[House Report 105-831]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]





                                                 Union Calendar No. 472

105th Congress, 2d Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House Report 105-831
-----------------------------------------------------------------------


                                (105-89)

                                     



                                SUMMARY


                                  OF


                 LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

                               __________

                       ONE HUNDRED FIFTH CONGRESS

                             first session

                        Convened January 7, 1997

                      Adjourned November 13, 1997

                             second session

                       Convened January 27, 1998

                       Adjourned October 21, 1998


                               __________

             COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

                     U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                                     


                                     

 December 17, 1998.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                               --------

                    U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE                    
*69-006                     WASHINGTON : 1998





             COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

                  BUD SHUSTER, Pennsylvania, Chairman

DON YOUNG, Alaska                    JAMES L. OBERSTAR, Minnesota
THOMAS E. PETRI, Wisconsin           NICK J. RAHALL, II, West Virginia
SHERWOOD L. BOEHLERT, New York       ROBERT A. BORSKI, Pennsylvania
HERBERT H. BATEMAN, Virginia         WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI, Illinois
HOWARD COBLE, North Carolina         ROBERT E. WISE, Jr., West Virginia
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee       JAMES A. TRAFICANT, Jr., Ohio
SUSAN MOLINARI, New York\4\          PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon
THOMAS W. EWING, Illinois            BOB CLEMENT, Tennessee
WAYNE T. GILCHREST, Maryland         JERRY F. COSTELLO, Illinois
JAY KIM, California                  GLENN POSHARD, Illinois
STEPHEN HORN, California             ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, Jr., 
BOB FRANKS, New Jersey                   Alabama\7\
JOHN L. MICA, Florida                ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, District of 
JACK QUINN, New York                     Columbia
TILLIE K. FOWLER, Florida            JERROLD NADLER, New York
VERNON J. EHLERS, Michigan           PAT DANNER, Missouri
SPENCER BACHUS, Alabama              ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey
STEVEN C. LaTOURETTE, Ohio           JAMES E. CLYBURN, South Carolina
SUE W. KELLY, New York               CORRINE BROWN, Florida
RAY LaHOOD, Illinois                 JAMES A. BARCIA, Michigan
RICHARD H. BAKER, Louisiana          BOB FILNER, California
FRANK RIGGS, California              EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas
CHARLES F. BASS, New Hampshire       FRANK MASCARA, Pennsylvania
ROBERT W. NEY, Ohio                  GENE TAYLOR, Mississippi
JACK METCALF, Washington             JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD, 
JO ANN EMERSON, Missouri                 California
EDWARD A. PEASE, Indiana             ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS, Maryland
ROY BLUNT, Missouri                  EARL BLUMENAUER, Oregon\2\
JOSEPH R. PITTS, Pennsylvania        MAX SANDLIN, Texas
ASA HUTCHINSON, Arkansas             ELLEN O. TAUSCHER, California
MERRILL COOK, Utah                   BILL PASCRELL, Jr., New Jersey
JOHN COOKSEY, Louisiana              JAY W. JOHNSON, Wisconsin
JOHN R. THUNE, South Dakota          LEONARD L. BOSWELL, Iowa
CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING, Jr.,  JAMES P. McGOVERN, Massachusetts
    Mississippi                      TIM HOLDEN, Pennsylvania\3\
KAY GRANGER, Texas                   NICK LAMPSON, Texas\3\
JON D. FOX, Pennsylvania\1\          JOHN ELIAS BALDACCI, Maine\8\
THOMAS M. DAVIS, Virginia\1\         MARION BERRY, Arkansas\8\
FRANK A. LoBIONDO, New Jersey\1\
J. C. WATTS, Jr., Oklahoma\1\
JERRY MORAN, Kansas\5\
VITO FOSSELLA, New York\6\

Jack L. Schenendorf, Chief of Staff  David A. Heymsfeld, Minority Staff 
Mike Strachn, Deputy Chief of Staff      Director
Charles Ziegler, Counsel             Sante J. Esposito, Minority Chief 
Carol Wood, Administrator                Counsel
Scott M. Brenner, Director of        Joy B. Bryson, Minority 
    Communications                       Administrator
                                     Jim Berard, Minority Director of 
                                         Communications

                     (Numbered notes on next page)




\1\Elected January 26, 1997 (H.Res. 78)
\2\Elected March 6, 1997 (H.Res. 84)
\3\Elected April 17, 1997 (H.Res. 120)
\4\Resigned from Congress August 2, 1997
\5\Elected August 1, 1997 (H.Res. 213)
\6\Elected November 12, 1997 (H.Res. 325)
\7\Resigned from Committee November 13, 1997
\8\Elected March 27, 1998 (H.Res. 400)



                             SUBCOMMITTEES

                        (Listed Alphabetically)

The Chairman and the Ranking Minority Member of the Committee are ex 
officio voting members of all Subcommittees. The Member of the Majority 
Party ranking immediately after the Chairman shall be Vice Chairman or 
Chairwoman of the Subcommittee, and the ranking Member of the Minority 
Party shall serve as Subcommittee Ranking Minority Member for the 105th 
Congress.

                                AVIATION

                JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee, Chairman

ROY BLUNT, Missouri                  WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI, Illinois
SUSAN MOLINARI, New York\2\          LEONARD L. BOSWELL, Iowa\1\
THOMAS W. EWING, Illinois            GLENN POSHARD, Illinois\1\
VERNON J. EHLERS, Michigan           NICK J. RAHALL, II, West 
RAY LaHOOD, Illinois                 Virginia\1\
CHARLES F. BASS, New Hampshire       JAMES A. TRAFICANT, Jr., Ohio\1\
JACK METCALF, Washington             PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon\1\
EDWARD A. PEASE, Indiana             JERRY F. COSTELLO, Illinois\1\
JOSEPH R. PITTS, Pennsylvania        ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, Jr., 
ASA HUTCHINSON, Arkansas             Alabama\1\ \3\
MERRILL COOK, Utah                   PAT DANNER, Missouri\1\
JOHN COOKSEY, Louisiana              JAMES E. CLYBURN, South 
CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING, Jr.,  Carolina\1\
Mississippi                          CORRINE BROWN, Florida\1\
KAY GRANGER, Texas                   EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas\1\
JON D. FOX, Pennsylvania\1\          JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD, 
THOMAS M. DAVIS, Virginia\1\         California\1\
J. C. WATTS, Jr., Oklahoma\1\        ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS, Maryland\1\
JERRY MORAN, Kansas\4\               JOHN ELIAS BALDACCI, Maine\5\
VITO FOSSELLA, New York\4\           MARION BERRY, Arkansas\5\

__________
\1\ Elected to Subcommittee Mar. 12, 1997
\2\ Resigned from Congress Aug. 2, 1997
\3\ Resigned from Committee Nov. 13, 1997
\4\ Elected to Subcommittee Mar. 11, 1998
\5\ Elected to Subcommittee June 25, 1998

                                 ______

                COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION

                 WAYNE T. GILCHREST, Maryland, Chairman

FRANK A. LOBIONDO, New Jersey\1\     BOB CLEMENT, Tennessee
DON YOUNG, Alaska                    JAY W. JOHNSON, Wisconsin\1\
HOWARD COBLE, North Carolina         ROBERT A. BORSKI, Pennsylvania\2\

__________
\1\ Elected to Subcommittee Mar. 12, 1997
\2\ Elected to Subcommittee May 7, 1997



               PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

                     JAY KIM, California, Chairman

JOHN COOKSEY, Louisiana              JAMES A. TRAFICANT, Jr., Ohio
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee       ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, District of 
STEVEN C. LaTOURETTE, Ohio           Columbia\1\
THOMAS M. DAVIS, Virginia\1\         TIM HOLDEN, Pennsylvania\2\
                                     NICK LAMPSON, Texas\2\

__________
\1\ Elected to Subcommittee Mar. 12, 1997
\2\ Elected to Subcommittee May 7, 1997

                                 ______

                               RAILROADS

                  BOB FRANKS, New Jersey, Chairman\3\

                SUSAN MOLINARI, New York, Chairwoman\2\

KAY GRANGER, Texas                   ROBERT E. WISE, Jr., West Virginia
SHERWOOD L. BOEHLERT, New York       EARL BLUMENAUER, Oregon\1\
BOB FRANKS, New Jersey\3\            ROBERT A. BORSKI, Pennsylvania\1\
JOHN L. MICA, Florida                WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI, Illinois\1\
JACK QUINN, New York                 BOB CLEMENT, Tennessee\1\
TILLIE K. FOWLER, Florida            JERROLD NADLER, New York\1\
SPENCER BACHUS, Alabama              BOB FILNER, California\1\
JOSEPH R. PITTS, Pennsylvania        MAX SANDLIN, Texas\1\
JON D. FOX, Pennsylvania
JERRY MORAN, Kansas\4\

__________
\1\ Elected to Subcommittee Mar. 12, 1997
\2\ Resigned from Congress Aug. 2, 1997
\3\ Elected Chairman of Subcommittee Mar. 11, 1998
\4\ Elected to Subcommittee Mar. 11, 1998



                         SURFACE TRANSPORTATION

                  THOMAS E. PETRI, Wisconsin, Chairman

CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING, Jr.,  NICK J. RAHALL, II, West Virginia
Mississippi                          PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon\1\
HERBERT H. BATEMAN, Virginia         ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, Jr., 
HOWARD COBLE, North Carolina         Alabama\1\ \2\
THOMAS W. EWING, Illinois            PAT DANNER, Missouri\1\
STEPHEN HORN, California             JAMES E. CLYBURN, South 
BOB FRANKS, New Jersey               Carolina\1\
JOHN L. MICA, Florida                CORRINE BROWN, Florida\1\
JACK QUINN, New York                 JAMES A. BARCIA, Michigan\1\
TILLIE K. FOWLER, Florida            BOB FILNER, California\1\
SPENCER BACHUS, Alabama              EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas\1\
STEVEN C. LaTOURETTE, Ohio           FRANK MASCARA, Pennsylvania\1\
SUE W. KELLY, New York               JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD, 
RAY LaHOOD, Illinois                 California\1\
RICHARD H. BAKER, Louisiana          JERRY F. COSTELLO, Illinois\1\
FRANK RIGGS, California              ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, District of 
CHARLES F. BASS, New Hampshire       Columbia\1\
ROBERT W. NEY, Ohio                  JERROLD NADLER, New York\1\
JACK METCALF, Washington             ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey\1\
JO ANN EMERSON, Missouri             GENE TAYLOR, Mississippi\1\
EDWARD A. PEASE, Indiana             ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS, Maryland\1\
JOSEPH R. PITTS, Pennsylvania\1\     MAX SANDLIN, Texas\1\
ASA HUTCHINSON, Arkansas             ELLEN O. TAUSCHER, California\1\
MERRILL COOK, Utah                   BILL PASCRELL, Jr., New Jersey\1\
JOHN R. THUNE, South Dakota          JAMES P. McGOVERN, 
KAY GRANGER, Texas                   Massachusetts\1\
J.C. WATTS, Jr., Oklahoma\1\         TIM HOLDEN, Pennsylvania\3\

__________
\1\ Elected to Subcommittee Mar. 12, 1997
\2\ Resigned from Committee Nov. 13, 1997
\3\ Elected to Subcommittee June 25, 1998

                                 ______

                    WATER RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

                SHERWOOD L. BOEHLERT, New York, Chairman

JOHN R. THUNE, South Dakota          ROBERT A. BORSKI, Pennsylvania
DON YOUNG, Alaska                    JAY W. JOHNSON, Wisconsin\1\
THOMAS E. PETRI, Wisconsin           ROBERT E. WISE, Jr., West 
HERBERT H. BATEMAN, Virginia         Virginia\1\
SUSAN MOLINARI, New York\3\          GLENN POSHARD, Illinois\1\
WAYNE T. GILCHREST, Maryland         ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey\1\
JAY KIM, California                  JAMES A. BARCIA, Michigan\1\
STEPHEN HORN, California             FRANK MASCARA, Pennsylvania\1\
BOB FRANKS, New Jersey               GENE TAYLOR, Mississippi\1\
JACK QUINN, New York                 EARL BLUMENAUER, Oregon\1\
VERNON J. EHLERS, Michigan           ELLEN O. TAUSCHER, California\1\
STEVEN C. LaTOURETTE, Ohio           BILL PASCRELL, Jr., New Jersey\1\
SUE W. KELLY, New York               LEONARD L. BOSWELL, Iowa\1\
RICHARD H. BAKER, Louisiana          JAMES P. McGOVERN, 
FRANK RIGGS, California              Massachusetts\1\
ROBERT W. NEY, Ohio                  NICK J. RAHALL, II, West 
JO ANN EMERSON, Missouri             Virginia\1\
FRANK A. LoBIONDO, New Jersey\1\     NICK LAMPSON, Texas\2\
VITO FOSSELLA, New York\4\

__________
\1\ Elected to Subcommittee Mar. 12, 1997
\2\ Elected to Subcommittee May 7, 1997
\3\ Resigned from Congress Aug. 2, 1997
\4\ Elected Subcommittee Mar. 11, 1998

                                 Staff

                  Jack L. Schenendorf, Chief of Staff

                  Mike Strachn, Deputy Chief of Staff

                        Charles Ziegler, Counsel

                       Carol Wood, Administrator

           Mary Moll, Deputy Administrator/Financial Officer

  William J. Hughes, Senior Professional Staff Member for Budget and 
                          Economic Development

           Tricia Law, Professional Staff Member for Outreach

           Darrell Wilson, Special Assistant to the Chairman

         Kathy Guilfoy, Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff

         Jimmy Miller, Director of Committee Facilities/Travel

                Keven Sard, Manager Information Systems

              Cheryl McCullough, Executive Staff Assistant

        Mary Beth Will, Outreach and Communications Coordinator

                     Denise Beshaw, Staff Assistant

                      Kevin Blose, Staff Assistant

                     Leneal Scott, Staff Assistant

                    Mica Robertson, Staff Assistant

                   Amanda Gerstmayr, Staff Assistant

                     Todd Mitchell, Staff Assistant

                                 ______

              David A. Heymsfeld, Minority Staff Director

               Sante J. Esposito, Minority Chief Counsel

                 Joy B. Bryson, Minority Administrator

         Sheila R. Lockwood, Minority Executive Staff Assistant

              Dara M. Schlieker, Minority Staff Assistant

                                 ______

                           Press Information

              Scott M. Brenner, Director of Communications

     Justin Harclerode, Assistant to the Director of Communications

            Jim Berard, Minority Director of Communications

                                 ______

                               Editorial

           Joan H. Botuck, Editor/Legislative Calendar Clerk

       Gilda Fuentez, Associate Editor/Legislative Calendar Clerk

                   Edna Lanier, GPO Print Specialist

                                 ______

                                AVIATION

                        David Schaffer, Counsel

                Donna McLean, Professional Staff Member

        Paul Feldman, Minority Senior Professional Staff Member

          Tricia Loveland, Minority Professional Staff Member

              Michelle K. Mihin, Minority Staff Assistant

                                 ______

                COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION

                          Rebecca Dye, Counsel

                 Edward Lee, Professional Staff Member

                 Marsha Canter, Senior Staff Assistant

       John Cullather, Minority Senior Professional Staff Member

                Rose M. Hamlin, Minority Staff Assistant




               PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

          Richard C. Barnett, Senior Professional Staff Member

                      Suzanne M. Te Beau, Counsel

                    Matthew Wallen, Staff Assistant

       Susan F. Brita, Minority Senior Professional Staff Member

                   Ward McCarragher, Minority Counsel

                Rose M. Hamlin, Minority Staff Assistant

                                 ______

                               RAILROADS

                         Glenn Scammel, Counsel

               Alice Tornquist, Professional Staff Member

                      Nick Curran, Staff Assistant

        John V. Wells, Minority Senior Professional Staff Member

                    Trinita Brown, Minority Counsel

              Michelle K. Mihin, Minority Staff Assistant

                                 ______

                         SURFACE TRANSPORTATION

                      Roger Nober, General Counsel

                         Patty Doersch, Counsel

              Debra A. Gebhardt, Professional Staff Member

             Christopher Bertram, Professional Staff Member

                  Adam Tsao, Professional Staff Member

                 Linda D. Scott, Senior Staff Assistant

                      John Glaser, Staff Assistant

        Kenneth House, Minority Senior Professional Staff Member

           Rosalyn Millman, Minority Transportation Economist

                   Ward McCarragher, Minority Counsel

                 Steve Dubois, Minority Staff Assistant

                                 ______

                    WATER RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

                  Benjamin H. Grumbles, Senior Counsel

                         Susan Bodine, Counsel

               Marcus Peacock, Professional Staff Member

                   D. Lee Forsgren, Assistant Counsel

               Jeffrey T. More, Professional Staff Member

                 Donna Campbell, Senior Staff Assistant

                      Jess Sharp, Staff Assistant

              Kenneth J. Kopocis, Minority Senior Counsel

                 Arthur Chan, Minority Chief Economist

            Pamela Stevens Keller, Minority Staff Assistant




                                CONTENTS

                                 ------                                
                                                                   Page

Letter of Submittal..............................................    XI
Jurisdiction of the House Committee on Transportation and 
  Infrastructure.................................................     1
Foreword by Chairman Bud Shuster.................................     3
Bills enacted into law...........................................     7
Bills and resolutions passed by the House but not acted upon by 
  the Senate.....................................................    14
Bills passed by the House and the Senate but did not become 
  public laws....................................................    15
Bill reported to the House but not acted upon....................    15
Resolutions approved by the House and the Senate (and cleared)...    16
Bills approved by the Senate but not approved by the Committee...    16
Bills enacted into law (summaries of public laws):

  105-33  Balanced Budget Act of 1997............................    19
  105-34  Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997............................    19
  105-52  Designating the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 
    Washington Field Office Memorial Building....................    19
  105-63  Designating the Robert J. Dole United States Courthouse 
    in Kansas City, Kansas.......................................    20
  105-85  National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998    20
  105-93  Designating the David W. Dyer Federal Building and 
    United States -- Courthouse in Miami, Florida................    21
  105-94  Designating the J. Roy Rowland United States Courthouse 
    in Dublin, Georgia...........................................    21
  105-95  John F. Kennedy Center Parking Improvement Act of 1997.    21
  105-109  To Permit the City of Cleveland, Ohio, to Convey 
    Certain Lands that the United States Conveyed to the City....    22
  105-117  Amendment to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and 
    Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970...............    22
  105-122  Designating the Martin V.B. Bostetter, Jr. United 
    States Courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia....................    22
  105-123  Designating the Howard M. Metzenbaum United States 
    Courthouse in Cleveland, Ohio................................    23
  105-130  Surface Transportation Extension Act of 1997..........    23
  105-134  Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997..........    24
  105-137  Aviation Insurance Reauthorization Act of 1997........    25
  105-142  Clarifications to the Pilot Records Improvement Act of 
    1996.........................................................    25
  105-144 To Authorize the Acquisition of a Facility in Culpeper, 
    Virginia, for the Library of Congress........................    25
  105-148  To Address the Needs of Families of Passengers 
    Involved in Aircraft Accidents Involving Foreign Air Carriers    26
  105-154  Designating the Ronald Reagan Washington National 
    Airport......................................................    26
  105-155  FAA Research, Engineering, and Development 
    Authorization Act of 1998....................................    26
  105-157  To Authorize a Certificate of Documentation for the 
    vessel PRINCE NOVA...........................................    26
  105-163  Designating the William Augustus Bootle Federal 
    Building and United States Courthouse in Macon, Georgia......    27
  105-165  Designating the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center in 
    Atlanta, Georgia.............................................    27
  105-170  Aviation Medical Assistance Act of 1998...............    28
  105-178  Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century........    28
  105-179  Designating the Howard T. Markey National Courts 
    Building in Washington, District of Columbia.................    32
  105-199  National Drought Policy Act of 1998...................    32
  105-206  TEA 21 Restoration Act (Title IX).....................    33
  105-218  Designating the Carl B. Stokes United States 
    Courthouse in Cleveland, Ohio................................    34
  105-226  John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 
    Authorization Act of 1998....................................    33
  105-232  Designating the Joseph P. Kinneary United States 
    Courthouse in Columbus, Ohio.................................    33
  105-250  Designating the Richard C. Lee United States 
    Courthouse in New Haven, Connecticut.........................    34
  105-258  Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998.....................    34
  105-261  National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
    1999.........................................................    35
  105-277  Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal 
    Year 1999....................................................    35
  105-313  Miccosukee Reserved Area Act..........................    38
  105-339  Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998.........    39
  105-372  Salton Sea Reclamation Act of 1998....................    39
  105-383  Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998.................    39
  105-393  Economic Development Administration and Appalachian 
    Regional - Development Reform Act of 1998....................    41
Committee Views and Estimates Report.............................    43
Summary of activities:

  Full Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure............    45
  Subcommittee on Aviation.......................................    49
  Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation........    59
  Subcommittee on Public Buildings and Economic Development......    83
  Subcommittee on Railroads......................................    99
  Subcommittee on Surface Transportation.........................   103
  Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment................   111
Oversight........................................................   123
Public Building Project Resolutions Approved Pursuant to the 
  Public Buildings Act of 1959, as Amended.......................   135
Resolutions Adopted to Authorize the Corps of Engineers to 
  Conduct Feasibility Studies....................................   140
Small Watershed Projects Approved................................   142
Publications.....................................................   143



                          LETTER OF SUBMITTAL

                              ----------                              

                                                 December 17, 1998.
Hon. Robin H. Carle,
The Clerk, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
    Dear Ms. Carle: In compliance with Rule XI, Clause 1(d) of 
the Rules of the House of Representatives, there is transmitted 
herewith the Summary of Activities of the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure for the 105th Congress.
    The purpose of the report is to provide the Members of the 
House of Representatives, and the general public, with an 
overview of the legislative and oversight activities conducted 
by this committee, pursuant to Rule X, Clause 1(q) of the Rules 
of the House of Representatives.
    This document is intended as a general reference tool, and 
not as a substitute for the hearing records, reports, and other 
committee files.
            Sincerely yours,
                                               Bud Shuster,
           Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
    Enclosure.




                                                 Union Calendar No. 472

105th Congress                                                   Report
2d Session              HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES                105-831

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




 
     SUMMARY OF LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES--COMMITTEE ON 
                   TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

                                _______
                                

  December 17, 1998.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______


 Mr. Shuster, from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

 PROVISIONS OF THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES APPLICABLE TO 
     COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES; JURISDICTION OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON 
                   TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE


                                ``Rule X


        ``Establishment and jurisdiction of standing committees

                ``The Committees and Their Jurisdiction

    ``1. There shall be in the House the following standing 
committees, each of which shall have the jurisdiction and 
related functions assigned to it by this clause and clauses 2, 
3, and 4; and all bills, resolutions, and other matters 
relating to subjects within the jurisdiction of any standing 
committee as listed in this clause shall (in accordance with 
and subject to clause 5) be referred to such committees, as 
follows:

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    ``(q) Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

    ``(1) Coast Guard, including lifesaving service, 
lighthouses, lightships, ocean derelicts, and the Coast Guard 
Academy.
    ``(2) Federal management of emergencies and natural 
disasters.
    ``(3) Flood control and improvement of rivers and harbors.
    ``(4) Inland waterways.
    ``(5) Inspection of merchant marine vessels, lights and 
signals, lifesaving equipment, and fire protection on such 
vessels.
    ``(6) Navigation and the laws relating thereto, including 
pilotage.
    ``(7) Registering and licensing of vessels and small boats.
    ``(8) Rules and international arrangements to prevent 
collisions at sea.
    ``(9) Measures relating to the Capitol Building and the 
Senate and House office buildings.
    ``(10) Measures relating to the construction or maintenance 
of roads and post roads, other than appropriations therefor; 
but it shall not be in order for any bill providing general 
legislation in relation to roads to contain any provision for 
any specific road, nor for any bill in relation to a specific 
road to embrace a provision in relation to any other specific 
road.
    ``(11) Measures relating to the construction or 
reconstruction, maintenance, and care of the buildings and 
grounds of the Botanic Gardens, the Library of Congress, and 
the Smithsonian Institution.
    ``(12) Measures relating to merchant marine, except for 
national security aspects of merchant marine.
    ``(13) Measures relating to the purchase of sites and 
construction of post offices, customhouses, Federal 
courthouses, and Government buildings within the District of 
Columbia.
    ``(14) Oil and other pollution of navigable waters, 
including inland, coastal, and ocean waters.
    ``(15) Marine affairs (including coastal zone management) 
as they relate to oil and other pollution of navigable waters.
    ``(16) Public buildings and occupied or improved grounds of 
the United States generally.
    ``(17) Public works for the benefit of navigation, 
including bridges and dams (other than international bridges 
and dams) .
    ``(18) Related transportation regulatory agencies.
    ``(19) Roads and the safety thereof.
    ``(20) Transportation, including civil aviation, railroads, 
water transportation, transportation safety (except automobile 
safety), transportation infrastructure, transportation labor, 
and railroad retirement and unemployment (except revenue 
measures related thereto) .
    ``(21) Water power.
                                FOREWORD

    One of the oldest committees in the Congress, and the 
largest with 75 members, the Transportation and Infrastructure 
Committee achieved a variety of accomplishments during the 
105th Congress, ranging from building better roads and bridges 
to preparing our communities for natural disasters to making 
our airports safer. Always with an eye toward its goal of 
building for the future of America, the Committee's initiatives 
focused on providing a safe, efficient and reliable 
infrastructure for our nation's citizens, environment and 
economy.
    During the 105th Congress, the Committee saw 36 pieces of 
historic legislation become law. Clearly, the crown jewel of 
the Committee's accomplishments was the passage of the 
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, or TEA 21 (H.R. 
2400). This new law provides the framework for making the 
necessary investments in our country's infrastructure, ensuring 
that the American people have the roads, bridges and transit 
systems they need to maintain a high quality of life. This Act 
guarantees that in exchange for the gas taxes we all pay, we 
will get smoother roads, stronger bridges and safer highways.
    Previously, much of these tax dollars were shunted away 
from the very highways and bridges they were promised to 
finance, to be spent on various unrelated programs. This was a 
dishonesty perpetrated against every taxpayer that ever rolled 
up to a gas pump. But with TEA 21, the level of investment in 
highways and transit systems is now commensurate with the 
amount of gas taxes that go into the Highway Trust Fund.
    However, similar to the previous plight of the Highway 
Trust Fund, the Aviation Trust Fund remains a hostage of the 
current budget process; too much of the taxes collected from 
users are spent elsewhere and not on aviation improvements. 
This practice should end, and the success of TEA 21 provides a 
valuable precedent for taking the Aviation Trust Fund, as well 
as the Harbor Maintenance and Inland Waterways Trust Funds, 
off-budget.
    Though TEA 21 required a large quantity of the Committee's 
attention during the 105th Congress, it was by no means the 
only significant work done during that period.
    To help families in the event of an airplane crash, the 
Committee passed and the President signed the Foreign Airlines 
Family Assistance Act (H.R. 2476) which requires airlines to 
submit plans to the Department of Transportation (DOT) on how 
it will address the needs of the families in the event of an 
aviation disaster involving one of its aircraft. Last Congress, 
the Committee passed legislation that would require domestic 
airlines to file similar plans with DOT.
    Having a heart attack is always a life-threatening 
situation. Having a heart attack aboard an aircraft is even 
worse. To help heart attack victims in the air, the Committee 
passed legislation (H.R. 2843) to require the Federal Aviation 
Administration to study the benefit of requiring airlines to 
carry defibrillators. There are more than 72 deaths a year 
aboard aircraft and approximately 63 percent of the deaths are 
due to cardiac problems. This new law will save lives.
    To improve air services to underserved communities, the 
Committee passed legislation (H.R. 2748) that will encourage 
airlines to develop business in the underserved communities 
across the United States. In addition, the Committee authorized 
funds to ensure that our nation's airports have the money they 
need to meet the growing consumer demand for airline flights 
and to make sure that our airports are able to provide 
consumers with a safe environment.
    To better prepare for emergencies and natural disasters, 
and to mitigate their effects, the Committee passed several 
important measures. The Drought Management Policy Act of 1998 
(H.R. 3035) establishes a national commission to integrate and 
coordinate approaches to drought management so as to reduce 
adverse environmental, economic and social impacts of drought.
    The Disaster Mitigation Act of 1998 (H.R. 3869) also seeks 
to mitigate disasters, but takes a unique ``first strike'' 
approach by authorizing funds to undertake pre-disaster 
activities, such as moving facilities out of harm's way and 
making infrastructure more resistant to floods, hurricanes and 
earthquakes.
    In an effort to restore and protect America's estuaries, 
the Committee passed the Coastal Pollution Reduction Act (H.R. 
2207) to reauthorize and improve the National Estuary Program 
and to allow the opportunity for a more cost-effective approach 
to coastal pollution control.
    The Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee also 
passed legislation to reform the Environmental Protection 
Agency's widely criticized program to clean up hazardous waste 
sites. The Superfund Acceleration, Fairness and Equity Act 
(H.R. 2727) also establishes a brownfields revitalization 
program.
    To help U.S. shipping companies and to encourage 
international shipping competition, the Committee passed 
legislation (S. 414) that will level the playing field for the 
U.S. shipping industry. In addition to the many, much-needed 
reforms, the new law will finally allow the U.S. shipping 
industry to keep transportation costs confidential from foreign 
competitors.
    In an effort to reverse the disturbing trend of increased 
drug use by our children, the Committee passed legislation 
(H.R. 2204) that seeks to stop the drugs from entering the 
United States. This new law gives the Coast Guard the funds 
they need to aggressively pursue drug smugglers and protect our 
borders from illegal drug traffic.
    The unfortunate tragedy that occurred in the Capitol in the 
summer of 1998 demonstrated the need for effective Federal 
building security. This event took place amid a year-long 
review the Committee conducted of the General Services 
Administration's efforts to increase security in Federal 
buildings. Through this process, the Committee was able to 
uncover waste in the protective service area, including 
millions of dollars in unused and abandoned security equipment.
    The Committee continued its oversight of the courthouse 
construction program, and after careful review, approved 12 new 
court related projects, at an estimated cost of approximately 
$350 million. These projects represent the court's priority 
projects as developed in response to a Congressional mandate to 
rate and rank projects.
    The Committee produced legislation (S. 2364) reauthorizing 
the programs of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) 
and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). Although these 
agencies are vital to numerous economically distressed 
communities throughout the country, they have not been 
reauthorized or reformed in over 17 years. The legislation 
reforms both programs to insure their efficiency and 
effectiveness.
    In addition, upon the Committee's recommendation, Congress 
approved significant and much needed improvements for the John 
F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, an 
important cultural center of our nation (H.R. 1747).
    Amtrak saw enacted new legislation (H.R. 2247) to start our 
nation's passenger rail service on the road to solvency and 
financial independence. Wider latitude in making its own 
business decisions, as well as sensible limits to lawsuits are 
elements of this legislation that should allow Amtrak to 
function more like a true business. This legislation's ultimate 
goal is to free Amtrak from the Federal subsidies, which have 
been a constant necessity in keeping its trains running.
    With this solid record of achievement, the Committee will 
forge ahead in the 106th Congress, using these two years as a 
blueprint for what must be accomplished. Important 
transportation and environmental issues remain to be tackled, 
and if this pattern of accomplishment continues, America's 
infrastructure will continue to strengthen, and the American 
people will continue to reap the benefits of their investment.
                                               Bud Shuster,
           Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

                                             BILLS ENACTED INTO LAW
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           PUBLIC LAW NO.                 DATE ENACTED              BILL NO.                    TITLE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
105-33.............................  Aug. 5, 1997..........  H.R. 2015.............  To provide for
                                                                                      reconciliation pursuant to
                                                                                      subsections (b)(1) and (c)
                                                                                      of section 105 of the
                                                                                      concurrent resolution on
                                                                                      the budget for fiscal year
                                                                                      1998 (Title IX, ``Asset
                                                                                      Sales, User Fees, and
                                                                                      Miscellaneous
                                                                                      Provisions'', incorporates
                                                                                      the sale of Governors
                                                                                      Island, New York; the sale
                                                                                      of air rights adjacent to
                                                                                      Washington Union Station;
                                                                                      and the extension of
                                                                                      higher vessel tonnage
                                                                                      duties). Balanced Budget
                                                                                      Act of 1997.
105-34.............................  Aug. 5, 1997..........  H.R. 2014.............  To provide for
                                                                                      reconciliation pursuant to
                                                                                      subsections (b)(2) and (d)
                                                                                      of section 105 of the
                                                                                      concurrent resolution on
                                                                                      the budget for fiscal year
                                                                                      1998 (Section 901,
                                                                                      ``General Revenue Portion
                                                                                      of Highway Motor Fuels
                                                                                      Taxes Deposited into
                                                                                      Highway Trust Fund'').
                                                                                      Taxpayer Relief Act of
                                                                                      1997.
105-52.............................  Oct. 6, 1997..........  H.R. 2443.............  To designate the Federal
                                                                                      building located at 601
                                                                                      Fourth Street, NW, in the
                                                                                      District of Columbia, as
                                                                                      the ``Federal Bureau of
                                                                                      Investigation, Washington
                                                                                      Field Office Memorial
                                                                                      Building'', in honor of
                                                                                      William H. Christian, Jr.,
                                                                                      Martha Dixon Martinez,
                                                                                      Michael J. Miller, Anthony
                                                                                      Palmisano, and Edwin R.
                                                                                      Woodriffe.
105-63.............................  Oct. 22, 1997.........  S. 1000...............  To designate the United
                                                                                      States courthouse at 500
                                                                                      State Avenue in Kansas
                                                                                      City, Kansas, as the
                                                                                      ``Robert J. Dole United
                                                                                      States Courthouse``.
105-85.............................  Nov. 18, 1997.........  H.R. 1119.............  To authorize appropriations
                                                                                      for fiscal year 1998 for
                                                                                      military activities of the
                                                                                      Department of Defense, for
                                                                                      military construction, and
                                                                                      for defense activities of
                                                                                      the Department of Energy,
                                                                                      to prescribe personnel
                                                                                      strengths for such fiscal
                                                                                      year for the Armed Forces,
                                                                                      and for other purposes
                                                                                      (including provisions in
                                                                                      Section 593, Authority for
                                                                                      Personnel to Participate
                                                                                      in Management of Certain
                                                                                      Non-Federal Entities;
                                                                                      Section 601, Increase in
                                                                                      Basic Pay for Fiscal Year
                                                                                      1998; Section 1026,
                                                                                      Reports Relating to Export
                                                                                      of Vessels That may
                                                                                      Contain Polylchlorinated
                                                                                      Biphenyls; Section 2861,
                                                                                      Land Transfer, Eglin Air
                                                                                      Force Base, Florida; and
                                                                                      Section 3606,
                                                                                      Determination of Gross
                                                                                      tonnage for Purposes of
                                                                                      Tank Vessel Double Hull
                                                                                      Requirements). National
                                                                                      Defense Authorization Act
                                                                                      for Fiscal Year 1998.
105-93.............................  Nov. 19, 1997.........  H.R. 1479.............  To designate the Federal
                                                                                      building and United States
                                                                                      courthouse located at 300
                                                                                      Northeast Frist Avenue in
                                                                                      Miami, Florida, as the
                                                                                      ``David W. Dyer Federal
                                                                                      Building and United States
                                                                                      Courthouse``.
105-94.............................  Nov. 19, 1997.........  H.R. 1484.............  To redesignate the United
                                                                                      States courthouse located
                                                                                      at 100 Franklin Street in
                                                                                      Dublin, Georgia, as the
                                                                                      ``J. Roy Rowland United
                                                                                      States Courthouse``.
105-95.............................  Nov. 19, 1997.........  H.R. 1747.............  To amend the John F.
                                                                                      Kennedy Center Act to
                                                                                      authorize the design and
                                                                                      construction of additions
                                                                                      to the parking garage and
                                                                                      certain site improvements,
                                                                                      and for other purposes.
                                                                                      John F. Kennedy Center
                                                                                      Parking Improvement Act of
                                                                                      1997.
105-109............................  Nov. 20, 1997.........  S. 1347 (H.R. 2834)...  To permit the city of
                                                                                      Cleveland, Ohio, to convey
                                                                                      certain lands that the
                                                                                      United States conveyed to
                                                                                      the city.
105-117............................  Nov. 21, 1997.........  S. 1258 (H.R. 849)....  To amend the Uniform
                                                                                      Relocation Assistance and
                                                                                      Real Property Acquisition
                                                                                      Policies Act of 1970 to
                                                                                      prohibit an alien who is
                                                                                      not lawfully present in
                                                                                      the United States from
                                                                                      receiving assistance under
                                                                                      that Act.
105-122............................  Dec. 1, 1997..........  S. 819 (H.R. 1851)....  To designate the United
                                                                                      States courthouse at 200
                                                                                      South Washington Street in
                                                                                      Alexandria, Virginia, as
                                                                                      the ``Martin V. B.
                                                                                      Bostetter, Jr. United
                                                                                      States Courthouse``.
105-123............................  Dec. 1, 1997..........  S. 833................  To designate the Federal
                                                                                      building courthouse at
                                                                                      Public Square and Superior
                                                                                      Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio,
                                                                                      as the ``Howard M.
                                                                                      Metzenbaum United States
                                                                                      Courthouse``.
105-130............................  Dec. 1, 1997..........  S. 1519 (H.R. 2516)...  To provide a 6-month
                                                                                      extension of highway,
                                                                                      highway safety, and
                                                                                      transit programs pending
                                                                                      enactment of a law
                                                                                      reauthorizing the
                                                                                      Intermodal Surface
                                                                                      Transportation Efficiency
                                                                                      Act of 1991. Surface
                                                                                      Transportation Extension
                                                                                      Act of 1997.
105-134............................  Dec. 2, 1997..........  S. 738 (H.R. 2247)....  To reform the statutes
                                                                                      relating to Amtrak, to
                                                                                      authorize appropriations
                                                                                      for Amtrak, and for other
                                                                                      purposes. Amtrak Reform
                                                                                      and Accountability Act of
                                                                                      1997.
105-137............................  Dec. 2, 1997..........  S. 1193 (H.R. 2036)...  To amend chapter 443 of
                                                                                      title 49, United States
                                                                                      Code, to extend the
                                                                                      authorization of the
                                                                                      aviation insurance
                                                                                      program, and for other
                                                                                      purposes. Aviation
                                                                                      Insurance Reauthorization
                                                                                      Act of 1997.
105-142............................  Dec. 5, 1997..........  H.R. 2626.............  To make clarifications to
                                                                                      the Pilot Records
                                                                                      Improvement Act of 1996,
                                                                                      and for other purposes.
105-144............................  Dec. 15, 1998.........  H.R. 2979.............  To authorize acquisition of
                                                                                      certain real property for
                                                                                      the Library of Congress,
                                                                                      and for other purposes.
105-148............................  Dec. 16, 1997.........  H.R. 2476.............  To amend title 49, United
                                                                                      States Code, to require
                                                                                      the National
                                                                                      Transportation Safety
                                                                                      Board and individual
                                                                                      foreign air carriers to
                                                                                      address the needs of
                                                                                      families of passengers
                                                                                      involved in aircraft
                                                                                      accidents involving
                                                                                      foreign air carriers.
105-154............................  Feb. 6, 1998..........  S. 1575 (H.R. 2625)...  To rename the Washington
                                                                                      National Airport located
                                                                                      in the District of
                                                                                      Columbia and Virginia as
                                                                                      the ``Ronald Reagan
                                                                                      Washington National
                                                                                      Airport''.
105-155............................  Feb. 11, 1998.........  H.R. 1271.............  To authorize the Federal
                                                                                      Aviation Administration's
                                                                                      research, engineering, and
                                                                                      development program for
                                                                                      fiscal years 1998 and
                                                                                      1999.
105-157............................  Feb. 11, 1998.........  S. 1349 (H.R. 2674)...  To authorize the Secretary
                                                                                      of Transportation to issue
                                                                                      a certificate of
                                                                                      documentation with
                                                                                      appropriate endorsement
                                                                                      for employment in the
                                                                                      coastwise trade for the
                                                                                      vessel PRINCE NOVA.
105-163............................  Mar. 20, 1998.........  H.R. 595..............  To designate the Federal
                                                                                      building and United States
                                                                                      courthouse located at 475
                                                                                      Mulberry Street in Macon,
                                                                                      Georgia, as the ``William
                                                                                      Augustus Bootle Federal
                                                                                      Building and United States
                                                                                      Courthouse''.
105-165............................  Mar. 20, 1998.........  S. 347 (H.R. 613).....  To designate the Federal
                                                                                      building located at 61
                                                                                      Forsyth Street SW., in
                                                                                      Atlanta, Georgia, as the
                                                                                      ``Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal
                                                                                      Center''.
105-170............................  Apr. 24, 1998.........  H.R. 2843.............  To direct the Administrator
                                                                                      of the Federal Aviation
                                                                                      Administration to
                                                                                      reevaluate the equipment
                                                                                      in medical kits carried
                                                                                      on, and to make a decision
                                                                                      regarding requiring
                                                                                      automatic external
                                                                                      defilbrillators to be
                                                                                      carried on, aircraft
                                                                                      operated by air carriers,
                                                                                      and for other purposes.
                                                                                      Aviation Medical
                                                                                      Assistance Act of 1998.
105-178............................  June 9, 1998..........  H.R. 2400.............  To authorize funds for
                                                                                      Federal-aid highways,
                                                                                      highway safety programs,
                                                                                      and transit programs.
                                                                                      Transportation Equity Act
                                                                                      for the 21st Century (TEA
                                                                                      21) (Transportation
                                                                                      Infrastructure Finance and
                                                                                      Innovation Act of 1998
                                                                                      (Title I, Subtitle E,
                                                                                      Chapter I); Federal
                                                                                      Transit Act of 1998 (Title
                                                                                      III); Intelligent
                                                                                      Transportation Systems Act
                                                                                      of 1998 (Title V, Subtitle
                                                                                      C); National Highway
                                                                                      Traffic Safety
                                                                                      Administration
                                                                                      Reauthorization Act of
                                                                                      1998 (Title VII, Subtitle
                                                                                      A); Sportfishing and
                                                                                      Boating Safety Act of 1998
                                                                                      (Title VII, Subtitle D);
                                                                                      Veterans Benefits Act of
                                                                                      1998 (Title VIII, Subtitle
                                                                                      B); and Surface
                                                                                      Transportation Revenue Act
                                                                                      of 1998 (Title IX))
105-179............................  June 16, 1998.........  H.R. 824..............  To redesignate the Federal
                                                                                      building located at 717
                                                                                      Madison Place, NW., in the
                                                                                      District of Columbia, as
                                                                                      the ``Howard T. Markey
                                                                                      National Courts
                                                                                      Building''.
105-199............................  July 16, 1998.........  H.R. 3035.............  To establish an advisory
                                                                                      commission to provide
                                                                                      advice and recommendations
                                                                                      on the creation of an
                                                                                      integrated, coordinated
                                                                                      Federal policy designed to
                                                                                      prepare for and respond to
                                                                                      serious drought
                                                                                      emergencies. National
                                                                                      Drought Policy Act of
                                                                                      1998.
105-206............................  July 23, 1998.........  H.R. 2676 (H.R. 3978).  To amend the Internal
                                                                                      Revenue Code of 1986 to
                                                                                      restructure and reform the
                                                                                      Internal Revenue Code of
                                                                                      1986 to restructure and
                                                                                      reform the Internal
                                                                                      Revenue Service, and for
                                                                                      other purposes. (TITLE IX--
                                                                                      TEA 21 RESTORATION ACT.)
105-218............................  Aug. 7, 1998..........  H.R. 643..............  To designate the United
                                                                                      States courthouse to be
                                                                                      constructed at the corner
                                                                                      of Superior and Huron
                                                                                      Roads, in Cleveland, Ohio,
                                                                                      as the ``Carl B. Stokes
                                                                                      United States
                                                                                      Courthouse''.
105-226............................  Aug. 12, 1998.........  H.R. 3504.............  To amend the John F.
                                                                                      Kennedy Center Act to
                                                                                      authorize appropriations
                                                                                      for the John F. Kennedy
                                                                                      Center for the Performing
                                                                                      Arts and to further define
                                                                                      the criteria for capital
                                                                                      repair and operation and
                                                                                      maintenance. John F.
                                                                                      Kennedy Center for the
                                                                                      Performing Arts
                                                                                      Authorization Act.
105-232............................  Aug. 13, 1998.........  S. 1800...............  To designate the Federal
                                                                                      building and United States
                                                                                      courthouse located at 85
                                                                                      Marconi Boulevard in
                                                                                      Columbus, Ohio, as the
                                                                                      ``Joseph P. Kinneary
                                                                                      United States
                                                                                      Courthouse''.
105-250............................  Oct. 9, 1998..........  S. 1355 (H.R. 2787)...  To designate the United
                                                                                      States courthouse located
                                                                                      at 141 Church Street in
                                                                                      New Haven, Connecticut, as
                                                                                      the ``Richard C. Lee
                                                                                      United States
                                                                                      Courthouse''.
105-258............................  Oct. 14, 1998.........  S. 414................  To amend the Shipping Act
                                                                                      of 1984 to encourage
                                                                                      competition in
                                                                                      international shipping and
                                                                                      growth of United States
                                                                                      exports. Ocean Shipping
                                                                                      Reform Act of 1998.
105-261............................  Oct. 17, 1998.........  H.R. 3616.............  To authorize appropriations
                                                                                      for fiscal year 1999 for
                                                                                      military activities of the
                                                                                      Department of Defense, for
                                                                                      military construction, and
                                                                                      for defense activities of
                                                                                      the Department of Energy,
                                                                                      to prescribe personnel
                                                                                      strengths for such fiscal
                                                                                      year for the Armed forces,
                                                                                      and for other purposes
                                                                                      (including provisions
                                                                                      relating to the chemical
                                                                                      stockpile emergency
                                                                                      preparedness program
                                                                                      (section 141); submarine
                                                                                      solid waste control
                                                                                      (section 326); leave
                                                                                      without pay for academy
                                                                                      cadets and midshipmen
                                                                                      (section 562); increase in
                                                                                      basic pay for fiscal year
                                                                                      1999 (section 601); and
                                                                                      domestic preparedness for
                                                                                      response to threats of
                                                                                      terrorist use of weapons
                                                                                      of mass destruction
                                                                                      (section 1404). Strom
                                                                                      Thurmond National Defense
                                                                                      Authorization Act for
                                                                                      Fiscal Year 1999.
105-277............................  Oct. 21, 1998.........  H.R. 4328.............  Making omnibus consolidated
                                                                                      and emergency
                                                                                      appropriations for fiscal
                                                                                      year 1999 (including
                                                                                      provisions relating to a
                                                                                      six month extension of the
                                                                                      Federal Aviation
                                                                                      Administration's Airport
                                                                                      Improvement Program
                                                                                      authorization; a three
                                                                                      month extension of the war
                                                                                      risk insurance program;
                                                                                      air carrier competition;
                                                                                      the Denali Commission Act
                                                                                      of 1998; the Land Between
                                                                                      the Lakes Protection Act
                                                                                      of 1998; designation of
                                                                                      the Dick Cheney Federal
                                                                                      Building in Casper,
                                                                                      Wyoming; designation of
                                                                                      the Jere Cooper Federal
                                                                                      Building in Dyersburg,
                                                                                      Tennessee; designation of
                                                                                      the Sidney R. Yates
                                                                                      Federal Building in
                                                                                      Washington, District of
                                                                                      Columbia; designation of
                                                                                      the Dan Schaefer Federal
                                                                                      Building in Golden,
                                                                                      Colorado; designation of
                                                                                      the David Skaggs Federal
                                                                                      Building in Boulder,
                                                                                      Colorado; the Western
                                                                                      Hemisphere Drug
                                                                                      Elimination Act; the Drug
                                                                                      Demand Reduction Act; the
                                                                                      planning and construction
                                                                                      of a visitor center for
                                                                                      the U.S. Capitol; and
                                                                                      authorization of a flood
                                                                                      damage reduction and
                                                                                      recreation project at
                                                                                      Grand Forks, North Dakota,
                                                                                      and East Grand Forks,
                                                                                      Minnesota).
105-313............................  Oct. 30, 1998.........  H.R. 3055.............  To deem the activities of
                                                                                      the Miccosukee Tribe on
                                                                                      the Miccosukee Reserved
                                                                                      Area to be consistent with
                                                                                      the purposes of the
                                                                                      Everglades National Park,
                                                                                      and for other purposes.
105-339............................  Oct. 31, 1998.........  S. 1021 (H.R. 240)....  To amend title 5, United
                                                                                      States Code, to provide
                                                                                      that consideration may not
                                                                                      be denied to preference
                                                                                      eligibles applying for
                                                                                      certain positions in the
                                                                                      competitive service, and
                                                                                      for other purposes
                                                                                      (including provisions
                                                                                      affecting the Federal
                                                                                      Aviation Administration).
                                                                                      Veterans Employment
                                                                                      Opportunities Act of 1998.
105-372............................  Nov. 12, 1998.........  H.R. 3267.............  To direct the Secretary of
                                                                                      the Interior, acting
                                                                                      through the Bureau of
                                                                                      Reclamation, to conduct a
                                                                                      feasibility study and
                                                                                      construct a project to
                                                                                      reclaim the Salton Sea.
                                                                                      Salton Sea Reclamation Act
                                                                                      of 1998.
105-383............................  Nov. 13, 1998.........  H.R. 2204.............  To authorize appropriations
                                                                                      for fiscal years 1998 and
                                                                                      1990 for the Coast Guard,
                                                                                      and for other purposes.
                                                                                      Coast Guard Authorization
                                                                                      Act of 1998 (Harmful Algal
                                                                                      Bloom and Hypoxia Research
                                                                                      and Control Act of 1998
                                                                                      (Title VI)).
105-393............................  Nov. 13, 1998.........  S. 2364 (H.R. 4275)...  To reauthorize and make
                                                                                      reforms to programs
                                                                                      authorized by the Public
                                                                                      Works and Economic
                                                                                      Development Act of 1965
                                                                                      and the Appalachian
                                                                                      Regional Development Act
                                                                                      of 1965. Economic
                                                                                      Development Administration
                                                                                      and Appalachian Regional
                                                                                      Development Reform Act of
                                                                                      1998.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


   BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY THE HOUSE BUT NOT ACTED UPON BY THE
                                 SENATE
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            BILL NO.                 PASSED HOUSE            TITLE
------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.Con.Res. 31...................  3/5/97............  Expressing the
                                                       sense of Congress
                                                       regarding the
                                                       display of the
                                                       Ten Commandments
                                                       in a circuit
                                                       court in AL.
H.R. 2005.......................  7/28/97...........  Regarding the
                                                       application of
                                                       the Death on the
                                                       High Seas Act to
                                                       aviation
                                                       accidents.
H.R. 29.........................  7/28/97...........  Designating the
                                                       ``Ronald H. Brown
                                                       Federal
                                                       Building'' in New
                                                       York, NY.
H.R. 1502.......................  11/9/97...........  Designating the
                                                       ``James L.
                                                       Foreman U.S.
                                                       Courthouse'' in
                                                       Benton, IL.
H.R. 994........................  9/23/97...........  Designating the
                                                       ``Kika de la
                                                       Garza U.S. Border
                                                       Station'' in
                                                       Pharr, TX.
H.R. 892........................  9/14/98...........  Designating the
                                                       ``Aaron Henry
                                                       Federal Building
                                                       and U.S.
                                                       Courthouse'' in
                                                       Clarksdale, MS.
H.R. 548........................  11/13/97..........  Designating the
                                                       ``Ted Weiss U.S.
                                                       Courthouse'' in
                                                       New York, NY.
H.R. 81.........................  9/23/98...........  Designating the
                                                       ``Robert K.
                                                       Rodibaugh U.S.
                                                       Bankruptcy
                                                       Courthouse'' in
                                                       South Bend, IN.
H.R. 2207.......................  11/13/97..........  Coastal Pollution
                                                       Reduction Act of
                                                       1997.
H.R. 2225.......................  9/9/98............  Designating the
                                                       ``Lloyd D. George
                                                       Federal Building
                                                       and U.S.
                                                       Courthouse'' in
                                                       Las Vegas, NV.
H.R. 2379.......................  7/14/98...........  Designating the
                                                       ``Hiram H. Ward
                                                       Federal Building
                                                       and U.S.
                                                       Courthouse'' in
                                                       Winston-Salem,
                                                       NC.
H.R. 2187.......................  9/28/98...........  Designating the
                                                       ``Thurgood
                                                       Marshall U.S.
                                                       Courthouse'' in
                                                       New York, NY.
H.R. 3696.......................  8/4/98............  Designating the
                                                       ``James F. Battin
                                                       U.S. Courthouse''
                                                       in Billings, MT.
H.R. 3982.......................  7/29/98...........  Designating the
                                                       ``Terry Sanford
                                                       Federal
                                                       Building'' in
                                                       Raleigh, NC.
H.R. 4058.......................  7/20/98...........  Extending the
                                                       Aviation
                                                       Insurance
                                                       Program.
H.R. 3598.......................  9/28/98...........  Designating the
                                                       ``Richard C.
                                                       White Federal
                                                       Building'' in Los
                                                       Angeles, CA.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       BILLS PASSED BY THE HOUSE AND SENATE BUT DID NOT BECOME PUBLIC LAWS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             BILL. NO.                    PASSED HOUSE            PASSED SENATE                 TITLE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.R. 1270..........................  10/30/97..............  4/15/97(S. 104).......  Nuclear Waste Policy Act of
                                                                                      1997.
H.R. 3295..........................  9/9/98................  6/2/98 (S. 1098)......  Designating the ``Ronald V.
                                                                                      Dellums Federal Building''
                                                                                      in Oakland, CA.
H.R. 3445..........................  9/15/98...............  11/13/97(S. 1213).....  Establishing the Commission
                                                                                      on Ocean Policy.
H.R. 4057..........................  8/4/98................  9/25/98...............  Airport Improvement Program
                                                                                      Reauthorization Act of
                                                                                      1998.
S. 2032............................  6/2/98................  9/14/98...............  Designating the ``Hurff A.
                                                                                      Saunders Federal
                                                                                      Building'' in Juneau, AK.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 BILLS REPORTED TO THE HOUSE BUT NOT ACTED UPON
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              BILL NO.                        REPT.               DATED REPTD.                  TITLE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.R. 962...........................  H.Rept. 105-229.......  7/31/97...............  Designating the ``W.
                                                                                      Edwards Deming Federal
                                                                                      Building``, Suitland, MD.
H.R. 3482..........................  H.Rept. 105-654.......  7/29/98...............  Designating the ``Abraham
                                                                                      Lincoln Federal
                                                                                      Building``, Los Angeles,
                                                                                      CA.
H.R. 3869..........................  H.Rept 105-682........  8/6/98................  Disaster Mitigation Act of
                                                                                      1998.
H.R. 2748..........................  H.Rept. 105-822, Part   10/15/98..............  Airline Service Improvement
                                      I.                                              Act of 1998.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         RESOLUTIONS APPROVED BY THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE (And Cleared)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              RES. NO.                 AGREED TO BY HOUSE      AGREED TO BY SENATE              TITLE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.Con.Res. 49......................  5/13/97...............  5/20/97...............  Authorizing the use of the
                                                                                      Capitol grounds for the
                                                                                      Greater Washington Soap
                                                                                      Box Derby.
H.Con.Res. 66......................  5/13/97...............  5/14/97...............  Authorizing the 16th annual
                                                                                      National Peace Officers'
                                                                                      Memorial Service on the
                                                                                      Capitol Grounds.
H.Con.Res. 67......................  5/13/97...............  5/21/97...............  Authorizing the use of the
                                                                                      Capitol grounds for the
                                                                                      1997 Special Olympics
                                                                                      Torch Relay.
H.Con.Res. 98......................  7/28/97...............  7/30/97...............  Authorizing the use of the
                                                                                      Capitol grounds for the
                                                                                      SAFE KIDS Buckle Up Car
                                                                                      Seat Safety Check.
H.Con.Res. 238.....................  3/17/98...............  3/18/98...............  Authorizing a breast cancer
                                                                                      survivors' event sponsored
                                                                                      by the National Race for
                                                                                      the Cure on the Capitol
                                                                                      Grounds.
H.Con.Res. 262.....................  5/12/98...............  5/13/98...............  Authorizing the use of the
                                                                                      Capitol grounds for the
                                                                                      1998 District of Columbia
                                                                                      Special Law Enforcement
                                                                                      Torch Run.
H.Con.Res. 265.....................  5/7/98................  5/8/98................  Authorizing the use of the
                                                                                      Capitol grounds for
                                                                                      performances sponsored by
                                                                                      the John F. Kennedy Center
                                                                                      for the Performing Arts.
H.Con.Res. 263.....................  5/12/98...............  5/13/98...............  Authorizing the 17th annual
                                                                                      National Peace Officers'
                                                                                      Memorial Service on the
                                                                                      Capitol Grounds.
H.Con.Res. 255.....................  5/12/98...............  5/13/98...............  Authorizing the use of the
                                                                                      Capitol Grounds for the
                                                                                      Greater Washington Soap
                                                                                      Box Derby.
H.Con.Res. 298.....................  7/20/98...............  7/23/98...............  Expressing condolences to
                                                                                      the State and people of
                                                                                      Florida as a result of the
                                                                                      wild land fires occurring
                                                                                      in June and July 1998.
S.Con.Res. 120.....................  10/15/98..............  10/8/98...............  Redesignating the U.S.
                                                                                      Capitol Police
                                                                                      headquarters building in
                                                                                      Washington, DC, as the
                                                                                      ``Eney, Chestnut, Gibson
                                                                                      Memorial Building''.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


     BILLS APPROVED BY THE SENATE BUT NOT APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            BILL NO.                 PASSED SENATE           TITLE
------------------------------------------------------------------------
S. 495..........................  4/17/97...........  Chemical and
                                                       Biological
                                                       Weapons Threat
                                                       Reduction Act of
                                                       1998 (includes
                                                       air service
                                                       agreement and
                                                       landing rights
                                                       sanctions).
S. 628..........................  6/17/97...........  Designating the
                                                       ``Reynaldo G.
                                                       Garza U.S.
                                                       Courthouse'' in
                                                       Brownsville, TX.
S. 1222.........................  10/14/98..........  Estuary Habitat
                                                       Restoration
                                                       Partnership Act
                                                       of 1998.
S. 1324.........................  11/4/97...........  Deauthorizing a
                                                       portion of the
                                                       navigation
                                                       project for
                                                       Biloxi Harbor,
                                                       MS.
S. 1531.........................  6/9/98............  Deauthorizing
                                                       portions of the
                                                       navigation
                                                       project for Bass
                                                       Harbor, ME.
S. 1532.........................  6/9/98............  Deauthorizing the
                                                       remainder of the
                                                       project at East
                                                       Boothbay Harbor,
                                                       ME.
S. 1700.........................  7/31/98...........  Designating the
                                                       ``Robert C.
                                                       Weaver Federal
                                                       Building'' in
                                                       Washington, DC.
S. 2131.........................  10/9/98...........  Water Resources
                                                       Development Act
                                                       of 1998
S. 2531.........................  9/21/98...........  Designating the
                                                       ``Mark McGwire
                                                       Interstate Route
                                                       70'' in MO.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         BILLS ENACTED INTO LAW

                       (Summaries of Public Law)

                                ------                                


                      BALANCED BUDGET ACT OF 1997

                          (Public Law 105-33)

    Subsection (a) of section 9101 requires the Administrator 
of the General Services Administration (GSA), no earlier than 
fiscal year 2002, to dispose of all rights, title, and 
interests of the United States in and to the land of, and 
improvements to, Governors Island, New York, by sale at fair 
market value.

    Subsection (b) of section 9101 gives the State of New York 
and the City of New York the right of first offer to purchase 
all or part of Governor's Island at fair market value, as 
determined by the Administrator of the General Services 
Administration (GSA). Not later than 90 days after notification 
by the Administrator of GSA, this right may be exercised by 
either the State of New York or the City of New York or by both 
parties acting jointly.

    Subsection (c) of section 9101 requires that proceeds from 
the disposal of Governor's Island be deposited in the General 
Fund of the U.S. Treasury and credited as miscellaneous 
receipts.
                                ------                                


                      TAXPAYER RELIEF ACT OF 1997

                          (Public Law 105-34)

    Section 901 of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 transfers 
revenues from the 4.3 cents-per-gallon motor fuel tax to the 
Highway Trust Fund as of October 1, 1997. Of the amounts 
transferred, 80 percent are credited to the Highway Account and 
20 percent are credited to the Mass Transit Account.
                                ------                                


   DESIGNATING THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, WASHINGTON FIELD 
                        OFFICE MEMORIAL BUILDING

                          (Public Law 105-52)

    This law designates the Federal building located at 601 
Fourth Street, NW, Washington, DC, as the ``Federal Bureau of 
Investigation, Washington Field Office Memorial Building.'' 
This designation is in honor of five FBI agents who were killed 
in the line of duty while assigned to the Washington Field 
office. The five agents are William H. Christian, Jr., Martha 
Dixon Martinez, Michael J. Miller, Anthony Palmisano, and Edwin 
R. Woodriffe. On May 29, 1995, Special Agent William H. 
Christian, Jr., was murdered in his car while out on 
surveillance detail. On November 22, 1994, Martha Dixon 
Martinez and Michael J. Miller were conducting official 
business at the homicide office of the Metropolitan Police 
Department headquarters, when an individual entered the office 
and began firing randomly, wounding and, subsequently, killing 
Martinez and Miller. On January 8, 1969, Agents Anthony 
Palmisano and Edwin R. Woodriffe were killed while trying to 
arrest a Lorton escapee in an apartment building in Southeast 
Washington. This designation reminds all those assigned to the 
Washington Field Office building of the high price that has 
been paid for the FBI's work in protecting the lives and safety 
of the residents of the District of Columbia.
                                ------                                


DESIGNATING THE ROBERT J. DOLE UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE IN KANSAS CITY, 
                                 KANSAS

                          (Public Law 105-63)

    This law designates the United States courthouse at 500 
State Street in Kansas City, Kansas, as the ``Robert J. Dole 
United States Courthouse''. Senator Dole has served and 
continues to serve his country in many ways. He attended the 
University of Kansas and Washburn University, but left to join 
the United States Army during World War II. It was during this 
tour of duty that Senator Dole was severely wounded in Italy, 
permanently injuring his right arm. Upon leaving the military 
he returned to school and earned his college and law degrees, 
graduating magna cum laude. In 1950, Senator Dole was elected 
to the Kansas State Legislature. Following his term in state 
office, he became the prosecuting attorney for Russell County. 
In 1968, Senator Dole made his bid for the United States 
Senate, winning the seat by a large margin. Senator Dole became 
the majority leader of the Senate in 1985, and continued in 
leadership positions throughout his Senate career. He resigned 
in 1996 to pursue the Republican Presidential nomination.
                                ------                                


        NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998

                          (Public Law 105-85)

    This legislation allows the Secretary of Defense and the 
Secretary of Transportation to authorize a member of the armed 
forces to serve without compensation as a director, officer, or 
trustee, in the management of certain non-Federal agencies. 
This provision includes the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance 
Organization as one of the non-Federal agencies. This 
legislation also authorizes the U.S. Maritime Administration 
for fiscal year 1998.

    Section 3606 of this Act amends section 4115 of the Oil 
Pollution Act to prevent vessel owners from reducing the gross 
tonnage of single hulled tank vessels to delay the requirement 
under the Oil Pollution Act to phase out use of such vessels.
                                ------                                


   DESIGNATING THE DAVID W. DYER FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES 
                      COURTHOUSE IN MIAMI, FLORIDA

                          (Public Law 105-93)

    This law designates the Federal building and United States 
courthouse located at 300 Northeast Frist Avenue in Miami, 
Florida, as the ``David W. Dyer Federal Building and United 
States Courthouse''. Judge Dyer served on the Federal bench for 
more than 30 years, establishing himself as one of the finest 
and most revered jurists in the State of Florida. He served in 
the United States Army during World War II, rising to the rank 
of Major. In 1961, President Kennedy appointed Judge Dyer to 
the United States District Court for the Southern District of 
Florida. He served as Chief Judge from 1962 until 1966, when 
President Johnson elevated him to the United States Court of 
Appeals, Fifth Judicial Circuit. The Fifth Circuit, at that 
time, was composed of most of the Southern States, and quickly 
became the Nation's proving ground in the constitutional war 
for racial equality. In 1976, Judge Dyer took senior status, 
and he retired in 1996.
                                ------                                


  DESIGNATING THE J. ROY ROWLAND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE IN DUBLIN, 
                                GEORGIA

                          (Public Law 105-94)

    This law redesignates the United States courthouse located 
at 100 Franklin Street in Dublin, Georgia, as the ``J. Roy 
Rowland United States Courthouse''. Congressman Rowland entered 
the United States Army during World War II as a Sergeant in 
command of a machine gun crew in Europe. He was a member of the 
United States forces that liberated German concentration camps. 
During his tour of duty he earned the Bronze Star for service 
in combat. In 1952, Congressman Rowland graduated from the 
Medical College of Georgia, and continued what was to become a 
lifetime of public service by providing health care to the 
people of Dublin, Georgia, as a family practice physician. In 
1976, Congressman Rowland was elected to the State Legislature, 
and served in this capacity until 1982. In 1983, he was elected 
to the United States House of Representatives. During his 
Congressional service, Congressman Rowland concentrated on 
health issues. He was instrumental is stopping the rampant 
illegal access to and abuse of quaaludes. Congressman Rowland 
also provided service with his leadership in Congress during 
formulation and consideration of legislative initiatives on 
AIDS.
                                ------                                


         JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER PARKING IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1997

                          (Public Law 105-95)

    This Act authorizes the Kennedy Center to design and 
construct parking garage additions and site improvements. The 
construction is to be financed through the issuance of 
industrial revenue bonds which will be repaid from the 
operating revenues of the garage facility. The Act explicitly 
prohibits the use of appropriated funds for the construction 
and repayment of any borrowed funds for this project. The Act 
also authorizes the Kennedy Center to develop plans and pursue 
projects to modify the site, addressing the most critical 
security concerns. Capital repair funds and antiterrorism 
supplemental funds appropriated in fiscal year 1997 will be 
used for this project. Additionally, the Act places a 
limitation on the use of appropriated funds for equipment and 
production costs related to the production of interpretive 
films. The Act also updates the description of the Kennedy 
Center site.
                                ------                                


TO PERMIT THE CITY OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, TO CONVEY CERTAIN LANDS THAT THE 
                   UNITED STATES CONVEYED TO THE CITY

                          (Public Law 105-109)

    This public law authorizes the Secretary of Transportation 
to waive any of the terms contained in the deed issued by the 
United States and dated January 10, 1967. This deed pertains to 
the conveyance of lands to the city of Cleveland, Ohio, for use 
for airport purposes. It further provides that Cleveland 
conveys an interest in such lands only in exchange for an 
amount equal to the fair market value of the interest or an 
equivalent benefit. It also requires that any amount or 
equivalent benefit that is received by the city be used for: 
(1) the development, improvement, operation, or maintenance of 
a public airport; or (2) lands (including any improvements) 
that produce revenues which are used for airport development 
purposes.
                                ------                                


   AMENDMENT TO THE UNIFORM RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AND REAL PROPERTY 
                    ACQUISITION POLICIES ACT OF 1970

                          (Public Law 105-117)

    Public Law 105-117 prohibits an alien, who is not lawfully 
present in the United States, from receiving assistance under 
the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition 
Policies Act of 1970. Exceptions may be made if a displacing 
agency determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that a 
determination of ineligibility for a displaced person would 
result in exceptional and extreme hardship to another 
individual who is the displaced person's spouse, parent, or 
child and who is a citizen of the United States or an alien 
lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
                                ------                                


DESIGNATING THE MARTIN V.B. BOSTETTER, JR. UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE IN 
                          ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA

                          (Public Law 105-122)

    This law designates the United States courthouse at 200 
South Washington Street in Alexandria, Virginia, as the 
``Martin V. B. Bostetter, Jr. United States Courthouse''. 
During World War II, Judge Bostetter served in the United 
States Navy. Following his tour of duty, he attended the 
University of Virginia where he obtained his B.A. degree in 
1950 and his Latin Bachelor of Laws degree in 1952. In 1953, 
Judge Bostetter became the Special Assistant to the City 
Attorney, serving in the capacity of Prosecutor for the City of 
Alexandria. He resigned this post in 1957, to become Associate 
Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Alexandria. In 
1959, he accepted an appointment to the United States 
Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. On 
February 1, 1985, he was appointed Chief Judge of the Court and 
ranks among the longest sitting full-time bankruptcy judges in 
the United States.
                                ------                                


   DESIGNATING THE HOWARD M. METZENBAUM UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE IN 
                            CLEVELAND, OHIO

                          (Public Law 105-123)

    This law designates the Federal building courthouse at 
Public Square and Superior Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio, as the 
``Howard M. Metzenbaum United States Courthouse''. Senator 
Metzenbaum attended Ohio State University, where he earned both 
his undergraduate and law degrees. In 1942, he became the 
youngest person elected to the Ohio House of Representatives at 
that time. He also served in the Ohio State Senate. In 1950, 
Senator Metzenbaum retired from public office. In 1973, he was 
appointed to the United States Senate to fill an unexpired 
term. He lost this seat in the 1974 election, but he was 
successful in his 1976 bid for the open Senate seat. He has 
served on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the 
Judiciary Committee, the Select Committee on Indian Affairs, 
the Labor and Human Resources Committee, and the Budget 
Committee. He retired at the end of the 103rd Congress.
                                ------                                


              SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 1997

                          (Public Law 105-130)

    Public Law 105-130, the Surface Transportation Extension 
Act of 1997 (STEA), extended the Intermodal Surface 
Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. The STEA provided $5.5 
billion in new budget authority under the highway program as 
advances to States, which was equivalent to three months of 
funding. Funds were distributed to States based on fiscal year 
1997 distribution of obligation authority. Advances of new 
budget authority were to be subtracted from each State's 
ultimate distribution of funding for fiscal year 1998. In 
addition, this Act distributed $9.8 billion in obligation 
authority to the States, with each state receiving the higher 
of 50 percent of its fiscal year 1997 allotment of obligation 
authority or the total of its unobligated balances (up to 75 
percent of its 1997 obligation authority). A deadline of May 1, 
1998, was enacted to limit the amount of Federal funds 
obligated by States until a long-term authorization bill was 
enacted. Allocated highway programs, motor carrier safety and 
safety programs were funded at 50 percent of 1997 levels. 
Transit programs were also funded at 50 percent of fiscal year 
1997 levels.
                                ------                                


              AMTRAK REFORM AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1997

                          (Public Law 105-134)

    The Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997 removed 
many of the statutory restrictions previously imposed on Amtrak 
by the government. Under the new law Amtrak is free to readjust 
its route system to meet customer demand. In addition, the law 
requires Amtrak to redeem its non-voting common stock and 
allows Amtrak to have a fresh start in its capital structure 
and stock offerings, including a possible employee stock 
ownership plan.

    The law also calls for a 180-day accelerated bargaining 
process on the issue of the previously mandated 6-year payment 
of post-employment salary and benefits. At the end of the 
bargaining process, Amtrak's statutory and contract terms 
relating to the 6-year mandate expire and labor and management 
are free to employ ``self-help'' measures under the Railway 
Labor Act. Amtrak's statutory ban on contracting out any work, 
other than food and beverage service, is repealed, and this ban 
is inserted into Amtrak's collective bargaining agreements. 
Negotiations on the issue of contracting out must commence by 
the date on which the next round of collective bargaining may 
begin, or November 1, 1999, whichever is earlier.

    A new, reform board of directors is also required. The law 
calls for Amtrak's board of directors to be replaced by a 
seven-member reform board to be appointed by the President, in 
consultation with the Congressional leadership, by March 31, 
1998. New board members are required to have expertise in 
transportation, or corporate or financial management.

    In addition, Public Law 105-134 establishes a global cap of 
$200 million for the death or injury of a passenger, or damage 
to the property of a passenger in passenger rail accidents and 
incidents, and requires Amtrak to maintain liability coverage 
for claims of at least $200 million.

    The law also establishes an independent commission, known 
as the Amtrak Reform Council, consisting of 11 members to be 
appointed by the President and the Congressional leadership. 
The Council is to evaluate Amtrak's performance and make 
recommendations to Amtrak for achieving further cost 
containment, productivity improvements and financial reforms. 
If, at any time more than 2 years after the date of enactment, 
the Council finds that Amtrak will not meet its financial 
goals, or that Amtrak will require continued Federal operating 
subsidies 5 years after the date of enactment, then it shall 
submit a plan to the Congress for restructuring intercity 
passenger rail, and Amtrak shall submit a liquidation plan. If 
the restructuring plan has not been passed by the Congress 
within 90 days of its submission, a resolution disapproving the 
liquidation plan shall be considered in the Senate under 
expedited procedures.

    Finally, Public Law 105-134 authorizes appropriations 
totaling $5.2 billion over 5 years for Amtrak operating, 
capital, and Northeast Corridor expenses.
                                ------                                


             AVIATION INSURANCE REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1997

                          (Public Law 105-137)

    Aircraft insurance is, of course, essential to any airline 
operation. However, commercial insurance companies will often 
not insure flights to high risk areas such as countries at war 
or on the verge of war. In many cases, these flights are 
required to further the foreign policy or national security of 
the United States. To ensure that flights to high risk areas 
can operate when needed, Chapter 443 of Title 49 of the U.S. 
Code authorized the Secretary of Transportation to provide war-
risk insurance and reinsurance to commercial airlines. Public 
Law 105-137 extended the aviation insurance program through 
December 31, 1998. In addition, the law made some minor changes 
to the program, in part, which allows the Department of 
Transportation to use a more accurate estimate of a value of an 
aircraft.
                                ------                                


      CLARIFICATIONS TO THE PILOT RECORDS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1996

                          (Public Law 105-142)

    Between 1987 and 1994, there were at least seven fatal 
accidents involving scheduled airlines and pilot error, where 
the pilot had previously demonstrated problems but the airline 
was not required to check the pilot's records before making the 
hiring decision. The Pilot Records Improvement Act was passed 
in 1996. The Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996 required 
airlines, before hiring a pilot, to request the records of that 
pilot from the FAA, the National Driver Register, and the 
pilot's previous employer. This was designed to ensure that 
airlines would be able to make informed hiring decisions. 
Unfortunately, certain problems developed. The main problem is 
that the FAA and some airlines have not been able to transfer 
the required records within the 30 days required by the law. 
Public Law 105-142 allows all airlines to hire and train pilots 
before receiving their records. However, they cannot use the 
pilot to fly passengers until the records are transferred and 
evaluated. In addition, the law provides further relief for the 
small air charter companies by allowing them to use the pilot 
to fly passengers for no more than 90 days before receiving 
that pilot's records. The law includes other clarifying 
provisions, such as specifying that a job candidate's past 
performance as a pilot is the only former employee records a 
new employer would have to request. In other words, an employer 
does not have to review a job candidate's past performance in 
non-pilot jobs.
                                ------                                


 TO AUTHORIZE THE ACQUISITION OF A FACILITY IN CULPEPER, VIRGINIA, FOR 
                        THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

                          (Public Law 105-144)

    This legislation authorized the Architect of the Capitol to 
acquire, without reimbursement, approximately 41 acres of land, 
plus improvements, located near Culpeper, Virginia, for the use 
by the Librarian of Congress for use as a national audiovisual 
conversation center. The legislation also allowed the Architect 
to accept funds for the renovation of this facility to store 
the Library of Congress' extensive collection of motion 
picture, radio, television and sound recordings. This facility 
has features that will provide proper temperature and humidity 
conditions that will preserve these collections, many of which 
are composed of acetate and nitrate bases, that deteriorate 
over time.
                                ------                                


  TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF FAMILIES OF PASSENGERS INVOLVED IN AIRCRAFT 
                ACCIDENTS INVOLVING FOREIGN AIR CARRIERS

                          (Public Law 105-148)

    This law amends Federal transportation law to require 
foreign air carriers to transmit to the Secretary of 
Transportation and the Chairman of the National Transportation 
Safety Board a plan for addressing the needs of families of 
passengers involved in aircraft accidents, which involve 
foreign air carriers and a significant loss of life.
                                ------                                


       DESIGNATING THE RONALD REAGAN WASHINGTON NATIONAL AIRPORT

                          (Public Law 105-154)

    Public Law 105-154 states that the Washington National 
Airport shall hereafter be known and designated as the ``Ronald 
Reagan Washington National Airport.'' This law honors former 
President Reagan for his service to the Nation. The naming of 
the airport does not require any change in the lease between 
the Federal government (which owns the airport) and the 
Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA) (which rents 
the airport from the Federal Government).
                                ------                                


  FAA RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1998

                          (Public Law 105-155)

    This Act authorizes the Federal Aviation Administration's 
research, engineering, and development programs for fiscal 
years 1998 through 2000.
                                ------                                


 TO AUTHORIZE A CERTIFICATE OF DOCUMENTATION FOR THE VESSEL PRINCE NOVA

                          (Public Law 105-157)

    This law authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to 
issue a certificate of documentation with appropriate 
endorsement for employment in the coastwise trade for the 
vessel PRINCE NOVA.
                                ------                                


  DESIGNATING THE WILLIAM AUGUSTUS BOOTLE FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED 
                  STATES COURTHOUSE IN MACON, GEORGIA

                          (Public Law 105-163)

    This law designates the Federal building and United States 
courthouse located at 475 Mulberry Street in Macon, Georgia, as 
the ``William Augustus Bootle Federal Building and United 
States Courthouse''. William Augustus Bootle attended Mercer 
University Law School, where he received his L.L.B. degree in 
1925. In 1928, Judge Bootle was appointed Assistant United 
States Attorney and served as United States Attorney for the 
Middle District of Georgia until 1933. Upon leaving office, he 
became Acting Dean of the Mercer University Law School. In 
addition to holding the position of Acting Dean, Judge Bootle 
maintained his private law practice and argued and won a case 
before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1935. In May of 1954, 
President Eisenhower appointed Judge Bootle to the U.S. 
District Court. From the time of his appointment until 1962, 
Judge Bootle single-handedly managed all six divisions of the 
court, covering 71 counties of Georgia. One of Judge Bootle's 
most noteworthy accomplishments as a jurist came in the early 
1960's, when he ruled on admissions policies at the University 
of Georgia. This ruling led to the integration of schools 
across the State.
                                ------                                


  DESIGNATING THE SAM NUNN ATLANTA FEDERAL CENTER IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA

                          (Public Law 105-165)

    This law designates the Federal building located at 61 
Forsyth Street SW., in Atlanta, Georgia, as the ``Sam Nunn 
Atlanta Federal Center''. Senator Sam Nunn served in the United 
States Coast Guard for 2 years, and served for 8 years in the 
United States Coast Guard Reserve. Before running for elected 
office, Senator Nunn served as counsel to the United States 
House of Representatives' Committee on Armed Services. In 1968, 
he was elected to the Georgia State House of Representatives. 
In November of 1972, he was elected to the United States Senate 
to fill the vacancy created by the death of Senator Richard 
Russell. As a United States Senator, Sam Nunn earned a 
reputation for dedication and integrity. He became an 
internationally recognized expert on economic policy, defense, 
and national security. He served as either the Chairman or 
ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee for 12 
years. He was considered one of the ablest defense analysts and 
experts on NATO, nuclear weapons, and manpower. He also served 
on the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations and the 
Senate Small Business Committee. Senator Nunn retired at the 
end of the 103rd Congress.
                                ------                                


                AVIATION MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1998

                          (Public Law 105-170)

    This Act directs the Federal Aviation Administrator to 
reevaluate the equipment in medical kits carried onboard 
aircraft and the training required of flight attendants. If the 
Administrator believes that a change is required, the notice of 
proposed rulemaking must be issued within 1 year after the 
passage of P.L. 105-170 (enacted April 24, 1998). The law also 
requires airlines to submit quarterly reports to the FAA for 1 
year, which include information on the number of persons who 
died on aircraft and any information on why the deaths 
occurred. After the year of airline reports, the Administrator 
has 120 days to decide on whether or not to require automatic 
external defibrillators on commercial aircraft or in airports. 
If the FAA decides to require defibrillators, the Administrator 
will issue a notice of proposed rulemaking.
                                ------                                


             TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

                          (Public Law 105-178)

    The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA 
21), authorizes surface transportation programs from fiscal 
year 1998 through 2003. TEA 21 provides funding and 
programmatic changes for highway, safety, transit, motor 
carrier safety, research, and other surface transportation 
programs.

    TEA 21 contains changes to the Federal Budget Act to 
guarantee that gas taxes are used for their intended purposes. 
It creates two budget firewalls (one for highways and one for 
transit) within the Federal Budget to ensure that spending from 
the Highway Trust Fund is linked to the gas taxes paid by 
motorists. The firewalls, in effect, guarantee an annual floor 
for spending on highway, highway safety, and transit programs. 
This floor is tied to tax receipts received by the Trust Fund. 
Funding within the firewalls can only be used for programs 
authorized by TEA 21.

    The total amount guaranteed over 6 years is $162 billion 
for highways and $36 billion for transit. This total will 
change since the firewalls are adjusted annually based on the 
actual revenues deposited in the Trust Fund. This guarantee is 
fully paid for and will not require any future reductions in 
the Federal Budget or compromise the balanced budget agreement. 
Congress may increase annual funding levels above the levels in 
the firewalls through the annual appropriations process.

    The overall authorized funding level of $218 billion is 43 
percent more than the 6-year funding levels authorized under 
ISTEA. The $218 billion in funding is allocated as follows: 
$172.6 billion for highway programs; $2.9 billion for highway 
safety; $41.0 billion for transit; and $1.3 billion for rail.

    Title I of the Act reauthorizes the Federal highway program 
and provides substantial funding increases for the core highway 
programs: the Interstate Maintenance/National Highway System 
program, the Bridge Rehabilitation and Replacement program, the 
Surface Transportation program, the Congestion Mitigation and 
Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ), and the Minimum 
Guarantee program.

    On an average annual basis, all States will receive more 
highway funding than they did under ISTEA. The Act contains a 
single final formula equity adjustment--the Minimum Guarantee--
to ensure that no State will receive less than a 90.5 percent 
return from the Trust Fund on all formula programs. This 
Minimum Guarantee is calculated after all formula programs, 
including high priority projects, are distributed to the 
States. The Minimum Guarantee replaces the multiple equity 
programs that existed under ISTEA and that didn't cover all 
formula programs. TEA 21 also eliminates the donor State 
``penalty'' that counted allocations of discretionary grants 
against a States' return, thus penalizing a donor State that 
received a discretionary grant.

    TEA 21 streamlines Federal oversight of transportation 
programs. Responsibility is delegated to the States for 
oversight of projects not on the Interstate, thereby saving 
time and money. The environmental review process is simplified 
so that all necessary environmental reviews occur concurrently, 
where practicable, with set time periods for review. The Act 
eliminates all decision making authority from the Federal 
Highway Administration regional offices but maintains division 
offices located in each State. The Secretary is required to 
publish criteria used for selecting discretionary grants and 
disclose how grants made meet the criteria.

    TEA 21 builds upon ISTEA's flexibility and local decision 
making. States can meet programmatic needs by transferring up 
to 50 percent from all highway program categories to any other 
highway category (although some core protections for certain 
programs are maintained.) The planning process is reformed and 
simplified to give States and metropolitan planning 
organizations (MPO's) greater flexibility in selecting 
projects. The project review process is reformed by deleting 
the Major Investment Study as a stand-alone requirement and 
integrating it into the planning process.

    TEA 21 includes improvements to environmental programs. It 
significantly increases funding for the CMAQ program while 
making some minor adjustments to the program's eligibility. 
Average funding is $1.35 billion, an increase of 35 percent 
over fiscal year 1997 levels. It creates a new transit 
enhancements program to provide dedicated funding for projects 
to improve the transit experience, such as pedestrian 
facilities and art in and around transit stations. TEA 21 
provides additional encouragement to foster the use of 
alternative modes of transportation such as bicycles. The Act 
allows States to permit certain low emission vehicles to use 
HOV lanes. Significant improvements are made and increased 
funding is provided for the Recreational Trails program. A 
total of $270 million is authorized to States for various trail 
activities.

    Title II reauthorizes highway safety programs. A total of 
$1.612 billion is provided from the Highway Trust Fund for 
safety programs administered by the National Highway Traffic 
Safety Administration (NHTSA), including section 402 safety 
grants to States. This represents a nearly 25 percent increase 
over amounts authorized in ISTEA. An additional $1 billion in 
seat belt and .08 BAC incentive safety grants is also provided.

    Numerous programs to address drunk driving are established 
in TEA 21, including: a $500 million incentive grant program 
for States that enact .08 BAC laws; increased funding of $219 
million for the section 410 impaired driving grant program 
along with programmatic reforms to include performance-based 
factors and to target those drunk drivers who pose the highest 
risk on the roads; and provisions to encourage States to enact 
open container laws and minimum penalties for repeat offenders.

    TEA 21 creates several new initiatives to increase the use 
of seat belts around the country, including a $500 million 
incentive grant program based on a State's seat belt usage 
rate; and a $68 million incentive grant program to reward 
States for taking certain actions designed to increase occupant 
protection.

    In addition, grants are provided to improve bicycle and 
pedestrian safety through education, outreach and other 
programs.

    Title III authorizes Federal transit programs. It 
strengthens and improves the transit formula and capital 
programs by providing increased resources to transit agencies 
to meet the transit needs of urban, suburban and rural areas. 
Average annual transit funding increases by 50 percent. It also 
maximizes flexibility to transit operators by allowing small 
urban areas to use transit funds for capital and operating 
expenses, and by allowing all transit operators to use transit 
funds for a wider range of transit maintenance activities. 
Continued growth in transit investment is ensured by 
maintaining CMAQ and STP eligibility for transit, and giving 
transit agencies and local governments greater flexibility to 
determine how best to spend transit and highway funds.

    The Act establishes a $750 million Access to Jobs program 
that funds projects to transport current and former welfare 
recipients and other low income persons to jobs and job-related 
activities. It advances transit research by increasing funding 
for research programs and creating new program eligibilities. 
Funding is provided to over-the-road bus operators to comply 
with the Department of Transportation's final rule regarding 
accessibility of over-the-road buses to the disabled.

    Motor carrier safety programs are reauthorized in Title IV 
and are revised to focus on performance-based goals. States are 
provided more flexibility to target those carriers and drivers 
that provide the greatest risk. A total of $579 million is 
authorized for the motor carrier safety assistance program 
which provides grants to States for motor carrier safety 
purposes, a 20 percent increase over amounts authorized in 
ISTEA. An additional $65 million is dedicated to improving 
information systems to ensure that the Department of 
Transportation and the States have accurate data on motor 
carrier and driver safety, which is critical in moving toward a 
performance-based system.

    A new Federal program is created in Chapter I, Subtitle E 
of Title I to provide financial assistance to revenue 
generating surface transportation projects. Under this program, 
the Secretary may approve secured loans, lines-of-credit and 
loan guarantees for highway and bridge projects, transit 
projects, inter-city bus and passenger rail projects and Amtrak 
capital improvements costing $100 million or more. The 
Secretary may make up to $10.6 billion in credit available over 
6 years. TEA 21 provides $530 million over 6 years to cover 
subsidy costs required by the Federal Credit Act of 1990. 
Chapter 2 of Subtitle E creates a State Infrastructure Bank 
pilot program that allows four States to use their Federal-aid 
highway and transit apportionments to fund State Infrastructure 
Banks (SIBs) to assist projects.

    Title V of TEA 21 provides $3.3 billion in funding for 
surface transportation research and development. It includes 
education, training, and outreach provisions to guarantee that 
States and local governments have knowledge about and access to 
state-of-the-art technologies and practices that will provide 
the most cost-effective and safest surface transportation 
systems. The Act supports strong Federal leadership in 
research, development, and deployment of intelligent 
transportation systems (ITS) in both metropolitan and rural 
areas.

    TEA 21 authorizes $900 million toward the construction of a 
new bridge over the Potomac River to replace the crumbling 
Woodrow Wilson Bridge and preserve this major north-south route 
for East Coast interstate traffic. The Appalachian Development 
Highway System is brought under the Highway Trust Fund and $2.3 
billion is provided toward completing the System. A total of 
$700 million is dedicated for national corridors to address 
NAFTA-related traffic and other corridors, which have emerged 
in the post-Interstate era, and to meet infrastructure and 
safety needs along the border.

