year, including--
       (i) all nonperforming loans; and
       (ii) disclosure of all entities with a development, 
     ownership, or operational interest in those eligible 
     infrastructure projects;
       (D) a description of the successes and challenges 
     encountered in lending to rural communities, including the 
     role of the Office of Technical and Rural Assistance 
     established under this division; and
       (E) an assessment of the risks of the portfolio of IFA, 
     which shall be prepared by an independent source.
       (2) GAO.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct an evaluation of, and submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and to the Committees on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure and Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the activities of IFA for the 
     fiscal years covered by the report that includes--
       (A) an assessment of the impact and benefits of each funded 
     eligible infrastructure project, including a review of how 
     effectively each eligible infrastructure project accomplished 
     the goals prioritized by the eligible infrastructure project 
     criteria of IFA; and
       (B) an evaluation of the effectiveness of, and challenges 
     facing, loan programs at the Department of Transportation and 
     Department of Energy, and an analysis of the advisability of 
     consolidating those programs within IFA.
       (c) Books and Records.--
       (1) In general.--IFA shall maintain adequate books and 
     records to support the financial transactions of IFA, with a 
     description of financial transactions and eligible 
     infrastructure projects receiving funding, and the amount of 
     funding for each project maintained on a publically 
     accessible database.
       (2) Audits by the secretary and gao.--The books and records 
     of IFA shall at all times be open to inspection by the 
     Secretary, the Special Inspector General, and the Comptroller 
     General of the United States.

     SEC. 206. EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS.

       Nothing in this division may be construed to affect or 
     alter the responsibility of an eligible entity that receives 
     assistance under this division to comply with applicable 
     Federal and State laws (including regulations) relating to an 
     eligible infrastructure project.

                       TITLE III--FUNDING OF IFA

     SEC. 301. FEES.

       The Chief Executive Officer shall establish fees with 
     respect to loans and loan guarantees under this division 
     that--
       (1) are sufficient to cover all the administrative costs to 
     the Federal Government for the operations of IFA;
       (2) may be in the form of an application or transaction 
     fee, or interest rate adjustment; and
       (3) may be based on the risk premium associated with the 
     loan or loan guarantee, taking into consideration--
       (A) the price of Treasury obligations of a similar 
     maturity;
       (B) prevailing market conditions;
       (C) the ability of the eligible infrastructure project to 
     support the loan or loan guarantee; and
       (D) the total amount of the loan or loan guarantee.

     SEC. 302. SELF-SUFFICIENCY OF IFA.

       The Chief Executive Officer shall, to the extent 
     practicable, take actions consistent with this division to 
     make IFA a self-sustaining entity, with administrative costs 
     and Federal credit subsidy costs fully funded by fees and 
     risk premiums on loans and loan guarantees.

     SEC. 303. FUNDING.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
     IFA to make direct loans and loan guarantees under this 
     division $10,000,000,000, which shall remain available until 
     expended.
       (2) Administrative costs.--Of the amounts appropriated 
     pursuant to paragraph (1), the IFA may expend, for 
     administrative costs, not more than--
       (A) $25,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2016 and 2017; 
     and
       (B) not more than $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
       (b) Interest.--The amounts made available to IFA pursuant 
     to subsection (a) shall be placed in interest-bearing 
     accounts.
       (c) Rural Infrastructure Projects.--Of the amounts made 
     available to IFA under this section, not less than 5 percent 
     shall be used to offset subsidy costs associated with rural 
     infrastructure projects.

     SEC. 304. CONTRACT AUTHORITY.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law, approval by the 
     Board of Directors of a Federal credit instrument that uses 
     funds made available under this division shall impose upon 
     the United States a contractual obligation to fund the 
     Federal credit investment.

     SEC. 305. LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY.

       IFA shall not have the authority to issue debt in its own 
     name.

     TITLE IV--TAX EXEMPTION REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE AND LOCAL BONDS

     SEC. 401. NATIONAL LIMITATION ON AMOUNT OF TAX-EXEMPT 
                   FINANCING FOR FACILITIES.

       Section 142(m)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
     is amended by striking ``$15,000,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$16,000,000,000''.

                       TITLE V--BUDGETARY EFFECTS

     SEC. 501. BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

       The budgetary effects of this division, 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 division, 
     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.
                                 ______