    The Act continues the authorization for the Disadvantaged 
Business Enterprises Program to provide disadvantaged 
businesses the opportunity to participate in the increased 
Federal-aid transportation program. $4.1 billion is provided 
for roads on Indian Reservations, public lands, national parks 
and wildlife refuges to preserve and enhance access to 
America's national parks and forests and other Federal lands. 
Magnetic Levitation (MagLev) development is encouraged through 
providing funding to select and develop a MagLev corridor. The 
Scenic Byways program to designate and promote America's most 
scenic and historic roads is continued at $150 million. A new 
$50 million general fund program is established to preserve, 
protect and conduct research on America's historic covered 
bridges.

    An incentive grant program is created in Subtitle C of 
Title VII to encourage States to adopt and implement minimum 
Federal standards for one-call notification programs, or an 
alternative program achieving the same level of protection, in 
order to minimize damage to pipelines and other underground 
facilities during excavation. The program is voluntary and does 
not impose mandates on States. The Secretary of Transportation, 
in cooperation with other interested parties, is directed to 
review one-call system best practices. A total of $6 million 
for fiscal years 2000 and 2001 is authorized for the grants.

    Subtitle D of title VII of TEA 21, is the Sportfishing and 
Boating Safety Act of 1998. This legislation amends the Sport 
Fish Restoration Program administered by the Secretary of the 
Interior through the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the 
Recreational Boating Safety Program administered by the 
Secretary of Transportation through the Coast Guard. Changes to 
these two programs include establishing a new boating and 
fishing outreach and communications initiative, called the 
National Outreach and Communications Program; ensuring that 
individual States receive between $59 million and $72 million 
annually for State boating safety programs; and establishing a 
program to improve boating infrastructure, by providing funds 
to the States for the development and maintenance of public 
facilities for transient nontrailerable recreational vessels.

    Closely paralleling the House-approved rail title of TEA 
21, Subtitle B of Title VII of TEA 21, as enacted, reauthorizes 
Federal programs established in the Swift Rail Development Act 
of 1994 to assist in research and development as well as in 
corridor planning activities for eventual high-speed passenger 
rail service. The Act also authorizes general fund assistance 
for pilot projects to assist in infrastructure improvements on 
light-density freight rail lines. Most significantly, TEA 21 
enlarges and expands direct and guaranteed loan programs first 
established under the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory 
Reform Act of 1976. Under TEA 21, all forms of rail 
infrastructure-passenger, freight, commuter, and high-speed-as 
well as intermodal facilities with a rail component, are 
eligible for such loans. The permanent authorization allows up 
to $3.5 billion in the face amount of loans to be outstanding 
at any one time, of which $1 billion is reserved solely for 
improvements on non-Class I railroads. The legislation also 
creates an alternative to the former universal requirement that 
the credit risk premium (security deposit) to support each loan 
be appropriated in Federal funds. The new law permits either 
appropriated funds or funds provided by outside private or 
public sources to be used for this purpose.
                                ------                                


     DESIGNATING THE HOWARD T. MARKEY NATIONAL COURTS BUILDING IN 
                    WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

                          (Public Law 105-179)

    This law redesignates the Federal building located at 717 
Madison Place, NW., in the District of Columbia, as the 
``Howard T. Markey National Courts Building''. Howard T. Markey 
presided on the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal 
Circuit from the court's creation in 1982, until he stepped 
down as Chief Judge. He also served as Judge and Chief Judge of 
the former Court of Customs and Patent Appeals. After stepping 
down from the bench, he served as Dean of the John Marshall 
School of Law in Chicago, Illinois. Apart from his monumental 
contributions to American jurisprudence, through his arguments 
at the bar and his opinions from the bench, Judge Markey has 
had a profound impact upon our legal system, by leading the 
movement that culminated in the creation of the Federal 
Circuit.
                                ------                                


                  NATIONAL DROUGHT POLICY ACT OF 1998

                          (Public Law 105-199)

    This Act establishes a Commission to report to the 
President and Congress on ways to coordinate and improve 
drought management policies. The National Drought Policy 
Commission, to be composed of Federal, State, local and private 
sector representatives, will provide advice and recommendations 
on the creation of an integrated, coordinated Federal policy 
designed to prepare for, and respond to, serious drought 
emergencies.
                                ------                                


                         TEA 21 RESTORATION ACT

                     (Public Law 105-206, Title IX)

    Title IX of Public Law 105-206 restores provisions to the 
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA 21) that 
were agreed to by conferees but were inadvertently not included 
in the final conference report. It also makes other technical 
corrections to TEA 21 following review of the Act.
                                ------                                


 DESIGNATING THE CARL B. STOKES UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE IN CLEVELAND, 
                                  OHIO

                          (Public Law 105-218)

    This law designates the United States courthouse to be 
constructed at the corner of Superior and Huron Roads, in 
Cleveland, Ohio, as the ``Carl B. Stokes United States 
Courthouse''. Carl Stokes began his distinguished public 
service career when he was elected to the Ohio General Assembly 
in 1962. In 1967, Mr. Stokes became the first African-American 
to become Mayor of a major American city, Cleveland. Mr. Stokes 
won a second term in 1969 and was unanimously voted President-
elect of the National League of Cities. Deciding not to seek a 
third term as mayor, Mr. Stokes turned to the field of 
journalism. In 1971, he became a television journalist for 
WNBC-TV in New York City, where he eventually became anchorman. 
For his duties as the Urban Affairs Editor, he won an Emmy 
Award. In 1983, Carl Stokes was elected a Judge on the 
Cleveland Municipal Court. In 1994, President Clinton appointed 
him Ambassador of the African Island Republic of Seychelles. In 
this position, Ambassador Stokes assisted emerging African 
nations to make the transition to democracy. Ambassador Stokes 
died in 1996, after a battle with cancer.
                                ------                                


  JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 
                                  1998

                          (Public Law 105-226)

    This Act authorizes appropriations for the Kennedy Center 
and further defines the criteria for capital repair, operations 
and maintenance. The Act authorizes a total of $146 million 
over the next five years: $59 million for operations, 
maintenance and security, and $87 million for capital repairs. 
The Act also clarifies the use of Federal funds for capital 
repair and maintenance of the facility and permits the Kennedy 
Center to make changes to the building in order to maintain its 
functionality. Finally, the Act eliminates the requirement for 
an audit to be conducted by the General Accounting Office (GAO) 
at least every three years.
                                ------                                


    DESIGNATING THE JOSEPH P. KINNEARY UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE IN 
                             COLUMBUS, OHIO

                          (Public Law 105-232)

    This law designates the Federal Building and United States 
courthouse located at 85 Marconi Boulevard in Columbus, Ohio, 
as the ``Joseph P. Kinneary United States Courthouse''. Joseph 
P. Kinneary began his public career in 1937, serving as 
Assistant Attorney General of Ohio. Judge Kinneary served in 
the United States Army from 1942 until 1945. He returned to 
public office in 1949, becoming the First Assistant Attorney 
General of Ohio. In 1961, President Kennedy appointed him 
United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. He 
was re-appointed to this post by President Johnson in 1965. In 
1966, President Johnson appointed Kinneary to the bench of the 
United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. 
He served as Chief Judge from January 1973 until September 
1975. At the age of 92, Judge Kinneary continues to preside on 
the Federal bench and continues to draw an active docket.
                                ------                                


 DESIGNATING THE RICHARD C. LEE UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE IN NEW HAVEN, 
                              CONNECTICUT

                          (Public Law 105-250)

    This law designates the United States courthouse located at 
141 Church Street in New Haven, Connecticut, as the ``Richard 
C. Lee United States Courthouse''. In 1939, Richard Lee was 
elected to New Haven's Board of Aldermen. After he was sworn in 
to the unpaid municipal post, he also became the associate 
secretary of the Chamber of Commerce. After serving in the U.S. 
Army, Lee resumed his alderman responsibilities and accepted a 
position with the Yale News Digest. In November of 1953, 
Richard Lee was elected Mayor of New Haven. Mayor Lee went on 
to serve for eight consecutive terms, winning re-election by 
margins as high as 20,000 votes. In 1962, Mayor Lee was elected 
President of the United States Conference of Mayors. His most 
notable contribution as mayor, was his foresight in initiating 
and implementing urban redevelopment and renewal programs in 
the city.
                                ------                                


                   OCEAN SHIPPING REFORM ACT OF 1998

                          (Public Law 105-258)

    Public Law 105-258 amends the Shipping Act of 1984 and 
other related U.S. shipping laws to encourage competition in 
international ocean shipping and growth in United States 
exports. The most important provisions of this legislation 
provide American businesses with the freedom to keep their 
ocean transportation contract prices confidential from their 
foreign competitors. These provisions will increase the 
competitiveness of American businesses internationally.

    The Act is a major step forward in the process of 
deregulating international ocean shipping. The Act maintains 
antitrust immunity for ocean carrier conferences, requires 
private tariff publication and continued enforcement of tariffs 
by the Federal Maritime Commission, authorizes confidential 
transportation prices for shippers, and authorizes $15 million 
for operation of the Federal Maritime Commission for fiscal 
year 1998.

    It also clarifies section 19 of the Merchant Marine Act of 
1920 to prohibit unfair pricing of liner services by foreign 
carriers and further tightens the oversight of controlled 
carrier tariffs.

    The Federal Maritime Commission must issue regulations to 
implement the amendments in this bill by March 1, 1999. The 
amendments contained in the bill become effective on May 1, 
1999.
                                ------                                


        NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999

                          (Public Law 105-261)

    This legislation contains several provisions to bring Coast 
Guard personnel benefits and other matters into line with those 
of the Department of Defense. P.L. 105-261 allows the Secretary 
of Defense or the Secretary of Transportation to place an 
academy cadet or midshipman, including a Coast Guard Academy 
cadet, on involuntary leave for any period during which the 
Superintendent of the Academy, at which the cadet or midshipman 
is admitted, has suspended the cadet or midshipman from duty at 
the Academy.

    Section 141 requires the Director of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency to carry out a program to provide assistance 
to State and local governments in developing capabilities to 
respond to emergencies arising from the storage or destruction 
of chemical weapons in the United States.

    Section 326 of this Act amends section 3 of the Act to 
Prevent Pollution from Ships to allow submarines to discharge 
non-plastic garbage that has been compacted and weighted to 
ensure negative buoyancy.

    Title 14 of the Act includes the Defense Against Weapons of 
Mass Destruction Act of 1998, which directs the President to 
increase the effectiveness of the domestic emergency 
preparedness program for response to terrorist incidents 
involving weapons of mass destruction.
                                ------                                


      OMNIBUS CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999

                          (Public Law 105-277)

    Public Law 105-277 includes a six month reauthorization of 
the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement 
Program. In addition, the law includes a provision requiring 
major airlines forming joint ventures, like code-sharing, to 
notify the Department of Transportation (DOT) prior to the 
alliance enactment. The law also provides DOT with time for 
review before the joint venture is implemented. The law 
requires that the Department complete further studies if it 
decides to finalize proposed guidelines on competitive 
practices in the airline industry. P.L. 105-277 also requires 
that the National Research Council update a study it completed 
in 1991 on aviation competition. Finally, the law includes an 
extension of the War Risk Insurance program to March 31, 1999 . 
The law includes a new provision permitting a lawsuit by an 
insurance company, when that company is subrogated to the 
rights of an airline and the company has paid the airline for 
damage to an aircraft that is covered by premium insurance 
under the war risk program.

    The Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 
1999 includes a slightly modified version of the Land Between 
the Lakes Protection Act, which requires the Tennessee Valley 
Authority (TVA) to transfer the Land Between the Lakes to the 
Forest Service in any year in which TVA does not receive an 
appropriation of at least $6 million to manage this property.

    This Act includes the Denali Commission Act of 1998. This 
Act establishes a commission to develop a comprehensive work 
plan for rural and infrastructure development in Alaska. The 
purpose of the Act is to provide job training, promote rural 
development, provide power generation and communication 
facilities, provide water and sewer systems, and meet other 
infrastructure needs in Alaska. The Commission is funded from 
interest on proceeds transferred to the Oil Spill Liability 
Trust Fund from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Liability Fund.

    The Act includes the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Lower 
Brule Sioux Tribe, and State of South Dakota Terrestrial 
Wildlife Habitat Mitigation Act of 1997, which, among other 
things, requires the Corps of Engineers to transfer certain 
lands to the Department of the Interior to be held in trust for 
use by Indian tribes. This Act also includes a few provisions 
that authorize activities of the Corps of Engineers or projects 
that would have been authorized in the Water Resources 
Development Act of 1998.

    The Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 
1999 establishes a new program within the Department of Housing 
and Urban Development for disaster relief, long-term recovery 
from disasters, and mitigation for communities affected by 
Presidentially-declared national disasters.

    The Act also requires the Coast Guard to issue regulations 
that implement the Edible Oil Regulatory Reform Act by March 
31, 1999, and to comply with such Act when it issues 
regulations regarding edible oils.

    Title VIII contains the Western Hemisphere Drug Elimination 
Act. This legislation is a strong move by Congress to address 
the recent 32 percent increase in illicit drug use by American 
teenagers, by providing resources for Federal agencies to stop 
the flow of illegal drugs into our country. Aggressive 
interdiction of illegal drugs raises the street price of drugs, 
resulting in a direct reduction in drug use, especially among 
price sensitive teenagers.

    The Western Hemisphere Drug Elimination Act provides 
billions of dollars in funding during fiscal years 1999, 2000, 
and 2001 for the U.S. Customs Service, the U.S. Coast Guard, 
the Department of Defense, the Department of State, the U.S. 
Agency for International Development, the Department of 
Agriculture, and the Drug Enforcement Administration to enhance 
their current drug interdiction programs, as well as to 
establish new interdiction and source country programs.

    Under this new law, the U.S. Coast Guard will receive $151 
million for each of the next three fiscal years to expand drug 
interdiction activities around Puerto Rico, the United States 
Virgin Islands, and its other maritime transit zone areas of 
operation. The Coast Guard is also authorized to spend $630 
million to purchase equipment which will allow the Coast Guard 
to enhance its drug interdiction operations. Finally, the Coast 
Guard is authorized to spend $15 million to establish, operate, 
and maintain maritime training vessels to visit participating 
Latin American and Caribbean nations to provide law enforcement 
training and to perform maintenance on participating national 
assets.

                      Dick Cheney Federal Building

    Public Law 105-277 designates the Federal building and Post 
Office in Casper, Wyoming, as the ``Dick Cheney Federal 
Building.'' After completing his Congressional Fellowship in 
1969, Mr. Cheney joined the Nixon Administration. He served as 
Assistant Director for the Cost of Living Council, Special 
Assistant to the Director at the Office of Economic 
Opportunity, and as a White House Staff Assistant. At the 
commencement of President Ford's Administration, Mr. Cheney 
served as a member of the transition team. He went on to serve 
as Deputy Assistant to President Ford from 1974-1975. In 1975, 
at the age of 34, Mr. Cheney was appointed Assistant to the 
President and White House Chief of Staff. He continued to serve 
in this capacity until the end of the Ford Administration. In 
1978, following his career in the executive branch, Cheney was 
elected to Wyoming's at-large seat in the U.S. House of 
Representatives. At the end of his first term, his Republican 
colleagues selected him to serve as Chairman of the Republican 
Policy Committee. Congressman Cheney was reelected to serve in 
the House for five more consecutive terms. He became Chairman 
of the Republican Conference and House Minority Whip during his 
tenure. In March of 1989, President George Bush appointed 
Cheney Secretary of Defense, a position he held until January 
of 1993. Secretary Cheney's efforts and leadership during the 
``Desert Storm'' operation led President Bush to award him the 
Presidential Medal of Freedom on July 3, 1991.

                    Sidney R. Yates Federal Building

    Public Law 105-277 designates the Federal building located 
in the District of Columbia as the ``Sidney R. Yates Federal 
Building.'' Congressman Yates held Illinois State Assistant 
Attorney General positions from 1935 until 1940. He served in 
World War II as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy from 
1944 until 1946. He was elected to Congress in 1948 and became 
a member of the Appropriations Committee in January 1949. 
Congressman Yates became the Chairman of the House Interior 
Appropriations Subcommittee in 1975 and served in this role for 
twenty years. During his tenure in Congress, Congressman Yates 
has championed issues related to public lands, energy research, 
and the arts and humanities. Mr. Yates was also a leader in 
expanding the wildlife refuge system and oversaw the minerals 
management program in the 1980's. He was an active voice for 
Native Americans and has played an active role in the policy 
development of the Forest Service, to promote their 
recreational component as part of their multiple use mandate. 
Congressman Yates will retire at the end of the 105th Congress 
after 48 years of public service.

                      Jere Cooper Federal Building

    Public Law 105-277 designates the Federal building located 
in Dyersburg, Tennessee, as the ``Jere Cooper Federal 
Building.'' Congressman Jere Cooper, in 1917, enlisted in the 
Second Tennessee Infantry, National Guard, and was commissioned 
a First Lieutenant. He saw action in France and Belgium during 
World War I. During the war he was promoted to Captain and 
served as regimental adjutant until his discharge in 1919. 
Congressman Cooper began his career of public service as a 
member of the city council and city attorney from 1920 through 
1928. In addition to holding these positions, he was elected to 
the post of State Commander of the American Legion of 
Tennessee. In 1929, Congressman Cooper was elected to the 
Seventy-first United States Congress, representing a major 
portion of what is now the Eighth Congressional District of 
Tennessee. During Congressman Cooper's three decades of service 
in the House of Representatives, he distinguished himself on 
the Committee on Ways and Means as a member and as its 
Chairman. In addition, he served as Chairman of the Joint 
Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation. Congressman Cooper died 
in 1957.

             Designating Two Federal Buildings in Colorado

    This law also designates a Federal building in Golden, 
Colorado, as the ``Dan Schaefer Federal Building''; and 
designates a Federal building in Boulder, Colorado, as the 
``David Skaggs Federal Building''. Both of the Colorado 
Representatives are retiring at the end of the 105th Congress.
                                ------                                


                      MICCOSUKEE RESERVED AREA ACT

                          (Public Law 105-313)

    The Miccosukee Reserved Area Act establishes the rights and 
authorities of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida in 
the Miccosukee Reserved Area, a designated area of land within 
the Everglades National Park. This legislation also provides 
for the protection of Everglades National Park, including the 
applicability of requirements under the Clean Water Act, and 
establishes dispute resolution procedures to resolve disputes 
between the Federal and Tribal governments over implementation 
of the Act.
                                ------                                


             VETERANS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ACT OF 1998

                          (Public Law 105-339)

    This Act amends Federal employment provisions to prohibit 
veterans' preference eligibles or veterans, who have been 
separated from military service under honorable conditions 
after three years of active service, from being denied the 
opportunity to compete for vacant positions within Federal 
agencies. This covers agencies, which make announcements that 
they will accept applications from individuals outside of their 
own workforce under merit promotion procedures.

    The legislation amends the Department of Transportation and 
Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1996 to apply veterans' 
preference requirements to reductions in force in the Federal 
Aviation Administration.
                                ------                                


                   SALTON SEA RECLAMATION ACT OF 1998

                          (Public Law 105-372)

    The Salton Sea Reclamation Act of 1998 authorizes the 
Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study of a 
project to reclaim the Salton Sea. This Act also authorizes the 
Secretary of the Interior to take emergency action to improve 
water quality in the Alamo River and the New River and allows 
the use of a constructed wetlands project to achieve this goal.
                                ------                                


                 COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1998

                          (Public Law 105-383)

    The primary purpose of this legislation is to authorize the 
expenditures of the U.S. Coast Guard for fiscal years 1998 and 
1999. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 authorizes the 
portion of the Coast Guard budget that requires an 
authorization at the level of $4.122 billion for fiscal year 
1999. This amounts to approximately $91 million more than was 
requested by the President for the Coast Guard during fiscal 
year 1999. Most of the additional authorization is to increase 
Coast Guard illegal drug interdiction activities.

    Title I authorizes Coast Guard appropriations, active-duty 
military strengths, and military training student loads for 
fiscal years 1998 and 1999. Title I also authorizes funds for 
operation of the LORAN-C navigation system and requires the 
Secretary of Transportation to develop a plan for cost-sharing 
among Federal agencies for operating and capital costs of 
LORAN-C.

    Title II contains many provisions related to internal Coast 
Guard management matters. These include changing the severance 
pay for certain Coast Guard personnel, implementing and funding 
Coast Guard award programs, providing law enforcement authority 
for special agents of the Coast Guard investigative service, 
requiring a study on Coast Guard excess property, and 
prohibiting the Secretary of Transportation from charging 
maritime user fees until December 31, 2001.

    Title III includes various amendments concerning marine 
safety and waterways services management. This title extends 
the territorial seas of the United States for the purposes of 
certain shipping and environmental laws, establishes a penalty 
for negligent operating of a vessel and interfering with the 
safe operation of a vessel, provides new procedures and 
penalties related to alcohol testing of vessel crew members 
following marine casualties, and protects Coast Guard casualty 
investigations from mandatory release. Title III also 
eliminates the double regulation of coal tar, requires the 
Secretary of Transportation to promulgate regulations for 
towing vessels and barge safety in the Northeast, allows the 
Secretary to establish a ship reporting system for the Right 
Whale on the East Coast of the United States, and requires the 
Secretary to report to Congress on the areas that cannot be 
served by a Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter within two 
hours of a distress report.

    Title IV contains amendments to implement the Coast Guard 
vessel identification computer system; conveys Coast Guard 
Reserve Training Center in Jacksonville, Florida, to the city 
of Jacksonville, Florida; provides coastwise trade waivers for 
approximately 65 vessels; conveys the Coast Guard Recreation 
Facility, Nahant, Massachusetts, to the Town of Nahant; deems 
the Schuylkill River Bridge in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to 
be an unreasonable obstruction to navigation; lowers the 
financial responsibility requirements for oil spill response 
vessels; conveys the Long Branch Rear Range Light, 
Jacksonville, Florida, to Jacksonville University; establishes 
penalties for vessels that are detained by the Coast Guard for 
violation of an international safety standard; allows the Coast 
Guard to recognize Grand Haven, Michigan, as Coast Guard City 
U.S.A; conveys Coast Guard Communication Station Boston 
Marshfield Receiver Site, Marshfield, Massachusetts, to the 
town of Marshfield; clarifies the oil spill liability for oil 
spill response organizations; allows the recreational vessel 
TURMOIL to be documented as a U.S. flag vessel; conveys Coast 
Guard property in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, to the American 
Legion Post No. 3; requires the Coast Guard to continue to 
enforce the current policy for regulating incidental vessel 
discharges of residues of dry bulk cargo into the Great Lakes, 
until September 30, 2002; conveys 11 Coast Guard lighthouses to 
local nonprofit historical organizations; conveys Coast Guard 
LORAN Station, Nantucket, Massachusetts, to the Town of 
Nantucket; conveys two decommissioned Coast Guard vessels to 
Canvasback Mission, Inc.; extends the authority to convey the 
S/S Red Oak Victory; transfers Coast Guard Ocracoke Light 
Station to the Secretary of the Interior; clarifies the U.S. 
citizenship requirement for corporations owning U.S. flag 
vessels; exempts dredges from oil tank vessel requirements; 
requires the Coast Guard to conduct a study on double hull 
alternative vessel designs; amends the Shipping Act of 1984 to 
allow U.S. flag vessel operators to agree to exclude foreign 
operators from carrying cargo preference cargo; requires the 
Coast Guard to report to Congress on SWATH vessel technology 
and on marine guidance systems; requires the Panama Canal 
Commission to report to Congress on methods employed in the 
calculation of Panama Canal tolls; allows the conveyance of 
certain American Victory ships to eligible groups; allows the 
conveyance of certain National Defense Reserve Fleet vessels 
for humanitarian purposes; corrects the property description of 
property previously transferred in Lake Charles, Louisiana; and 
provides a coastwise trade waiver for the Barge APL-60.

    Title V establishes an administrative process for granting 
coastwise trade waivers for small passenger vessels.

    Title VI, the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and 
Control Act of 1998, includes provisions to allow for the study 
of toxic algal blooms, such as red tide, brown tide, and 
pfiesteria, which endanger natural resources and threaten the 
delicate ecological balance of coastal areas.
                                ------                                


     ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION AND APPALACHIAN REGIONAL 
                     DEVELOPMENT REFORM ACT OF 1998

                          (Public Law 105-393)

    Public Law 105-393 reauthorizes and reforms the programs of 
the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for five years 
and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for three years. 
This legislation reauthorizes the EDA and tightens eligibility 
criteria to ensure that EDA targets distressed communities, 
simplifies application procedures, creates a 50 percent cost 
sharing requirement between the grantor and grantee, and better 
coordinates Federal-State partnerships. Monies authorized are 
for economic development programs, Federal-State partnerships, 
assistance for distress due to base closures or military 
cutbacks, natural disasters, and for administrative expenses. 
The legislation also updates ARC authorizations by repealing a 
number of outdated and unnecessary provisions in current law. 
These include mine area restoration, survey requirements, 
airport safety improvement, sewage treatment programs, and 
housing programs.
                 COMMITTEE VIEWS AND ESTIMATES REPORTS

    Pursuant to section 310(d) of the Congressional Budget Act, 
the Committee submitted its Views and Estimates Reports to the 
Committee on the Budget for fiscal years 1998 and 1999 on March 
13, 1997, and March 16, 1998, respectively.
    These reports, intended to provide the Budget Committee 
with an early and comprehensive indication of Committee 
legislation plans for the next fiscal year, contained the views 
and estimates of new budget authority and outlays to be 
authorized in legislation under the Committee's jurisdiction 
which would become effective during the next fiscal year.
   SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES OF THE FULL COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND 
                             INFRASTRUCTURE

                  ``Y2K: Will We Get There On Time?''

    The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a 
series of hearings in September and October of 1998 to examine 
the Year 2000 (Y2K) computer problem as it relates to the 
transportation industry and the Nation's infrastructure. The 
goal of these hearings is to ensure that the Federal, State and 
local governments and industry groups are focusing on resolving 
their Y2K problems, as well as communicating with each other. 
Transportation and infrastructure play an integral role in all 
aspects of economic productivity. Therefore, the Committee felt 
an obligation to assess the risk and ensure that the Nation's 
safety was a top priority as these groups prepare for the new 
millennium. For this reason, the hearings examined all aspects 
of the industry including railroads, transit, highways, 
shipping, pipelines, aviation, public buildings and water 
resources.

    We believe that these hearings helped to educate our 
Members, open the lines of communication between industry 
partners, and increase awareness. The Committee will continue 
to oversee Y2K efforts within the transportation and 
infrastructure sectors and hopes to conduct follow up hearings 
in the Spring.

                            Aviation Issues

    The first day of the Y2K hearings, September 29, began with 
the Honorable William F. Clinger Jr., former Chairman of the 
House Committee on Government Reform & Oversight; Mr. Bruce F. 
Webster, Co-Chair of the Washington D.C. Year 2000 Group; and 
Mr. David E. Sullivan, President & CEO of the Zonar 
Corporation. They opened the hearing with some overall 
observations on the year 2000 problem. The hearing then focused 
on Y2K issues in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and 
in the aviation industry. Federal Aviation Administrator, Jane 
F. Garvey, testified that the FAA has taken decisive actions 
concerning some of its most vulnerable systems. As a result, 
FAA has improved its Y2K situation and is reporting that most 
of its systems will meet the Office of Management and Budget 
established deadlines for Y2K restoration. Nevertheless, there 
is still significant work to be accomplished. Ms. Carol B. 
Hallett, President & CEO of the Air Transport Association, Mr. 
Walter S. Coleman of the Regional Airline Association, and 
airport representatives also testified on how they were dealing 
with the Y2K issue.

                              Rail Issues

    On October 2, the Committee held a hearing on how the Year 
2000 issue will affect the railroad industry and the Federal 
agencies that regulate railroads. Testimony was received from 
the Surface Transportation Board, Railroad Retirement Board, 
Federal Railroad Administration and the Association of American 
Railroads.

                 Highway, Transit, and Pipeline Issues

    On October 2, the Committee heard from a panel of transit 
experts representing Federal and local perspectives. Transit 
systems vary widely in their automation and computer 
dependence. As a result, every transit agency has different Y2K 
risks. The Federal Transit Administration has been actively 
working with transit agencies to determine their individual 
risk and help develop solutions and contingency plans.

    On October 6, the Committee was addressed by a panel of 
Federal, State, and local highway officials. Federal Highway 
Deputy Administrator Gloria Jeff outlined Federal Y2K outreach 
efforts. The Committee also received testimony from the 
Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Montgomery 
County, Maryland, officials describing their management and 
execution of strategic plans.

    On October 6, the Committee received testimony regarding 
potential Y2K problems in the oil and gas pipeline industries. 
This included receiving testimony from the Research and Special 
Programs Administration, which oversees pipeline safety, and 
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which monitors the 
economic activities of gas and oil pipeline companies. The 
Committee also heard from a gas pipeline operator and an oil 
pipeline operator. The oil and gas industries have been working 
in cooperation with the Federal government to formulate and 
implement Y2K strategies.

                        Public Buildings Issues

    The hearing scheduled on the morning of Tuesday, October 6, 
1998, focused on matters relating to public buildings under the 
jurisdiction of the Committee, namely, the inventory managed by 
the Public Buildings Service (PBS) of the General Services 
Administration, the U.S. Capitol Complex, and the Smithsonian 
Institution.

    PBS is charged with the responsibility of managing the 
facilities-related systems of its inventory that may be 
affected by the January 1, 2000 computer problems. Systems such 
as elevators, heating/air-conditioning, fire alarms, and 
security that are date sensitive may not function. To address 
the problem, PBS is working to implement a Year 2000 building 
infrastructure program based on the guidance of the General 
Accounting Office (GAO). The Architect of the Capitol, faced 
with similar challenges, is also in the process of executing a 
schedule to address systems failures, based on GAO guidance. 
The Smithsonian Institution is in the process of converting the 
security systems in place to protect the museums' collections, 
as well as evaluating its building systems for Y2K problems.

                    Coast Guard and Maritime Issues

    On October 7, the first panel of the fourth hearing in the 
Y2K series focused on how this problem was being addressed by 
the U.S. Coast Guard and the maritime industry. On this panel, 
testimony was heard from representatives of the Coast Guard, 
the Maritime Administration, the Chamber of Shipping of 
America, and the International Association of Independent 
Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO).

    Rear Admiral George Naccara, Director of the Coast Guard 
Office of Information and Technology, testified about the 
repair of the Coast Guard's own information systems, the Coast 
Guard's contingency planning initiatives, its outreach to the 
maritime industry, and the cost of all of these efforts to the 
Coast Guard. Admiral Naccara stated that the Coast Guard's own 
information technology will be ready and operating on January 
1, 2000. The Coast Guard's boats, ships, and planes will 
operate smoothly in the year 2000. The Coast Guard will 
participate with the other U.S. Armed Forces in the Joint Chief 
of Staff's operation, ``Positive Response Y2K'', in 1999. This 
operation will focus on the Y2K readiness of the Armed Forces. 
Admiral Naccara also pointed out that even if the Coast Guard 
systems and equipment are prepared for the Year 2000, there is 
the potential for failure across the country, in public 
infrastructure, among Coast Guard suppliers and business 
partners, and in the industry it regulates. The Coast Guard is 
working to properly prepare for these external disruptions and 
will be ready to assist others who have Y2K failures, including 
other U.S. Government agencies, the maritime industry and 
boating public, and other governments in the hemisphere. The 
Coast Guard is also mounting several outreach initiatives to 
make the worldwide maritime industry aware of the potential 
problems associated with the Y2K computer problem. Finally, 
Admiral Naccara reported that the estimate for the overall 
Coast Guard Y2K cost is $34 million.

    John Graykowski, Deputy Maritime Administrator (MARAD) for 
Inland Waterways and Great Lakes, testified about MARAD's and 
the maritime industry's efforts to prepare for the problems 
associated with the Year 2000. He reported that the repair of 
MARAD's own internal information systems is progressing, and he 
is confident that these systems will be ready by the end of 
1999. As of September 30, 1998, MARAD had completed the 
assessment and renovation of all of their mission critical 
application systems. MARAD estimates the cost for completing 
the entire Y2K effort in both headquarters and the field to be 
approximately $2.7 million. Like the Coast Guard, MARAD reports 
conducting outreach to the maritime industry to help it prepare 
for Y2K. Mr. Graykowski further reported that the maritime 
industry must focus its attention on the numerous vessel based 
internal systems operated to a large degree by computers, 
including systems affecting navigation, timekeeping, 
propulsion, communications and cargo operations. Finally, Mr. 
Graykowski noted that industry signals appear to indicate that 
while most companies are currently busy trying to identify 
their own potential problems, they are confident that they will 
be able to become Y2K compliant with regard to their most 
critical internal systems.

    Kathy Metcalf, Director of Maritime Affairs at the Chamber 
of Shipping of America, testified about the nature and scope of 
the Y2K challenge in the marine transportation industry, the 
status of their members' Y2K assessment and contingency 
planning, and proposals for future Y2K collaborative efforts 
among the various trade associations, government agencies and 
international colleagues. Ms. Metcalf also reported that her 
organization is developing a generic marine transportation 
contingency plan, which would identify systems onboard vessels, 
in home offices, and within government agencies that are 
critical in the safe and efficient operation of vessels, and 
provide options for back-up systems, should the primary systems 
fail.

    Jonathan Benner with INTERTANKO, which represents 300 
tanker owners and operators, testified that his organization 
has developed action plans intended to identify vulnerabilities 
and to put in place hardware, software and procedures that will 
avoid the adverse impacts of the Y2K problem. Mr. Benner 
reported that a review by one major tanker company reportedly 
found 20 percent Y2K non-compliance in its survey of chips 
aboard its fleet. He ended his testimony by stating that most 
of INTERTANKO members are giving the Y2K problem their highest 
level of attention.

         Wastewater, Drinking Water, and Water Resources Issues

    On October 7, 1998, the Committee received testimony 
regarding potential Y2K problems and mitigation activities in 
the water resources area. This included receiving testimony 
from representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency and 
others addressing issues in drinking water and wastewater 
treatment infrastructure. Testimony was also received from 
representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the 
Tennessee Valley Authority, regarding potential interruption of 
navigation, hydropower generation, and flood control services. 
Finally, the Committee received testimony from representatives 
of the Federal Emergency Management Agency which is responsible 
for ensuring that emergency services are not adversely 
impacted, as well as for coordinating the Federal response if 
problems occur.
         SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON AVIATION

    During the 105th Congress, the Subcommittee on Aviation was 
chaired by Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr., and Congressman 
William O. Lipinski served as the Ranking Democrat on the 
Subcommittee. The Aviation Subcommittee held 31 days of 
hearings on 26 different topics, and developed significant 
legislation on aviation medical assistance, reauthorization of 
the Federal Aviation Administration for 6 months, and 
clarifying language to the Pilot Records Improvement Act of 
1996.
                                ------                                


                          Enacted Legislation

    (For a more complete description of the enacted bills, see 
section on ``Bills Enacted into Law.'')

             AVIATION INSURANCE REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1997

    Aircraft insurance is, of course, essential to any airline 
operation. However, commercial insurance companies will often 
not insure flights to high risk areas such as countries at war 
or on the verge of war. Public Law 105-137 extends the aviation 
insurance program through December 31, 1998. In addition, the 
law makes some minor changes to the program, in part, which 
allows the Department of Transportation to use a more accurate 
estimate of a value of an aircraft.
                                ------                                


        CLARIFICATIONS TO PILOT RECORDS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1996

    Between 1987 and 1994, there were at least 7 fatal 
accidents involving scheduled airlines and pilot error where 
the pilot had demonstrated problems but the airline was not 
required to check the pilot's records before making the hiring 
decision. The Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996 required 
airlines, before hiring a pilot, to request the records of that 
pilot from the FAA, the National Driver Register, and the 
pilot's previous employer. decisions. The Clarification to 
Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996 (Public Law 105-142) 
allows all airlines to hire and train pilots before receiving 
their records. However, they cannot use the pilot to fly 
passengers until the records were transferred and evaluated. In 
addition, the law provides further relief for the small air 
charter companies by allowing them to use the pilot to fly 
passengers for no more than 90 days before receiving that 
pilot's records.
                                ------                                


                AVIATION MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1998

    Public Law 105-170 directs the Federal Aviation 
Administrator to reevaluate the equipment in medical kits 
carried onboard aircraft and the training required of flight 
attendants. If the Administrator believes that a change is 
required, the notice of proposed rulemaking must be issued 
within 1 year after the passage of P.L. 105-170 (enacted April 
24, 1998). The law also requires airlines to submit quarterly 
reports to the FAA for 1 year which include information on the 
number of persons who died on aircraft and any information on 
why the death occurred. After the year of airline reports, the 
Administrator has 120 days to decide on whether or not to 
require automatic external defibrillators on commercial 
aircraft or in airports. If the FAA decides to require 
defibrillators, the Administrator will issue a notice of 
proposed rulemaking.
                                ------                                


                     RONALD REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT

    Public Law 105-154 states that the Washington National 
Airport shall here-after be known and designated as the 
``Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.'' H.R. 2625 was 
introduced by Congressman Barr on October 7, 1997, to honor 
Ronald Reagan for his service to the Nation. The naming of the 
airport does not require any change in the lease between the 
Federal government (which owns the airport) and the 
Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA) (which rents 
the airport from the Federal Government).
                                ------                                


 MAKING OMNIBUS CONSOLIDATED AND EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS 
                          FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999

    Public Law 105-277 included a 6-month reauthorization of 
the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement 
Program. In addition, the law includes a provision requiring 
major airlines forming joint ventures, like code-sharing, to 
notify the Department of Transportation (DOT) prior to the 
alliance enactment. The law also provides DOT with time for 
review before the joint venture is implemented. The law further 
requires that the Department complete further studies if it 
decides to finalize proposed guidelines on competitive 
practices in the airline industry. P.L. 105-277 also requires 
that the National Research Council update a study it completed 
in 1991 on aviation competition. Finally, the law includes an 
extension of the War Risk Insurance program to March 31, 1999 .
                                ------                                


                           Other Legislation

      THE AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1998

    This Committee reported (H. Rept. 105-639) and the House 
passed H.R. 4057, to reauthorize the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA). The bill would have authorized $10 
billion for FAA's 1999 budget, including $2.3 billion in 
contract authority for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). 
The bill also made some changes in the way the AIP money is 
distributed, including increased funding for noise abatement, 
increased funding for general aviation airports, and removal of 
the cap on the discretionary fund so it can increase as overall 
funding increases. The bill would also allow airports who 
cannot currently qualify for the contract tower program to 
share the operating costs with the FAA, expanding air traffic 
control services to more airports in the country. There were 
several safety provisions in the bill, including requirements 
for cargo airlines to install collision avoidance systems by 
December 31, 2002. The bill provided whistleblower protection 
for FAA employees and for airline employees. It required life 
limited aircraft parts to be permanently marked at the end of 
their life. The bill also established a Centennial of Flight 
Commission to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first 
flight. In the House-passed version of the bill, the National 
Parks Air Tour Management Act of 1998 (H.R. 4268), was 
included.
                                ------                                


              THE AIRLINE SERVICE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1998

    H.R. 2748 was ordered to be reported by the Transportation 
and Infrastructure Committee on June 25, 1998. H.Rept. 105-822 
was filed on October 15, 1998. The bill would have increased 
air service to under-served communities by: providing slots at 
the four slot controlled airports (O'Hare, Reagan National, 
JFK, and LaGuardia); providing loan guarantees for regional 
jets; and providing funding for promoting air service.
    The legislation included a provision requiring major 
airlines forming joint ventures, like code-sharing, to notify 
the Department of Transportation (DOT) prior to the alliance 
enactment. In addition, the bill provided DOT with time for 
review before implementing a joint venture. H.R. 2748 also 
required that the Department complete further studies if it 
decided to finalize proposed guidelines on competitive 
practices in the airline industry. Finally, the bill requires 
that the National Research Council update a study it completed 
in 1991 on aviation competition. These provisions were added to 
the Omnibus bill which was one of the last bills signed into 
law during the 105th Congress (see previous explanation).
                                ------                                


                                Hearings

    During the 105th Congress, the Aviation Subcommittee held 
31 days of hearings covering 26 different topics. Many of these 
hearings related to legislation developed by the Subcommittee. 
Other hearings described below enabled the Subcommittee to 
carry out its oversight responsibilities.

    On February 5, and 13, 1997, the Aviation Subcommittee held 
a hearing on the airlines' proposals to establish user fees for 
Federal Aviation Administration services. Seven major airlines 
developed a proposal for a user fee concept and that was the 
focus of the hearing. Witnesses included Mr. Herbert D. 
Kelleher, Chairman, President, and CEO of Southwest Airlines 
Co., Mr. Robert L. Crandall, Chairman and CEO of American 
Airlines, Mr. Robert W. Poole of the Reason Foundation, the 
General Accounting Office, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots 
Association.

    On February 26, 1997, the Aviation Subcommittee held a 
hearing on proposals to require traffic alert and collision 
avoidance systems (TCAS-II) on cargo aircraft. TCAS-II is now 
required on commercial aircraft with a passenger seating 
configuration of more than 30 seats. TCAS-I (at a minimum) is 
required on passenger or combination cargo/passenger aircraft 
with a passenger seating configuration of 10-30 seats, but TCAS 
is not required on all-cargo aircraft at this time. The 
Subcommittee also discussed the recent close encounters between 
TCAS-equipped civilian aircraft and military aircraft. 
Witnesses included representatives from the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board, 
and Nations Air Express, Inc.

    On March 20, 1997, the Aviation Subcommittee held a hearing 
on the Review of Coopers & Lybrand Independent Financial 
Assessment of the FAA. The Federal Aviation Reauthorization 
Act, Public Law 104-264, required the FAA to commission an 
independent assessment of the Agency's financial requirements. 
On November 18, 1996, the FAA contracted with the accounting 
firm of Coopers & Lybrand to determine the financial 
requirements of the FAA from fiscal year 1997 through fiscal 
year 2002. The 90-day study cost $900,000. The hearing 
witnesses included representatives from the FAA, Coopers & 
Lybrand, the Air Transport Association of America, and the 
Airport Council International-North America.

    On May 1, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the 
reauthorization of the War Risk Insurance Program to consider 
whether any changes should be made. The program expired on 
September 30, 1997. Commercial insurance companies will often 
not insure flights to high risk areas such as countries at war 
or on the verge of war. In many cases, these flights are 
required to further the foreign policy or national security of 
the United States. For example, in Operation Desert Shield and 
Desert Storm, commercial airplanes were needed to ferry troops 
and equipment to the Middle East. To ensure that flights to 
high risk areas can operate when needed, Chapter 443 of Title 
49 of the U.S. Code authorizes the Secretary of Transportation 
to provide war-risk insurance and reinsurance to commercial 
airlines. Witnesses included representatives of the FAA and the 
National Air Carrier Association.

    On May 15, 1997, the Subcommittee on Aviation held an 
oversight hearing to examine how the FAA has responded to some 
of the issues raised by the ValuJet crash in the year following 
that tragedy. The issues which were addressed in this hearing 
were the carriage of hazardous materials on aircraft and the 
protection from fires in the aircraft's cargo hold. Witnesses 
included representatives from the FAA, the National 
Transportation Safety Board, and the Airline Pilots 
Association.

    The Subcommittee on Aviation met on May 21, 1997, to 
examine the extent of medical emergencies occurring in flight 
as well as to review current FAA regulatory standards related 
to the contents of medical kits aboard commercial airlines, the 
training of personnel, and other related matters. In addition 
to a medical demonstration, witnesses included representatives 
from the Association of American Flight Attendants, the 
American College of Cardiology, and Aerospace Medical 
Association.

    On June 5, 1997, the Subcommittee on Aviation met to 
examine the recent grounding of Great Lakes Aviation by the 
FAA, to consider any possible improvements in the process of 
suspending airline operations, and to ensure that all necessary 
steps have been taken to ensure the safety of passengers. 
Witnesses included representatives from FAA, the Great Lakes 
Aviation, Ltd., and the Regional Airline Association.

    The Subcommittee held a hearing on June 12, 1997, regarding 
international aviation bilaterals and code sharing 
relationships, focusing on Japan. Witnesses included, Patrick 
V. Murphy, Department of Transportation; Frederick W. Smith, 
Chairman and CEO, Federal Express Corporation; Gerald 
Greenwald, Chairman and CEO, United Airlines; John Dasburg, CEO 
and President, Northwest Airlines; and Robert L. Crandall, 
Chairman and CEO, American Airlines.

    On June 25, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on 
market-based solutions to air service problems for medium-sized 
communities. The purpose of this hearing was to examine market-
based solutions to air service problems that may help increase 
competition, lower fares, and improve the quality of service at 
some medium-sized communities across the Nation. Airline 
deregulation, over the last 19 years, has led to lower airfares 
and better service for most air travelers, due largely to 
increased competition spurred by the entry of new airlines into 
the industry and established airlines into new markets. 
However, some airports and communities have not enjoyed the 
benefits that deregulation has brought to other markets. 
Airports and communities in the West and Southwest have seen 
the largest decreases in airfares. Those in the Southeast and 
in the Appalachian region have seen the largest increases in 
airfares. Witnesses included representatives from the 
Department of Transportation, General Accounting Office, and 
the Metropolitan Chattanooga Airport Authority, Chattanooga, 
Tennessee.

    On July 10, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the 
status of the investigation of the crash of TWA 800 and the 
Death on the High Seas Act. The purpose of this hearing was to 
(1) review the efforts of the FBI and NTSB to discover the 
cause of the TWA 800 crash 1 year after that accident, (2) 
examine the dispute between the FAA and NTSB over the need for 
regulatory action regarding aircraft center fuel tanks, and (3) 
provide a forum for family members to advocate legislation 
involving the Death on the High Seas Act. Witnesses included 
representatives from the FAA, NTSB, and surviving family 
members of victims on TWA flight 800.

    On July 31, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing to 
receive testimony on the current status of aviation 
negotiations between the U.S. and France. Witnesses included 
Mr. Charles Hunnicutt, Department of Transportation; D. Scott 
Yohe, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Delta Air 
Lines; and Hershel I. Kamen, Managing Director-International 
and Regulatory Affairs, Continental Airlines, Inc.

    On September 9, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing to 
take testimony on H.R. 991, a bill to amend the Railway Labor 
Act to cover airlines and flight deck crews engaged in flight 
operations outside the United States. The Railway Labor Act 
(RLA) governs labor relations in the airline and railroad 
industries. The law relies on collective bargaining for the 
settlement of labor-management disputes. When bargaining breaks 
down, the law requires that there be a period of mediation 
which is overseen by the National Mediation Board (NMB). The 
RLA is designed to foster labor peace so that vital 
transportation services continue uninterrupted. Witnesses at 
the hearing included Captain J. Randolph Babbitt, President, 
Airline Pilots Association; Steven H. Taylor, Managing 
Attorney, Federal Express Corporation; Captain Michael P. 
Cronin, Allied Pilots Association; David A. Borer, Association 
of Flight Attendants, AFL-CIO; and Scott C. Petersen, FEDEX 
Pilots Association.

    The Subcommittee held a hearing on September 30, 1997, to 
review the FAA's 16-year flight service station consolidation 
program and to consider legislation, H.R. 1454, introduced by 
Congressman Frank Riggs (R-CA), which would prohibit the FAA 
from closing the Eureka Flight Service Station located in 
McKinleyville, California. Witnesses included the Honorable 
Frank D. Riggs (R-CA); Nancy Flemming, Mayor, Eureka, 
California; and Michael DeVincenzi, Westair/United Express.

    On October 1, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on 
allegations of cost overruns and delays in the FAA's Wide Area 
Augmentation System (WAAS). Potentially, one of the most 
beneficial modernization programs the FAA is currently 
undertaking is WAAS. The WAAS program will replace the current 
ground-based aviation navigation equipment and allow aircraft 
to navigate with the use of satellite technology. This program 
promises to provide more fuel-efficient routing of flights 
while increasing airport and airspace capacity. The hearing 
provided a forum to discuss the program's cost increases, 
schedule delays, and benefits. Witnesses included 
representatives from the General Accounting Office, the Federal 
Aviation Administration, the Department of Defense, and the 
Hughes Aircraft Company.

    On October 9, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 
145, a bill to restrict the use of foreign repair stations by 
U.S. airlines. Witnesses included Guy S. Gardner, Federal 
Aviation Administration; Sonny Hall, Transport Workers Union of 
America, AFL-CIO; and Robert Robeson, Aerospace Industries 
Association of America.

    On October 23, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the 
allegations of sexual harassment at the FAA. A class action 
internal complaint was filed by several women with their 
employer, the FAA. The women believe they have suffered from 
sexual discrimination and harassment at the FAA and that 
management failed to stop it. The hearing focused on sexual 
discrimination and harassment at the FAA. Witnesses included 
Jane F. Garvey, FAA Administrator; Joan M. Henson, FAA Air 
Traffic Control Specialist, Atlanta; and Carl W. Reed, FAA 
Operational Supervisor, Houston Air Route Traffic Control 
Center.

    On November 13, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on 
the increasing number of mishaps on our Nation's runways. The 
number of runway incursions increased over the last 3 years. 
The hearing focused on why they have increased and what can be 
done to eliminate runway incursions. Witnesses included 
representatives from the FAA; Jim Hall, Chairman, National 
Transportation Safety Board; and Ken Mead, Inspector General, 
DOT.

    On November 17, 1997, the Subcommittee held a joint 
oversight hearing with the Subcommittee on National Parks and 
Public Lands of the Committee on Resources on National Park 
overflights. The hearing was held at Dixie College in St. 
George, Utah. The hearing location was near the Grand Canyon, 
which is populated with numerous air tour operators. Witnesses 
at the hearing included representatives from Skywest Airline, 
the U.S. Air Tour Association, the Helicopter Association 
International, Western River Expeditions, the Sierra Club, the 
National Park Service, the FAA, the Grand Canyon Trust, and the 
Grand Canyon Air Tour Council.

    On February 26, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing to 
explore the theft of airline ticket stocks from travel agencies 
and to review the actions and initiatives of the agents, the 
airlines, the Airlines Reporting Corporation and law 
enforcement to prevent such occurrences in the future. 
Witnesses included several owners of travel agencies, Gary 
Yallelus, Detective, Metro-Dade County (Florida) Police 
Department, and Neil J. Gallagher, Federal Bureau of 
Investigation.

    On March 5, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing to 
receive testimony from the FAA Administrator Jane Garvey, the 
General Accounting Office, the Department of Transportation's 
Inspector General, and other interested parties on FAA's air 
traffic control modernization program. The Subcommittee focused 
on two primary programs during the hearing: the Display System 
Replacement (DSR) and the Standard Terminal Automation 
Replacement (STARS).

    On March 11, 18, 19, and 25, the Subcommittee held a series 
of hearings on the reauthorization of the FAA and the Airport 
Improvement Program. Over the four days there were 28 witnesses 
including representatives from the FAA, the General Accounting 
Office; the Airline Pilots Association, International; the Air 
Transport Association of America; the General Aviation 
Manufacturers Association; the Transportation Trades 
Department, AFL-CIO; the Airports Council International-North 
America; the American Association of Airport Executives; the 
National Association of State Aviation Officials; the Aircraft 
Owners & Pilots Association; the National Air Traffic 
Controllers Association; the Professional Airways Systems 
Specialists; and the National Air Disaster Alliance & 
Foundation.

    On April 23, and 30, 1998, the Subcommittee held two days 
of hearings on a number of issues related to air service, air 
fares, and competition in the airline industry. The hearing on 
April 23, focused on high air fares and poor air service in 
several small and medium-sized communities across the Nation 
and focused on various bills that have been introduced to 
address these concerns. In addition, the hearing examined the 
Department of Transportation's recently announced proposed 
guidelines on unfair competitive practices. On April 30, the 
Subcommittee focused on industry trends with respect to 
proposed and recent alliances, mergers, international 
agreements, and other practices in the airline industry and 
their impact on competition. Witnesses included representatives 
of the Department of Transportation, the Department of Justice, 
the General Accounting Office, an independent economist, and 
several airline and airport representatives.

    On May 14, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing to take 
testimony from witnesses on the general state of aviation 
security at our Nation's airports and in particular to focus on 
three issues: (1) the practice of using profiles to determine 
passengers who should undergo further security precautions; (2) 
the public-private partnership of the National Safe Skies 
Alliance, which tests security systems in the field; and (3) 
the status of the Federal Aviation Administration's purchase of 
Explosive Detection Systems. This hearing was held in two 
parts--an open hearing in the morning, and a closed hearing in 
the afternoon. The closed hearing covered classified materials, 
and therefore was for Members only. Witnesses included Admiral 
Cathal L. Flynn, FAA; representatives from the GAO, the DOT 
Inspector General's Office, the U.S. Postal Service, the Air 
Transport Association, and the National Safe Skies Alliances.

    On June 11, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the 
problem of passenger interference with flight crews and to 
review H.R. 3064, the ``Carry-on Baggage Reduction Act of 
1997.'' This hearing took testimony on issues related to 
incidences of unruly and disruptive passengers and to review 
methods to manage and reduce passenger interference with crew 
members. In addition, the hearing examined legislation, H.R. 
3064, and current airline policies related to carry-on baggage. 
Witnesses included representatives from the FAA, United 
Airlines, Delta Airlines, the Airline Pilots Association, the 
Association of Flight Attendants, and flight attendants who 
were aboard aircraft when passengers behaved inappropriately.

    On July 30, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on 
Secretary Slater's African Aviation Initiative, H.R. 3741, and 
the European Commission's (EC) preliminary position on two 
transatlantic alliances. During the hearing, the Secretary 
discussed his recent trip through Africa to promote a ``Safe 
Skies Initiative'' which would improve aviation safety and 
security in Africa. Regarding the EC announcement on 
international alliance agreements, Secretary Slater supported 
his earlier statement, which was ``We've been clear in our 
communications that we think the agreements we've reached are 
in the best interests of the countries involved and we think 
they should be respected.'' In addition, the witnesses 
discussed H.R. 3741, the Aviation Bilateral Accountability Act. 
This bill would require implementing legislation for each U.S. 
bilateral aviation agreement. In addition to the Secretary, 
witnesses included representatives from United Airlines, 
American Airlines, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, and 
the International Air Transport Association.

    On August 6, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on FAA's 
policy on emergency revocation of certificates and to consider 
legislation, H.R. 1846, that would change the procedures for 
handling emergency revocations. The FAA has been criticized for 
its recent use of its emergency revocation authority, 
particularly in cases where the offense had taken place months 
or even years before the ``emergency'' revocation. Witnesses 
included representatives of the General Accounting Office, FAA, 
the National Transportation Safety Board, and pilot 
representatives.

    On September 10, 1998, the Subcommittee held its last 
hearing of the 105th Congress on issues of concern to the 
travel agency community. These issues included the decline in 
and caps on ticket commissions, the use of the Federal Aviation 
Act preemption provision, the controversial commission 
overrides, and H.R. 3704, the Consumer Access to Travel 
Information Act of 1998. Witnesses included representatives 
from the American Society of Travel Agents, the Association of 
Retail Travel Agents, the Coalition for Travel Industry Parity, 
the Interactive Travel Services Association, and the Airlines 
Reporting Corporation.
 SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON COAST GUARD AND MARITIME 
                             TRANSPORTATION

    During the 105th Congress, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard 
and Maritime Transportation, chaired by Congressman Wayne T. 
Gilchrest, with Congressman Bob Clement serving as Ranking 
Minority Member, developed major legislation dealing with the 
U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. One of 
the new Federal laws involves the Coast Guard's 
responsibilities to ensure safety of life and property at sea, 
to enforce all Federal laws on the high seas and U.S. waters, 
to maintain aids to navigation, to protect the marine 
environment, and to ensure the safety and security of vessels, 
ports, waterways, and related facilities. Another of these 
proposals was subtitle D of title VII of the Transportation 
Equity Act for the 21st Century, entitled the Sportfishing and 
Boating Safety Act of 1998. It contains amendments to the Sport 
Fish Restoration Program administered by the Secretary of the 
Interior through the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the 
Recreational Boating Safety Program administered by the 
Secretary of Transportation through the U.S. Coast Guard. Major 
legislation to deregulate international ocean shipping was also 
enacted during the 105th Congress.

    The Federal laws amended under these initiatives include 
the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, the Oil Pollution Act of 
1990, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Shipping Act 
of 1916, the Shipping Act of 1984, the Merchant Marine Act of 
1920, the Foreign Shipping Practices Act of 1988, and other 
miscellaneous Federal laws.

    The Subcommittee held oversight hearings on the Coast 
Guard's commercial vessel safety mission, oil spill prevention 
measures for oil tank vessels, the ship scrapping activities of 
the United States Government, and the effect of the Passenger 
Services Act of 1886 on the domestic cruise industry. During 
the 105th Congress, the Subcommittee also held oversight 
hearings on criminal liability for oil pollution, the Coast 
Guard's deepwater capability replacement analysis, the 
President's National Drug Control Strategy and drug 
interdiction, the activities of the International Maritime 
Organization, the Coast Guard's marine environmental protection 
and compliance programs, the needs of the U.S. waterways 
transportation system, and the programs of the U.S. Maritime 
Administration.
                                ------                                


                          Enacted Legislation

    (For a more complete description of enacted legislation, 
see section on ``Bills Enacted into Law.'')

                 COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1998

                          (Public Law 105-383)

    The primary purpose of this legislation is to authorize the 
expenditures of the U.S. Coast Guard for Fiscal Years 1998 and 
1999. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 authorizes the 
portion of the Coast Guard budget that requires an 
authorization at the level of $4.122 billion for Fiscal Year 
1999. This amounts to approximately $91 million more than was 
requested by the President for Coast Guard during Fiscal Year 
1999. Most of the additional authorization was to increase 
Coast Guard activities related to illegal drug interdiction.

    Title I authorizes Coast Guard appropriations, active-duty 
military strengths, and military training student loads for 
Fiscal Years 1998 and 1999. Title I also authorizes funds for 
operation of the LORAN-C navigation system.

    Title II contains many provisions related to internal Coast 
Guard management matters.

    Title III includes various amendments concerning marine 
safety and waterways services management.

    Title IV contains a number of amendments, including the 
implementation of the Coast Guard vessel identification 
computer system.

    Title V establishes an administrative process for granting 
coastwise trade waivers for small passenger vessels; and Title 
VI, the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control 
Act of 1998, includes provisions to allow for the study of 
toxic algal blooms.
                                ------                                -


                   OCEAN SHIPPING REFORM ACT OF 1998

                          (Public Law 105-258)

    Public Law 105-258, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998, 
amends the Shipping Act of 1984 and other related U.S. shipping 
laws to encourage competition in international ocean shipping 
and growth in Unites States exports. The most important 
provisions of P.L. 105-258 provide American businesses with the 
freedom to keep their ocean transportation contract prices 
confidential from their foreign competitors. These provisions 
will increase the competitiveness of American businesses 
internationally.

    P.L. 105-258 is a major step forward in the process of 
deregulating international ocean shipping. The House of 
Representatives initiated this process in 1996 when H.R. 2149, 
the Ocean Shipping Act of 1996, was passed. P.L. 105-258 passed 
the Senate on April 21, 1998, by unanimous consent. The bill 
maintains antitrust immunity for ocean carrier conferences, 
requires private tariff publication and continued enforcement 
of tariffs by the Federal Maritime Commission, authorizes 
confidential transportation prices for shippers, and authorizes 
$15 million for operation of the Federal Maritime Commission 
for Fiscal Year 1998. It also clarifies section 19 of the 
Merchant Marine Act of 1920 to prohibit unfair pricing of liner 
services by foreign carriers and further tightens the oversight 
of controlled carrier tariffs.

    The Federal Maritime Commission must issue regulations to 
implement the amendments in this bill by March 1, 1999. The 
amendments contained in the bill become effective on May 1, 
1999.
                                ------                                


              SPORTFISHING AND BOATING SAFETY ACT OF 1998

            (TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY)

                          (Public Law 105-178)

    Subtitle D of title VII of the Transportation Equity Act 
for the 21st Century, P.L. 105-178, is the Sportfishing and 
Boating Safety Act of 1998. This legislation amends the Sport 
Fish Restoration Program administered by the Secretary of 
Interior through the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the 
Recreational Boating Safety Program administered by the 
Secretary of Transportation through the Coast Guard. Changes to 
these two programs include establishing a new boating and 
fishing outreach and communications initiative called the 
National Outreach and Communications Program, ensuring that 
individual States receive between $59 million and $72 million 
annually for State boating safety programs, and establishing a 
program to improve boating infrastructure by providing funds to 
the States for the development and maintenance of public 
facilities for transient nontrailerable recreational vessels.
                                ------                                


                WESTERN HEMISPHERE DRUG ELIMINATION ACT

      (TITLE VIII OF THE OMNIBUS CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT)

                          (Public Law 105-277)

    Title VIII of the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
P.L. 105-277, contains the Western Hemisphere Drug Elimination 
Act. This legislation is a strong move by Congress to address 
the recent 32 percent increase in illicit drug use by American 
teenagers by providing resources for Federal agencies to stop 
the flow of illegal drugs into our country. Aggressive 
interdiction of illegal drugs raises the street price of drugs 
resulting in a direct reduction in drug use, especially among 
price sensitive teenagers.

    Under this new law, the U.S. Coast Guard will receive $151 
million for each of the next three fiscal years to expand drug 
interdiction activities around Puerto Rico, the United States 
Virgin Islands, and its other maritime transit zone areas of 
operation. The Coast Guard is also authorized to spend $630 
million to purchase equipment which will allow the Coast Guard 
to enhance its drug interdiction operations. Finally, the Coast 
Guard is authorized to spend $15 million to establish, operate, 
and maintain maritime training vessels to visit participating 
Latin American and Caribbean nations to provide law enforcement 
training and to perform maintenance on participating national 
assets.
                                ------                                


        NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998

                          (Public Law 105-85)

    This legislation allows the Secretary of Defense and the 
Secretary of Transportation to authorize a member of the Armed 
Forces to serve without compensation as a director, officer, or 
trustee, in the management of certain non-Federal agencies. 
This provision includes the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance 
Organization as one of the non-Federal agencies. This 
legislation also authorizes the U.S. Maritime Administration 
for Fiscal Year 1998. Finally, P.L. 105-85 provides certain 
restrictions for tanker vessel operators who wish to remeasure 
the gross tonnage of their single-hull vessels.
                                ------                                


        NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999

                          (Public Law 105-261)

    This legislation contains several provisions to bring Coast 
Guard personnel benefits and other matters into line with those 
of the Department of Defense. It also allows the Secretary of 
Defense or the Secretary of Transportation to place an academy 
cadet or midshipman, including a Coast Guard Academy cadet, on 
involuntary leave for any period during which the 
Superintendent of the Academy at which the cadet or midshipman 
is admitted has suspended the cadet or midshipman from duty at 
the Academy.
                                ------                                


    AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION TO ISSUE A 
     CERTIFICATE OF DOCUMENTATION WITH APPROPRIATE ENDORSEMENT FOR 
      EMPLOYMENT IN THE COASTWISE TRADE FOR THE VESSEL PRINCE NOVA

                          (Public Law 105-157)

    Public Law 105-157 authorizes the Secretary of 
Transportation to issue a certificate of documentation for 
employment in the coastwise trade for the vessel PRINCE NOVA.
                                ------                                


                      BALANCED BUDGET ACT OF 1997

                          (Public Law 105-32)

    Subsection (a) of section 9101 requires the Administrator 
of the General Services Administration (GSA), no earlier than 
Fiscal Year 2002, to dispose of by sale at fair market value 
all rights, title, and interests of the United States in and to 
the land of, and improvements to, Governors Island, New York.

    Subsection (b) of section 9101 gives the State of New York 
and the City of New York the right of first offer to purchase 
all or part of Governor's Island at fair market value, as 
determined by the Administrator of GSA. Not later than 90 days 
after notification by the Administrator of GSA, this right may 
be exercised by either the State of New York or the City of New 
York or by both parties acting jointly.

    Section (c) of section 9101 requires that proceeds from the 
disposal of Governor's Island be deposited in the General Fund 
of the U.S. Treasury and credited as miscellaneous receipts.
                                ------                                


                                Hearings

    During the 105th Congress, the Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Subcommittee held 16 hearings and other 
meetings. Many of the Subcommittee hearings related to 
legislation developed by the Subcommittee. Other hearings, 
described below, covered a wide variety of issues involving the 
U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Maritime Administration, the 
International Maritime Organization, the ship scrapping 
activities of the U.S. Government, the Oil Pollution Act of 
1990, the Passenger Services Act of 1886, the President's 
National Drug Control Strategy, and water transportation in 
general.

           The Coast Guard's Commercial Vessel Safety Mission

    On May 14, 1997, the Subcommittee held another oversight 
hearing in its series of hearings to consider whether certain 
Coast Guard missions should be performed differently, 
privatized, or eliminated, to produce greater savings and 
efficiencies in Coast Guard operations. These hearings were 
intended to complement the implementation of the Coast Guard's 
streamlining initiatives to reduce Coast Guard expenditures 
without compromising service to the public. During the 104th 
Congress, the Subcommittee held hearings to examine the Coast 
Guard's drug interdiction mission, its Vessel Traffic Service 
2000 program, its acquisitions and research and development 
programs, as well as the Coast Guard's role in domestic and 
international icebreaking.

    At this hearing the Subcommittee reviewed the Coast Guard's 
policies, procedures, and long range plans to ensure the safety 
of commercial vessels operating in U.S. waters. Testimony was 
received from the U.S. Coast Guard, inland vessel operators, 
U.S. based companies which own and operate oceangoing tankers 
and container ships in the international and domestic trades, 
passenger vessel operators in the domestic trades, marine 
pilots, and seagoing maritime labor.

    Rear Admiral Robert North, Coast Guard Assistant Commandant 
for Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, reported that 
in the past most efforts to promote commercial vessel safety 
occurred after disastrous accidents which claimed lives, 
destroyed property, and polluted the environment. Admiral North 
also testified that the Coast Guard is now emphasizing accident 
prevention by improving service to the maritime community and 
addressing the human element in safety through its Prevention 
Through People program. He further reported on the Coast 
Guard's continued efforts to reach its goal of maritime 
regulatory reform by streamlining Coast Guard regulations to 
eliminate unnecessary regulatory burdens on the public. 
Finally, Admiral North discussed its efforts to create 
partnerships with several of the trade groups representing the 
various aspects of the commercial maritime industry. These 
partnerships are helping to increase safety in the industry by 
using the limited resources of the Federal government and 
industry in the most effective and economical manner.

    The second panel of witnesses represented vessel operators 
including the American Waterway Operators (AWO), representing 
the inland cargo vessel industry; the United States Chamber of 
Shipping, representing owners and operators of large tankers 
and container ships; and the Passenger Vessel Association, 
representing the domestic passenger vessel industry. The 
operators all reported on their commitment to operating their 
vessels in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. 
Thomas Allegretti, President of AWO, suggested that the Coast 
Guard target its enforcement resources on substandard operators 
and that Congress reaffirm that the Coast Guard, and not 
individual States, regulates vessel design and operations. 
Joseph Cox, President of the U.S. Chamber of Shipping, 
discussed his support for bringing U.S. vessels standards in 
line with international standards, the problems with waterways 
management in general, his support of the International Safety 
Management Code, and his concern about the increase in 
regulation by various States on ships calling at ports in their 
waters. Cornel Martin, representing the Passenger Vessel 
Association, recommended separating the Coast Guard's 
international negotiation function and the resulting 
regulations from its domestic regulatory function and 
redefining the Coast Guard's marine casualty reporting 
criteria.

    Captain Jack Sparks, President of the American Pilots 
Association, reported on his organizations' support for a 
vessel automated information system in most U.S. ports and 
waterways and an improved English language requirement on 
foreign-flagged vessels operating in U.S. waters. Finally, 
Nicholas Marrone, representing the Seafarers International 
Union (SIU) and thousands of merchant seamen employed on U.S. 
flag vessels, reported on the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School 
of Seamanship which serves the training requirements of the SIU 
membership.

             Oil Spill Prevention Measures Oil Tank Vessels

    On October 30, 1997, the Subcommittee held an oversight 
hearing on oil spill prevention measures. In the aftermath of 
the 1989 EXXON VALDEZ oil spill in Prince William Sound, 
Alaska, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA'90) established a 
comprehensive national system for oil spill prevention, 
compensation, and cleanup. Section 7001 of OPA'90 contained an 
Oil Pollution Research and Development Program to promote 
innovative oil pollution technology, including development of 
improved designs for vessels and facilities, and improved 
operational practices. Extensive rule making requirements were 
enacted in OPA'90, including requirements for the Coast Guard 
to implement appropriate operational and structural measures 
for vessels carrying oil to protect the environment. A major 
provision established the requirement for all oil tank vessels 
operating in U.S. waters to be equipped with double hulls, with 
a phase-out schedule for single hulled tank vessels. At this 
hearing, the Subcommittee considered whether it is appropriate 
to test certain emerging vessel design technologies which may 
prevent oil spills.

    Testimony was received from the U.S. Coast Guard, Marine 
Safety Systems, Inc., which owns the designs to Central Ballast 
Tanker design, and MH Systems, Inc., which owns the design of 
the American Under Pressure System (AUPS). The AUPS reduces or 
prevents oil outflow from a damaged oil tanker by applying a 
partial vacuum to the empty space above the oil cargo. This 
negative pressure controls the balance at the point of rupture 
to reduce or eliminate oil outflow. The concept of the Central 
Ballast Tanker is that the crew of the tanker would transfer 
oil cargo from a ruptured tank into a safe central tank, 
reducing the volume of oil spilled. The benefits of the Central 
Ballast Design include improved stability, improved emergency 
cargo handling, and superior performance in higher-energy 
collision situations.

    Rear Admiral North, Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for 
Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, reported that the 
Coast Guard had evaluated various alternative concepts to the 
double hull design, but found that the double hull was 
unmatched in preventing the majority of oil spills due to 
grounding when compared to those alternatives. The Coast Guard 
found that none of the alternatives could match the superior 
performance of the double hull regarding the key performance 
measure of probability of zero oil outflow. Admiral North 
further reported that the Coast Guard did not require any 
additional structural measures to reduce accidental oil outflow 
from existing single hull tank vessels because it determined 
that while these changes were technologically feasible, 
structural measures were not considered economically feasible 
during this interim period of operation for single hull tank 
vessels.

    George Pence, representing the owners of the AUPS, reported 
that the developers of this system believe that this oil spill 
prevention technology could be successfully used as interim 
measures on single hull tankers which are not yet required to 
be placed out of service in the waters of the United States. 
The AUPS can be retrofitted to most existing tankers at a 
fraction of the cost of new construction. While the developers 
of the AUPS have attempted to test the system and have secured 
certain amounts of Federal government funds for the test, the 
Coast Guard has so far decided not to cooperate with certain 
phases of these tests for a number of technical reasons. 
Finally, the developers of the AUPS asked the Subcommittee to 
place a provision in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1997 
which would require the Coast Guard to complete the testing of 
the AUPS.

    Carr Chambliss, representing the owner of Marine Safety 
Systems, reported that the company does not agree with the U.S. 
Coast Guard's position that only double hulled tankers should 
be allowed to enter U.S. waters and that the Coast Guard should 
reconsider its refusal to accept the International Maritime 
Organization's criterion that was established for assessing 
various alternative designs for oil tankers. Mr. Chambiss 
further testified that the Central Ballast Tanker design is an 
alternative to the double hull vessel design which reduces by a 
substantial percentage the loss of oil from hard groundings by 
reducing the time required to establish hydrostatic balance. 
Finally, Mr. Chambliss asked that the Congress and Coast Guard 
allow for the consideration of alternative designs to the 
OPA'90 requirement of double hull tankers in U.S. waters.

    Due to these and other concerns about the Coast Guard not 
adequately considering alternatives to double hull vessel 
designs, the House and Senate decided to include section 423 in 
the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998, Public Law 105-383. 
This section, the Double Hull Alternative Designs Study, 
requires the Secretary of Transportation to coordinate with the 
Marine Board of the National Research Council to conduct the 
necessary research and development of a rationally based 
equivalency assessment approach, which accounts for the overall 
environmental performance of alternative tank vessel designs. 
The intent of the study is to establish an equivalency 
evaluation procedure that maintains a high standard of 
environmental protection, while encouraging innovative ship 
design. This study is required to be reported to Congress not 
later than 12 months after the date of enactment of the Coast 
Guard Authorization of 1998.

       Ship Scrapping Activities of the United States Government

    On March 18, 1998, and on June 4, 1998, the Subcommittee 
held hearings to examine the current Federal government 
policies on scrapping obsolete vessels of the U.S. Navy, the 
Coast Guard, and the U.S. Maritime Administration's National 
Defense Reserve Fleet. During the March 18th hearing, the 
Subcommittee examined the human health and environmental risks 
involved in the scrapping of these Federal government vessels 
in the U.S. and foreign countries. In 1997, the Navy and 
Maritime Administration (MARAD) agreed with the Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA) on a process for scrapping vessels with 
environmental contaminants onboard. This agreement required the 
Navy and MARAD to remove the most serious contaminants from 
their ships before they were scrapped. After concerns related 
to the agreement were expressed by Members of Congress and 
environmental groups, the Administration decided to review its 
agreement on Navy and Maritime Administration ship scrapping. 
At the time, the Navy and MARAD had 185 ships awaiting 
scrapping. Vessels waiting to be scrapped are very expensive to 
maintain and some may sink if they are not scrapped or dry 
docked in the near future.

    At the March 18th hearing, testimony was received from 
Representative George Miller, the North Carolina Department of 
Justice, the former U.S. Navy General Counsel, a domestic ship 
scrapper, and the U.S. Department of Defense. Representative 
Miller of California reported that he was opposed to the U.S. 
government exporting its vessels for scrap because of the 
environmental contamination of these vessels. He preferred that 
these vessels to be scrapped by viable domestic scrappers. 
David Heeter, Assistant Attorney General for the North Carolina 
Department of Justice, discussed the State of North Carolina's 
experience with its closing of a private Navy vessel scrapping 
operation in Wilmington, North Carolina. The State discovered 
that this scrapping operation had violated numerous State and 
Federal environmental and worker safety laws. He also gave the 
Subcommittee a list of his suggestions for improving the 
scrapping process and thereby avoiding a situation which arose 
in North Carolina. Attorney E. Grey Lewis, the former General 
Counsel for the Navy, reported to the Subcommittee his concern 
about how ship scrapping operations were damaging the 
environment, and his view that the Federal government should 
subsidize a domestic ship scrapping effort. Mike Dunavant of 
Simsmetal America, a domestic ship scrapper, testified that his 
company, which has scrapped Navy vessels without incident in 
the past, would like to scrap additional government vessels in 
the future. Mr. Dunavant does not believe that domestic ship 
breakers can salvage these vessels at a profit and that the 
government must work with and pay domestic scrappers to safely 
and responsibly recycle these vessels. Finally, Patricia 
Rivers, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, reported 
that in late 1997 the Department of Defense had established the 
Interagency Ship Scrapping Review Panel. This Panel's purpose 
was to review the Navy and MARAD programs to scrap vessels and 
to make recommendations for the improvement of these programs. 
The final report of the panel was issued April 20, 1998.

    At the second hearing on the ship scrapping activities of 
the U.S. government, the Subcommittee met to follow-up on its 
first ship scrapping hearing and to review the Interagency Ship 
Scrapping Panel's final report. The report noted that the 
Federal agencies involved with ship scrapping would build on 
their current process for scrapping ships to ensure that 
vessels are scrapped in an economically feasible and 
environmentally sound manner. The Panel found that the Navy and 
MARAD had recognized the problems with past practices and have 
already taken steps to address many of the problems identified 
with past ship scrapping practices. These improved practices 
include the Navy and MARAD establishing consistent ship 
scrapping procedures and developing standardized performance 
bonds. The Panel further reported that these agencies will 
continue to evaluate current ship scrapping contracting 
practices in order to establish improved procedures and 
practices. The Subcommittee received testimony from the 
Department of Defense. Patricia Rivers, from the U.S. 
Department of Defense, testified that the report from the 
Interagency Ship Scrapping Panel was the beginning of the 
evaluation process, not the end. She further reported that the 
involved Federal agencies were reviewing the report and would 
determine appropriate actions and develop implementation plans. 
The Department of Defense also plans to reconvene the Panel in 
approximately 1 year from the date the report was issued, to 
evaluate the results of implementing the recommendations, and 
consider whether additional modifications should be made with 
regard to ship scrapping.

    On September 23, 1998, Vice President Gore issued a 
memorandum to Secretary of Defense Cohen and Secretary of 
Transportation Slater placing a further interim moratorium on 
efforts to award contracts or transfer vessels to be scrapped 
overseas through October 1, 1999.

The Effect of the Passenger Services Act of 1886 on the Domestic Cruise 
                                Industry

    On April 29, 1998, the Subcommittee held an oversight 
hearing about the Passenger Services Act of 1886 (PSA) and 
considered the effect of the PSA on the domestic cruise 
industry. The Passenger Services Act, enacted in 1886, 
prohibits foreign vessels from carrying passengers between 
ports or places in the United States. The Customs Service has 
determined that vessels carrying passengers between U.S. ports 
must be U.S.-owned, U.S.-built, and crewed by U.S. citizens. 
Currently, the only large cruise vessel operating between U.S. 
ports is in Hawaii and is owned by American Classic Voyages. A 
coalition of U.S. ports and travel agents supports amending the 
PSA to increase the number of cruise ships calling on U.S. 
ports by foreign-flag vessels. U.S. shipbuilding organizations 
and maritime labor organizations oppose these changes.

    Two pieces of legislation discussed at the hearing were S. 
803, the United States Cruise Tourism Act of 1997, introduced 
by Senator Strom Thurmond on May 23, 1997, and H.R. 2420 
introduced by Representative Mark Sanford on September 5, 1997. 
These companion bills allow the Secretary of Transportation to 
waive the PSA for foreign-flag cruise vessels over 4,000 gross 
registered tons not otherwise qualified to engage in the 
coastwise trade between ports in the United States. Vessels 
which provide ferry services, intracoastal cruises, or 
regularly carry both passengers for hire and vehicles or other 
cargo would not qualify for waivers. The bills would prevent 
the Secretary from granting a waiver to a foreign-flag vessel 
with respect to any coastwise trade which is being served by a 
U.S. flag cruise vessel. The Secretary would also be required 
to terminate a foreign-flag vessel waiver in 3 years should a 
U.S. flag cruise vessel owner or operator enter a substantially 
similar itinerary to that of the foreign-flag vessel.

    The Subcommittee received testimony from two Members of 
Congress and witnesses representing domestic ports, large and 
small United States shipyards, the travel industry, the 
domestic passenger vessel industry, and maritime labor. 
Representative Nick Smith, of Michigan, testified that he 
believed the PSA to be a failure leaving only one U.S. flag 
oceangoing cruise ship operating in the U.S. Representative 
Smith further reported that his bill H.R. 1991, the Coastal 
Shipping Competition Act would bring common sense reform to the 
PSA. This legislation would eliminated the U.S.-built 
requirement for oceangoing vessels allowing U.S. companies 
wishing to participate in the domestic cruise or cargo industry 
to purchase ships at competitive prices in the global 
marketplace. Representative Gene Taylor, of Mississippi, 
testified about his opposition to any changes to the PSA.

    The second panel of witnesses represented current and 
potential U.S. flag passenger vessel operators. The Passenger 
Vessel Association, which represents U.S. flag passenger vessel 
operators, and American Classic Voyages Co., which owns 
American Hawaii Cruises and the Delta Queen Steamboat Co., felt 
that there is no reason to amend the PSA since there is already 
a vibrant U.S. flag passenger vessel industry in this country. 
These witnesses further reported that American Classic Voyages 
has announced that it plans to build two oceangoing cruise 
ships in the U.S. for the Hawaiian market and five coastal 
passenger vessels to operate along the U.S. Atlantic, Pacific, 
and Gulf coasts starting in 1999.

    The third panel of witnesses represented the California 
Trade and Commerce Agency, the National Association of Cruise 
Only Travel Agents, the American Society of Travel Agents, and 
the Cruising American Coalition. All of these witnesses 
strongly support amending the PSA in order to increase the 
number of cruise ships in a larger number of U.S. ports. 
Veronica Sanchez, from the Port of San Francisco and Executive 
Director of the Cruising America Coalition, reported that this 
coalition of U.S. ports, cities, consumers, convention bureaus, 
tourism businesses and maritime businesses want to waive the 
PSA in certain instances to allow the fleet of 300 existing, 
large, ocean going foreign flag cruise ships to offer U.S. 
domestic cruises without having to include a foreign port.

    The fourth panel of witnesses represented several maritime 
labor organizations including the Seafarers International 
Union; the American Maritime Officers; the International 
Longshore & Warehouse Union; the International Organization of 
Masters, Mates, and Pilots; and the Marine Engineers' 
Beneficial Association. James Patti, who represented a number 
of American maritime workers employed in both the longshore and 
seafaring industries, testified that he supported changes in 
the implementation of the PSA which would encourage American 
businesses to operate foreign built, U.S. flag cruise vessels 
in the domestic trade provided that they have in place a 
contract to replace these vessels with cruise vessels built in 
the United States. Charles Crangle, Executive Director, 
Congressional and Legislative Affairs for the American Maritime 
Officers, reported that he is opposed to any changes to the 
PSA. He states that while the American Maritime Officers are 
willing to work with port and tourism groups to develop new 
markets for the domestic waterborne transportation of 
passengers, he has not seen a body of evidence which suggests 
that there is a demand for the domestic transportation of 
passengers that is not being met today.

    The fifth panel of witnesses represented several American 
ports including the Port of Baltimore, the Massachusetts Port 
Authority, and the San Diego United Port District. All of these 
witnesses supported changes to the PSA which would stimulate 
competition and growth of the cruise industry in American 
ports. The last panel of witnesses included two American 
shipbuilding organizations. The American Shipbuilding 
Association (ASA), representing the six largest U.S. 
shipbuilders, and the National Shipyard Association, 
representing smaller American ship building and repair yards, 
opposed efforts to reform the PSA. Cynthia Brown, President of 
the ASA, reported that her members have designed state-of-the-
art passenger ships under the Maritime Technology Program of 
the Defense Department, and three ASA shipbuilders are 
aggressively competing to build two 2,000 passenger, ocean 
going cruise ships, with the option for one more, for American 
Classic Voyages.

    Later in the 105th Congress, Senator John McCain introduced 
S. 2507, a revised bill to amend the PSA, with Senators 
Hutchinson, Thurmond, and Burns as cosponsors. Representative 
Nick Smith introduced H.R. 4673, the companion bill to S. 2507, 
on October 1, 1998. No action on these, or any of the other 
bills to amend the PSA, was taken before the end of the 105th 
Congress.

                  Criminal Liability for Oil Pollution

    On May 14, 1998, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and 
Maritime Transportation held an oversight hearing on criminal 
liability under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA'90). The 
hearing was held in response to increasing concerns in the oil 
transportation industry about current criminal enforcement 
actions under the OPA'90, and the effect that these enforcement 
actions have on environmental and navigation safety in general.

    Pollution of the marine environment has been subject to 
criminal penalties for almost 100 years. The Rivers and Harbors 
Act of 1899 (Refuse Act) made it unlawful to throw, discharge 
or deposit any refuse matter of any kind or description from 
any ship. The penalty for violating the Refuse Act is a 
misdemeanor, including a fine of up to $25,000 per day and/or 
30 days imprisonment, against the operator of a vessel. The 
Refuse Act is a strict liability statute, and is charged in 
conjunction with other statutes in criminal cases involving oil 
spills.

    The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) makes it unlawful to 
pursue, hunt, take, capture, or kill (or attempt any of these 
actions against) a migratory bird. The MBTA contains a 
misdemeanor penalty of not more than $500 and/or imprisonment 
of not more than 6 months. The MBTA imposes strict liability, 
and is also often charged in conjunction with other statutes in 
cases involving criminal liability for oil pollution.

    Before enactment of OPA '90 the only criminal penalty for 
an oil spill was a misdemeanor penalty for failure to notify 
the appropriate government agency of a discharge of oil. OPA 
'90 established new civil and criminal penalties for oil 
spills, and increased the penalty for failure to notify a 
Federal official of a discharge of oil.

    At this hearing, the Subcommittee received testimony from 
the Coast Guard and representatives of the oil tank vessel 
industry. The Coast Guard was represented by Captain Malcolm 
Williams, Chief, Office of Maritime and International Law. 
Captain Williams testified that OPA '90 has had a very positive 
impact on the protection of the marine environment. Since 1990, 
gallons spilled per million gallons of oil and chemicals 
shipped has been reduced from 24 gallons spilled to 1.5 gallons 
spilled in 1997. There have been no spills over one million 
gallons during that time.

    Captain Williams discussed the new Coast Guard OPA '90 
criminal enforcement guidelines contained in the Commandant 
Instruction M16201.1 and the intent of those guidelines. He 
stated that these guidelines do not signal a new oil spill 
criminal enforcement attitude on the part of the Coast Guard. 
Rather, the guidelines were intended to focus scarce agency 
resources, to foster enforcement consistency, to educate Coast 
Guard personnel, and to encourage compliance in the regulated 
industry. Captain Williams further testified that the 
guidelines establish the general measures on which all Coast 
Guard decisions to refer cases for criminal prosecution should 
be based-significant environmental harm resulting from the 
violation and culpable conduct on the part of persons or 
companies involved in the violation. Finally, Captain Williams 
testified that advocating an increase in the number of criminal 
investigations and prosecutions by the Coast Guard was not one 
of the purposes of the instruction.

    The next witness at the hearing was H. Merritt Lane, III, 
President, Canal Barge Company, Inc., testifying on behalf of 
the American Waterways Operators (AWO). Mr. Lane stated that 
his testimony was also supported by several other 
organizations, including the Transportation Institute and the 
Water Quality Syndicate.

    Mr. Lane explained that implementation of some aspects of 
OPA'90 have undermined the spill prevention and response 
objectives of OPA'90. He stated that with increasing frequency, 
responsible operators who transport oil are unavoidably exposed 
to potentially immeasurable criminal fines and, in the worst 
case scenario, jail time. Mr. Lane said that this situation 
unfairly targets an industry that plays an extremely important 
role in our national economy. Mr. Lane also described his 
industry's efforts as part of the Coast Guard's Responsible 
Carrier Program and the Coast Guard-AWO Partnership. He 
expressed concerns that recent criminal enforcement actions 
following oil spills may undermine the success of these Coast 
Guard cooperative programs in preventing oil spills. He also 
testified that the AWO does not seek any amendments to the 
existing criminal penalties in OPA'90. He reported that the 
Justice Department's increasing willingness to use strict 
liability criminal statutes have created an atmosphere of 
extreme uncertainty about how to respond to and cooperate with 
the Coast Guard and other Federal agencies in cleaning up an 
oil spill. Finally, Mr. Lane testified that the AWO supports 
legislation to establish OPA'90 as the exclusive criminal 
statute that may be charged against the party responsible for 
an oil spill.

    The final two witnesses who testified at this hearing were 
Captain Richard A. Hurt, Master, Marine Transport Lines, on 
behalf of the International Association of Independent Tanker 
Owners, and Captain Gary Robson, Maritrans, Inc. Captain Hurt 
testified that he is concerned that the reaction of the U.S. 
government to oil spills seems to be setting the stage for 
imposing criminal liability on ship masters and others after a 
marine oil or chemical spill no matter what the underlying 
circumstances. Captain Hurt stated that criminal sanctions do 
not necessarily deter marine accidents, and that the other 
results of an accident, including the loss of a master's 
license, are sufficient to deter oil spills.

    Captain Robson testified that the recent changes in the 
legal and criminal aspects of his industry cause him great 
concern. He stated that strict criminal liability for an oil 
spill does not make him do his job better, it only produces 
counterproductive stress. Captain Robson testified that because 
of the current situation, he will not encourage his children or 
anyone else to enter the marine petroleum transportation 
business. He stated that strict criminal liability is a 
tremendous deterrent to anyone considering entering the 
industry at this time.

      The Coast Guard's Deepwater Capability Replacement Analysis

    On May 19, 1998, the Subcommittee held an oversight hearing 
about the Coast Guard's Deepwater Capability Replacement 
Analysis. The purpose of this hearing was to review the Coast 
Guard's plan to replace its aging fleet of vessels and aircraft 
typically employed more than 50 miles from U.S. shores. The 
Coast Guard defines its ``Deepwater Mission'' as the execution 
of its responsibilities in an area beyond the normal operating 
range of single-crewed shore-based small boats, where either 
extended on-scene presence, long transit distance, or forward 
deployment is required to perform the mission. Examples include 
fisheries enforcement patrols in the Gulf of Alaska, New 
England's Grand Banks, or in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone 
around the Hawaiian Islands; defense operations in the Gulf of 
Arabia; drug interdiction missions off the Caribbean and 
Pacific Coast of South America; and the interdiction of illegal 
migrants around Cuba and Haiti.

    The objective of the Coast Guard's deepwater acquisition 
strategy is to meet Coast Guard mission requirements safely 
with coast effective resources that can be employed in a timely 
manner. The Coast Guard's strategy for this $7.5 to $15 billion 
recapitalization is to examine the mission need in terms of a 
complementary group of assets that, compared to today's assets, 
can be effectively operated with fewer personnel and 
significantly lower life cycle costs. The major challenge 
facing the deepwater recapitalization is cost. With a projected 
budgetary baseline of $200 million a year and cost estimates of 
$7.5 to $15 billion for the recapitalization, a significant 
funding gap exists which could imperil Coast Guard mission 
performance.

    The Subcommittee received testimony from witnesses 
representing the Coast Guard, the shipbuilding industry, and 
the consortia which expect to develop recapitalization and 
replacement plans under contract with the Coast Guard. Admiral 
Robert Kramek, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, testified 
that the Coast Guard's mission requirements in the deepwater 
environment are unrelenting, arduous, and dangerous, but that 
these missions are vital to the national interests, the safety 
of our citizens, our environment, and the economic prosperity 
of the country. He further reported that the Coast Guard's 
existing deepwater assets are nearing the end of their service 
lives, do not incorporate modern technology, and are personnel-
intensive. He further stated that in March 1998, the Coast 
Guard asked industry to submit Phase One proposals, including 
related past corporate performance summaries and study plans. 
The Coast Guard expected to hear oral presentations in June and 
planned to select three industry teams by July. These three 
teams would then develop integrated deepwater concepts, which 
will be baseline systems that can be scaled to meet any overall 
deepwater requirement. The Coast Guard expected these industry 
teams to complete their detailed concept development by late 
1999.

    Cynthia Brown, President of the American Shipbuilding 
Association, which represents the six largest American 
shipyards, reported that her organization supports the Coast 
Guard's deepwater asset replacement project and that this new 
acquisition approach has become the acquisition approach of 
choice for the U.S. Navy. She also opposed the Administration's 
plan to study the Coast Guard's mission needs because she felt 
that these missions have already been sufficiently identified. 
Daniel Gulling, President of Marinette Marine Corporation, 
testified that Marinette Marine is one of the companies 
competing with partner companies as a team in the Coast Guard 
deepwater procurement. Mr. Gulling supported the Coast Guard's 
deepwater procurement and the Coast Guard's approach to that 
procurement. Allen Walker, Executive Director of the National 
Shipyard Association, which represents 90 shipyards in 17 
States, testified that his member companies fully supported the 
Coast Guard's deepwater acquisition strategy. Two of the 
shipyards that Mr. Walker represents, Bollinger Shipyards, 
Inc., and Halter Marine Group, have submitted a joint proposal 
to enable them to conduct one of the three studies under 
consideration.

    On October 26, 1998, the General Accounting Office (GAO) 
released a report to Congress on the Coast Guard's Deepwater 
Capability Replacement Project. The GAO found that the Coast 
Guard's justification for the deepwater project, particularly 
its conclusion about the expected life of its aircraft assets, 
could not be validated by the GAO from the information 
available. In fact, the Coast Guard withdrew its justification 
for the Deepwater project after concerns about its accuracy 
were expressed by the Office of Management and Budget. 
Currently, the Coast Guard is developing more accurate and 
updated information to justify this project even as contracting 
teams have already begun work on developing their initial 
deepwater proposals. The GAO also questioned the future funding 
for this project. At a projected $500 million a year, 
expenditures for the project would take virtually all of the 
Coast Guard projected spending for all capital projects. While 
the Coast Guard expects more than $165 million of the annual 
funding for the deepwater project to come from new user fees 
for domestic ice-breaking and navigational services that the 
Coast Guard currently provides, the GAO reports that Congress 
has prohibited any new user fees for the near future. The GAO 
recommended that the Coast Guard expedite the issuance of 
information that it has developed or is developing on the 
condition and capabilities of its ships and aircraft, improve 
its acquisition guidelines for evaluating the condition of its 
assets, and evaluate whether the contracting teams should be 
instructed to base their proposals on the assumption of a 
lower, more realistic funding level than $500 million a year.

  The President's National Drug Control Strategy and Drug Interdiction

    On June 10, 1998, and September 25, 1998, the Subcommittee 
held oversight hearings about the President's National Drug 
Control Strategy and the Coast Guard's drug interdiction 
mission. The Subcommittee held two hearings on this issue 
during the 105th Congress after holding two similar hearings 
about drug interdiction during the 104th Congress, because of 
its deep concerns about the precipitous increase in illicit 
drug use among America's youth since 1992. Experts agree that 
this trend foretells erosion in the gains our Nation made in 
combating illicit drug use and its associated criminal activity 
between 1980 and 1992. The latest studies show some very 
negative signs among the youth ages 12 to 17 including a 34 
percent increase in marijuana use, a doubling of first-time 
marijuana use since 1991, and a 975 percent increase in first-
time heroin use.

    The goal of the Coast Guard Drug Interdiction Program is to 
eliminate maritime routes as a significant trafficking mode for 
the supply of drugs to the United States through seizures, 
disruption, and displacement. Coast Guard cutters, boats, and 
aircraft conduct routine law enforcement patrols and special 
operations throughout the maritime arena, including waters 
adjacent to principal source and transit countries and U.S. 
coastal waters. Disrupting traffickers forces them to develop 
new, more costly methods and routes and opens them up to 
additional risk of detection. The pressure of these operations 
reduces the flow of illicit drugs into the United States via 
maritime routes.

    At the June 10, 1998, hearing the Subcommittee received 
testimony from representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. 
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Office of National Drug 
Control Policy (ONDCP), U.S. Customs Service, John Hopkins 
University, and Barringer Instruments, Inc. Rear Admiral 
Riutta, Assistant Coast Guard Commandant for Operations, 
testified that drug interdiction is a vital component of our 
balanced National Drug Control Strategy, that the Coast Guard 
has a proven strategy for results, that interdiction reduces 
drug flow and drug use, that interdiction enhances foreign 
engagement and cooperation, and that interdiction assets must 
be strengthened and enhanced. Admiral Riutta also discussed 
several of the Coast Guard's successful anti-drug operations 
including operations FRONTIER SHIELD, FRONTIER LANCE, and STEEL 
WEB. Operation STEEL WEB is the Coast Guard's multiyear 
campaign plan to position the requisite interdiction forces 
where they best counter the ever evolving drug trafficking 
threats. Gregory Williams, Chief of Operations at the DEA, 
reported that the DEA was committed to its primary goal of 
targeting and arresting the most significant drug traffickers 
operating in the world. He also pointed out that in order for 
the DEA to be successful it is essential that it have 
trustworthy and competent agencies in the Caribbean, Mexico, 
Central and South America to work with. The DEA plans to 
continue building cases against, and ultimately incarcerate, 
the leaders of the sophisticated narcotic criminal syndicates 
that continue to distribute drugs throughout the world. James 
McDonough, Director of Strategy at ONDCP, testified that the 
Administration found demand reduction programs more important 
than supply reduction programs which include drug interdiction 
programs. He further reported that the Administration's goal is 
to reduce the supply of illicit narcotics by 50 percent by the 
year 2007 which would include a 30 percent reduction in the 
production of cocaine and a 20 percent reduction in the amount 
of illegal drugs in the transit zone.

    Barry Raff, who is the program manager for counter-drug 
programs of the Applied Physics Laboratory at John Hopkins 
University, discussed a new application of technology that he 
believes will enable the U.S. drug interdiction forces to catch 
drug traffickers. This technology, which is a new application 
of existing anti-submarine warfare technology, is based upon 
the use of unmanned sonar buoys and listening posts to detect 
drug trafficking vessels and warn our forces with enough lead 
time to interdict these vessels. Kenneth Wood, President of 
Barringer Instruments, discussed his company's product the 
IONSCAN. This instrument, which is currently being used by the 
Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies, is the latest 
and most advanced narcotics detection device.

    At the September 29, 1998, hearing, the Subcommittee took 
testimony from representatives of the Coast Guard. Admiral 
James Loy, Commandant of the Coast Guard, testified about the 
Coast Guard's operation STEEL WEB which is its plan to position 
interdiction forces where they best counter the evolving drug 
trafficking threats and achieve the National Drug Control 
Strategy. He also reported that the Coast Guard's fiscal year 
1998 $34.3 million increase in budget authority allowed the 
Coast Guard to sustain its operations FRONTIER SHIELD, GULF 
SHIELD, AND BRODER SHIELD. He further stressed how important it 
was for the Coast Guard to receive its entire fiscal year 1999 
budget request. Three other Coast Guard officers and one Coast 
Guard enlisted man gave the Subcommittee several of their 
personal experiences while interdicting drugs for the Coast 
Guard.

       The Activities of the International Maritime Organization

    On June 25, 1998, the Subcommittee held an oversight 
hearing on the activities of the International Maritime 
Organization (IMO). The IMO is a specialized organization 
within the United Nations established for the purpose of 
developing international maritime standards, promoting safety 
in shipping, and preventing marine pollution from ships. The 
main objective of the IMO is to facilitate cooperation among 
governments on technical and other matters affecting 
international shipping, particularly the promotion of safety of 
life at sea and the prevention of marine pollution from ships.

    The United States participates on all levels at the IMO. 
Although the Department of State has the primary responsibility 
for establishing U.S. positions in the IMO, the Coast Guard has 
been the official head of a number of delegations representing 
U.S. interests at IMO. Coast Guard personnel participate at all 
levels of the organization and head U.S. delegations to IMO's 
Assembly, Marine Safety Committee, Marine Environmental 
Protection Committee, the Legal Committee, and all the 
subcommittees of the Marine Safety Committee.

    The Subcommittee received testimony from representatives of 
the Coast Guard, Chamber of Shipping of America, American 
Bureau of Shipping, and several maritime unions. Rear Admiral 
North, Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, 
testified about the IMO in general and the United States' role 
at the IMO. He reported that since the 1970's, the U.S. has 
taken the initiative to improve the international standards for 
maritime safety and protection of the marine environment so as 
to provide a significant degree of protection for our waters, 
waterways, environmental resources, population, and property. 
Admiral North further discussed several future U.S. priorities 
at the IMO, including the development of criteria to address 
the human element in maritime casualties and pollution 
incidents as well as the placement of greater emphasis on the 
ship owners', classification societies', and flag states' 
responsibilities to ensure they are properly carrying out their 
duties under the specific IMO convention's requirements.

    On the second panel of witnesses, Joseph J. Cox, President 
of the Chamber of Shipping of America, which represents 14 U.S. 
based companies which own, operate or charter oceangoing ships, 
reported on the United States' involvement in the IMO and his 
organization's involvement with U.S. delegations to the IMO. 
Sidney Wallace, a former Chairman of the IMO's Marine 
Environmental Protection Committee, testified about the IMO's 
organization and his views about several U.S. IMO positions. He 
believes that the U.S. should have ratified the international 
approach to liability and compensation for oil pollution from 
international shipping under the 1971 International Fund 
Convention and the 1984 and 1992 Protocols to this Convention. 
Robert Somerville, President of the American Bureau of Shipping 
(ABS), which is the official United States ship classification 
society, discussed his support of the IMO and its work to 
improve the regulations which already exist. Captain Lee 
Kincaid of the MEBA Engineering School discussed the IMO's work 
on ballast water exchange and the IMO Convention on the 
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for 
Seafarers. Finally, Terry Turner, President of the Seafarers 
International Union (SIU), testified about his labor 
organization's support for the IMO and the SIU's work with the 
IMO. Mr. Turner also joined several of the other witnesses in 
supporting IMO's work to improve the ``human element'' of 
international shipping.

   The Coast Guard's Marine Environmental Protection and Compliance 
                                Programs

    On July 15, 1998, the Subcommittee held an oversight 
hearing on the U.S. Coast Guard's Marine Environmental 
Protection and Compliance Programs. At this hearing, the 
Subcommittee considered the Coast Guard's goals, strategies, 
operational activities, and measures of effectiveness for its 
environmental protection programs, developed under the 
Government Performance and Results Act. The Coast Guard 
enforces laws related to oil pollution prevention and response, 
ocean dumping, plastics pollution, and control of other 
pollutants. The Coast Guard plans dramatic improvements in its 
Marine Environmental Protection Program over the next 10 years. 
In discharging its marine environmental protection mission, the 
Coast Guard spends 11.1 percent of its operating expenses 
funding, about $307 million a year.

    At this hearing, testimony was received from witnesses 
representing the U.S. Coast Guard, the Chamber of Shipping of 
America, the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL), the 
Lake Carriers' Association, the International Association of 
Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO), the Center for Marine 
Conservation, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and ocean 
Advocates.

    Captain Thomas Gilmour, Director of Field Activities, Coast 
Guard Office of Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, 
testified about the history of the Coast Guard's Marine 
Environmental Protection mission and its current marine 
environmental protection goals. These are to reduce the amount 
of oil discharged into the U.S. marine environment from 
maritime sources by 20 percent; the amount of chemicals 
entering the environment from maritime transportation sources 
by ensuring a release rate below the annual average of the 
period between 1993 and 1997; the consequence of pollution 
incidents; the discharge of plastics and garbage in the water 
from maritime sources by 20 percent over 5 years; and the 
volume of untreated foreign coastal water discharged from 
vessels into the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. He then 
described how the Coast Guard planned to meet these five goals. 
He later reported how the Coast Guard is working to reduce the 
so-called ``human element'' in its environmental protection 
efforts. About 80 percent of all vessel casualties and the 
resulting pollution are related to the human element. Captain 
also discussed how the Coast Guard is partnering with several 
industry associations and the International Maritime 
Association to reduce pollution incidents.

    The second panel of witnesses represented various types of 
vessel operators. Joseph Cox, President of the Chamber of 
Shipping of America, testified about his members' past efforts 
to prevent pollution including their work to prevent the 
discharge of ballast water containing oil and plastic pollution 
into our waterways. Currently, the industry is working with the 
Coast Guard to reduce air pollution and aquatic nuisance 
species in ballast water. Cynthia Colenda, President of the 
International Council of Cruise Lines, which represents 17 
foreign flag cruise lines, testified that her industry is 
highly regulated and governed by a strict and comprehensive set 
of international requirements enforced by their flag states and 
the Coast Guard. She also reported that the cruise industry has 
a strong environmental record, is always striving to improve 
its environmental programs, and is committed to continuous 
improvement in its environmental performance. George Ryan, 
President of the Lake Carriers' Association, which represents 
vessel operators on the Great Lakes, testified that his members 
have worked closely with the Coast Guard to protect the 
environment including efforts to reduce the spread of nuisance, 
non-indigenous species in the Great Lakes. Mr. Ryan also 
reported on an industry and Coast Guard initiative to develop a 
Cargo Residue Washdown Policy, operational procedures during 
periods of ice cover in sensitive stretches of the Connecting 
Channels, and the preparation of plans for environmental 
response in the event of an oil spill. Finally, Richard 
DuMoulin, Chairman of INTERTANKO, which represents 300 
independent operators and owners of tank vessels around the 
world, reported that his members believe prevention is the key 
to environmental protection and that any safety regime must not 
focus solely on shipowners but also on the other links in the 
safety chain including pilots, terminals, cargo interests, 
class societies, insurers, responders, and governments. He also 
brought the Subcommittee's attention to several areas of 
concern for INTERTANKO including using documents relating to 
the International Safety Management Code in litigation and the 
harmful effects of local governments establishing marine safety 
regulations.

    The third panel of witnesses represented three 
environmental organizations. Lori Williams, from the Center for 
Marine Conservation (CMC), testified that her organization is 
committed to protecting ocean environments and the diversity of 
marine life and believes that the Coast Guard's programs have 
made a significant contribution to protecting the marine 
environment. Ms. Williams also reported that the CMC has worked 
with the Coast Guard on a number of educational and outreach 
programs including the Sea Partners Campaign and an 
environmental training program for Coast Guard Auxiliary 
personnel. Thomas Grasso, Maryland Executive Director of the 
Chesapeake Bay Foundation, testified that the Chesapeake Bay is 
particularly vulnerable to oil spills and that while the Coast 
Guard has done a good job at responding to oil spills in the 
Bay, it needs more resources to implement the requirements of 
the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA'90). Mr. Grasso also 
reported that his organization strongly believes that vessel 
and barges of less than 5000 gross tons should be required to 
have double hulls. Sally Lentz of Ocean Advocates testified 
that she believes the Coast Guard has failed to implement the 
regulatory initiatives of the OPA'90 which provide for improved 
pollution prevention. Ms. Lentz was specifically concerned 
about the Coast Guard's failure to require any interim measures 
for those single-hull vessels still operating in U.S. waters, 
tug escorts for tank vessels in certain areas, and onboard oil 
spill response equipment. Finally, she suggested that the 
Subcommittee have the General Accounting Office conduct an 
investigation into the Coast Guard's Marine Environmental 
Protection and Compliance Program for the purpose of 
identifying the obstacles to timely and effective 
implementation of the OPA'90.

         The Needs of the U.S. Waterways Transportation System

    On July 29, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the 
needs of the U.S. waterways transportation system. Witnesses 
included representatives of the Coast Guard, the Maritime 
Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. port 
interests, U.S. and foreign vessel owners, pilots, and U.S. 
shippers.

    Admiral James M. Loy, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, 
and John Graykowski, Acting Administrator, U.S. Maritime 
Administration, testified jointly at this hearing. They 
explained the Secretary of Transportation's initiative to 
develop a unified approach to the U.S. marine transportation 
system. As an initial step, the Administration conducted a 
series of regional listening sessions at seven coastal and 
inland ports throughout the United States. Representatives from 
12 Federal agencies, including the Coast Guard, the Maritime 
Administration, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental 
Protection Agency, and the U.S. Customs Service, attended these 
sessions and heard the public present their views about the 
current state of our marine transportation system.

    Admiral Loy and Mr. Grakowski stated that the results from 
the listening sessions were a list of issues and imperatives to 
improve the marine transportation system in the areas of 
safety, security, global competitiveness, infrastructure, and 
environmental protection. The Secretary of Transportation will 
hold a national conference scheduled for November, 1998, where 
these issues will be discussed. Admiral Loy and Mr. Grakowski 
explained that America's marine transportation system annually 
moves cargo worth approximately one trillion dollars. It 
contributes over $78 billion to the gross domestic product and 
generates 16 million jobs. Ten billion barrels of crude oil and 
petroleum products are imported daily. Except for Canadian 
pipeline deliveries, nearly all of these petroleum supplies are 
shipped by water through our coastal and inland waterways.

    Finally, Admiral Loy and Mr. Grakowski testified that ports 
must be prepared to respond to the mounting pressures of 
growing trade, more noncommercial waterway users, the 
development of new means to harvest and preserve marine 
resources, and increasingly aggressive efforts by criminals and 
adversaries intent on doing harm. They concluded by stating 
that the Federal government must bring together the private and 
public elements of the maritime community to discuss the marine 
transportation system for the 21st century that is essential to 
American's future prosperity and well-being.

    Charles M. Hess, Chief, Operations Division, Directorate of 
Civil Works, testified for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He 
gave a brief description of the Corps' responsibilities in the 
development, operations, and maintenance of Federal navigation 
projects, its interagency programs concerned with the improved 
management of the waterways and ports, and its plans for the 
21st century. Mr. Hess testified that the Corps of Engineers 
has been committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient 
waterborne transportation systems for nearly two centuries. The 
Corps builds and maintains U.S. channels, harbors, and 
waterways, for the movement of commerce, national security 
needs, and recreation. The Corps' navigation mission now 
encompasses a capital stock value of approximately $31.5 
billion, with an annual budget for planning, engineering, 
construction and operation and maintenance exceeding $1.4 
billion.

    The Corps has enjoyed a close working relationship with the 
Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration, and continues to 
participate in several joint activities with them. The Corps 
participated with other agencies as part of the regional 
listening sessions sponsored by the Department of 
Transportation. Mr. Hess concluded by explaining that the Corps 
will participate with the Department of Transportation and 
other Federal agencies in the November conference to develop a 
vision for the national transportation system for the next 
century.

    The next witness to testify before the Subcommittee was 
Lillian Barrone, Director, Port Commerce Department, Port 
Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Chairman, American 
Association of Port Authorities. Ms. Barrone testified that 
although the marine transportation system must be integrated 
into the national transportation vision, specific improvements 
to account for increased trade growth must be developed 
locally. She added that a proper solution to accommodating the 
Nation's growth in waterborne commerce must include a long-term 
commitment by Congress and the Administration to adequately 
plan for and fund crucial infrastructure programs in 
partnership with stakeholders. Finally, she stated that she 
believes the Federal government should reaffirm its long-
standing responsibility for maintaining navigation channels. 
The American Association of Port Authorities would like to see 
this commitment funded from the General Treasury, as the 
maritime industry is already paying its fair share of fees to 
support the flow of commerce.

    Joseph J. Cox, President, Chamber of Shipping of America, 
testified that determining how to fund our port infrastructure 
may be one of the most important maritime questions facing us 
for the future. He explained that since the Supreme Court 
struck down the harbor maintenance tax as applied to exports, 
the tax still collected on imports and domestic cargoes is 
sufficient to cover maintenance dredging needs. Mr. Cox also 
stated that while the shipboard component of our marine 
transportation system is meeting the technology challenge head 
on, the shoreside infrastructure must keep pace. In order to do 
so, Federal agencies and local port authorities must receive 
the necessary funding to maximize the return on these 
technological investments in areas such as aids to navigation, 
development and creation of additional electronic charts and 
vessel traffic management systems, to name a few. Finally, Mr. 
Cox stated that the most critical element of the marine 
transportation system is the people within it.

    The next witness to testify at the hearing was Richard T. 
DuMoulin, Chairman, the International Association of 
Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO). Mr. DuMoulin testified 
that the effects of the liability regime for oil spills in U.S. 
waters is both good and bad. He stated that his organization 
believes these liability standards tend to be simplistic and 
punitive and ignore the fact that oftentimes the causes of 
marine casualties and oil spills are beyond the control of 
owners. On the other hand, Mr. DuMoulin said, he recognized 
that the fear of liability has forced tanker owners to ensure 
that the safety variables, over which they have direct control, 
are addressed.

    Mr. DuMoulin stated that the U.S. is not doing everything 
possible to keep pace with the changing demands of our maritime 
commerce. He said that charts are outdated, aids to navigation 
are frequently primitive, unreliable, and behind world 
standards. Hydrographic data are inaccurate and surveys are 
behind schedule. His suggestions for improvement were: 
increased funding for hydrographic surveys and other data 
collection; funding for dredging and harbor improvements from 
the General Treasury; establishing vessel traffic systems using 
transponder-based automated information systems; and 
centralizing Federal responsibility for maintenance of safe 
waterways in the United States.

    Donald Cameron, Manager of Corporate Logistics for Bose 
Corporation and National Industrial Transportation League (NIT 
League) Chairman, Ocean Transportation Committee, testified 
that that the NIT League was pleased by the work of the Coast 
Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee which laid the 
groundwork for S. 414, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, passed by 
the Senate earlier in the year.

    Mr. Cameron explained that the NIT League has developed a 
three-tiered approach to guide its participation in the debate 
over a financing alternative to the harbor maintenance tax. 
First, the League believes that the moneys remaining in the 
existing trust fund should be used solely for dredging or other 
port maintenance projects. Second, the import portion of the 
harbor maintenance tax should be repealed. Third, with respect 
to financing a new system for financing dredging, the League 
thinks that any alternative should carefully consider the needs 
of actual commercial users of the Nation's port system. Mr. 
Cameron stated that based on the Supreme Court's decision it is 
clear that any fee on users would have to fairly reflect the 
cost of the services provided. He added that as indirect users 
of the deep draft channels and harbors, the League intends to 
play a major role in the public policy debates that will lead 
to an acceptable financing alternative. Mr. Cameron ended his 
testimony with a discussion of the importance of intermodal 
connections to ports and the need to fund dredging of the 
inland waterways system.

    The next witness to testify before the Subcommittee at this 
hearing was Professor Jon S. Helmick, Director, Logistics and 
Intermodal Transportation Program, U.S. Merchant Marine 
Academy. Dr. Helmick testified concerning the importance of 
education and training of the personnel who operate the marine 
transportation system. Dr. Helmick explained that developing 
the maritime and intermodal transportation system demands 
managers and operating personnel with strong analytical skills 
and information system literacy. The U.S. Merchant Marine 
Academy is introducing a new major for midshipmen in the Class 
of 2002 in ``Logistics and Intermodal Transportation'' to 
respond to this need in the marine transportation industry.

    The last witness to testify at this hearing was Captain 
Jack Sparks, President, American Pilots' Association. Captain 
Sparks discussed particular issues of interest to U.S. pilots, 
including recognizing the important role of the compulsory 
pilot, stressing the need for better enforcement of the English 
language requirement, and the further development and 
implementation of vessel identification and navigation systems. 
He stated that these issues continue to be important to pilots 
in improving navigation safety in the future.

            The Programs of the U.S. Maritime Administration

    On September 24, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing to 
introduce Clyde J. Hart, Jr., as the new Maritime Administrator 
in the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime 
Administration (MARAD) to Members of the Subcommittee.

    Mr. Hart discussed the Maritime Administration's current 
programs and his vision for the future of this Federal maritime 
agency. Mr. Hart also stated that his agency is working closely 
with the FBI on its investigation into the Military Sealift 
Command. He reported that MARAD's strategic goals are to assure 
an intermodal sealift capability to support national security 
interests, to enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. shipyard 
industry, to improve the intermodal transportation system 
performance through advanced technology and innovation, and to 
increase the U.S. maritime industry's participation in foreign 
trade and cargo and passenger movement in the domestic trades. 
He further stated that the Administration strongly supports the 
Jones Act which reserves domestic waterborne trade to U.S.-
owned, U.S.-built and U.S.-manned vessels. Mr. Hart ended his 
testimony by discussing the Merchant Marine Academy and ship 
scrapping.

  Review of the Water, Coast Guard and Maritime Issues Related to the 
       Year 2000 Computer Problem: ``Will We Get There On Time?''

    The Full Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a 
series of hearings, from September 29, 1998, until October 7, 
1998, about the Year 2000 (Y2K) computer problem throughout the 
transportation industry. On October 7, 1998, the fourth hearing 
in the Y2K series of hearings focused on how this problem was 
being addressed by the U.S. Coast Guard and the maritime 
industry.
   SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND 
                          ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

    During the 105th Congress, the Subcommittee on Public 
Buildings and Economic Development was chaired by Republican 
Congressman Jay Kim with Congressman James A. Traficant, Jr. 
serving as the ranking Democrat Member. The Subcommittee held 
numerous hearings on a variety of issues, including the annual 
General Services Administration capital investment programs and 
lease programs, legislation pertaining to the John F. Kennedy 
Center for the Performing Arts, legislation pertaining to the 
construction of a Capitol visitor center, security issues 
concerning the Federal building office inventory, numerous 
bills for building designations, and a number of requests for 
use of the Capitol Grounds. The Subcommittee concentrated much 
oversight effort on the revenue shortfall in the Federal 
Buildings Fund and actions taken by the General Service 
Administration to restore the fund to health, as well as 
continuing oversight on Federal building security.

                             Enacted Bills

    (For a description of the enacted bills, see section on 
``Bills Enacted into Law.'')

                           Other Legislation

    In addition to the numerous bills enacted, the Subcommittee 
held hearings and reported several bills that passed the House 
but did not pass the Senate. Additionally, the Subcommittee 
reported a number of concurrent resolutions authorizing the use 
of the Capitol Grounds and naming a building on the Capitol 
Grounds. Also, the Subcommittee supported similar measures that 
were considered on the House Floor absent Committee 
consideration. The Subcommittee also supported bills that were 
discharged from Committee consideration and approved by the 
House.

                         Concurrent Resolutions

                   Greater Washington Soap Box Derby

    H.Con.Res. 49 authorized the use of the Capitol Grounds for 
the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. The measure authorized 
the Architect of the Capitol, the Capitol Police Board, and the 
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association to negotiate the 
necessary arrangements for carrying out the event in compliance 
with rules and regulations governing the use of Capitol 
Grounds. The race was held on Constitution Avenue between 
Delaware Avenue and Third Street, NW, and was open to the 
public and free of charge. Race participants were between the 
ages of 9 and 16 and came from Washington, D.C. and communities 
in Maryland and Virginia. This resolution passed the House May 
13, 1997, and passed the Senate on May 20, 1997.

       SIXTEENTH ANNUAL NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS' MEMORIAL SERVICE

    H.Con.Res. 66 authorized the use of the Capitol Grounds for 
the 16th Annual Peace Officers' Memorial Service. The 
resolution authorized the Architect of the Capitol, the Capitol 
Police Board, and the National Fraternal Order of Police and 
its auxiliary to negotiate the necessary arrangements for 
carrying out the event in compliance with rules and regulations 
governing the use of the Capitol Grounds. This service honored 
the 117 Federal, State and local law enforcement officers 
killed in the line of duty in 1996. The United States Capitol 
Police was the hosting law enforcement agency for this event. 
This resolution passed the House May 13, 1997, and passed the 
Senate on May 14, 1997.

         1997 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SPECIAL OLYMPICS TORCH RELAY

    H.Con.Res. 67 authorized the use of the Capitol Grounds for 
the 1997 Special Olympics Torch Relay. The resolution 
authorized the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police 
Board to take such actions and prescribe such conditions as 
necessary for carrying out the event in compliance with rules 
and regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds. The 
run through the Capitol Grounds is part of the journey of the 
Special Olympics torch to the District of Columbia Special 
Olympics summer games at Gallaudet University. Each year, over 
60 local and Federal law enforcement agencies in Washington, 
D.C. participate in this annual event to show their support of 
the Special Olympics. The United States Capitol Police hosted 
the Opening Ceremonies on Capitol Hill. This resolution passed 
the House May 13, 1997, and passed the Senate on May 21, 1997.

               SAFE KIDS BUCKLE UP CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECK

    H.Con.Res. 98 authorized the use of the Capitol grounds for 
the SAFE KIDS Buckle Up Car Seat Safety Check. The resolution 
authorized the Architect of the Capitol, the Capitol Police 
Board, and the National SAFE KIDS Campaign to negotiate the 
necessary arrangements for carrying out the event in complete 
compliance with rules and regulations governing the use of 
Capitol Grounds. The purpose of this event was to educate 
families about the importance of the proper installation and 
use of car seats for children. The event was free and open to 
the public and was arranged not to interfere with the needs of 
Congress, under the conditions prescribed by the Architect of 
the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board. This resolution 
passed the House July 28, 1997, and passed the Senate on July 
30, 1997.

                     BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS EVENT

    H.Con.Res. 238, as amended, authorized the use of the 
Capitol Grounds for a breast cancer survivors event sponsored 
by the National Race for the Cure organization. The resolution 
authorized the Architect of the Capitol and Capitol Police 
Board to negotiate the necessary arrangements for carrying out 
the event in compliance with rules and regulations governing 
the use of Capitol Grounds. It also permitted the sponsor to 
erect a stage and a 50 to 75 foot pink ribbon, the breast 
cancer commemorative symbol. The event was free of charge and 
open to the public. The Race for the Cure and this Survivors' 
Day event emphasized the importance of education and early 
detection on a national level, and brought us one step closer 
to the complete eradication of the disease. This amended 
resolution passed the House March 17, 1998, and passed the 
Senate on March 18, 1998.

                          SOAP BOX DERBY RACES

    H.Con.Res. 255, as amended, authorized the use of the 
Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 
qualifying race. The resolution authorized the Architect of the 
Capitol, the Capitol Police Board, and the Greater Washington 
Soap Box Derby Association to negotiate the necessary 
arrangements to carry out the event in compliance with the 
rules and regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds. 
The race took place on Constitution Avenue between Delaware 
Avenue and Third Street, NW. Participants that competed in the 
event were from the ages of 9 to 16 and the event was open to 
the public, free of charge. The sponsor assumed responsibility 
for all expenses and liabilities related to the event. This 
amended resolution passed the House May 12, 1998, and passed 
the Senate on May 13, 1998.

    DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SPECIAL OLYMPICS LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN

    H.Con.Res. 262, as amended, authorized the use of the 
Capitol Grounds for the 1998 District of Columbia Special 
Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. The resolution authorized 
the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board to 
take such actions and prescribe such conditions as necessary 
for carrying out the event in compliance with the rules and 
regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds. The run 
through the Capitol Grounds is part of the journey of the 
Special Olympics torch through the District of Columbia to the 
Special Olympics summer games at Gallaudet University in the 
District of Columbia. The United States Capitol Police hosted 
Opening Ceremonies for the run on the Capitol Grounds, followed 
by over 2,000 law enforcement representatives carrying the 
torch in honor of 2,500 Special Olympians. This amended 
resolution passed the House May 12, 1998, and passed the Senate 
on May 13, 1998.

               NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS' MEMORIAL SERVICE

    H.Con.Res. 263, as amended, authorized the use of the 
Capitol Grounds for the 17th Annual National Peace Officers' 
Memorial Service. The resolution authorized the Architect of 
the Capitol, the Capitol Police Board, and the Grand Lodge 
Fraternal Order of Police to negotiate the necessary 
arrangements for carrying out the event in compliance with the 
rules and regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds. 
The United States Capitol Police hosted this event, which was 
open to the public, free of charge. The service honored over 
160 Federal, State and local law enforcement officers killed in 
the line of duty in 1997. This amended resolution passed the 
House on May 12, 1998, and passed the Senate on May 13, 1998.

USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR SPECIAL PERFORMANCES BY THE MILLENNIUM STAGE 
         OF THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

    H.Con.Res. 265 authorized the use of the Capitol Grounds 
for performances by the Millennium Stage of the John F. Kennedy 
Center for the Performing Arts. The performances ran on 
Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning May 12 and continued through 
September 30, 1998. The resolution also authorized the 
Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board to take 
such actions and prescribe such conditions as necessary for 
carrying out the performances in compliance with the rules and 
regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds. The 
Architect of the Capitol assumed some of the expenses 
associated with the performances including the rental cost of 
certain musical instruments and sound amplification equipment. 
The performances were open to the public and free of charge, 
and the sponsor assumed full responsibility for all liabilities 
incident to all activities associated with the performances. In 
addition, sales, advertisements, and solicitations were 
explicitly prohibited on the Capitol Grounds for this event. 
This resolution passed the House on May 7, 1998, and passed the 
Senate on May 8, 1998.

                       DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

    S.Con.Res. 102 authorized the Disabled American Veterans to 
sponsor a public event on the West Front Lawn of the Capitol to 
announce the donation of 147 vans to the Department of Veterans 
Affairs by Disabled American Veterans. The event was free of 
charge to the public and arranged to not interfere with the 
needs of Congress, under conditions prescribed by the Architect 
of the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board. The resolution 
also authorized the Disabled American Veterans to erect a 
stage, sound amplification devices, and other related 
structures and equipment required for the event. The Disabled 
American Veterans assumed full responsibility for all expenses 
and liabilities incident to all activities associated with the 
event. This resolution passed the Senate on June 4, 1998, and 
passed the House on June 11, 1998.

                    AMERICAN LUGE ASSOCIATION RACES

    H.Con.Res. 305 authorized the United States Luge 
Association to sponsor a clinic on the Capitol grounds. The 
resolution authorized the Architect of the Capitol and the 
Capitol Police Board to take such actions and prescribe such 
conditions as necessary for carrying out the event in complete 
compliance with rules and regulations governing the use of the 
Capitol Grounds. The resolution also authorized the sponsor, 
the United States Luge Association, to erect a stage and 
necessary amplification equipment. The resolution was 
discharged from the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure and passed the House on July 30, 1998. No Senate 
action was taken.

                ENEY, CHESTNUT, GIBSON MEMORIAL BUILDING

    S.Con.Res. 120 re-designated the United States Capitol 
Police headquarters building located at 119 D Street, NE, 
Washington, D.C. as the ``Eney, Chestnut, Gibson Memorial 
Building''. Sergeant Christopher Eney was killed on August 24, 
1984, during training exercises. Officer Jacob ``J.J.'' 
Chestnut was killed on July 24, 1998, while guarding his post 
at the Capitol, and Detective John Gibson was killed on July 
24, 1998, while protecting the lives of visitors, staff, and 
the Office of the Majority Whip of the House of 
Representatives. All three victims were members of the United 
States Capitol Police. This resolution was discharged from the 
Senate Rules and Administration Committee and passed the Senate 
on October 8, 1998. This resolution passed the House on October 
15, 1998.

                       Bills Passed by House Only

                    RONALD H. BROWN FEDERAL BUILDING

    H.R. 29 would designate the Federal building located at 290 
Broadway in New York, New York, as the ``Ronald H. Brown 
Federal Building.'' Ronald H. Brown was the first African-
American Secretary of Commerce. He was an advocate for civil 
rights; a mentor developing young talent and extending the 
ladder of opportunity to a new generation. In addition to his 
Cabinet position, Secretary Brown had held the rank of Captain 
in the United States Army; and held the offices of Vice 
President of the National Urban League and Chief Counsel to the 
Senate Judiciary Committee. Secretary Brown's life was marked 
by record of accomplishment and service to his country. It was 
in this service that he gave his life. While on a mission of 
foreign trade development, the airplane carrying Secretary 
Brown crashed in Bosnia on April 3, 1996. This bill passed the 
House on September 23, 1997.

                   TED WEISS UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE

    H.R. 548 would designate the United States courthouse 
located at 500 Pearl Street in New York, New York, as the ``Ted 
Weiss United States Courthouse.'' Ted Weiss immigrated from 
Gava, Hungary, to the United States in 1938. He served in the 
Army in 1946 as a news broadcaster. He later attended law 
school at Syracuse University and practiced law in New York 
City as the Assistant District Attorney. He then was elected to 
the New York City Council and held his seat for fifteen years. 
In 1976, Congressman Weiss successfully won a seat in the U.S. 
House of Representatives, representing what was then the 17th 
District. As a congressman, Ted Weiss held leadership positions 
on the House Committee on Banking Finance and Urban Affairs, as 
well as the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Government 
Operations. This bill passed the House on November 13, 1997.

             KIKA DE LA GARZA UNITED STATES BORDER STATION

    H.R. 994 would designate the United States border station 
located in Pharr, Texas, as the ``Kika de la Garza United 
States Border Station.'' Kika de la Garza served in the United 
States Navy from 1945 until 1946, and in the United States Army 
from 1950 until 1952. In 1953, Congressman de la Garza was 
elected to the Texas House of Representatives. He served in 
this position until his election to the United States House of 
Representatives in 1964. He served the 15th Congressional 
District for 16 terms. Congressman de la Garza became a member 
of the Committee on Agriculture when he was first elected to 
Congress, and served as chairman of the committee from 1981 
until 1994. As chairman, he compiled an impressive record of 
achievement and dedicated service to America's farming 
community. This bill passed the House on September 23, 1997.

                JAMES L. FORMAN UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE

    H.R. 1502 would designate the United States courthouse 
located at 301 West Main Street in Benton, Illinois, as the 
``James L. Forman United States Courthouse.'' Judge James L. 
Foreman was appointed to the Federal bench in 1972, after 
serving as an assistant attorney general for Illinois, and 
Massoc County State's attorney from 1960 until 1964. He became 
Chief Judge in 1978, and continued in this position until 1992, 
when he became Senior District Judge. Judge Foreman was 
instrumental in establishing a formal case management system 
before the concept was mandated for all Federal courts. Judge 
Foreman was also instrumental in establishing court facilities 
at the maximum security United States Penitentiary at Marion, 
Illinois in order to accommodate the special security concerns 
involved with these prisoners. Additionally, Judge Foreman 
served on the Judicial Resource Committee of the Judicial 
Conference of the United States, and sat by designation in 
cases before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh 
Circuit and in the United States District Court for the Western 
District of Kentucky. Judge Foreman has served with honor and 
distinction during his tenure on the Federal bench. This bill 
passed the House on September 9, 1997.

      HIRAM H. WARD FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE

    H.R. 2379 would designate the Federal building and United 
States courthouse located at 251 North Main Street in Winston-
Salem, North Carolina, as the ``Hiram H. Ward Federal Building 
and United States Courthouse.'' Hiram H. Ward served as a 
Lieutenant Colonel Pilot in the United States Army Air Force 
Civil Air Patrol from 1940 until 1945. For his efforts during 
World War II, Judge Ward received an Air Medal and Purple 
Heart. Upon his return from the war, Judge Ward attended Wake 
Forest University and graduated with honors from the Wake 
Forest School of Law in 1950. In 1972, President Nixon 
appointed Judge Ward to the Federal bench for the Middle 
District of North Carolina. He served the Middle District from 
1972 until 1988, were he achieved the status of Chief Judge in 
1982. In 1988, Judge Ward elected to take senior status, 
retaining all of his pending cases, and continued to sit for an 
additional six years with the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. 
This bill passed the House on July 14, 1998.

                 J.J. ``JAKE'' PICKLE FEDERAL BUILDING

    H.R. 3223 would designate the Federal building located at 
300 East 8th Street in Austin, Texas, as the ``J.J. 'Jake' 
Pickle Federal Building.'' James Jarrell ``Jake'' Pickle spent 
three and a half years with the United States Navy in the 
Pacific during World War II. In 1963, Congressman Pickle was 
elected to the United States House of Representatives in a 
special election to fill a vacant seat created by Congressman 
Thornberry's resignation. He was then re-elected to the next 
fifteen succeeding Congresses until his retirement on January 
3, 1995. During his tenure in Congress, Congressman Pickle 
provided a strong voice on civil rights issues. Additionally, 
as Chair of the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee and the 
Social Security Subcommittee, he worked to shape the system of 
Medicare and see that it fulfilled its intended purpose of 
providing basic health care for those that required assistance, 
and assured the continuance of Social Security. This bill 
passed the House on July 14, 1998.

                     TERRY SANFORD FEDERAL BUILDING

    H.R. 3982, as amended, would designate the Federal Building 
located at 310 New Bern Avenue in Raleigh, North Carolina, as 
the ``Terry Sanford Federal Building.'' Terry Sanford served in 
World War II, initially as a special agent for the Federal 
Bureau of Investigation, and then later as a volunteer recruit 
in the United States Army. He began his service in the Army as 
a private, however he later served as a paratrooper in five 
European campaigns, including Normandy, and was discharged as a 
first lieutenant. In 1953, Senator Sanford was elected to the 
North Carolina State Senate and served until 1955. In 1961, 
after founding one of three law firms, Senator Sanford was 
elected Governor of North Carolina. Following his term as 
governor he returned to private practice until 1986, when he 
made a successful bid to represent North Carolina in the United 
States Senate, serving until 1993. This bill passed the House 
on July 29, 1998.

                JAMES F. BATTIN UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE

    H.R. 3696, as amended, would designate the United States 
courthouse located at 316 North 26th Street in Billings, 
Montana, as the ``James F. Battin United States Courthouse.'' 
Judge Battin served in the United States Navy and for three 
years, a majority of this time being spent during World War II 
in the Pacific theater. After earning his J.D. degree in 1953, 
Judge Battin returned to Billings, Montana, and held various 
public positions in local government until 1957. In 1958, Judge 
Battin was elected to the Montana State House of 
Representatives. He then was elected to represent Montana in 
the United States House of Representatives in the 87th 
Congress, and returned to office for four succeeding terms, 
from January 3, 1961, until February 27, 1969. During his 
tenure in Congress, Judge Battin served on the Committee on 
Committees, the Executive Committee, the Judiciary Committee, 
the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Ways and Means 
Committee. On February 27, 1969, President Nixon appointed 
Judge Battin to the United States District Court for the 
District of Montana. Judge Battin became Chief Judge in 1978 
and held the position until 1990, when he elected to take 
senior status. This bill passed the House on August 4, 1998.

     LLOYD D. GEORGE FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE

    H.R. 2225 would designate the Federal building and United 
States courthouse as the ``Lloyd D. George Federal Building and 
United States Courthouse.'' Judge Lloyd D. George entered the 
United States Air Force in 1955, where he participated as a 
fighter pilot in the Strategic Air Command. In 1974, Judge 
George was appointed by the Ninth Circuit to preside over the 
United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nevada for a 
term of fourteen years. In 1980, he became a member of the 
Ninth Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panels. President Ronald 
Reagan appointed Judge George to the United States District 
Court for the District of Nevada in 1984. Eight years later 
Judge George was elevated to Chief Judge of the Nevada 
District. During his tenure on the bench Chief Judge George 
held a variety of distinguished memberships. He was a board 
member on the Federal Judicial Center, a member of the National 
Bankruptcy Conference, the Chair of the Judicial Advisory for 
Bankruptcy Rules, the Chair of the Judicial Committee on 
Administration of Bankruptcy System, a Fellow at the American 
College of Bankruptcy, and a member of the Judicial Committee 
on International Judicial Relations. This bill passed the House 
on September 9, 1998.

                   RONALD V. DELLUMS FEDERAL BUILDING

    H.R. 3295 would designate the Federal building located at 
1301 Clay Street in Oakland, California, as the ``Ronald V. 
Dellums Federal Building.'' Congressman Ronald V. Dellums 
served for two years in the U.S. Marine Corps before receiving 
an honorable discharge. Congressman Dellums served on the 
Berkeley City Council from 1967 until 1970. On November 3, 
1970, he was elected to the United States House of 
Representatives. Congressman Dellums championed issues 
involving civil rights, equal rights for women, human rights, 
and the environment. At the time of his retirement, Congressman 
Dellums was the Ranking Member on the House National Security 
Committee. During his tenure, Congressman Dellums also held the 
chairmanship of the Committee on Armed Services and the 
Committee on the District of Columbia. In addition, throughout 
his 27-year career, Congressman Dellums served on the Committee 
on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on the Post Office and Civil 
Service, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and 
the Congressional Black Caucus. This bill passed the House on 
September 9, 1998.

       AARON HENRY FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE

    H.R. 892, as amended, would designate the Federal building 
located at 223 Sharkey Street in Clarksdale, Mississippi, as 
the ``Aaron Henry Federal Building and United States 
Courthouse.'' Dr. Aaron E. Henry was a civil rights pioneer 
from the State of Mississippi. In 1943, he joined the United 
States Army achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Following his 
tour of duty, in 1953, Dr. Henry organized the Coahoma County 
Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of 
Colored People (NAACP), and served as the state NAACP President 
from 1960 until 1993. He was instrumental, as chairman of the 
Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, in the creation of the 
integrated Democratic Party in Mississippi. He also 
participated in the Freedom Rider Movement and in the 
Mississippi Freedom Summer's non-violent campaigns of public 
protest that led to the passage of the Public Accommodations 
sections of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. On the national 
level, Dr. Henry assisted in securing congressional support for 
the passage of the Office of Economic Opportunity, out of which 
came programs such as Head Start and Job Corps. In 1979, Dr. 
Henry was elected to represent District 26 of Coahoma County, 
in the Mississippi House of Representatives, and returned to 
office in 1983 and 1987. This bill passed the House on 
September 14, 1998.

        ROBERT K. RODIBAUGH UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURTHOUSE

    H.R. 81 would designate the United States courthouse 
located at 401 South Michigan Street in South Bend, Indiana, as 
the ``Robert K. Rodibaugh United States Bankruptcy 
Courthouse.'' Judge Rodibaugh was appointed as the United 
States Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Indiana in 
1960. On August 30, 1995, he was appointed Chief Bankruptcy 
Judge for that region. During Judge Rodibaugh's tenure he 
oversaw growth in both the numbers of courtrooms and employees 
within his district. This bill passed the House on September 
23, 1998.

                   RICHARD C. WHITE FEDERAL BUILDING

    H.R. 3598 would designate the Federal building located at 
700 East San Antonio Street in El Paso, Texas, as the ``Richard 
C. White Federal Building.'' Richard C. White served in World 
War II, with the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific theater from 
1942 to 1945, earning a Purple Heart. In 1955, Congressman 
White was elected to the Texas State House of Representatives, 
where he served until 1958. Congressman White was elected to 
his first of nine successive terms in 1965, to represent the 
16th District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. As 
a Member, he served on the Committee on Armed Services, 
Interior and Insular Affairs, Post Office and Civil Service, 
and Science and Technology. In 1983, Congressman White returned 
to El Paso, choosing not to run for reelection. This bill 
passed the House on September 28, 1998.

               THURGOOD MARSHALL UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE

    H.R. 2187 would designate the United States Courthouse 
located at 40 Foley Square in New York, New York, as the 
``Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse.'' Justice 
Marshall was one of the most noted jurists in United States 
history. Upon his graduation from law school, Justice Marshall 
embarked on a legal career with the National Association for 
the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In 1940, he became 
the head of the newly created NAACP Legal Defense and 
Educational Fund, a post that he held for 20 years. In 1961, 
President John F. Kennedy appointed Marshall to the Second 
Circuit Court of Appeals. Four years later President Lyndon B. 
Johnson appointed him solicitor general, the first African-
American to hold this post. On June 13, 1967, President Johnson 
selected Marshall to become a Supreme Court Justice where he 
served with distinction until his retirement in 1991. Justice 
Marshall passed away in 1993. This bill passed the House on 
September 28, 1998.

                   W. EDWARDS DEMING FEDERAL BUILDING

    H.R. 962 would designate the Federal building in Suitland, 
Maryland, as the ``W. Edwards Deming Federal Building.'' Dr. 
William Edwards Deming was a renowned expert on business 
management. In 1927, Dr. Deming began his career in public 
service with the Department of Agriculture as a physicist, and 
then moved on to the Bureau of Census to become the 
Mathematical Advisor to the Chief of the Population Division. 
In 1945, Dr. Deming began a second distinguished career as a 
statistics and management consultant to several foreign 
governments. No floor action was taken on this bill.

                    ABRAHAM LINCOLN FEDERAL BUILDING

    H.R. 3482 would designate the Federal building located at 
11000 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, California as the 
``Abraham Lincoln Federal Building.'' Abraham Lincoln was the 
16th president of the United States, and recognized as one of 
the greatest leaders of the country for his guidance through 
the most devastating period in the history of the United 
States, the Civil War. Primarily self-educated, Lincoln tried 
various occupations and served briefly in the Black Hawk War in 
1832. In 1834, Lincoln was elected, as a member of the Whig 
Party, to the Illinois legislature for the first of four 
successive terms. In 1836, Lincoln became a lawyer and moved to 
Springfield, Illinois, where he built a successful practice. In 
1847, Lincoln was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives 
for one term, after which he returned to Springfield to 
practice law. In 1858, after joining the newly formed 
Republican Party two years earlier, he successfully ran for the 
Senate, defeating Senator Stephan A. Douglas and memorializing 
the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates. In 1860, Lincoln was 
elected to the presidency. As commander in chief, Lincoln was 
noted for vigorous measures, and his dedication to the 
principle of maintaining the Union at all costs. The Civil War 
was brought to an end on April 9, 1865, with the surrender by 
Robert E. Lee. Five days later, John Wilkes Booth assassinated 
Lincoln. Lincoln's many achievements include the preservation 
of the Union and the abolition of slavery. No floor action was 
taken on this bill.

               TO AMEND THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS ACT OF 1959

    H.R. 623 would amend the Public Buildings Act of 1959 to 
modify the method of calculation of public buildings 
transactions. This legislation is in response to the Budget 
Enforcement Act of 1990, which limits GSA's ability to acquire 
Federal buildings by either direct Federal construction or 
purchase. The effect of these rules has forced GSA to acquire 
office space through expensive alternative means, such as 
entering into signing short term expensive leases. This 
legislation would allow GSA to enter into lease purchase 
agreements which would spread budgetary costs over the life of 
the project, and could ultimately result in ownership at the 
end of a lease. This measure was reported out of Subcommittee. 
No floor action was taken.

                BAN ON SMOKING IN FEDERAL BUILDINGS ACT

    H.R. 2118 would prohibit smoking in Federal buildings. This 
legislation would apply to the Executive, Legislative, and 
Judicial branches of government. It calls for the Administrator 
of GSA to promulgate regulations to institute and enforce this 
ban. This legislation directs the Administrative Office of the 
Courts to do the same for the Judiciary. The House Office 
Building Commission (for the House), the Senate Rules Committee 
(for the Senate), and the Architect of the Capitol (for other 
portions of the Legislative branch) are directed to issue 
regulations and take other action to enforce this ban for their 
respective areas of control. The bill does not apply to the 
armed services. This measure was reported out of Subcommittee. 
No floor action was taken.

        GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1997

    H.R. 2751 would clarify the Administrator of GSA's 
authority to exchange Federal property under the control of GSA 
for future rights or benefits relating to the development of 
real property; authorize GSA to retain proceeds from the sale 
of GSA buildings and from the leasing of Federal controlled 
space; and require additional information to be included in 
courthouse construction project requests. These provisions 
would encourage GSA to pursue partnerships with private 
developers to build Federal facilities, allow GSA to retain 
proceeds from the sale of property as well as out-leased space, 
and improve courthouse construction prospectuses. This measure 
was reported out of Subcommittee. No floor action was taken.

                                Hearings

    On March 5, April 24, May 15, and June 19, 1997, the 
Subcommittee held hearings on the General Services 
Administration's (GSA) fiscal year 1998 capital improvement 
program, the status of the Federal Building Fund, and the 
impact of the budget scoring rules on GSA's policies concerning 
real estate transactions. The Subcommittee, in fulfilling its 
oversight responsibilities, was particularly interested in the 
health of the Federal Building Fund (FBF) in view of the 
revenue shortfall experienced by the fund in fiscal years 1996, 
1997, and projected for 1998. GSA, over the course of the 
hearings, provided several reasons for the shortfall, 
including: the decline in leased space requests, a GSA issued 
rental rate reduction, delays in construction projects, and 
inaccurate rent estimating by GSA staff. In its testimony, GSA 
also outlined the actions it was taking to correct the 
shortfall, which included a reduction in the size of its fiscal 
year 1998 capital investment program by canceling requests for 
new construction projects and major renovation projects. The 
Subcommittee expressed its concerns over the shortfall and the 
GSA proposed remedial actions, and emphasized its interest in 
alternative financing ideas to support the capital investment 
program. The Subcommittee also received testimony from the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on the budget scoring 
rules, and pursued a dialogue with OMB on alternative methods 
to account for real estate transaction within the Federal 
budget. Additionally, the Subcommittee received testimony from 
other government offices and various private sector real estate 
interests on innovative financing ideas.

    On May 22, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 
20, the Capitol Visitor Center Authorization Act, a bill to 
authorize the Architect of the Capitol to construct a visitor 
center under the East Plaza of the United States Capitol. The 
visitor center was intended to provide amenities to visitors 
that the Capitol was not designed to accommodate, such as 
cafeteria services, restrooms, telephones, and organized 
educational assistance regarding the United States Capitol. A 
provision in the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act of 1991 
permitted the Architect of the Capitol to use previously 
appropriated funds for the conceptual design and planning of 
the visitor center. In 1993, additional funds were provided by 
the United States Capitol Preservation Commission to the 
Architect for the actual design. This hearing, the second one 
of its kind held by the Subcommittee, focused on the 
differences between H.R. 20 and legislation introduced in the 
104th Congress, as well as the design, construction, and 
financing aspects of the project. The Subcommittee received 
testimony from the sponsor of the bill, Congressman John Mica, 
the Architect of the Capitol, the Sergeant at Arms of the House 
of Representatives, and the Associate Librarian for Library 
Services of the Library of Congress, as well as outside tourist 
organizations. -

    On June 4, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on and 
approved for Full Committee action H.R. 1747, the John F. 
Kennedy Center Parking Improvement Act. H.R. 1747 would 
authorize the design and construction of additions to the 
parking garage and certain site improvements at the Kennedy 
Center. The most significant challenge facing the over four 
million annual visitors to the Kennedy Center is parking. This 
measure would enable the Kennedy Center to raise funds through 
the issuance of industrial bonds for the construction of 
parking garage additions which would add approximately 800 
parking spaces; and provide authority for modifications to the 
roadway to address the most critical security problems 
identified at the site. The Subcommittee received testimony on 
H.R. 1747 from the President of the Kennedy Center.

    On July 10 and 17, 1997, the Subcommittee held hearings on 
the reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration 
and the Appalachian Regional Commission. In conducting 
oversight over both the Economic Development Administration 
(EDA) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the 
Subcommittee received strong endorsements in favor of the 
commission approach utilized by the ARC as a model program for 
State-Federal cooperation. The Subcommittee also received 
testimony from State and Federal Government officials and 
business people on the continued need of EDA programs to 
provide distressed communities with the opportunity to attract 
new industry, encourage business expansion, diversify economies 
and generate long-term private sector jobs.

    On October 8, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on 
GSA's fiscal year 1998 lease program and general leasing 
policies. The Subcommittee has expressed great concern over the 
amount of office space leased by the Federal Government and the 
leasing policies pursued by GSA. The fiscal year 1998 lease 
consisted of a portfolio of ten leases, at a total estimated 
annual rental rate of $48,242,832. The amount spent on leased 
space is approximately 48% of GSA's Public Buildings Service 
(PBS) budget. Additionally, in response to charges that its 
policies were cumbersome and time consuming, GSA announced 
initiatives to streamline its leasing process. The Subcommittee 
received testimony on these policy initiatives and expressed 
its concern as to their viability. The Subcommittee also 
received status reports on the FBF shortfall and a leasing 
dispute between GSA and the Department of Defense involving 
United States Navy Exchange Command. The Subcommittee received 
testimony from GSA.

    On October 23, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on 
H.R. 2118, the Ban on Smoking in Federal Buildings Act. In the 
climate of increasing information on the health concerns 
related to the smoking of tobacco products, the Federal 
Government has initiated policies to ban smoking in most 
Federal facilities. H.R. 2118 is an effort to codify smoking 
prohibitions in Federal facilities of all three branches of the 
Federal Government. Along with testimony from Congressman 
Blumenauer, the Subcommittee received testimony from the 
Architect of the Capitol and GSA, along with a written 
statement from the Administrative Offices of the Courts (AOC).

    On March 5, and April 1, 1998, the Subcommittee held 
hearings on the GSA fiscal year 1999 budget and related issues, 
focusing on the fiscal year 1999 capital investment program. 
GSA's fiscal year 1999 budget request for new obligational 
authority for PBS from the FBF included: $44,005,000 for 
construction and acquisition projects; $668,031,000 for repairs 
and alterations; $215,764,000 for installment acquisition 
payments; $2,583,261,000 for rental of space; and 
$1,554,772,000 for building operations, for a total request of 
$5,065,833,000. GSA suspended its construction program in 
fiscal year 1998, with the pledge that it would be a one year 
moratorium to address the FBF revenue shortfall. This action 
had its greatest impact on the courthouse construction program. 
Yet, GSA's fiscal year 1999 proposed new construction program 
contained no funding for the courthouse construction program. 
Taking into consideration the history of PBS's operations and 
the capital investment needs of the Federal Government, the 
Subcommittee focused the March 5 hearing on alternative means 
of financing a capital investment program. The Subcommittee 
received testimony from OMB, GSA, the Department of 
Transportation and the General Accounting Office (GAO), as well 
as representatives from the private sector. The April 1 hearing 
focused on GSA's fiscal year 1999 capital investment program. 
Testimony was received from GSA. Additionally, Members of 
Congress provided testimony on specific projects.

    On March 25, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 
3504, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 
Authorization Act. As a result of legislation enacted in 1994, 
the Kennedy Center submitted in 1995 an initial comprehensive 
plan to identify all building renovations. This plan was to 
serve as the basis for the annual funding of capital 
improvements at a rate of $9 million annually, through fiscal 
year 1999. The 1994 legislation also provided funding for 
Kennedy Center operations and maintenance at a rate of $12 
million annually, through fiscal year 1999. H.R. 3504, an 
Administration request, would authorize continued funding of 
the capital improvements program in the amount of $170 million 
over the next eleven years, and continued funding of operations 
and maintenance in the amount of $170 million for the next 
eleven years. Though the Kennedy Center demonstrated its needs 
for the continued funding, the Subcommittee expressed 
reservations about providing an eleven year authorization. The 
Subcommittee received testimony from the President of the 
Kennedy Center and a representative of the GAO.

    On June 4, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on 
security in Federal buildings. As part of its ongoing oversight 
responsibilities of the security of Federal buildings, 
particularly in the wake of the Oklahoma City tragedy, the 
Subcommittee was interested in receiving a status report on 
Federal building security measures. In the Spring of 1998, 
Subcommittee staff were notified by GSA's Office of Inspector 
General of possible mismanagement of security funds and 
equipment. This hearing provided the Subcommittee with an 
opportunity to review GSA's security enhancing programs and 
determine if deficiencies existed in the programs. The 
Subcommittee received testimony from GSA, the GSA's Office of 
Inspector General of GSA, and GAO.

    On July 16, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the 
GSA construction program, as well as H.R. 2751, the General 
Services Administration Improvement Act of 1997. GSA's fiscal 
year 1999 capital investment program and budget proposal did 
not include any requests for courthouse projects. As the 
courthouse construction program was suspended for fiscal year 
1998 due to the revenue shortfall in the FBF, suspension of the 
courthouse construction program for a second year was 
unacceptable to the Subcommittee. Based on the five year plan 
created by the AOC and guidance by Congress, the Subcommittee 
identified 15 court related projects ready for consideration 
and funding. The Subcommittee, relying on previously submitted 
prospectuses for nine of these projects and with knowledge that 
GSA was prepared to address the other six projects, convened 
this hearing to review the 15 projects. In addition, the 
Subcommittee also received testimony on a construction project 
for the United States Mission to the United Nations and issues 
for further reform of GSA, in conjunction with H.R. 2751, the 
General Services Administration Improvement Act of 1997. 
Testimony was received from GSA, the Judicial Conference, and 
the Department of State.

    On October 2, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 
4034, the Federal Protective Service Reform Act. As an 
extension of the Subcommittee's oversight efforts on Federal 
building security, this hearing focused on H.R. 4034 and the 
mission of the Federal Protective Service (FPS). H.R. 4034 
would authorize a number of changes to the FPS, in an effort to 
improve the quality and effectiveness of the service. Most 
notably, the legislation would establish the FPS as a 
independent service under GSA, broaden the jurisdictional scope 
and powers of the officers, while raising the salary and 
benefits package of officers, and direct a feasibility study 
for the consolidation of all building security forces of the 
executive branch. The Subcommittee received testimony from GSA, 
along with representatives of various police unions.

                              Site Visits

    During the 105th Congress, the Subcommittee continued its 
extensive review of the Courthouse construction program, and to 
that end conducted several site visits to ongoing and proposed 
courthouse projects. In August 1997, Subcommittee Staff visited 
Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, to review projects. 
The new courthouse in Portland, Oregon, features a 600,000 
square foot facility at a total cost of over $130 million. This 
facility will provide long-term housing solution for Federal 
judges in Portland, and eliminate the need for leased space to 
meet housing requirements for bankruptcy and court related 
services.

    The Subcommittee also reviewed the housing requirements for 
the U.S. courts in Seattle, and toured the potential sites for 
a proposed 534,000 square foot facility. The Committee had 
approved a resolution authorizing GSA to acquire a site for 
this project, and subsequently, GSA did select a site that met 
its needs. Final closing is expected early next year.

    While in the Pacific Northwest, Subcommittee staff visited 
four border stations, that are part of the northern border 
station program. New facilities are planned or underway at 
several crossings to accommodate the increased flow of goods 
and persons.

    On January 13, 1998, in a continuing review of the GSA 
courthouse construction program, Subcommittee staff conducted 
site visits to a number of court related projects in the New 
England area. The first project visited was the Boston, 
Massachusetts, courthouse due to be completed and dedicated by 
the summer of 1998. The second project visited was the recently 
completed and occupied courthouse in Concord, New Hampshire. On 
all of the visits, staff met with resident judges and received 
briefings and tours of the projects.

    In February 1998, Subcommittee staff visited five sites in 
Florida that have court projects planned, underway, or nearing 
completion. Florida is the single largest state for numbers of 
new Federal courthouses. Staff visited Miami, Ft. Myers, Tampa, 
Orlando and Jacksonville. The proposed facility in Miami will 
require a larger site, but will result in a facility that will 
be less costly if it is built on a larger footprint as allowed 
by a larger site. The new site cost is no more expensive than 
the original site cost of $19 million. The Ft, Myers United 
States courthouse is now open, at a total cost of $31 million 
for this 160,000 square foot building. This new facility 
replaces a 60 year old facility that did not meet modern 
requirements for security and did not have adequate courtroom 
facilities. The Tampa courthouse is nearing completion at a 
total cost of $81 million and will meet the long-term needs of 
the courts with this 417,000 square foot building. The proposed 
courthouse in Orlando still requires site acquisition, which is 
anticipated to be adjacent to the existing courthouse. This 
annex will eventually contain 235,000 square feet that will 
cost a total of $53 million. Finally, the proposed courthouse 
in Jacksonville will cost $92 million and will contain 426,000 
square feet of space to house court facilities. Site has been 
cleared and design is complete.

    In November 1998, Subcommittee staff toured the existing 
Federal building that houses the United States Mission to the 
United Nations, New York City. GSA proposes to replace this 
aging facility with a larger, modern facility on the same site, 
at a total cost of $53 million. State Department employees 
assigned to the U.S. Mission will be housed in this modern, 
secure facility, directly across from the United Nations.

                Reviews by the General Accounting Office

    The Subcommittee requested the General Accounting to 
conduct several reviews of GSA operations and activities. In 
1997, GAO was requested to conduct a review of GSA's 
expenditures for Federal security, and determine if these 
expenditures were appropriate. GAO conducted its review, and 
testified to its findings in an oversight hearing held June 4, 
1998, by the Subcommittee. GAO reported that because of data 
reliability problems, neither GSA nor GAO could specify the 
exact status of cost of the building security upgrade program.

    Also in 1997, the Subcommittee requested GAO to review 
GSA's rent shortfall. This shortfall was the cause of GSA's 
decision to delay for one year any requests for authority for 
new construction and repair and alteration. This shortfall was 
estimated at $847 million, and exposed weaknesses in GSA's 
ability to accurately predict its revenues for budgeting 
purposes. This request resulted in testimony by GAO and a 
formal report issued in August 1998.

    During the 104th Congress, the Subcommittee requested GAO 
to review the United States courts utilization of existing 
facilities in cities where new facilities were requested. GAO 
concluded that about 35% of the time there was no use of 
courtrooms in the six cities studied. This request also 
resulted in testimony by GAO and a formal report on the matter 
which was released in May 1997.

    GAO reviewed the purchase of a building in Silver Spring, 
Maryland by GSA, which turned out to have serious structural 
problems. These problems generated environmental problems when 
GSA attempted to fix the floor deflection issue with a chemical 
compound that created unhealthy fumes in the building. The 
building has been vacant for over five years.

    Finally, GAO reviewed the management of the John F. Kennedy 
Center for the Performing Arts, and its management system for 
tracking work status, as well as separating appropriated 
activities with trust fund activities. Testimony was received 
on this matter, and a formal report was submitted in March 
1998.
         SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON RAILROADS

    During the 105th Congress the Subcommittee on Railroads was 
chaired by Congresswoman Susan Molinari until her departure 
from Congress. In March 1998, Congressman Bob Franks assumed 
the chairmanship. Congressman Robert E. Wise, Jr., served as 
Ranking Democratic Member. The Subcommittee developed 
legislation dealing with the reauthorization of Amtrak and with 
amending the rail infrastructure programs in Title V of the 
Railroad Regulatory Reform and Revitalization Act of 1976. The 
Subcommittee also held oversight hearings on a wide variety of 
railroad issues.

                          Enacted Legislation

    The Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997 [Public 
Law 105-134] removed many of the statutory restrictions 
previously imposed on Amtrak, including mandated route system 
structure, common stock ownership, labor protection 
requirements, and restrictions on contracting out of non-food-
service activities. The principal purpose of the legislation 
was to free Amtrak from arbitrary restrictions that prevented 
it from operating on a business-like basis and thus to achieve 
an end to federal operating subsidies by the end of FY 2002. 
The bill also reauthorizes Amtrak through 2002. The process of 
enacting such reforms began in the 104th Congress, but the 
Committee's reform measure then approved by the House 406-4 was 
not considered by the Senate. In the 105th Congress, following 
approval by the Subcommittee on Railroads, a virtually 
identical reauthorization and reform bill, H.R. 2247, was 
approved and reported by the Committee, but floor consideration 
was never completed. A somewhat similar bill, S. 738, was 
passed by the Senate, and taken up by the House. The Senate 
measure, however, made no significant changes to the statutory 
structure of the Amtrak board of directors. As amended by the 
House, the final legislation included a fundamental 
restructuring of the board of directors, with all board members 
to be presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed, and 
possessing prior established expertise in transportation or 
financial or business management.

    The rail title of the Transportation Equity Act for the 
21st Century (``TEA 21'') ( Public Law 105-178) included 
several changes to prior law. Closely paralleling the House-
approved rail title of H.R. 2400, Subtitle B of Title VII of 
TEA 21 as enacted reauthorized federal programs established in 
the Swift Rail Development Act of 1994 to assist in research 
and development as well as corridor planning activities for 
eventual high-speed passenger rail service. The bill also 
authorized general fund assistance for pilot projects to assist 
in infrastructure improvements on light-density freight rail 
lines. Most significantly, TEA 21 enlarged and expanded direct 
and guaranteed loan programs first established under the 
Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976. 
Under TEA 21, all forms of rail infrastructure-passenger, 
freight, commuter, and high-speed-as well as intermodal 
facilities with a rail component, are eligible for such loans. 
The permanent authorization allows up to $3.5 billion in face 
amount of loans to be outstanding at any one time, of which $1 
billion is reserved solely for improvements on non-Class I 
railroads. The legislation also creates an alternative to the 
former universal requirement that the credit risk premium 
(security deposit) to support each loan be appropriated in 
federal funds. The new law permits either appropriated funds or 
funds provided by outside private or public sources to be used 
for this purpose.
                                ------                                


                                Hearings

    On March 12, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the 
financial condition of Amtrak. The hearing focused on Amtrak's 
substantial capital needs, and the cash crisis it was facing at 
the time. H.R. 2247 was introduced on July 24, 1997, and was 
ordered reported by the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure, as amended, on September 17, 1997. Floor 
consideration of H.R. 2247 was never completed, but a similar 
bill, S. 738 was passed by the House on November 13, 1997 and 
became Public Law 105-134 after signature by the President on 
December 2, 1997.
    The Subcommittee held a hearing on March 18, 1997 on ISTEA 
Rail Infrastructure Programs. Testimony was received on the 
rail infrastructure programs that were first enacted in Title V 
of the Railroad Revitalization and Reform Act of 1976. In 
addition, the Subcommittee held a hearing on May 7, 1997 on the 
high speed rail program that was authorized in the Swift Rail 
Development Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-440). The Title V 
program was amended and the high-speed rail programs were 
reauthorized in the rail title of the Transportation Equity Act 
for the 21st Century (Public Law 105-178), which was ordered 
reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
on March 25, 1998 and was enacted into law on June 9, 1998.
    Four hearings were held during the second session relating 
to the reauthorization of the Federal Railroad Administration. 
On March 26, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the FRA's 
resource requirements. On April 1, 1998, a hearing was held on 
railroad safety hardware issues. Testimony was heard concerning 
a variety of equipment issues such as positive train control 
and passenger car safety standards. The third hearing, on April 
29, 1998, covered human factors issues, such as fatigue, while 
the fourth hearing, on May 20, 1998, focused on the FRA's 
regulatory process, including its new Safety Assurance and 
Compliance Program. The Subcommittee did not report legislation 
during the 105th Congress to reauthorize the Federal Railroad 
Administration.
    In addition, four hearings were held concerning the 
reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Board. On March 
12, 1998 the Subcommittee held a hearing on the STB's resource 
requirements. On April 22 1998, a hearing was held on the 
financial state of the railroad industry. Witnesses from 
various financial institutions and consulting firms addressed 
the ability of the railroad industry to attract sufficient 
capital to invest in infrastructure. The Subcommittee held an 
additional hearing on May 6, 1998 covering intercarrier 
transactions, construction and abandonments, and on May 13, 
1998 on rates, access, and remedies. The Subcommittee did not 
report legislation during the 105th Congress to reauthorize the 
Surface Transportation Board.
    On September 17, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on 
H. Con Res. 52, which urged that the railroad industry open 
discussions on modifying the railroad retirement Tier II 
benefits for widows and widowers. The Subcommittee heard 
testimony from representatives of the various interest groups 
that would be affected by such changes, as well as from the 
Railroad Retirement Board. In light of expressions at the 
hearing by the affected parties of their willingness to discuss 
the issues, no legislation was reported by the Subcommittee.
  SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON SURFACE TRANSPORTATION

    In the 105th Congress, the Subcommittee on Surface 
Transportation was chaired by Thomas Petri of Wisconsin. Nick 
Joe Rahall, II, of West Virginia served as the Subcommittee's 
ranking Democratic Member. The Subcommittee developed and 
reported a 6-year reauthorization of National highway, transit 
and highway safety legislation. In addition, several hearings 
were conducted in other areas of the Subcommittee's 
jurisdiction, including the transportation of hazardous 
materials and the causes and impact of ``road rage.''
                                ------                                


                          Enacted Legislation

    (For a more complete description of the enacted bills, see 
section on ``Bills Enacted into Law.'')
                                ------                                


   AMENDMENT TO THE UNIFORM RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AND REAL PROPERTY 
                    ACQUISITION POLICIES ACT OF 1970

    Public Law 105-117 prohibits an alien who is not lawfully 
present in the United States from receiving assistance under 
the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition 
Policies Act of 1970. Exceptions may be made if a displacing 
agency determines by clear and convincing evidence that a 
determination of ineligibility of a displaced person would 
result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to an 
individual who is the displaced person's spouse, parent, or 
child and who is a citizen of the United States or an alien 
lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

    H.R. 849 was ordered reported, as amended, by the Full 
Committee on June 11, 1997, (after the Subcommittee on Surface 
Transportation was discharged from further consideration). H.R. 
847, as amended, passed the House on July 8, 1997. On November 
8, 1997, the Senate passed a similar bill, S. 1258, which then 
was agreed to by the House on November 9, 1997. S. 1258 was 
signed by the President on November 21, 1997.
                                ------                                


              SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 1997

    Public Law 105-130, the Surface Transportation Extension 
Act of 1997 (STEA), extends the Intermodal Surface 
Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. This legislation was 
necessary because funding for surface transportation programs 
under ISTEA expired on September 31, 1997, and Federal funds 
had ceased flowing to the States, thereby jeopardizing critical 
transportation projects. While the Subcommittee and Full 
Committee approved legislation (H.R. 2400) to reauthorize 
surface transportation programs for 6 years (1998-2003) in 
September 1997, further action was suspended pending resolution 
of budget and funding issues as part of the budget negotiations 
for fiscal year 1999.

    The STEA provides $5.5 billion in new budget authority 
under the highway program as advances to States, which was 
equivalent to 3 months of funding. Funds were distributed to 
States based on fiscal year 1997 distribution of obligation 
authority. Advances of new budget authority were to be 
subtracted from each State's ultimate distribution of funding 
for fiscal year 1998. In addition, P.L. 105-130 distributed 
$9.8 billion in obligation authority to the States, with each 
state receiving the higher of 50 percent of its fiscal year 
1997 allotment of obligation authority or the total of its 
unobligated balances (up to 75 percent of its 1997 obligation 
authority). A deadline of May 1, 1998, was included after which 
States could not obligate Federal funds until a long-term 
authorization was enacted. Allocated highway programs, motor 
carrier safety and highway safety programs were funded at 50 
percent of 1997 levels. Transit programs were also funded at 50 
percent of fiscal year 1997 levels.

    On September 24, 1997, the Full Committee ordered reported 
H.R. 2516, a similar bill to extend ISTEA through March 31, 
1998. The bill passed the House on October 1, 1997. On November 
10, 1997, the Senate passed S. 1519 (STEA) with the House 
approving the legislation on November 12. The President signed 
the bill on December 1, 1997.
                                ------                                


             TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

    The Subcommittee's top priority for the 105th Congress was 
the reauthorization of the nation's Federal surface 
transportation programs--including highway, transit, motor 
carrier, and highway safety programs. Public Law 105-178, the 
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA 21), was 
the culmination of efforts which began several years ago and 
continued until the President signed TEA 21 into law on June 9, 
1998. TEA 21, which authorized programs from fiscal year 1998 
through 2003, is the successor to the Intermodal Surface 
Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). One of the most 
important features of TEA 21 is that, for the first time, 
spending on transportation programs is directly linked to 
revenues coming into the Highway Trust Fund. TEA 21 restores 
the integrity of the Trust Fund and restores faith with 
American taxpayers who contribute into the Trust Fund through 
the payment of Federal motor fuel and other taxes.

    TEA 21 contains changes to the Federal Budget Act to 
guarantee that gas taxes are used for their intended purposes. 
The total amount guaranteed over 6 years is $162 billion for 
highways and $36 billion for transit. This total will change 
since the firewalls are adjusted annually based on the actual 
revenues deposited in the Trust Fund.

    TEA 21 puts the financial resources of the Highway Trust 
Fund to work rebuilding and improving the Nation's 
infrastructure. The overall authorized funding level of $218 
billion is 43 percent more than the 6-year funding levels 
authorized under ISTEA. The $218 billion in funding is 
allocated as follows: $172.6 billion for highway programs; $2.9 
billion for highway safety; $41.0 billion for transit; and $1.3 
billion for rail. The Act provides substantial funding 
increases for the core highway programs: the Interstate 
Maintenance/National Highway System program, the Bridge 
Rehabilitation and Replacement program, the Surface 
Transportation program, the Congestion Mitigation and Air 
Quality Improvement program, and the Minimum Guarantee program.

    TEA 21 directly addresses the equity concerns of the donor 
States by ensuring fair returns on Highway Trust Fund 
contributions. On an average annual basis, all States will 
receive more highway funding than they did under ISTEA. The Act 
contains a single final formula equity adjustment--the Minimum 
Guarantee--to ensure that no State will receive less than a 
90.5% return from the Trust Fund on all formula programs. This 
Minimum Guarantee is calculated after all formula programs, 
including high priority projects, are distributed to the 
States. The Minimum Guarantee replaces the multiple equity 
programs that existed under ISTEA and that didn't cover all 
formula programs. The ISTEA approach resulted in many States 
receiving less than the 90 percent minimum allocation they 
expected. TEA 21 also eliminates the donor State ``penalty'' 
that counted allocations of discretionary grants against a 
States' return, thus penalizing a donor State that received a 
discretionary grant.

    TEA 21 streamlines Federal oversight of transportation 
programs--eliminating layers of requirements and bureaucracy 
accumulated over the last 40 years. Responsibility is delegated 
to the States for oversight of projects not on the Interstate, 
thereby saving time and money. TEA 21 builds upon ISTEA's 
themes of flexibility and local decisionmaking by introducing 
true flexibility into all ISTEA formula categories. States can 
meet programmatic needs by transferring up to 50 percent from 
all highway program categories to any other highway category 
(although some core protections for certain programs are 
maintained.) The planning process is reformed and simplified to 
give States and metropolitan planning organizations (MPO) 
greater flexibility in selecting projects. It eliminates an 
unnecessary step in the project review process by deleting the 
Major Investment Study as a stand-alone requirement and 
integrating it into the planning process.

    ISTEA's emphasis on the environment is continued and 
strengthened in TEA 21. It significantly increases funding for 
the CMAQ program while making some minor adjustments to the 
program's eligibility. Average funding is $1.35 billion, an 
increase of 35 percent over FY 1997 levels. It creates a new 
transit enhancements program to provide dedicated funding for 
projects to improve the transit experience such as pedestrian 
facilities and art in and around transit stations. TEA 21 
provides additional encouragement to foster the use of 
alternative modes of transportation such as bicycles. The Act 
allows States to permit certain low emission vehicles to use 
HOV lanes. Significant improvements are made and increased 
funding is provided for the Recreational Trails program. A 
total of $270 million is provided to States for various trail 
activities.

    TEA 21 represents an unprecedented commitment to improve 
safety and reduce the more than 40,000 annual deaths on 
America's highways. A total of $1.612 billion is provided from 
the Highway Trust Fund for safety programs administered by the 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 
including section 402 safety grants to States. This represents 
a nearly 25% increase over amounts authorized in ISTEA. An 
additional $1 billion in seat belt and .08 BAC incentive safety 
grants is also provided as described below.

    Numerous programs to strengthen and improve our nation's 
efforts to combat drunk driving are established in TEA 21, 
including: a $500 million incentive grant program for States 
that enact .08 BAC laws; increased funding of $219 million for 
the section 410 impaired driving grant program along with 
programmatic reforms to include performance-based factors and 
to target those drunk drivers who pose the highest risk on the 
roads; and provisions to encourage States to enact open 
container laws and minimum penalties for repeat offenders.

    TEA 21 creates several new initiatives to increase the use 
of seat belts around the country. Motor carrier safety will 
also be significantly improved through increased funding and 
refinements to the program to focus on performance-based goals. 
States are provided more flexibility to target those carriers 
and drivers that provide the greatest risk. A total of $579 
million is authorized for the motor carrier safety assistance 
program which provides grants to States for motor carrier 
safety purposes, a 20% increase over amounts authorized in 
ISTEA. An additional $65 million is dedicated to improving 
information systems to ensure that the Department of 
Transportation and the States have accurate data on motor 
carrier and driver safety which is critical in moving toward a 
performance-based system.

    TEA 21 strengthens and improves the transit formula and 
capital programs by providing increased resources to transit 
agencies to meet the transit needs of urban, suburban and rural 
areas. Average annual transit funding increases by 50 percent. 
It also maximizes flexibility to transit operators by allowing 
small urban areas to use transit funds for capital and 
operating expenses, and by allowing all transit operators to 
use transit funds for a wider range of transit maintenance 
activities. Continued growth in transit investment is ensured 
by maintaining CMAQ and STP eligibility for transit, and giving 
transit agencies and local governments greater flexibility to 
determine how best to spend transit and highway funds.

    The Act also makes an integral contribution to the welfare 
reform effort by establishing a $750 million Access to Jobs 
program that funds projects to transport current and former 
welfare recipients and other low income persons to jobs and 
job-related activities. It advances transit research by 
increasing funding for research programs and creating new 
program eligibilities. Funding is provided to over-the-road bus 
operators to comply with the Department of Transportation's 
final rule regarding accessibility of over-the-road buses to 
the disabled.

    TEA 21 creates additional innovative financing tools to 
address pressing transportation infrastructure needs. A new 
Federal program is created to provide financial assistance to 
revenue generating surface transportation projects. Under this 
program, the Secretary may approve secured loans, lines-of-
credit and loan guarantees for highway and bridge projects, 
transit projects, inter-city bus and passenger rail projects 
and Amtrak capital improvements costing $100 million or more. 
The Secretary may make up to $10.6 billion in credit available 
over 6 years. TEA 21 provides $530 million over 6 years to 
cover subsidy costs required by the Federal Credit Act of 1990. 
A State Infrastructure Bank pilot program that allows four 
States to use their Federal-aid highway and transit 
apportionments to fund State Infrastructure Banks (SIBs) to 
assist projects is also authorized.

    TEA 21 provides funding to ensure that the United States 
will be a world leader in surface transportation research and 
development in such areas as the use of advanced materials and 
in human factors by providing $3.3 billion in funding over 6 
years. It includes education, training, and outreach provisions 
to guarantee that States and local governments have knowledge 
about and access to state-of-the-art technologies and practices 
that will provide the most cost-effective and safest surface 
transportation systems. The Act supports strong Federal 
leadership in research, development, and deployment of 
intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in both metropolitan 
and rural areas. Such systems will be key to solving congestion 
and environmental problems.

    Numerous other provisions and programs are included to 
address the myriad of transportation problems we all face. TEA 
21 authorizes $900 million toward the construction of a new 
bridge over the Potomac River to replace the crumbling Woodrow 
Wilson Bridge and preserve this major north-south route for 
East Coast interstate traffic. The Appalachian Development 
Highway System is brought under the Highway Trust Fund and $2.3 
billion is provided toward completing the System. A total of 
$700 million is dedicated for national corridors to address 
NAFTA-related traffic and other corridors which have emerged in 
the post-Interstate era, and to meet infrastructure and safety 
needs along the border.

    The Act continues the authorization for the Disadvantaged 
Business Enterprises Program to provide disadvantaged 
businesses the opportunity to participate in the increased 
Federal-aid transportation program. Over $4.1 billion is 
provided for roads on Indian Reservations, public lands, 
national parks and wildlife refuges to preserve and enhance 
access to America's national parks and forests and other 
Federal lands. Magnetic Levitation (MagLev) development is 
encouraged through providing funding to select and develop a 
MagLev corridor. The Scenic Byways program to designate and 
promote America's most scenic and historic roads is continued 
at $150 million. A new $50 million general fund program is 
established to preserve, protect and conduct research on 
America's historic covered bridges.

    Subtitle C of Title VII of TEA 21 creates an incentive 
grant program to encourage States to adopt and implement 
minimum Federal standards for one-call notification programs, 
or an alternative program achieving the same level of 
protection, in order to minimize damage to pipelines and other 
underground facilities during excavation. The program is 
voluntary and does not impose mandates on States. The Secretary 
of Transportation, in cooperation with other interested 
parties, is directed to review one-call system best practices. 
A total of $6 million for fiscal years 2000 and 2001 is 
authorized for the grants.

    The Subcommittee on Surface Transportation approved H.R. 
2400 on September 10, 1997. It was ordered reported by the Full 
Committee, as amended, on March 24, 1998. The bill was passed 
by the House on April 1, 1998. The Conference Report to 
accompany H.R. 2400 was passed by the House and the Senate on 
May 22, 1998. It was signed into law (P.L. 105-178) by the 
President on June 9, 1998.
                                ------                                


                         TEA 21 RESTORATION ACT

    Title IX of Public Law 105-206 restores provisions to the 
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA 21) that 
were agreed to by conferees but inadvertently not included in 
the final conference report. It also makes other technical 
corrections to TEA 21 following review of the Act.

    The House passed by unanimous consent the TEA 21 
Restoration Act, H.R. 3978, on June 3, 1998. The Act was later 
incorporated as Title IX of the Internal Revenue Service 
Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, H.R. 2676. This 
conference report was passed by the House on June 25, 1998, and 
by the Senate on July 9, 1998. It was signed by the President 
on July 22, 1998.
                                ------                                


                                Hearings

    During the 105th Congress, the Subcommittee held a total of 
9 hearings in preparation for the development of surface 
transportation reauthorization legislation and on various other 
programs under its jurisdiction.

    The Subcommittee held 8 hearings involving 443 witnesses 
during the first session of the 105th Congress. On February 12 
and 27, 1997, the Subcommittee held hearings on comprehensive 
proposals for reauthorizing the Intermodal Surface 
Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. On March 4, 6, 11, and 
13 1997, the Subcommittee held hearings focusing on Member 
policy initiatives and highway and transit requests for 
inclusion in reauthorization legislation.

    On July 17, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the 
causes and dangers of road rage.

    On November 6, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the 
reauthorization of the hazardous materials transportation 
program.

    On August 5, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on motor 
carrier economic regulatory issues that relate to elimination 
of the Interstate Commerce Commission. Sixteen witnesses 
testified.

    The Subcommittee also participated in a series of Full 
Committee hearings that focused on the Year 2000 computer 
glitch as it relates to transportation. On October 2, 1998, the 
Committee heard from a panel of transit experts. On October 6, 
1998, the Committee heard from a panel of representatives from 
the oil and gas pipeline industries and a panel of Federal, 
State and local highway officials.
   SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON WATER RESOURCES AND 
                              ENVIRONMENT

    During the 105th Congress, the Subcommittee on Water 
Resources and Environment, chaired by Congressman Sherwood L. 
Boehlert with Congressman Robert A. Borski serving as ranking 
minority member, had referred to it or took action on four 
bills which became public laws and two bills which were 
approved by the House but did not become public laws. In 
addition, three bills were enacted which contained subject 
matter within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee but were not 
referred to the Committee. The Committee also approved 81 
Committee Resolutions authorizing studies by the Corps of 
Engineers of potential water resources projects and two 
Committee Resolutions authorizing Natural Resources 
Conservation Service small watershed projects. The Subcommittee 
held 19 hearings during the 105th Congress.
                                ------                                


                          Enacted Legislation

                  NATIONAL DROUGHT POLICY ACT OF 1998

    H.R. 3035, the ``National Drought Policy Act of 1998,'' 
establishes a Commission to report to the President and 
Congress on ways to coordinate and improve drought management 
policies. The National Drought Policy Commission, to be 
composed of Federal, State, local and private sector 
representatives, will provide advice and recommendations on the 
creation of an integrated, coordinated Federal policy designed 
to prepare for, and respond to, serious drought emergencies. 
The legislation addresses the Nation's lack of a coordinated, 
integrated approach to drought management.
    Representative Skeen introduced H.R. 3035 on November 12, 
1997, and the bill was referred to the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure. The introduced bill was a 
companion to S. 222, which the Senate passed on November 12, 
1997. The Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment 
received testimony on this issue on January 28, 1998, as a part 
of a hearing on ``disaster mitigation'' and related issues. On 
May 6, 1998, the bill was amended and ordered reported by the 
Committee. On June 16, 1998, H.R. 3035, as amended, was passed 
by the House under suspension of the rules. H.R. 3035 was then 
passed by the Senate, without modification, on June 24, 1998. 
The bill became Public Law 105-199.
                                ------                                


        NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998

    H.R. 1119, the National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 1998, includes one provision within the 
jurisdiction of the Subcommittee. Section 3606 amends section 
4115 of the Oil Pollution Act to prevent vessel owners from 
reducing the gross tonnage of single hulled tank vessels to 
delay the requirement under the Oil Pollution Act to phase out 
use of such vessels. The requirement under the Oil Pollution 
Act to retrofit single-hulled vessels applied earlier to 
vessels over 5000 gross tons. This amendment bars vessel owners 
from reducing the tonnage of their vessels to escape these 
earlier deadlines, except under certain conditions. This Act 
was not referred to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure. However, the Committee participated in the 
conference on this Act. This bill became Public Law 105-85.
                                ------                                


        NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999

    H.R. 3616, the National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 1999, includes three provisions within the 
jurisdiction of the Subcommittee.

    Section 141 amends the Chemical Stockpile Emergency 
Preparedness Program, which was established by the Department 
of Defense Authorization Act for 1986, to direct the Director 
of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to carry out a 
program to provide assistance to State and local governments in 
developing capabilities to respond to emergencies arising from 
the storage or destruction of chemical weapons in the United 
States.

    Section 326 of this Act amends section 3 of the Act to 
Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS) to allow submarines to 
discharge non-plastic garbage that has been compacted and 
weighted to ensure negative buoyancy. Under APPS, submarines 
are prohibited from discharging solid waste in special areas 
after December 31, 2008. The Navy determined that compliance 
with this requirement would impair submarine operations and 
operational capability, or would not be technologically 
feasible. According to Navy environmental impact studies, the 
volume of solid waste at issue is so small that its discharge 
would not have a significant effect on the marine environment.

    Title 14 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 1999 includes the Defense Against Weapons of Mass 
Destruction Act of 1998, which directs the President to 
increase the effectiveness of the domestic emergency 
preparedness program for response to terrorist incidents 
involving weapons of mass destruction. This title evolved from 
H.R. 3764, the Rescue and Emergency Services Preparedness for 
Our Nation's Defense Act, which was introduced by 
Representative Weldon on April 30, 1998. H.R. 3764 was referred 
solely to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

    The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 
was not referred to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure. However, the Committee participated in the 
conference on this Act. This bill became Public Law 105-277.
                                ------                                


      OMNIBUS CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999

    H.R. 4328, the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act for 
Fiscal Year 1999, includes several provisions within the 
jurisdiction of the Subcommittee.

    This Act includes a slightly modified version of H.R. 3689, 
the Land Between the Lakes Protection Act, which requires TVA 
to transfer the Land Between the Lakes to the Forest Service in 
any year in which at least $6 million is not appropriated to 
TVA to manage this property. H.R. 3689 was introduced by 
Representative Whitfield on April 1, 1998, and was referred to 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The 
Subcommittee held a hearing on this legislation on May 12, 
1998.

    This Act includes the Denali Commission Act of 1998. This 
Act establishes a commission to develop a comprehensive work 
plan for rural and infrastructure development in Alaska. The 
purpose of the Act is to provide job training, promote rural 
development, provide power generation and communication 
facilities, provide water and sewer systems, and meet other 
infrastructure needs in Alaska. The Commission is paid for by 
proceeds transferred to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund from 
the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Liability Fund.

    The legislation includes the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, 
Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, and State of South Dakota Terrestrial 
Wildlife Habitat Mitigation Act of 1997, which, among other 
things, requires the Corps of Engineers to transfer certain 
lands to the Department of the Interior to be held in trust for 
Indian tribes. This Act was introduced in the Senate as S. 1341 
and was included as part of S. 2131, the Water Resources 
Development Act of 1998, which passed the Senate on October 9, 
1998, and was referred to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure.

    The Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 
1999 establishes a new program within the Department of Housing 
and Urban Development for disaster relief, long-term recovery 
from disasters, and mitigation for communities affected by 
Presidentially-declared national disasters. The Subcommittee 
has jurisdiction of emergency preparedness and held two 
oversight hearings on hazard mitigation and the Federal cost of 
disasters during the 105th Congress.

    The Act also requires the Coast Guard to issue regulations 
that implement the Edible Oil Regulatory Reform Act by March 
31, 1999, and to comply with such Act when it issues 
regulations regarding edible oils. The Edible Oil Regulatory 
Reform Act was enacted in 1995, but the Clinton Administration 
has not yet revised its oil spill regulations to comply with 
this Act.
                                ------                                


                      MICCOSUKEE RESERVED AREA ACT

    H.R. 3055, the Miccosukee Reserved Area Act, establishes 
the rights and authorities of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians 
of Florida in the Miccosukee Reserved Area, an area of land 
within Everglades National Park. This legislation also provides 
for the protection of Everglades National Park, including the 
applicability of requirements under the Clean Water Act, and 
establishes dispute resolution procedures to resolve disputes 
between Federal and Tribal governments over implementation of 
this Act.

    This bill was introduced by Representative Hastings on 
November 13, 1997, and was referred to the Committee on 
Resources and, in addition, to the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure. This bill became Public Law 105-313.
                                ------                                


                   SALTON SEA RECLAMATION ACT OF 1998

    H.R. 3267, the Salton Sea Reclamation Act of 1998, would 
have authorized the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a 
feasibility study and implement a project to reclaim the Salton 
Sea. This bill would also have authorized the Secretary of the 
Interior to take emergency action to improve water quality in 
the Alamo River and the New River and allows the use of a 
constructed wetlands project to achieve this goal.

    This bill was introduced by Representative Hunter on 
February 25, 1998. It was referred to and reported by the 
Committee on Resources and sequentially referred to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. A modified 
version of this bill became Public Law 105-372.
                                ------                                


  COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEARS 1998, 1999, AND 2000

    The Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1998, 
1999, and 2000 includes several provisions within the 
jurisdiction of the Subcommittee.

    Section 307 amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to clarify 
the definition of oil and that Act's relationship to the 
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 
Liability Act (Superfund). It also requires a report to 
Congress regarding the classification of oil under the Oil 
Pollution Act and the Clean Water Act. Section 314 of the Act 
provides interim authority for dry bulk cargo residue disposal 
into waters of the Great Lakes under the jurisdiction of the 
United States. Section 415 establishes a Great Lakes Pilotage 
Advisory Committee that, among other things, is to make 
recommendations to the Secretary regarding proposed regulations 
and policies. Section 417 amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 
to direct the Secretary of Transportation to coordinate with 
the Marine Board of the National Research Council to conduct a 
double hull alternative designs study.

    Title VI, the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and 
Control Act of 1998, includes various provisions under the 
jurisdiction of, or of interest to, the Subcommittee. Section 
603 establishes an interagency task force, chaired by the 
Department of Commerce and including the Environmental 
Protection Agency, to assess harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. 
Section 604 directs the task force to complete and submit to 
Congress and the President an assessment of hypoxia in the 
northern Gulf of Mexico. Section 605 authorizes $25.5 million 
for each of fiscal years 1999, 2000, and 2001 to the Secretary 
of Commerce for activities related to harmful algal blooms and 
hypoxia. Section 608 includes savings clauses relating to the 
Clean Water Act and the Coastal Zone Management Act and the 
protection of States' rights.
                                ------                                


                           Other Legislation

          SUPERFUND ACCELERATION, FAIRNESS, AND EFFICIENCY ACT

    H.R. 2727, the Superfund Acceleration Fairness, and 
Efficiency Act, was introduced by Congressman Sherwood L. 
Boehlert on October 23, 1997. The Superfund statute was last 
amended comprehensively in 1986, and most of its authorizations 
expired in 1994. The authority to collect the taxes that 
provide revenue for the Superfund Trust Fund expired December 
31, 1995.

    This legislation would have reauthorized and reformed the 
Federal Superfund program by (1) providing for a less 
prescriptive, more risk-based remedy selection process; (2) 
providing orphan share funding and liability exemptions for 
innocent parties, small businesses, municipal solid waste, and 
recyclers; (3) removing the fear of Federal liability for 
persons who clean up brownfields sites under State laws, and 
providing Federal seed money for brownfields assessments and 
brownfields revolving loan funds; (4) providing opportunities 
for delegation of the Federal Superfund program to States, and 
opportunities for authorization of State programs; (5) 
increasing opportunities for participation by communities and 
public health officials in remedy selection; and (6) limiting 
natural resources damages to actual restoration by prohibiting 
the recovery of psychological damages. This legislation also 
would have reauthorized the Superfund taxes.

    The Subcommittee held a series of three oversight hearings 
on the Superfund program in March and April 1997. Until June 
1997, Chairman Boehlert and Ranking Member Robert Borski 
engaged in negotiations to develop Superfund reform legislation 
with the Democrats and Republicans on the Commerce Committee 
and the Administration. During the Summer and into the Fall of 
1997, Chairman Boehlert and Ranking Member Borski attempted to 
fashion consensus legislation within the Subcommittee.

    On October 23, 1997, Congressman Boehlert introduced H.R. 
2727, the Superfund Acceleration, Fairness, and Efficiency Act. 
The Subcommittee held a legislative hearing on H.R. 2727 on 
October 29, 1997. On October 28, 1997, Congressman Barcia, 
Congressman Dooley, and others introduced similar legislation, 
H.R. 2750. Chairman Boehlert worked with them and other Members 
to incorporate provisions from H.R. 2750 into H.R. 2727. 
Chairman Boehlert also continued negotiations with 
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Carol Browner and 
Ranking Member Borski.

    The Subcommittee considered H.R. 2727 on March 4, March 10, 
and March 11, 1998. The bill was approved by the Subcommittee 
on March 11, 1998, by a vote of 18 to 12. The Full Committee 
did not take any action on this bill.

    A similar bill, S. 8, was introduced in the Senate. On 
March 26, 1998, the Senate Environment and Public Works 
Committee ordered the bill reported by a vote of 11 to 7 and 
filed its report on May 19, 1998. No further action was taken 
on S. 8 by the Senate.
                                ------                                


                WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1998

    The Water Resources Development Act of 1998 received 
considerable attention by Subcommittee and Committee Members. 
The comprehensive legislation would have authorized, modified, 
reauthorized and deauthorized various Corps of Engineers' water 
resources projects and authorized studies involving, among 
other things, navigation, flood control, environmental 
restoration, shore protection, hydropower, water supply, and 
recreation. The legislation also would have included various 
policy initiatives, regional programs, and other revisions to 
the Corps' existing water resources program.

    The Subcommittee held hearings on March 31, April 22, and 
April 28, 1998, on proposals for a Water Resources Development 
Act of 1998. Testimony was received from Members of Congress, 
the Administration, and national organizations addressing 
funding and legislative proposals, including, among other 
things, the Administration's budget request for fiscal year 
1999 for the Corps of Engineers, the recently-invalidated 
harbor maintenance tax, the Administration's legislative 
proposal, and H.R. 3243, the Alternative Water Source 
Development Act.

    On May 11, 1998, the Administration transmitted to Congress 
its proposed Water Resources Development Act of 1998. On May 
14, 1998, the bipartisan leadership of the House Transportation 
and Infrastructure Committee introduced H.R. 3866, the 
Administration's bill by request and on June 4, 1998, the 
bipartisan leadership of the Senate Environment and Public 
Works Committee introduced S. 2131, the Administration's bill 
by request. S. 2131 was passed by the Senate Committee on July 
29, 1998, and the Senate on October 9, 1998, and referred to 
the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on October 21, 
1998.

    Throughout October 1998, the leadership of both Committees 
and their staff and other Members met to resolve differences 
among the Senate-passed S. 2131, H.R. 3866, and a draft House 
bill circulated by the Committee. However, no final action was 
taken on the jointly-negotiated legislation before the end of 
the Second Session.
                                ------                                


                WETLANDS RESTORATION AND IMPROVEMENT ACT

    H.R. 1290, the ``Wetlands Restoration and Improvement Act 
of 1997,'' was introduced by Representative Jones on April 10, 
1997. This bill would have promoted the restoration, 
conservation, and enhancement of wetlands through the 
establishment of a wetlands mitigation banking program. A 
mitigation bank is both an ecological and economic entity, 
created for the purpose of offsetting unavoidable wetlands 
impacts from other developments in a community. Economies of 
scale can, in certain circumstances, make it economically and 
environmentally advantageous to encourage permit applicants 
from the surrounding region to compensate for wetlands losses 
elsewhere by contributing to the mitigation bank.

    Since the Administration's 1995 guidance on mitigation 
banking has taken effect, there have been numerous attempts to 
develop and permit mitigation banks around the country. The 
nature of the 1995 guidance and the lack of a statutory 
framework have been viewed by many to have restricted the 
development of mitigation banks and kept them from reaching 
their full potential.

    On December 9, 1997, the Water Resources and Environment 
Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 1290. The Subcommittee 
marked up this legislation on June 4, 1998. A Subcommittee 
substitute amendment was offered as original text, and an 
additional amendment was passed. The bill, as amended, was 
approved by a vote of 24-10. No further action was taken, 
although a provision relating to mitigation banks was included 
in the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century.
                                ------                                


                        DISASTER MITIGATION ACT

    The Disaster Mitigation Act of 1998, H.R. 3869, would have 
authorized programs for predisaster mitigation, streamlined the 
administration of disaster relief, and provided better control 
over the Federal costs of disaster assistance. Specifically, 
the bill authorized $200 million for a pre-disaster mitigation 
program through fiscal year 2000 and modified existing disaster 
assistance programs to reduce future costs.

    The Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held 
three hearings on the two issue areas addressed by the bill: 
hazard mitigation and the federal costs of disasters. On 
January 28, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on hazard 
mitigation. On March 26, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing 
on the Federal cost of disaster assistance. A draft bill 
reflecting comments received by the Subcommittee was released 
on May 1, 1998. The Subcommittee held a legislative hearing on 
the draft bill on May 7, 1998. Witnesses included 
representatives of FEMA, the National Emergency Management 
Association, the Association of State Floodplain Managers, the 
National League of Cities, and the International Association of 
Emergency Managers.

    The draft language was further amended and introduced as 
H.R. 3869 on May 14, 1998, by Representative Sherwood Boehlert 
and Representative Robert Borski. The bill was referred solely 
to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. On June 
25, 1998, the Committee ordered the bill, as amended, to be 
reported, and reported the measure to the House on August 6, 
1998. No further action was taken on H.R. 3869. The companion 
bill in the Senate, S. 2361, was ordered reported by the 
Committee on Environment and Public Works on September 11, 
1998, but no further action was taken.
                                ------                                


                    COASTAL POLLUTION REDUCTION ACT

    In Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, the sewage treatment works is not 
currently meeting Clean Water Act requirements but has signed a 
consent decree to do so. Because of various environmental and 
economic considerations, the local sewer authority wants to 
pursue a deep ocean outfall alternative. For example, the sewer 
authority claims it could achieve significant savings ($65 to 
$85 million) if allowed to pursue an outfall rather than a new 
secondary treatment plant. The sewer authority, however, would 
first need to obtain a section 301(h) waiver, and the Act 
currently prohibits EPA from receiving new applications after 
December 31, 1982.

    H.R. 2207, the Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Deep Ocean Outfall 
Act of 1997, was introduced by Representative Romero-Barcelo on 
July 22, 1997, and referred to the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure. H.R. 2207 was designed to respond to the 
concerns of the sewer authority and others in Mayaguez. The 
bill would have allowed Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, to apply to the 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for an alternative 
to secondary treatment requirements subject to various 
conditions and criteria intended to protect the environment.

    On July 9, 1997, the Water Resources and Environment 
Subcommittee held a hearing on ``ocean and coastal issues'' 
including this specific issue as well as issues surrounding 
ocean and coastal water quality and reauthorization of the 
Clean Water Act's National Estuary Program. On July 23, 1997, 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure ordered the 
bill reported, as amended. A key amendment was to include 
language reauthorizing the National Estuary Program and 
expanding the use of grants to include implementation of 
comprehensive conservation and management plans. On September 
29, 1997, the Coastal Pollution Reduction Act of 1997, H.R. 
2207, was considered by the House under suspension of the 
rules. The bill was subsequently taken up as unfinished 
business on November 13, 1997, and passed the House by 
unanimous consent. No action was taken in the Senate with 
respect to Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; however, the Senate passed 
similar language with respect to the National Estuary Program 
in S. 1222. The enacted VA, HUD and Independent Agencies 
Appropriations Act for FY 1998 also included similar language 
authorizing the use of National Estuary Program grants for 
implementation of estuary plans.
                                ------                                


                                Hearings

    The Subcommittee held hearings on March 5, March 12, April 
10, and October 29, 1997, to receive testimony on reauthorizing 
and reforming the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA or Superfund). 
The Subcommittee heard from EPA, State and local officials, and 
environmental and business interests on issues including 
cleanup standards, liability, and the return of brownfields to 
productive use. A bill (H.R. 2727) was introduced on October 
23, 1997, by Congressman Boehlert. An amended bill was ordered 
reported by the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment 
on March 11, 1998. The bill was not considered before the full 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

    On March 19, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on 
flooding in California's Central Valley due to December 1996/
January 1997 storms. The hearing focused on disaster response 
and coordination efforts by the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency (FEMA) and the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and 
issues associated with levee maintenance and reconstruction and 
stream clearing/debris removal. Testimony was heard from 
Members of Congress, the Administration, State and local 
officials, and various citizens and representatives of local 
flood control districts and water agencies.

    On April 23, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on 
meeting clean water and drinking water infrastructure needs, 
focusing on Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Clean 
Water Act (CWA) needs survey (including wastewater treatment, 
combined sewer overflows (CSOs), sanitary sewer overflows 
(SSOs) and other wet weather flow issues, implementation of 
title IV and other provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act 
Amendments of 1996, and various approaches to infrastructure 
funding such as State Revolving Funds (SRFs) and grants for 
hardship communities. Testimony was heard from the 
Administration, State and local officials, and representatives 
of various environmental, rural, and construction-related 
interests.

    On April 29, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on 
regulatory and judicial developments regarding the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers' and EPA's wetland programs--primarily under 
section 404 of the CWA. The hearing focused on reissued and 
revised Nationwide Permits (NWP), particularly NWP#26, and the 
lawsuit (American Mining Congress vs. Army Corps of Engineers) 
invalidating the Corps' and EPA's regulation regarding 
excavation and other activities.

    On June 5, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the 
future of TVA and its non-power programs. Testimony was 
received from or submitted in writing by Members of Congress, 
the Governor of Tennessee, representatives of TVA, and 
representatives of several Tennessee statewide associations. On 
June 21, 1997, the Subcommittee held a field hearing in Murray, 
Kentucky, on TVA's Land Between the Lakes, focusing on the 
perspectives of Federal agencies, and State and local 
representatives. A third hearing was held on May 12, 1998, to 
hear testimony on H.R. 3689, the ``Land Between the Lakes 
Protection Act of 1998'' and on small watershed projects. The 
Subcommittee heard from Members of Congress as well as 
Administration officials. H.R. 3689 was introduced on April 1, 
1998, and referred to the Subcommittee on April 13, 1998.

    On July 9, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on ocean 
and coastal issues, including implementation of, and compliance 
with, title I of the Marine Protection, Research, and 
Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (also known as the Ocean Dumping Act), 
H.R. 55 (involving the disposal of dredged material in Long 
Island Sound), and selected Clean Water Act issues, such as 
wastewater discharges off the coast of Puerto Rico. H.R. 55, 
introduced by Representative Forbes, would amend the Ocean 
Dumping Act to prohibit the dumping in Long Island Sound or 
Block Island Sound. Testimony was heard from various Federal 
agencies on Ocean Dumping Act implementation and compliance 
issues. On July 22, 1997, Representative Romero-Barcelo 
introduced a bill, H.R. 2207, the Mayaguez Puerto Rico Ocean 
Outfall Act of 1997. The bill, as amended, was approved and 
reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
on July 23, 1997.

    On December 9, 1997, the Subcommittee held a hearing on 
wetlands protection and mitigation banking. Testimony was 
received on H.R. 1290, introduced by Representatives Jones and 
relating to mitigation banking; a proposed amendment to H.R. 
2400, the Building Efficient Surface Transportation and Equity 
Act of 1997 (BESTEA), sponsored by Representative Baker, and 
relating to highway program funding and mitigation banks; H.R. 
2741, introduced by Representative McKeon and relating to a 
conditional exemption under the Clean Water Act for permitting 
associated with maintenance of flood control projects; and 
mitigation banking provisions in H.R. 2762, a wetlands and 
watershed protection bill introduced by Representative 
Gilchrest. The Subcommittee met on June 4, 1998, to mark up 
H.R. 1290, the Wetlands Restoration and Improvement Act. The 
bill would have amended the Clean Water Act to include 
provisions on the establishment and use of mitigation banks, so 
as to help meet compensatory mitigation requirements and the 
national goal of no net loss of wetlands. The bill was approved 
24 to 10 and reported to the Transportation and Infrastructure 
Committee. No further action was taken.

    On January 28, and March 26, 1998, the Subcommittee held 
hearings on legislative proposals and issues relating to 
improving the Nation's mitigation against, preparedness for, 
and response to disasters, primarily under the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. 
Testimony was received from Members of Congress, 
representatives from FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and 
other State and local officials. On November 12, 1997, 
Representative Skeen introduced H.R. 3035 establishing an 
advisory commission with the purpose of developing a national 
drought policy. The Subcommittee met on March 26, 1998, and 
adopted an amendment in the nature of a substitute by voice 
vote. The bill was approved and ordered reported by the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on May 6, 1998, 
and passed by the House on June 16, 1998. The bill became 
Public Law 105-199.

    On March 21, April 22 and 28, 1998, the Subcommittee held 
hearings on proposals for a Water Resources Development Act to 
provide for conservation and development of water and related 
resources, to authorize the Secretary of the Army to construct 
various projects for improvements to rivers and harbors of the 
United States and for other purposes. These hearings were 
conducted to receive testimony on the water resources program 
of the Army Corps of Engineers and on legislative proposals for 
a Water Resources Development Act for 1998. Testimony was 
received from Members of Congress, the Administration, and 
national organizations addressing funding and legislative 
proposals, including among other things, the Administration's 
budget request for fiscal year 1999 for the Corps of Engineers, 
the recently-invalidated harbor maintenance tax, the 
Administration's legislative proposal, and H.R. 3243, the 
Alternative Water Source Development Act.

    On May 7, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on draft 
legislation, the Mitigation and Cost Reduction Act of 1998, 
which would amend the Robert T. Stafford Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act. Testimony was heard from the Director of FEMA, 
and other State and local officials. A bill, H.R. 3869, the 
Disaster Mitigation Act of 1988 was introduced on May 14, 1998, 
by Representatives Boehlert and Borski. The Subcommittee 
adopted an en bloc amendment by voice vote on May 20, 1998. The 
Committee approved the bill, as amended, by voice vote on June 
25, 1998, and filed its report on August 6, 1998. No further 
action was taken.

    On August 6, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on 
legislation relating to beach water quality and ocean issues. 
Testimony was given on H.R. 2094, introduced by Representative 
Pallone, a bill to require coastal states to adopt uniform 
water quality criteria and uniform water quality monitoring 
programs for coastal recreation waters; on H.R. 3445, 
introduced by Representative Saxton; and on S. 1213, bills to 
establish a Commission on Ocean Policy. Testimony was received 
from representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency and 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; State and 
local agencies; and representatives of persons and businesses 
interested in coastal water quality.

    A Full Committee hearing was held on October 7, 1998, to 
receive testimony on the year 2000 computer problem as it 
relates to transportation and the nation's infrastructure. 
Representatives of the Corps of Engineers, FEMA, EPA, and 
wastewater and drinking water facilities testified on their 
respective agencies' abilities to deal with possible 
interruptions in services and compliance problems which may 
result with the arrival of the year 2000.
                    SUMMARY OF OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

    The Committee submitted its oversight plan to the 
Committees on Government Reform and Oversight and House 
Administration in accordance with Rule X, clause 2(d) of the 
Rules of the House. The following is a summary of the oversight 
plan and a summary of actions taken with respect to each. A 
more detailed discussion may be found under the section of this 
report entitled, ``Summary of Activities''.
                                ------                                


                                AVIATION

    1. Federal Aviation Administration. The plan includes 
evaluations of FAA operations, FAA's facilities and equipment 
program, the Airport Improvement Program, and the Airport and 
Airways Trust Fund. A number of hearings were held on these 
programs, including: the reauthorization of the war risk 
insurance program; FAA's modernization programs, focusing on 
the standard terminal automation replacement (STARS) project; 
allegations of sexual harassment at the FAA; allegations of 
cost overruns and delays in the FAA's Wide Area Augmentation 
System (WAAS); the airlines' proposal to establish user fees 
for FAA services; and a review of Coopers and Lybrand's 
independent financial assessment of the FAA.

    2. Oversight of safety activities of the FAA and the 
National Transportation Safety Board. A number of hearings 
dealt with safety issues, including: FAA's emergency revocation 
of pilot and other FAA licenses; problems of passengers 
interfering with flight crews; status of aviation security 
efforts; the increasing number of runway mishaps; status of the 
investigation of the crash of TWA 800; the grounding of Great 
Lakes Aviation; medical kits on commercial aircraft; and a year 
after the ValuJet crash--FAA's response to HAZMAT and cargo 
fire protection issues.

    3. Oversight of activities of the Secretary of 
Transportation. Several hearings dealt with the aviation 
functions of the Secretary of Transportation. The Subcommittee 
held several hearings, including hearings on: the impact of 
recent alliances, international agreements, DOT actions and 
pending legislation on air fares, air service, and competition 
in the airline industry; Secretary Slater's African aviation 
initiative, and the European Commission's preliminary position 
on two transatlantic alliances; aviation relationships between 
the U.S. and France; and international aviation bilaterals and 
code sharing relationships, focusing on Japan.

                          Additional Oversight

    The Subcommittee held other hearings overseeing activities 
of the aviation community: issues of concern to the travel 
agent community; stolen airline tickets; and the closing of FAA 
flight service stations.
                                ------                                


                COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION

    1. Coast Guard. The plan included oversight of the U.S. 
Coast Guard's roles and missions, the effectiveness of the 
National Drug Control Strategy, oversight of the Coast Guard's 
Commercial Vessel Safety Program, oversight of its marine 
environmental protection and environmental compliance programs, 
and oversight of the U.S. role in the International Maritime 
Organization.

    The Subcommittee held several days of hearings reviewing 
the Coast Guard's roles and missions and legislation was 
enacted reauthorizing Coast Guard programs through Fiscal Year 
1999. Included among these hearings was an examination of the 
Coast Guard's State boating safety grant program on February 
26, 1997, and a hearing about its deepwater capability 
replacement analysis held on May 19, 1998.

    On June 10, 1998, and September 25, 1998, the Subcommittee 
held oversight hearings about the President's National Drug 
Control Strategy and the Coast Guard's drug interdiction 
mission. The Subcommittee held two hearings on this issue 
during the 105th Congress after holding two similar hearings 
about drug interdiction during the 104th Congress, because of 
its deep concerns about the precipitous increase in illicit 
drug use among America's youth since 1992.

    On May 14, 1997, the Subcommittee held another oversight 
hearing to review the Coast Guard's policies, procedures, and 
long range plans to ensure the safety of commercial vessels 
operating in U.S. waters. On July 15, 1998, the Subcommittee 
held an oversight hearing on the Coast Guard's marine 
environmental protection and compliance programs. At this 
hearing, the Subcommittee considered the Coast Guard's goals, 
strategies, operational activities, and measures of 
effectiveness for its environmental protection programs which 
were developed under the Government Performance and Results 
Act.

    On June 25, 1998, the Subcommittee held an oversight 
hearing on the activities of the International Maritime 
Organization (IMO). The IMO is a specialized organization 
within the United Nations established for the purpose of 
developing international maritime standards, promoting safety 
in shipping, and preventing marine pollution from ships.

    2. Maritime. The plan included oversight of the Federal 
Maritime Administration (MARAD), oversight of the Passenger 
Services Act, and oversight of MARAD's port and intermodal 
development program.

    On September 24, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing to 
introduce Clyde J. Hart, Jr., as the new Maritime Administrator 
to Members of the Subcommittee. Mr. Hart discussed MARAD's 
current programs and his vision for the future of this Federal 
maritime agency.

    On April 29, 1998, the Subcommittee held an oversight 
hearing on the Passenger Services Act of 1886 (PSA) and 
considered the effect of the PSA on the domestic cruise 
industry. On July 29, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on 
the needs of the U.S. waterways transportation system. 
Witnesses included representatives of the Coast Guard, MARAD, 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. port interests, U.S. and 
foreign vessel owners, pilots, and U.S. shippers.

                          Additional Oversight

    Oil Spill Prevention Measures: On October 30, 1997, the 
Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on oil spill prevention 
measures. At this hearing the Subcommittee considered whether 
it is appropriate to test certain emerging vessel design 
technologies which may prevent oil spills.

    Ship Scrapping Activities of the United States Government: 
On March 18, 1998, and on June 4, 1998, the Subcommittee held 
hearings to examine the current Federal government policies on 
scrapping obsolete vessels of the U.S. Navy, the Coast Guard, 
and the U.S. Maritime Administration's National Defense Reserve 
Fleet. During the March 18th hearing, the Subcommittee examined 
the human health and environmental risks involved in the 
scrapping of these Federal government vessels in the U.S. and 
foreign countries. At the second hearing, the Subcommittee met 
to follow up on its first ship scrapping hearing and to review 
the Interagency Ship Scrapping Panel's final report about this 
issue.

    Criminal Liability for Oil Pollution: On May 14, 1998, the 
Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on criminal liability 
under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA'90). The hearing was 
held in response to increasing concerns in the oil 
transportation industry about current criminal enforcement 
actions under OPA'90, and the effect that these enforcement 
actions have on environmental and navigation safety in general.
                                ------                                


               PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

    1. Economic Development Administration. The plan included: 
evaluation of eligibility criteria used to determine the basis 
for Economic Development Administration (EDA) assistance; the 
imposition of a 50 percent cost sharing requirement; the 
recognition that pockets of poverty are eligible for EDA 
assistance; and directing the EDA to improve the coordination 
between Federal development programs. The Subcommittee held 
hearings July 10 and 17, 1997, which included oversight of EDA 
programs and an evaluation of the continued need for EDA 
programs. The Committee reported H.R. 4275, to reauthorize and 
reform both the programs of the EDA for 5 years and the ARC for 
3 years. On October 13, 1998, the House passed under suspension 
of the rules, companion Senate legislation, S. 2364. The 
President signed this into law on November 13, 1998.

    2.  Appalachian Regional Commission. The plan included 
evaluation of basic programs involving Federal-State 
partnerships by targeting funds to the most distressed areas in 
the region and updating the underlying act. The Subcommittee 
held hearings on July 10 and 17, 1997, which included oversight 
of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The Committee 
reported H.R. 4275, to reauthorize and reform both the EDA for 
5 years and ARC for 3 years. On October 13, 1998, the House 
passed under suspension of the rules, companion Senate 
legislation, S. 2364. The President signed this into law on 
November 13, 1998.

    3.  General Services Administration. The plan included an 
evaluation of the capital improvement program, courthouse 
construction program and GSA leasing activities. This included 
a review of GSA's long term acquisition strategies, and 
financing of capital acquisitions. The Subcommittee held 
several days of hearings on GSA's capital improvement program, 
and on two occasions, the Subcommittee had the Director of the 
Office of Management and Budget testify before the Subcommittee 
to discuss the impact of budget scoring rules on GSA's capital 
improvement program. Private sector witnesses provided 
important testimony on the financial impact of these scoring 
rules. The Subcommittee also held four hearings on GSA's rent 
shortfall, and its impact on the program. GAO issued a report 
on this problem, with an analysis of measures to correct the 
deficiencies. The Subcommittee requested several GAO reviews of 
specific issues that were of concern to members, including the 
utilization of court facilities by the judiciary, security in 
Federal buildings, and management of specific buildings in the 
GSA inventory.

    The Subcommittee continued its close scrutiny of the 
courthouse construction program, and staff conducted several 
site visits of current and proposed projects. These activities 
have resulted in a more clearly defined construction program, 
with a 5-year priority program for courthouse projects.

    The Subcommittee held hearings on GSA's Federal building 
security program, and tasked GAO to review expenditures under 
this effort. GAO issued a formal report on its findings.

    The Subcommittee also continued review of GSA's leasing 
program. There were a number of high profile lease 
consolidations that were of interest, namely the consolidation 
of the Federal Communications Commission, which is finally 
underway after 11 years; the consolidation of the Patent and 
Trademark Office, which was authorized in the 104th Congress, 
and is nearing award; and the headquarters office for the 
Department of Transportation, for which offers will be 
requested in 1999. Other lease actions by GSA received 
attention by the Subcommittee.

    The leasing program continues to be hampered by the scoring 
rules that were promulgated by the enactment of the Budget 
Enforcement Act of 1990. The budgetary impact has been costly 
to GSA and its ability to make sound financial decisions to 
house Federal workers. Scoring rules prohibit the use of 
alternative financing techniques in constructing Federal 
buildings, and forces GSA to enter into expensive, short term 
leases. Because a short term lease is an operating lease for 
budgetary purposes, GSA can score the cost of these leases on 
an annual basis, thus saving budget authority. In the long run, 
however, this course of action causes GSA to spend a greater 
portion of its budget on lease transactions, leaving little for 
capital improvement to the existing inventory, or construction 
of Federal facilities. As a result, GSA's inventory is 
deteriorating, and new buildings are being deferred.

    The Subcommittee also reviewed GSA's reorganization efforts 
in the context of the impact on portfolio management, and urged 
caution on untested organizational schemes. There has been a 
continued effort to contract out real estate services in the 
name of efficiency, but results are inconclusive. GSA created a 
broker contract program to assist in the procurement of office 
space. These contracts run for 5 years, and will be closely 
monitored to determine if they are successful in achieving the 
stated goals.

    The Subcommittee has requested that GAO conduct reviews on 
GSA's rent estimating program, its new office automation 
system, and travel and training of GSA employees.

    Federal Triangle Building. GAO concluded its informal 
review of the financing of this project, and while cost 
overruns continued to disrupt this project, it did open for use 
in 1998. The building occupants include a mix of Federal, 
private and commercial tenants.
    4. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The 
Subcommittee held hearings on the Kennedy Centers long term 
master plan, and requested GAO to review the Kennedy Center's 
management plan to determine its effectiveness in separating 
appropriated funds expenditures from trust funds expenditures. 
As a result of these actions, the Subcommittee recommended a 
change in law to eliminate the need for GAO to perform a 
periodic audit of the Kennedy Center. GAO had concluded that 
the Kennedy Center's management controls, and its own certified 
auditors are sufficient for these purposes. The Subcommittee 
also extended the capital improvement program for 5 years, 
after a successful review of the status of the ongoing program.

    5. Architect of the Capitol. The Subcommittee held a 
hearing on the proposal to construct a Visitor Center under the 
East Front of the Capitol. The new Architect of the Capitol 
appeared in support of this project. However, as a result of 
the shootings of the two Capitol Police Officers in July 1998, 
there were renewed efforts to begin building a visitor center, 
as part of the concept of comprehensive security for the 
Capitol. As a result of these efforts, funding for a visitor 
center was provided in the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, enacted 
prior to adjournment by the 105th Congress. This center still 
will require considerable oversight, since the original plan 
does not meet current needs.

                                ------                                


                               RAILROADS

    1.  Amtrak and Intercity Passenger Rail. The oversight plan 
adopted at the beginning of the 105th Congress included an 
examination of Amtrak's fiscal crisis and quality of service, 
as well as on various alternatives to Amtrak. The Subcommittee 
held a hearing on Amtrak's financial condition on March 12, 
1997. The Subcommittee approved legislation to reform Amtrak 
(H.R. 2247), which was ordered reported by the Full Committee 
on September 17, 1997. Floor consideration was never completed, 
but a similar bill (S. 738) was passed by the House and became 
Public Law 105-134.
    2. Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act.

    A. Evaluation of the rail infrastructure components of 
ISTEA. The plan included an evaluation of the rail 
infrastructure programs contained in Title V of the Railroad 
Revitalization and Regulatory Reform (4R) Act of 1976, which 
were amended in ISTEA in 1991. A hearing was held on March 18, 
1997, on these programs, and revisions to Title V were included 
in the rail title of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st 
Century (Public Law 105-178).

    B. Oversight on high-speed rail components of ISTEA. The 
plan included oversight on the future needs for high-speed rail 
research and the possibilities for folding the high-speed rail 
program into the infrastructure program mentioned above. A 
hearing was held on May 7, 1997, on the high speed rail 
programs, and these programs were reauthorized in the 
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (Public Law 105-
178).

    3. The Rails-to-Trails Program. Following two hearings on 
the Trails Act during the 104th Congress, the plan included 
additional oversight on the Act to explore ways that the Rails-
to-Trails program can be improved to better serve all 
interested parties. The Subcommittee did not have the 
opportunity to conduct this oversight.

    4. Overview of the Railway Labor Act. The plan included 
oversight on the Railway Labor Act. No specific oversight was 
conducted on this issue.

    5. Railroad Retirement System. The plan included oversight 
on the railroad retirement system. On September 17, 1998, the 
Subcommittee held a hearing on H. Con. Res. 52, which urged 
that the railroad industry open discussions on modifying the 
railroad retirement Tier II benefits for widows and widowers.

    6. Proposed Mergers of CSX and Norfolk Southern with 
Conrail. The plan included possible additional hearings on the 
joint acquisition of Conrail by CSX and Norfolk Southern 
following a hearing on the STB merger review procedures during 
the 104th Congress. No additional oversight was conducted 
during the 105th Congress.

    7. Railroad Safety Oversight. The plan included oversight 
on the Federal Railroad Administration's safety programs. The 
Subcommittee held four hearings on the topic. On March 26, 
1998, a hearing was held on the FRA's resource needs. On April 
1, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on railroad safety 
hardware issues. The third hearing, on April 29, 1998, covered 
human factors safety issues, and the fourth hearing, on May 20, 
1998, addressed FRA's regulatory process.

    8. Surface Transportation Board. The plan included 
oversight on the Surface Transportation Board. Four hearings 
were held on this subject. On March 12, 1998, a hearing was 
held on the resource needs of the STB. On April 22, 1998, a 
hearing was held on the financial state of the railroad 
industry. The third hearing was held on May 6, 1998, on rates, 
intercarrier transactions, construction and abandonments, and 
on May 13, 1998, the Subcommittee held a hearing on rates, 
access, and remedies.

    9.  Hazardous Materials Transportation. The plan included 
oversight to evaluate the effectiveness of the rail-related 
aspects of DOT's hazmat programs to determine the need for any 
legislative changes. No specific oversight was conducted in 
this area.
                                ------                                


                         SURFACE TRANSPORTATION

    1. federal highway and federal transit administrations

    Reauthorization of Intermodal Surface Transportation 
Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). The plan included a review of 
ISTEA in anticipation of the reauthorization of surface 
transportation programs. The ISTEA authorizations expired on 
September 30, 1997. The Subcommittee evaluated ISTEA programs 
and conducted hearings on comprehensive reauthorization 
proposals and other recommendations to revise Federal surface 
transportation programs. Several hearings were held prior to 
the Subcommittee and Full Committee acting on a reauthorization 
bill, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (P.L. 
105-178).

    Highway Trust Fund Accounting. The plan included a review 
of the Highway Trust Fund. The Subcommittee reviewed Department 
of the Treasury estimates and accounting methods relating to 
the Highway Trust Fund. During 1996, concerns were raised about 
the Treasury's decision to retroactively correct a clerical 
error in the calculation of the fiscal year 1994 and fiscal 
year 1995 Trust Fund Income Statements. This correction 
resulted in the redistribution of approximately $320 million in 
obligation authority of Federal-aid highway assistance among 
the States.

    Oversight of Implementation of Surface Transportation Law. 
The plan included, during the second session, the review and 
monitoring of the implementation of highway, transit, safety, 
motor carrier and research programs as reauthorized in TEA 21. 
No formal oversight hearings were held but the Subcommittee 
consulted with the Department of Transportation in the 
development of regulations and other guidance in the 
implementation of TEA 21. The Subcommittee also reviewed the 
performance of certain on-going programs and initiatives, such 
as innovative financing.

    2. research and special programs administration

    Reauthorization of the Hazardous Materials Transportation 
Act. The plan included a review of the hazardous materials 
transportation program. The Subcommittee conducted a hearing on 
November 6, 1997, to review the current regulation of hazardous 
materials transportation and review proposals to revise the 
Federal program. This hearing was held in anticipation of the 
reauthorization of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 
which expired on September 30, 1997.

    3. surface transportation board/office of motor carriers 
and economic regulation of motor carriers

    Implementation of the ICC Termination Act of 1995 (P.L. 
104-88). The plan included a review of the implementation of 
the ICC Termination Act, which abolished the Interstate 
Commerce Commission, eliminated or streamlined certain motor 
carrier functions, and transferred and modified other remaining 
functions to the newly-created Surface Transportation Board and 
the Office of Motor Carriers at the Federal Highway 
Administration. The Subcommittee held a hearing on August 5, 
1998, on the economic regulation of the motor carrier industry. 
Several studies which were directed to be completed in the Act, 
such as recommendations for revisions to the current law 
regarding cargo loss and damage claims and the consolidation of 
registration and filing requirements, were also to be evaluated 
by the Subcommittee.

    4. office of pipeline safety

    Implementation of the Accountable Pipeline Safety and 
Partnership Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-304). The plan included a 
review of the implementation of the Accountable Pipeline Safety 
and Partnership Act of 1996. This Act, which reauthorized the 
Federal Pipeline Safety Program from fiscal year 1997 through 
fiscal year 2000, significantly reformed the program by 
incorporating risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis in the 
establishment of new pipeline safety standards. The new 
requirements are based on current Office of Pipeline Safety 
practices in accordance with Executive Order 12866. The Act 
also established a risk management demonstration program. No 
formal oversight hearings were conducted, but the pipeline 
program was reviewed in the context of the one-call 
notification program which was established in Title VII of TEA 
21.

    5. fiscal year 1998 and 1999 budgets
    Evaluation of Budget Proposals for the Department of 
Transportation. The plan included review and evaluation of 
fiscal year 1998 and fiscal year 1999 budget proposals for 
agencies within the Department of Transportation including the 
Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit 
Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration, the Research and Special Programs 
Administration, and the Surface Transportation Board. These 
budgets were reviewed in the context of TEA 21.

                          Additional Oversight

    The Subcommittee also conducted a hearing on July 17, 1997, 
on the causes and dangers of aggressive driving or road rage.

    The Subcommittee received a number of reports and audits by 
the General Accounting Office of programs in its jurisdiction, 
including Financial Audit: District of Columbia Highway Trust 
Fund's Fiscal Year 1997 Financial Statements; Mass Transit: 
Grants Management Oversight Improving, but Better Follow-up 
Needed On Grantees' Noncompliance; Financial Audit: District of 
Columbia Highway Trust Funds 1996 Financial Statements; 
Transportation Infrastructure: Review of Project Selection 
process for Five FHWA Discretionary Programs; Commercial 
Passenger Vehicles: Safety Inspection of Commercial Buses and 
Vans Entering the United States From Mexico; Federal-Aid 
Highway Program: Impact of the District of Columbia Emergency 
Relief Act; Commercial Trucking: Safety Concerns About Mexican 
Trucks Remain Even as Inspection Activity Increases; Status of 
Information Needed to Complete Financial Audit of the District 
of Columbia's Dedicated Highway Fund for Fiscal Year 1996; and 
Transportation Infrastructure: States' Implementation of 
Transportation Management Systems.
                                ------                                


                    WATER RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

    1. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)--Water Resources 
Program. The plan included a review of the Corps' efforts to 
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization 
and management of the water resources program and efforts to 
improve the efficiency, effectiveness and fairness of the 
agency's regulatory program, especially in the area of wetlands 
and dredging activities. The Subcommittee held three hearings 
in March and April 1998, in connection with proposals for a 
Water Resources Development Act and to review the water 
resources programs of the Army Corps of Engineers. These 
hearings resulted in the development of draft legislation for a 
Water Resources Development Act of 1998. The Subcommittee also 
held an April 29, 1997, hearing on regulatory and judicial 
developments regarding the section 404 wetlands program and a 
December 9, 1997, hearing on wetlands protection and mitigation 
banking, which resulted in part in the Subcommittee's approval 
of H.R. 1290, the Wetlands Restoration and Improvement Act.

    2. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)--Clean Water Act 
and Water Infrastructure Programs. The plan included a review 
of wastewater treatment and water pollution control funding 
issues; market-based, watershed-based, technology-based and 
risk-based approaches to regulation; and particular efforts to 
improve the management of combined and sanitary sewer 
overflows, stormwater, and nonpoint source pollution. The plan 
also included a review of water infrastructure provisions and 
programs contained in the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 
1996. The Subcommittee held a hearing in April 1997, on meeting 
clean water and drinking water infrastructure needs; a hearing 
in April 1997, on recent regulatory and judicial developments 
relating to wetlands; and a hearing in December 1997, on 
wetlands protection and wetlands mitigation banking 
legislation. The Subcommittee marked up H.R. 1290, the Wetlands 
Restoration and Improvement Act, on June 4, 1998, and approved 
this measure for consideration by the Full Committee.

    3. Corps/EPA/National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration 
(NOAA)--Ocean and Coastal Programs. The plan included a review 
of dredged material management and disposal under the Ocean 
Dumping Act, Water Resources Development Act, and Clean Water 
Act and various ocean and coastal water quality issues under 
the Clean Water Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, and Coastal 
Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments. The Subcommittee held a 
hearing on ocean and coastal issues in July 1997, and a hearing 
on beaches and oceans legislation in August 1998. As a result, 
the Committee reported H.R. 2207, the Coastal Pollution 
Reduction Act of 1997, on July 23, 1997, which passed the House 
on November 13, 1997. In addition, in June 1998, the Oceans Act 
of 1998, which would have established a commission on ocean 
policy, passed the House.

    4. EPA--Superfund/CERCLA. The plan included a review of 
efforts to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and fairness 
of the cleanup process; a review of the liability and financing 
mechanisms under the current Superfund program; a review of the 
ground water protection provisions under the current Superfund 
program; and a review of the relationships among the States, 
EPA and other Federal entities, in conducting Superfund 
cleanups. The Subcommittee held four hearings in 1997, on the 
reauthorization and reform of the Superfund program. These 
efforts resulted in the development of H.R. 2727, the Superfund 
Acceleration, Fairness, and Efficiency Act. The Subcommittee 
marked up H.R. 2727 in March 1998, and approved this measure 
for consideration by the Full Committee.

    5. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)--Disaster 
Relief Program. The plan included a review of hazard mitigation 
activities, disaster declaration and response efforts by FEMA; 
and a review of efforts to improve the availability of 
insurance for catastrophic natural disasters. The Subcommittee 
held a hearing in March 1997, on flooding in California; a 
hearing in January 1998, on disaster prevention and hazard 
mitigation; and a hearing in March 1998, on the Federal cost of 
disaster assistance. In May 1998, the Subcommittee held a 
hearing on draft legislation, the ``Mitigation and Cost 
Reduction Act of 1998.'' As a result, in May 1998, the 
Committee reported H.R. 3035, the National Drought Policy Act 
of 1998, which passed the House in June 1998, and became Public 
Law 105-199. The Committee also reported H.R. 3869, the 
Disaster Mitigation Act of 1998, in June 1998.

    6. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The plan included a 
review of TVA's programs supported by Congressional 
appropriations (such as Land Between the Lakes), TVA's energy 
generation program and operations in a less regulated 
marketplace, and the impact of TVA debt on its rate payers. The 
Subcommittee held two hearings in June 1997, on the future of 
TVA and its non-power programs, including TVA's Land Between 
the Lakes. The Subcommittee held a hearing in May 1998, on H.R. 
3689, the Land Between the Lakes Protection Act of 1998. The 
Land Between the Lakes Protection Act was enacted in October 
1998, as part of the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act 
for Fiscal Year 1999, Public Law 105-277.

    7. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC). 
The plan included a review of the efficiency and effectiveness 
of SLSDC's current operations and structure and its relation to 
the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority--its Canadian counterpart. No 
formal oversight was conducted on this issue, although 
Representative Oberstar introduced H.R. 3147, relating to SLSDC 
and the Seaway.

    8. Coast Guard and EPA--Oil Pollution Act (OPA). The plan 
included a review, along with the Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Subcommittee, of the oil spill liability 
provisions under OPA and a review of oil spill technologies and 
planning and response mechanisms under OPA and the Clean Water 
Act. The Subcommittee examined oil spill liability issues under 
OPA during hearings on the reform and reauthorization of the 
Superfund program in March and April 1997. These issues also 
were examined during the development of the Coast Guard 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1998, 1999, and 2000.

    9. Coast Guard/EPA/Corps--National Invasive Species Act. 
The plan included a review, along with the Coast Guard and 
Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, of efforts by various 
agencies to implement the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance 
Prevention and Control Act of 1990, as amended by the National 
Invasive Species Act of 1996, and the effectiveness of those 
efforts. No formal oversight was conducted on this issue 
although significant issues relating to aquatic nuisance 
species were examined in the context of Army Corps of Engineers 
programs.

            PUBLIC BUILDING PROJECT RESOLUTIONS APPROVED PURSUANT TO THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS ACT OF 1959
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Date Referred            Date Approved                    Location                        Project
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  .....................  May 7, 1997............  Montgomery, AL...................  Amendment to a previously
                                                                                      approved Committee
                                                                                      resolution (May 17, 1994)
                                                                                      authorizing appropriations
                                                                                      for the construction of a
                                                                                      U.S. courthouse.
  .....................  May 7, 1997............  Philadelphia, PA.................  Amendment to a previously
                                                                                      approved resolution (May
                                                                                      17, 1994) authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      repair and alteration of
                                                                                      the James A. Byrne U.S.
                                                                                      Courthouse.
Mar. 6, 1995...........  July 23, 1997..........  Fresno, CA.......................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      design of a Federal
                                                                                      building and U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse.
Apr. 15, 1996..........  July 23, 1997..........  Denver, CO.......................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      design of an expansion
                                                                                      building and connecting
                                                                                      tunnel to the Byron G.
                                                                                      Rogers Federal Building
                                                                                      and U.S. Courthouse.
Mar. 6, 1995...........  July 23, 1997..........  Washington, DC...................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      design of a U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse annex.
  .....................  July 23, 1997..........  Washington, DC...................  Amendment to a previously
                                                                                      approved resolution (Nov.
                                                                                      16, 1995) authorizing
                                                                                      additional appropriations
                                                                                      for the repair and
                                                                                      alteration of the
                                                                                      connecting wing of the
                                                                                      former Interstate Commerce
                                                                                      Commission-U.S. Customs
                                                                                      building.
June 10, 1997..........  July 23, 1997..........  Washington, DC...................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition by lease or
                                                                                      the construction of a
                                                                                      permanent headquarters for
                                                                                      the Department of
                                                                                      Transportation.
  .....................  July 23, 1997..........  Fort Lauderdale, FL..............  Resolution to investigate
                                                                                      the feasibility and need
                                                                                      to construct or acquire an
                                                                                      annex facility for the
                                                                                      U.S. District Court for
                                                                                      Southern Florida.
Apr. 15, 1996..........  July 23, 1997..........  Miami, FL........................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      design of a U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse.
  .....................  July 23, 1997..........  Orlando, FL......................  Amendment to a previously
                                                                                      approved resolution (May
                                                                                      17, 1994) authorizing
                                                                                      additional appropriations
                                                                                      for the acquisition of a
                                                                                      site for a U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse.
Apr. 17, 1997..........  July 23, 1997..........  Beltsville, MD...................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      construction of a
                                                                                      classroom building for the
                                                                                      U.S. Secret Service at the
                                                                                      U.S. Secret Service
                                                                                      Training Center.
  .....................  July 23, 1997..........  Suburban MD......................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      construction of a Federal
                                                                                      building to house the
                                                                                      National Laboratory Center
                                                                                      and a Fire Investigation
                                                                                      Research and Education
                                                                                      Facility for the Bureau of
                                                                                      Alcohol, Tobacco, and
                                                                                      Firearms (ATF).
  .....................  July 23, 1997..........  Erie, PA.........................  Resolution to investigate
                                                                                      the feasibility and need
                                                                                      to construct or acquire a
                                                                                      facility to house the U.S.
                                                                                      District Court for Western
                                                                                      Pennsylvania.
Apr. 15, 1996..........  July 23, 1997..........  Salt Lake City, UT...............  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      design of an annex to the
                                                                                      Frank E. Moss U.S.
                                                                                      Courthouse.
  .....................  Oct. 29, 1997..........   Washington, DC..................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the
                                                                                      Administration of Children
                                                                                      and Families of the
                                                                                      Department of Health and
                                                                                      Human Services, currently
                                                                                      located at 370 L'Enfant
                                                                                      Promenade, SW.
  .....................  Oct. 29, 1997..........   Jacksonville, FL................  Amendment to a previously
                                                                                      approved resolution (Mar.
                                                                                      23, 1994) authorizing
                                                                                      additional appropriations
                                                                                      for the construction of a
                                                                                      U.S. courthouse.
  .....................  Oct. 29, 1997..........   Orlando, FL.....................  Amendment to previously
                                                                                      approved resolutions (May
                                                                                      17, 1994, and July 23,
                                                                                      1997) authorizing
                                                                                      additional appropriations
                                                                                      for the acquisition of a
                                                                                      site for a U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse.
  .....................  Oct. 29, 1997..........   Chicago, IL.....................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the Social
                                                                                      Security Administration
                                                                                      and the Department of
                                                                                      Health and Human Services
                                                                                      in the central business
                                                                                      area.
July 24, 1997..........   Oct. 29, 1997.........   Lawrence, IN....................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      repair and alteration of
                                                                                      the Major General Emmett
                                                                                      J. Bean Federal Center,
                                                                                      for the Department of
                                                                                      Defense.
  .....................  Oct. 29, 1997..........   Montgomery County, MD...........  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the National
                                                                                      Institutes of Health of
                                                                                      the Department of Health
                                                                                      and Human Services,
                                                                                      currently located in the
                                                                                      Control Data Building,
                                                                                      Rockville.
  .....................  Oct. 29, 1997..........   Montgomery County, MD...........  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the National
                                                                                      Institutes of Health of
                                                                                      the Department of Health
                                                                                      and Human Services,
                                                                                      currently located in the
                                                                                      Executive Plaza,
                                                                                      Rockville.
  .....................  Oct. 29, 1997..........   Erie, PA........................  Amendment to a previously
                                                                                      approved resolution (May
                                                                                      17, 1994) authorizing
                                                                                      additional appropriations
                                                                                      for the site acquisition
                                                                                      and design of a U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse annex.
  .....................  Oct. 29, 1997..........   Arlington, VA...................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the Department
                                                                                      of Defense, currently
                                                                                      located at the Century
                                                                                      Building.
  .....................  Oct. 29, 1997..........   Arlington, VA...................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the Department
                                                                                      of Defense, the Department
                                                                                      of State, and the General
                                                                                      Services Administration,
                                                                                      currently located at 3100
                                                                                      Clarendon Boulevard.
  .....................  Oct. 29, 1997..........   Arlington, VA...................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the Department
                                                                                      of Defense, currently
                                                                                      located in the Crystal
                                                                                      Park 5 Building.
  .....................  Oct. 29, 1997..........   Arlington, VA...................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the Department
                                                                                      of Defense, currently
                                                                                      located in the Crystal
                                                                                      Plaza 6 Building.
  .....................  Oct. 29, 1997..........   Arlington, VA...................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the Fish and
                                                                                      Wildlife Service of the
                                                                                      Department of the
                                                                                      Interior, currently
                                                                                      located in the Arlington
                                                                                      Square Building.
  .....................  Oct. 29, 1997..........   Fairfax, VA.....................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the Department
                                                                                      of Defense, currently
                                                                                      located in the Devon
                                                                                      Corporate Center.
  .....................  Oct. 29, 1997..........   Seattle, WA.....................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      design of a U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse.
  .....................  Mar. 11, 1998..........   Miami, FL.......................  Amendment to a previously
                                                                                      approved resolution (Sept.
                                                                                      27, 1996) authorizing the
                                                                                      acquisition of a larger
                                                                                      site for a U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse.
  .....................  June 25, 1998..........   Los Angeles, CA.................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      repair and alteration of
                                                                                      the Edward R. Roybal
                                                                                      Federal Building, 255 East
                                                                                      Temple.
  .....................  June 25, 1998..........   San Francisco, CA...............  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      repair and alteration of
                                                                                      the Appraisers Building,
                                                                                      630 Sansome Street.
  .....................  June 25, 1998..........   Washington, DC..................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      repair and alteration of
                                                                                      Federal Office Building
                                                                                      10B, 600 Independence
                                                                                      Avenue, SW.
  .....................  June 25, 1998..........   Washington, DC..................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      repair and alteration of
                                                                                      the Old Executive Office
                                                                                      Building, 17th Street and
                                                                                      Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
  .....................  June 25, 1998..........   Sault Sainte Marie, MI..........  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of a site and
                                                                                      the design of a border
                                                                                      station at Interstate 75
                                                                                      and the International
                                                                                      Bridge.
  .....................  June 25, 1998..........   Babb, Montana...................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      construction of a border
                                                                                      station at U.S. 89 at the
                                                                                      border between the U.S.
                                                                                      and Canada.
  .....................  June 25, 1998..........   Brookhaven, NY..................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      repair and alteration of
                                                                                      the Internal Revenue
                                                                                      Service Center, 1040
                                                                                      Waverly Avenue.
  .....................  June 25, 1998..........   New York, NY....................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      repair and alteration of
                                                                                      the U.S. Courthouse, 40
                                                                                      Foley Square.
  .....................  June 25, 1998..........   Portland, OR....................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      repair and alteration of
                                                                                      the Robert Duncan Plaza
                                                                                      Building, 333 Southwest
                                                                                      First Avenue.
  .....................  June 25, 1998..........   Philadelphia, PA................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      repair and alteration of
                                                                                      the James A. Byrne U.S.
                                                                                      Courthouse, 601 Market
                                                                                      Street; and the William J.
                                                                                      Green Federal Building,
                                                                                      600 Arch Street.
  .....................  June 25, 1998..........   Reston, VA......................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      Phase I repair and
                                                                                      alteration of the J. W.
                                                                                      Powell Building, 12201
                                                                                      Sunrise Valley Drive.
  .....................  June 25, 1998..........    ...............................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      design of repair and
                                                                                      alteration projects for
                                                                                      nine Federal buildings
                                                                                      (Washington, DC;
                                                                                      Baltimore, MD; Fort
                                                                                      Snelling, MN; Kansas City,
                                                                                      MO; Omaha, NE;
                                                                                      Albuquerque, NM;
                                                                                      Cleveland, OH; Pittsburgh,
                                                                                      PA; and Salt Lake City,
                                                                                      UT).
  .....................  July 23, 1998..........  American Samoa...................  Resolution to investigate
                                                                                      the feasibility and need
                                                                                      to construct or acquire a
                                                                                      facility to house the
                                                                                      Federal Government
                                                                                      offices.
  .....................  July 23, 1998..........  Little Rock, AR..................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of a site and
                                                                                      the design for
                                                                                      construction of an
                                                                                      addition to the U.S. post
                                                                                      office-courthouse building
                                                                                      located at 600 Capitol
                                                                                      Street.
  .....................  July 23, 1998..........  San Diego, CA....................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of a site for
                                                                                      the construction of a U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse to be located
                                                                                      adjacent to the existing
                                                                                      U.S. courthouse at 880
                                                                                      Front Street.
  .....................  July 23, 1998..........  San Jose, CA.....................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of a site for
                                                                                      the construction of a U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse.
  .....................  July 23, 1998..........  Denver, CO.......................  Amendment to a previously
                                                                                      approved resolution (Sept.
                                                                                      27, 1996) authorizing
                                                                                      additional appropriations
                                                                                      for the acquisition of a
                                                                                      site, design, and
                                                                                      construction of a U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse building to be
                                                                                      located adjacent to the
                                                                                      existing Federal building-
                                                                                      courthouse at 1929 Stout
                                                                                      Street.
  .....................  July 23, 1998..........  Springfield, MA..................  Resolution to investigate
                                                                                      the feasibility and need
                                                                                      to construct or acquire a
                                                                                      facility to house the U.S.
                                                                                      District Court and
                                                                                      Bankruptcy Court for the
                                                                                      District of Massachusetts.
  .....................  July 23, 1998..........  Biloxi-Gulfport, MS..............  Resolution to investigate
                                                                                      the feasibility and need
                                                                                      to construct or acquire a
                                                                                      facility to house the U.S.
                                                                                      District Court for the
                                                                                      Southern District of
                                                                                      Mississippi.
  .....................  July 23, 1998..........  Cape Girardeau, MO...............  Amendment to a previously
                                                                                      approved resolution (May
                                                                                      13, 1993) authorizing
                                                                                      additional appropriations
                                                                                      for the design for
                                                                                      construction of a U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse.
  .....................  July 23, 1998..........  Brooklyn, NY.....................  Amendment to a previously
                                                                                      approved resolution (Sept.
                                                                                      27, 1996) authorizing
                                                                                      additional appropriations
                                                                                      for the design for
                                                                                      renovation of a general
                                                                                      post office facility for
                                                                                      use as a U.S. courthouse.
  .....................  July 23, 1998..........  New York, NY.....................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      design and review of the
                                                                                      demolition and
                                                                                      reconstruction of the
                                                                                      Federal building located
                                                                                      at 799 United Nations
                                                                                      Plaza, which houses the
                                                                                      U.S. Mission to the United
                                                                                      Nations.
  .....................  July 23, 1998..........  Eugene, OR.......................  Resolution to investigate
                                                                                      the feasibility and need
                                                                                      to construct or acquire a
                                                                                      facility to house the U.S.
                                                                                      District Court and
                                                                                      Bankruptcy Court for the
                                                                                      District of Oregon.
  .....................  July 23, 1998..........  Greeneville, TN..................  Amendment to a previously
                                                                                      approved resolution (March
                                                                                      23, 1994) authorizing
                                                                                      additional appropriations
                                                                                      for the design and
                                                                                      construction of a U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse.
  .....................  July 23, 1998..........  Laredo, TX.......................  Amendment to previously
                                                                                      approved resolutions (Feb.
                                                                                      5, 1992; May 13, 1993; and
                                                                                      May 17, 1994) authorizing
                                                                                      additional appropriations
                                                                                      for the construction of a
                                                                                      Federal building-U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse building.
  .....................  July 23, 1998..........  Wheeling, WV.....................  Resolution to investigate
                                                                                      the feasibility and need
                                                                                      to construct or acquire a
                                                                                      facility to house the U.S.
                                                                                      District Court and court
                                                                                      related agencies for the
                                                                                      Northern District of West
                                                                                      Virginia.
  .....................  Oct. 9, 1998...........  Washington, DC...................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the Department
                                                                                      of Justice, currently
                                                                                      located at 1100 Vermont
                                                                                      Avenue, NW.
  .....................  Oct. 9, 1998...........  Washington, DC...................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the Internal
                                                                                      Revenue Service,
                                                                                      Department of the
                                                                                      Treasury, currently
                                                                                      located at 500 North
                                                                                      Capitol Street, NW.
  .....................  Oct. 9, 1998...........  Washington, DC-Northern VA.......  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of a site and
                                                                                      the design of a building
                                                                                      to house the headquarters
                                                                                      of the Bureau of Alcohol,
                                                                                      Tobacco, and Firearms.
  .....................  Oct. 9, 1998...........  New Orleans, LA..................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      repair and alteration of
                                                                                      the U.S. Customshouse
                                                                                      located at 423 Canal
                                                                                      Street.
  .....................  Oct. 9, 1998...........  Suburban MD......................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the Department
                                                                                      of Health and Human
                                                                                      Services, currently
                                                                                      located in the Rockwall II
                                                                                      Building, 5515 Security
                                                                                      Lane, Rockville.
  .....................  Oct. 9, 1998...........  Springfield, MA..................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of a site and
                                                                                      the design of a U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse.
  .....................  Oct. 9, 1998...........  Biloxi-Gulfport, MS..............  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of a site and
                                                                                      the design of a U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse.
  .....................  Oct. 9, 1998...........  New York, NY.....................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the Internal
                                                                                      Revenue Service Regional
                                                                                      Counsel, currently located
                                                                                      at 7 World Trade Center in
                                                                                      lower Manhatten.
  .....................  Oct. 9, 1998...........  Eugene, OR.......................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of a site and
                                                                                      the design of a U.S.
                                                                                      courthouse.
  .....................  Oct. 9, 1998...........  Arlington, VA....................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the Department
                                                                                      of Defense, currently
                                                                                      located at the Crystal
                                                                                      Gateway North Building,
                                                                                      1111 Jefferson Davis
                                                                                      Highway.
  .....................  Oct. 9, 1998...........  Arlington, VA....................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the Department
                                                                                      of Defense, currently
                                                                                      located at the Crystal
                                                                                      Plaza 5 Building, 2211
                                                                                      South Clark Place.
  .....................  Oct. 9, 1998...........  Falls Church, VA.................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the Department
                                                                                      of Defense, currently
                                                                                      located in the Nassif
                                                                                      Building, 5611 Columbia
                                                                                      Pike.
  .....................  Oct. 9, 1998...........  Northern VA......................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the Department
                                                                                      of the Army, currently
                                                                                      located at the Park Center
                                                                                      Office Building, 4501 Ford
                                                                                      Avenue, Alexandria.
  .....................  Oct. 9, 1998...........  Northern VA......................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of space by
                                                                                      lease for the Immigration
                                                                                      and Naturalization
                                                                                      Service, Department of
                                                                                      Justice, currently located
                                                                                      in the One Skyline Tower
                                                                                      Building, 5107 Leesburg
                                                                                      Pike, Falls Church.
  .....................  Oct. 9, 1998...........  Wheeling, WV.....................  Resolution authorizing
                                                                                      appropriations for the
                                                                                      acquisition of a site and
                                                                                      the design of a Federal
                                                                                      building-U.S. courthouse
                                                                                      at Chapline and 12th
                                                                                      Street.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


   RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED TO AUTHORIZE THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS TO CONDUCT
                           FEASIBILITY STUDIES
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Docket No                             Project
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2511................................  Redwood City Harbor, California
2512................................  ---Black Warrior-Tombigbee
                                       Waterway, Alabama
2513................................  ---Lower Eastern Shore, Maryland
2514................................  ---Cosumnes and Mokelumne Rivers,
                                       California
2515................................  ---Shrewsbury River, Borough of
                                       Monmouth Beach, New Jersey
2516................................  ---San Francisco Bay, California
2517................................  ---Ohio River, Ohio
2518................................  ---Upper Passaic River and
                                       Tributaries, New Jersey
2519................................  ---Upper Rockaway River, New
                                       Jersey
2520................................  ---Verdigre Creek, Nebraska
2521................................  ---Wallace Lake. Louisiana
2522................................  ---Mohawk River Basin, New York
2523................................  ---Wood River Levee, Illinois
2524................................  ---Monroe County Levee System,
                                       Illinois
2525................................  ---Prairie du Rocher and Modoc
                                       Levees, Illinois
2526................................  ---Big Five Levee System, Union
                                       and Alexander Counties, Illinois
2527................................  ---Morro Bay Estuary, California
2528................................  ---Ausable River Basin, Clinton
                                       and Essex Counties, New York
2529................................  ---Boquet River Basin, Essex
                                       County, New York
2530................................  ---Great Chazy River Basin,
                                       Clinton County, New York
2531................................  ---Saranac River Basin and
                                       Tributaries, Clinton County, New
                                       York
2532................................  ---Neuse River Basin, North
                                       Carolina
2533................................  ---Tampa Harbor, Florida
2534................................  ---Owasco Lake Seawall, New York
2535................................  ---Alexandria to the Gulf,
                                       Louisiana
2536................................  ---Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania
2537................................  ---Massachusetts and Cape Cod
                                       Bays, Massachusetts
2538................................  ---Great South Bay, New York
2539................................  ---Craney Island, Virginia
2540................................  ---Miami Harbor, Florida
2541................................  ---Currituck Sound, North Carolina
2542................................  ---Sulphur River, Texas
2543................................  ---Hillsborough River Basin,
                                       Florida
2544................................  ---Withlacoochee River Basin,
                                       Florida
2545................................  ---Dog River, Alabama
2546................................  ---Bayou La Batre, Alabama
2547................................  ---San Antonio and Guadalupe
                                       Rivers, Texas
2548................................  ---Rahway River Basin, New Jersey
2549................................  ---Spring Bayou Area, Louisiana
2550................................  ---Mile Point, St. Johns River,
                                       Florida
2551................................  ---Bronx River Basin, New York
2552................................  ---Township of Woodbridge, New
                                       Jersey
2553................................  ---Chickamauga Lock, Tennessee
2554................................  ---Donaldsonville, Louisiana to
                                       the Gulf of Mexico
2555................................  ---Colorado River and Tributaries,
                                       Texas
2556................................  ---Baldwin County, Alabama
2557................................  ---Arthur Kill Channel, New Jersey
                                       and New York
2558................................  ---Lynnhaven River Basin, Virginia
2559................................  ---Palm Beach Harbor, Florida
2560................................  ---Lower Brazos River, Texas
2561................................  ---Harrison County, Mississippi
2562................................  ---Mixons Creek, Mississippi
2563................................  ---Mississinewa River, Indiana
2564................................  ---Brewton and East Brewton,
                                       Alabama
2565................................  ---Santa Cruz Port District, Arana
                                       Gulch Watershed, California
2566................................  ---Indian Creek, Council Bluffs,
                                       Iowa
2567................................  ---Huntington Local Protection
                                       Project, West Virginia
2568................................  ---Ellicott Creek, New York
2569................................  ---Lake Michigan Shoreline,
                                       Hammond, Indiana
2570................................  ---West Baton Rouge Parish,
                                       Louisiana
2571................................  ---Amite River and Tributaries,
                                       Louisiana
2572................................  ---Fortescue Creek, New Jersey
2573................................  ---Lakeside Beach State Park,
                                       Orleans County, New York
2574................................  ---Hamlin Beach State Park, Monroe
                                       County, New York
2575................................  ---St. Lucie County, Florida
2576................................  ---Chesapeake and Delaware Canal,
                                       Maryland and Delaware
2577................................  ---Sandusky River, City of Tiffin,
                                       Ohio
2578................................  ---Bogue Banks, North Carolina
2579................................  ---Camden and Glouchester
                                       Counties, New Jersey
2580................................  ---S.E. Oklahoma Water Resources
                                       Utilization Study, Oklahoma-
2581................................  ---Centralia, Chehalis River and
                                       Tributaries, Washington
2582................................  ---Ocean Shores, Washington
2583................................  ---Richland County, Ohio
2584................................  ---San Gabriel to Newport Bay,
                                       California
2585................................  ---Town of Earlimart, California
2586................................  ---Lubbub Creek, Alabama
2587................................  ---Lockwoods Folly River, North
                                       Carolina
2588................................  ---San Jacinto River, California
2589................................  ---Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay,
                                       Texas
2590................................  ---Santa Ynez River, Santa Barbara
                                       County, California

2591................................  ---Cass River, Vassar, Michigan
------------------------------------------------------------------------


     RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED TO AUTHORIZE THE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION
 SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO ASSIST IN CONDUCTING SMALL
                           WATERSHED PROJECTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Upper Delaware and Tributaries Watershed Project, Kansas
East Fork of the Grand River Watershed Project, Missouri
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                              Publications

    105-1--Compilation of Laws Relating to Railroads (as 
amended through January 1, 1997), including Rail-Related 
Provisions of Title 49, United States Code; Regional Rail 
Reorganization Act of 1973; Railroad Revitalization and 
Regulatory Reform Act of 1976; Staggers Rail Act of 1980; 
Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981; Rail Safety and Service 
Improvement Act of 1982; Conrail Privatization Act; Milwaukee 
Railroad Restructuring Act; Rock Island Railroad Transition and 
Employee Assistance Act; Emergency Rail Services Act of 1970; 
Rail-Related Excerpts from Americans with Disabilities Act of 
1990; Excerpts from Title 11, United States Code; Excerpts from 
National Trails System Act. Volume 2.
    105-2--Proposals to Establish User Fees for Federal 
Aviation Administration Services. Hearings before the 
Subcommittee on Aviation, February 5 and 13, 1997.
    105-3--Reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface 
Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA): Comprehensive 
Reauthorization Proposals. Hearings before the Subcommittee on 
Surface Transportation, February 12 and 27, 1997.
    105-4--Reauthorization of the State Boating Safety Grant 
Program. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and 
Maritime Transportation, February 26, 1997.
    105-5--Proposal to Require Traffic Alert and Collision 
Avoidance Systems on Cargo Aircraft. Hearing before the 
Subcommittee on Aviation, February 26, 1997.
    105-6--Member Policy Initiatives and Requests for Highway 
and Transit in the ISTEA Reauthorization (Vol. I-II). Hearings 
before the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation March 4, 6, 
11 (Vol. I), and 13 (Vol. II), 1997.
    105-7--U.S. General Services Administration's Capital 
Investment Program. Hearings before the Subcommittee on Public 
Buildings and Economic Development, March 6, 1997 (GSA FY 1998 
Program and Rent Shortfall); April 24, 1997 (GSA Rent Shortfall 
and Vacant Space); May 15, 1997 (Innovative Financing for 
Acquiring Real Estate and Scoring Issues); June 19, 1997 
(Budget Scoring Rules as They Relate to Real Estate 
Transactions).
    105-8--Superfund Reauthorization. Hearings before the 
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, March 5, 1997 
(Lessons from the States); March 12, 1997 (U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency Perspective); April 10, 1997 (Perspectives of 
Interested Parties).
    105-9--Current Amtrak Financial Condition. Hearing before 
the Subcommittee on Railroads, March 12, 1997.
    105-10--ISTEA Rail Infrastructure Programs. Hearing before 
the Subcommittee on Railroads, March 18, 1997.
    105-11--Recent Flooding in California. Hearing before the 
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, March 19, 
1997.
    105-12--The President's Fiscal Year 1998 Budget Request for 
the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Maritime Commission. 
Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation, March 19, 1997.
    105-13--Review of Coopers and Lybrand Independent Financial 
Assessment of the Federal Aviation Administration. Hearing 
before the Subcommittee on Aviation, March 20, 1997.
    105-14--Compilation of Selected Aviation Laws. (Selected 
Provisions of Title 49, United States Code; Tax Provisions 
Relating to Air Transportation; Airport and Airway Trust Fund; 
Acts Relating to Washington Area Airports; Selected Provisions 
of Title VIII of the Trade Act of 1974; International Security 
and Development Cooperation Act of 1985; Railway Labor Act; 
Selected Provisions of the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act 
of 1996; Miscellaneous Provisions.) (Committee Print.)
    105-15--Compilation of Selected Surface Transportation 
Laws. Volume 1--Laws Relating to Infrastructure (Title 23, 
U.S.C.--Highways; Subtitle III of Title 49, U.S.C.--General and 
Intermodal Programs; Subtitle VI of Title 49, U.S.C.--Motor 
Vehicle and Driver Programs; National Highway System 
Designation Act of 1995; Intermodal Surface Transportation 
Efficiency Act of 1991; Selected Provisions of the Surface 
Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987; 
Selected Provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; 
Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 
1990; Selected Provisions of the Clean Air Act; Uniform 
Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies 
Act of 1970. (Committee Print.)
    105-16--Compilation of Selected Surface Transportation 
Laws. Volume 2--Regulatory Laws (Subtitle I of Title 49, 
U.S.C.--Department of Transportation; Chapter 11 of Subtitle II 
of Title 49, U.S.C.--National Transportation Safety Board; 
Subtitle III of Title 49, U.S.C.--General and Intermodal 
Programs; Subtitle IV of Title 49, U.S.C.--Interstate 
Transportation; Subtitle VI of Title 49, U.S.C.--Motor Vehicle 
and Driver Programs; Subtitle VIII of Title 49, U.S.C.--
Pipelines; Selected Provisions of the Surface Transportation 
and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987; Selected 
Provisions of the ICC Termination Act). (Committee Print.)
    105-17--Oversight Visit to Wichita, KS, Denver, CO, 
Seattle, WA, Long Beach, CA, and Memphis, TN, February 18-21, 
1997. Report Prepared for the Use of the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure, April 1997. (Committee 
Print.)
    105-18--Meeting Clean Water and Drinking Water 
Infrastructure Needs. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water 
Resources and Environment, April 23, 1997.
    105-19--Commercial Vessel Traffic. Hearing before the 
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, May 
14, 1997.
    105-20--Reauthorization of the War Risk Insurance Program. 
Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation, May 1, 1997.
    105-21--High-Speed Rail Programs. Hearing before the 
Subcommittee on Railroads, May 7, 1997.
    105-22--One Year After ValuJet Crash: FAA Response to 
HAZMAT and Cargo Fire Protection Issues. Hearing before the 
Subcommittee on Aviation, May 15, 1997.
    105-23--Medical Kits on Commercial Airlines. Hearing before 
the Subcommittee on Aviation, May 21, 1997.
    105-24--H.R. 20, the Capitol Visitor Center. Hearing before 
the Subcommittee on Public Buildings and Economic Development, 
May 22, 1997.
    105-25--H.R. 1747, the John F. Kennedy Center Parking 
Improvement Act of 1997. Hearing before the Subcommittee on 
Public Buildings and Economic Development, June 4, 1997.
    105-26--Grounding of Great Lakes Aviation. Hearing before 
the Subcommittee on Aviation, June 5, 1997.
    105-27--The Future of the Tennessee Valley Authority and 
Its Non-Power Programs. Hearing before the Subcommittee on 
Water Resources and Environment, June 5, 1997.
    105-28--International Aviation Bilaterals and Code Sharing 
Relationships (Focusing on Japan). Hearing before the 
Subcommittee on Aviation, June 12, 1997.
    105-29--Tennessee Valley Authority's Land Between the Lakes 
Area. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources and 
Environment, June, 21, 1997, in Murray, Kentucky.
    105-30--Market-Based Solutions for Air Service Problems at 
Medium-Sized Communities. Hearing before the Subcommittee on 
Aviation, June 25, 1997.
    105-31--Ocean and Coastal Issues. Hearing before the 
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, July 9, 1997.
    105-32--Reauthorization of the Economic Development 
Administration and the Appalachian Regional Commission. 
Hearings before the Subcommittee on Public Buildings and 
Economic Development, July 10 and 17, 1997.
    105-33--Status of the Investigation of the Crash of TWA 800 
and the Proposal Concerning the Death on the High Seas Act. 
Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation, July 10, 1997.
    105-34--Road Rage: Causes and Dangers of Aggressive 
Driving. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Surface 
Transportation, July 17, 1997.
    105-35--Aviation Relations between the United States and 
France. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation, July 31, 
1997.
    105-36--Recent Regulatory and Judicial Developments on 
Wetlands. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources 
and Environment, April 29, 1997.
    105-37--H.R. 991, To Apply the Railway Labor Act to Pilots 
Engaged in Flight Operations Outside the United States. Hearing 
before the Subcommittee on Aviation, September 9, 1997.
    105-38--FAA's Efforts to Close and Consolidate Flight 
Service Stations and to Consider H.R. 1454, Which Would 
Prohibit the FAA from Closing Certain Flight Service Stations. 
Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation, September 30, 
1997.
    105-39--Allegations of Cost Overruns and Delays in the 
FAA's Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). Hearing before the 
Subcommittee on Aviation, October 1, 1997.
    105-40--Fiscal Year 1998 U.S. General Services 
Administration Leasing Program and General Leasing Policies. 
Hearing before the Subcommittee on Public Buildings and 
Economic Development, October 8, 1997.
    105-41--H.R. 145, a Bill to Restrict the Use of Foreign 
Repair Stations by U.S. Airlines. Hearing before the 
Subcommittee on Aviation, October 9, 1997.
    105-42--Allegations of Sexual Harassment at the Federal 
Aviation Administration. Hearing before the Subcommittee on 
Aviation, October 23, 1997.
    105-43--H.R. 2118, A Bill to Prohibit Smoking in Federal 
Buildings. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Public Buildings 
and Economic Development, October 23, 1997.
    105-44--Superfund Reauthorization and Reform Legislation. 
Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources and 
Environment, October 29, 1997.
    105-45--Oil Spill Prevention Measures. Hearing before the 
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, 
October 30, 1997.
    105-46--Reauthorization of the Hazardous Materials 
Transportation Program. Hearing before the Subcommittee on 
Surface Transportation, November 6, 1997.
    105-47--The Increasing Number of Mishaps on Our Nation's 
Runways. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation, November 
13, 1997.
    105-48--Joint Oversight Field Hearing on National Park 
Overflights. Joint oversight hearing before the Subcommittee on 
National Parks and Public Lands of the Committee on Resources 
and the Subcommittee on Aviation of the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure, November 17, 1997, at St. 
George, Utah.
    105-49--Wetlands Protection and Mitigation Banking. Hearing 
before the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, 
December 9, 1997.
    105-50--Volume 1: Compilation of Water Resources, Disaster 
Relief and Related Laws (Selected Provisions of WRDA 1986; 
Selected Provisions of WRDA 1988; Selected Provisions of WRDA 
1990; Selected Provisions of WRDA 1992; Selected Provisions of 
WRDA 1996; Federal Water Project Recreation Act; Water 
Resources Planning Act; National Dam Safety Program Act; Robert 
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; 
Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act; Tennessee Valley 
Authority Act of 1933; Act of May 13, 1954 (St. Lawrence Seaway 
Act); Deepwater Port Act of 1974; Nonindigenous Aquatic 
Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990). (Committee 
Print.)
    105-51--Volume 2: Compilation of Water Pollution Control, 
Environmental Protection, and Related Laws (Federal Water 
Pollution Control Act; Oil Pollution Act of 1990; Comprehensive 
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 
(Superfund); Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 
1986 (SARA); Titles I and V of the Marine Protection, Research, 
and Sanctuaries Act of 1972; Sections 9 to 20 of the Act of 
March 3, 1899 (Rivers and Harbors Act); Act to Prevent 
Pollution from Ships; Selected Provisions of the Coastal Zone 
Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990; Selected Provisions of 
the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996). (Committee 
Print.)
    105-52--Disaster Mitigation, Preparedness and Response. 
Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources and 
Environment, January 28, 1998.
    105-53--Issues Related to Stolen Airline Ticket Stocks from 
Travel Agents. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation, 
February 26, 1998.
    105-54--The President's Fiscal Year 1999 Budget Request for 
the U.S. Coast Guard. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast 
Guard and Maritime Transportation, March 4, 1998.
    105-55--The General Services Administration Fiscal Year 
1999 Budget and Related Issues. Hearings before the 
Subcommittee on Public Buildings and Economic Development, 
March 5, and April 1, 1998.
    105-56--FAA's Modernization Programs: Focusing on STARS. 
Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation, March 5, 1998.
    105-57--Reauthorization of the FAA and Airport Improvement 
Program in Light of the Recommendations of the National Civil 
Aviation Review Commission. Hearings before the Subcommittee on 
Aviation, March 12, 18, 19, and 25, 1998.
    105-58--Reauthorization of the Surface Transportation 
Board. Hearings before the Subcommittee on Railroads, March 12, 
1998 (Resource Requirements); April 22, 1998 (State of the 
Railroad Industry); May 6, 1998 (Inter-Carrier Transactions, 
Construction and Abandonments); and May 13, 1998 (Rates, Access 
and Remedies).
    105-59--Ship Scrapping Activities of the United States 
Government. Hearings before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and 
Maritime Transportation, March 18 and June 4, 1998.
    105-60--H.R. 3504, a Bill to Reauthorize Federal Funding 
for Operations, Maintenance, and Capital Improvement for the 
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Hearing before 
the Subcommittee on Public Buildings and Economic Development, 
March 25, 1998.
    105-61--The Federal Cost of Disaster Assistance. Hearing 
before the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, 
March 26, 1998.
    105-62--Reauthorization of the Federal Railroad 
Administration. Hearings before the Subcommittee on Railroads, 
March 26, 1998 (Resource Requirements, Personnel and Budget 
Issues); April 1, 1998 (Safety Hardware Issues); April 29, 1998 
(Human Factors Issues); May 20, 1998 (Regulatory Process).
    105-63--Proposals for a Water Resources Development Act of 
1998. Hearings before the Subcommittee on Water Resources and 
Environment, March 31, April 22 and 28, 1998.
    105-64--The Impact of Recent Alliances, International 
Agreements, DOT Actions, and Pending Legislation on Air Fares, 
Air Service, and Competition in the Airline Industry. Hearings 
before the Subcommittee on Aviation, April 29, 1998.
    105-65--Effect of the Passenger Services Act on the 
Domestic Cruise Industry. Hearing before the Subcommittee on 
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, April 29, 1998.
    105-66--Mitigation and Cost Reduction Act of 1998. Hearing 
before the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, May 
7, 1998.
    105-67--Land Between the Lakes Legislation and Small 
Watershed Projects. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water 
Resources and Environment, May 12, 1998.
    105-68--Aviation Security Efforts with a Focus on the 
National Safe Skies Alliance and Passenger Profiling Criteria. 
Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation, May 14, 1998.
    105-69--Criminal Liability for Oil Pollution. Hearing 
before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation, May 14, 1998.
    105-70--Coast Guard Deepwater Capability Replacement 
Analysis. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and 
Maritime Transportation, May 19, 1998.
    105-71--Security in Federal Buildings. Hearing before the 
Subcommittee on Public Buildings and Economic Development, June 
4, 1998.
    105-72--Drug Interdiction and Other Matters Relating to the 
National Drug Control Policy. Hearing before the Subcommittee 
on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, June 10, 1998.
    105-73--Problems of Passenger Interference with Flight 
Crews and a Review of H.R. 3064, the Carry-on Baggage Reduction 
Act of 1997. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation, June 
11, 1998.
    105-74--Oversight of the U.S. Role in the International 
Maritime Organization. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast 
Guard and Maritime Transportation, June 25, 1998.
    105-75--Oversight of the U.S. Coast Guard Marine 
Environmental Protection and Compliance Programs. Hearing 
before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation, July 15, 1998.
    105-76--Status of Courthouse Construction, Review of New 
Construction Request for the U.S. Mission to the United 
Nations, and Comments on H.R. 2751, the General Services 
Administration Improvement Act of 1997. Hearing before the 
Subcommittee on Public Buildings and Economic Development, July 
16, 1998.
    105-77--The Needs of the U.S. Waterways Transportation 
System. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and 
Maritime Transportation, July 29, 1998.
    105-78--Secretary Slater's African Aviation Initiative; 
H.R. 3741, the Aviation Bilateral Accountability Act of 1998; 
and the European Commission's Preliminary Position on Two 
Transatlantic Alliances. Hearing before the Subcommittee on 
Aviation, July 30, 1998.
    105-79--Motor Carrier Economic Regulatory Issues. Hearing 
before the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, August 5, 
1998.
    105-80--H.R. 1846: FAA's Emergency Revocation of FAA 
Licenses. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation, August 
6, 1998.
    105-81--Beaches and Oceans Legislation. Hearing before the 
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, August 6, 
1998.
    105-82--Issues of Concern to the Travel Agent Community. 
Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation, September 10, 
1998.
    105-83--H.Con.Res. 52, Modifying the Railroad Retirement 
Tier II Benefits for Widows and Widowers. Hearing before the 
Subcommittee on Railroads, September 17, 1998.
    105-84--Oversight of the Programs of the U.S. Maritime 
Administration. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard 
and Maritime Transportation, September 24, 1998.
    105-85--Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century as 
Amended by the TEA 21 Restoration Act Together with Updated 
Explanatory Materials. October 1998. (Committee Print.)
    105-86--Issues Related to the Year 2000 Computer Problem, 
``Y2K: Will We Get There on Time?'' Hearings before the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, September 29 
(Joint hearing with the House Task Force on Y2K), October 2, 6, 
and 7, 1998.
    105-87--Oversight of the Coast Guard's Drug Interdiction 
Strategy. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and 
Maritime Transportation, September 29, 1998.
    105-88--H.R. 4034, to Reform the Federal Protective 
Service. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Public Buildings 
and Economic Development, October 2, 1998.
    105-89--Summary of Legislative and Oversight Activities of 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 105th 
Congress.

                                
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